by Percy French (1854-1920) Every once in awhile, authors latch onto a word and it becomes so popular, you virtually can’t get away from it. Lately, one of those words is “petrichor”, meaning the earthy scent of rain that’s fallen on dry soil. Each time I see or hear it, though, it brings this song … Continue reading EILEEN OG: An Irish Song
Traditional Irish Songs
OLD MAID IN THE GARRETT: An Irish Song
A traditional Irish toe-tapper bemoaning the single state, Old Maid in the Garrett introduces an unmarried woman whose fate would probably lead to a dismal life in her brother's attic. She is extolling her virtues and ready to settle for anyone, even “a wee fat man”, as single women were considered a drain on the … Continue reading OLD MAID IN THE GARRETT: An Irish Song
BRENNAN ON THE MOOR: An Irish Song
Another song that's featured in my Donovan family series, this song tells the story of a bold highwayman of the 1700s in County Cork who, like Robin Hood, stole from the rich to give to the poor. You can hear a live version of it by The Clancy Brothers here. BRENNAN ON THE MOOR 'Tis … Continue reading BRENNAN ON THE MOOR: An Irish Song
RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
One of my favorites! This traditional song is a perfect rendition of the pull-and-tug between a courting couple: a man who's madly in love, and a woman who's trying to 'play it cool'. You can find a version of it by the inimitable Wolfe Tones here. RORY O'MORE Young Rory O'More courted Kathleen bawn. … Continue reading RORY O’MORE: An Irish Song
THE MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE: An Irish Song
Written by Percy French in 1896, The Mountains of Mourne shows us a somewhat naive and gullible Irish lad who finds himself in London for the first time. It's a charming song, not without humor and self-deprecation. You can hear a version of it by Irish Mist here. MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE Oh, Mary, this London's … Continue reading THE MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE: An Irish Song
MUIRSHEEN DURKIN: An Irish Song
Also known as "MOLLY DURKIN" This song about the Irish emigration was made popular in the late 19th century; it is hopeful and upbeat as many of the emigrant songs of the times were, as stories of gold to be found in the streets of America were common. The reference to “many a house besides” … Continue reading MUIRSHEEN DURKIN: An Irish Song
O’DONNELL ABU!: An Irish Song
One of the best of the rebel songs, O'Donnell Abu! was written by Michael Joseph McCann in 1843. "Abu!", as I understand it, is similar to "Hurrah!" I recognized this song on the bagpipes long before I knew the words (or even knew it had words!) I subsequently have asked many Irish singers for the … Continue reading O’DONNELL ABU!: An Irish Song
I’LL TELL MY MA: An Irish Song
A happy little ditty about courtin'. There's some discussion between the cities as to whether this song belongs to Dublin or Belfast. Though known as a drinking song today, it was originally a playground chant for children, accompanied by a game that was a cross between tag and “Ring Around the Rosie”. Suffice it to … Continue reading I’LL TELL MY MA: An Irish Song
THE VALLEY OF KNOCKANURE: An Irish Song
Stemming from an incident in Gortagleanna during the War of Independence (1921), there are several versions of this song extant. These lyrics are based on a poem by Bryan MacMahon, which in turn is based on oral histories and older poems, some of which are lost today. A haunting version of this song is presented … Continue reading THE VALLEY OF KNOCKANURE: An Irish Song
OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT: An Irish Song
This poem, written in the early 19th century by Irishman Thomas Moore, was set to music by Scottish composer Sir John Stevenson. It was perhaps most famously played at the Queen Mother's funeral in 2002. I also feature it in my manuscript WHISPERS IN THE CANYON, as the favorite song of Katie Donovan, the clan … Continue reading OFT IN THE STILLY NIGHT: An Irish Song
Gifford MacShane, Author 