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
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OLD SETTLER’S SONG: An American Folk Song
In the mid-19th century, the Gold Rush left many hopeful miners dispirited and penniless. Rumors abounded that the Pacific Northwest was ripe for the plucking, with rich, fertile soil for those willing to work it. Unfortunately, most of that soil was covered with timber, and years of work were needed before it would yield enough … Continue reading OLD SETTLER’S SONG: An American Folk 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
WAYFARIN’ STRANGER: An American Folk Song
This song's roots are open to discussion. Some say it dates from the 18th century, some say the 19th; some credit it to North Carolina, some the Appalachians in general, while still others believe it was originally an African-American spiritual. Regardless of who's right (or close to right), it's a beautiful song, and there's a … Continue reading WAYFARIN’ STRANGER: An American Folk 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
SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE: An American Folk Song
This traditional American folk song about the California Gold Rush of the 1850s is sung to the tune of “On Top of Old Smokey”, which in turn may date from the 17th century. The refrain after each verse is probably a bastardization of the original Gaelic words. I learned this song as a child from … Continue reading SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE: An American Folk 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
THE COWBOY’S DREAM: A Cowboy Tune
A common theme in cowboy songs is the hope of heaven. This particular song is sung to a Scottish air virtually everyone is familiar with: My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean. A very early (1935) and abbreviated recording of the song by The Sons of the Pioneers features Roy Rogers on vocals and yodel. It … Continue reading THE COWBOY’S DREAM: A Cowboy Tune
THE SPINNING WHEEL: An Irish Song
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
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
Gifford MacShane, Author 