A traditional Irish tune. The rhythm of the words actually invokes the spin of the wheel, as the young girl tries to convince her grandmother there are no sounds from outside the window but those made by nature. There's a lovely version of the song by Catherine McKinnon with the Jubilee Singers here. THE SPINNING … Continue reading THE SPINNING WHEEL: An Irish Song
Traditional Irish Songs
PADDY ON THE RAILWAY: An Irish Song
A crisp, easy-to sing tune about an Irishman who comes to the US to work on the railroads. So many Irish worked on the railway that, in the Eastern States in the 19th century, there was a popular saying: "an Irishman was buried under every tie." This song is actually very long, with at least … Continue reading PADDY ON THE RAILWAY: An Irish Song
MAIDS WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG, NEVER WED AN OLD MAN: An Irish Song
A sassy little ditty with advice for unmarried women. Listen to a recording by The Dubliners here. Maids, When You're Young Never Wed an Old Man! An old man came courting me, hey ding dooram ay! An old man came courting me, me being young An old man came courting me, all for to marry … Continue reading MAIDS WHEN YOU’RE YOUNG, NEVER WED AN OLD MAN: An Irish Song
IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD: An Irish Song
Our song today comes with both male and female verses. Though they are often sung apart, the occasional duet is most beautiful. You can hear a version of it by Silly Wizard here. If I Were a Blackbird Begins with the man’s part: I am a young sailor, my story is sad For once I was … Continue reading IF I WERE A BLACKBIRD: An Irish Song
THE HILLS OF KERRY: An Irish Song
In keeping with the short story I published in response to the New West Writers prompt, I'm giving you today the complete words to The Hills of Kerry (aka The Green Hills of Kerry.) You can hear a lovely version by the Dublin City Ramblers here. THE HILLS OF KERRY The palm trees wave on … Continue reading THE HILLS OF KERRY: An Irish Song
THE WILD COLONIAL BOY: An Irish Song
Probably one of the most popular Irish songs, The Wild Colonial Boy tells the tale of a young man who leaves Ireland and becomes the Australian equivalent of Robin Hood. The song was featured in the movie “The Quiet Man”, and also in my Donovan family saga. My favorite version is by Dennis Day and … Continue reading THE WILD COLONIAL BOY: An Irish Song
MOLLY BRANNIGAN: An Irish Song
Molly Brannigan is the story of a man who loses not only his heart, but his britches as well, in unrequited love. The third verse is usually left out by singers, yet to me is both the funniest and the most poignant. There's a version by the inimitable John McCormack here. MOLLY BRANNIGAN 1. … Continue reading MOLLY BRANNIGAN: An Irish Song
SHULE AROON: An Irish Song
This is an ancient song; it's been around since at least the 14th century, and is presented in the phonetic Irish, not the Gaelic, as was common in the 1880s, the time of the Donovan Family Saga. If it sounds familiar, that's because it was revived in the 1960s by Peter, Paul & Mary. Though … Continue reading SHULE AROON: An Irish Song
THE FOGGY DEW: Traditional Irish Song Lyrics
This is the traditional version of The Foggy Dew, which pre-dates the revolutionary song by at least a century. It was not uncommon for Irish folksingers and songwriters to borrow older tunes for new songs. A version of this ballad was recorded by the great John McCormack in 1913, and can be heard here. THE … Continue reading THE FOGGY DEW: Traditional Irish Song Lyrics
MOLLY BAWN: An Irish Song
This is a traditional Irish song which I first learned as a child, listening to my grandmother's recordings of the great Irish tenor, John McCormack (find his version here). In the Donovan Family Saga, John Patrick Donovan sings it to his wife, Molly. Molly Bawn Refrain Oh, Molly bawn, why leave me pining All lonesome … Continue reading MOLLY BAWN: An Irish Song
Gifford MacShane, Author 