Gaelic Storm's "Kiss Me I'm Irish" is a celebration of Irish identity, humor, and heritage. Released on their 2004 album How Are We Getting Home?, the song cleverly weaves references to classic Irish folk songs like “Wild Rover” and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling." It acknowledges the stereotype of Irish drinking with "I'm seldom sober" and “only drink on the day of the week that ends with a Y.”

The lyrics highlight the importance of oral tradition ("Old songs and old stories / they keep us alive") and the…

"The Rare Old Mountain Dew" or “Let the Grasses Grow” resonates with Ireland's famed illicit whiskey—poitín or poteen. Poitín, brewed by the Irish for centuries, was a covert endeavor to avoid heavy British taxes. The distillers, dubbed poitín makers, navigated a perilous existence, evading authorities and bounty hunters, even as the Catholic Church and the Irish Government opposed their craft.

Despite relentless pursuit, the poitín industry persevered, operating in shadows. Campaigns to legalize poitín…

"Whiskey in the Jar" is an Irish traditional song set in the southern mountains of Ireland, with specific mention of counties Cork and Kerry. The song revolves around a rapparee (highwayman) betrayed by his lover Jenny. It is one of the most widely performed traditional Irish songs and has been recorded by numerous artists since the 1950s.

The song gained international exposure through performances by Irish folk band the Dubliners in the 1960s, becoming one of their signature pieces. The Highwaymen…

If you've spent time in good Irish pubs, you've likely heard the boisterous shout of "MacIntyre!" during a song, followed by laughter and raised glasses to "The Old Dun Cow." If your local Irish pub hasn't experienced this, kindly encourage them to contact the O'McPub Band.

Penned in 1893 by music hall performer Harry Wincott, "The Old Dun Cow" is one of the earliest drinking songs from that era. Wincott's songs, with themes of humor, working-class camaraderie, and drink, often found a home in Irish and…

Nancy Whiskey tells a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol and/or women. The song's lyrics narrate the story of a young man who falls for the charms of Nancy Whiskey, a personification of strong drink. As he becomes obsessed, his life takes a downward spiral, resulting in financial ruin and hardship. 

Originating in Scotland, likely during the 19th century, the song's popularity surged during the mid-20th century folk revival. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme, infectious melody, and…

“All For Me Grog” is a classic Irish drinking song that captures the humor, melancholy, and resilience often found in traditional Irish folk music. Believed to have originated in the 19th century, this raucous tune tells the tale of a man who squanders all his possessions—his boots, shirt, and even his wife—on drink (grog), tobacco, and the company of women. The song reflects the hard lives of sailors, workers, and others who used the pub as a refuge from the harsh realities of life.

While its lyrics seem…

"Drinking in the Day" by The Tossers is a vivid narrative that explores themes of youthful rebellion and the consequences of chasing fleeting pleasures. Set against the backdrop of Dublin, the lyrics delve into a man's encounter with a young woman who represents both innocence and temptation.

As the song unfolds, the singer cautions against the moral lifestyle and planning for the long term, instead celebrating making choices which will provide joy and pleasure in the short-term.  

"Whiskey You're The Devil" reflects the historical nexus between war and whiskey and is deeply rooted in the cultural tapestry of the American frontier and Irish tradition. Originating from a broadside ballad titled John and Moll in Ireland around 1790, the song likely underwent lyrical evolution as it journeyed across the Atlantic to the Ohio River Valley until its modern popularity through The Clancy Brothers in the late 1950s. Critiques of alcohol's role in violence echo through the song's evolution,…

“Pass Me a Pint” by husband-and-wife duo Johnnyswim, is a lighthearted Christmas song that blends humor with holiday cheer. The singer is a grump not in the holiday mood but hoping a pint of beer and affection from his love might change his spirits. 

As O’McPub Band plays in a lot of places where pints are being passed around this has become a band and fan favorite around the holidays.

Fairytale of New York was written by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer and originally released in 1987 by The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl. 

Though this song doesn’t include the sugary sentimentality of many holiday tunes, it is a Christmas standard for many households, particularly of Irish heritage, highlighting the complex juxtaposition of festive cheer and sorrow many people feel during the holiday season. The song tells a compelling and bittersweet story of an Irish immigrant couple in New York sharing…

On June 18, 1875 a massive fire broke out at Malone’s Malt House in the Liberties district of Dublin, Ireland. The blaze spread quickly, and soon the large quantities of whiskey casks exploded, sending rivers of flaming liquor through the streets. This whiskey-fueled fire raged across the area, consuming houses, shops, and other buildings in its path. Firefighters struggled to control the flames, as water proved ineffective against the burning whiskey. In total, over 5 acres of the city were engulfed in…

"Going Out For One" by Gearoid McCarthy is a song deeply rooted in the everyday experiences of Irish social life, capturing the spontaneity and camaraderie of a night out. McCarthy, a rising star in the Irish folk scene, drew inspiration for the song from a personal experience when a friend invited him out for a drink one Friday evening. Although McCarthy couldn't join due to his gig commitments, he reflected on the idea that what starts as "just one pint" can often evolve into an unforgettable night, full…

"All of the Hard Day's Are Gone" is a song by Kevin McKrell from Upstate New York. He is best known as the founder of the Celtic folk band The McKrells, which became popular for their energetic performances and unique blend of traditional Irish music with contemporary folk elements. The McKrells have toured extensively, performing at major folk and Celtic festivals across the U.S. and abroad.

The song is a celebration of overcoming life's challenges and looking forward to better times. It carries a message…

"Body of an American" by The Pogues is a tune that blends traditional Irish folk music with punk rock elements. The song celebrates the life of a deceased Irish-American man, viewed through the eyes of one of his mourning relatives. 

It begins with a Cadillac, the symbol of American wealth, being driven down the streets of Ireland and coveted by local tinkers. It goes on to describe the funeral of Big Jim Dwyer, an old boxer whose coffin is brought back to the shores of his ancestors. The music starts soft…

The Irish Pub Song is a celebration of pubs and being able to find one in practically every corner of the world. Though pubs come in all shapes and sizes, most have very similar features and you are bound to run into a few characters when you sit down for a pint. 

Pubs are often the heart of a community, serving not just as a place to drink and eat, but as a hub of social interaction, camaraderie, and cultural exchange. It isn’t just the Irish who feel at home in an Irish pub. Many people tell us after a set…

"Don't Go for the One" by Gaelic Storm is a humorous and light-hearted song that recounts a comical misadventure with snails. The story unfolds as Harvey's is tasked with acquiring snails to impress his sister's French husband. Despite knowing he's risking his wife's wrath by being late, Harvey decides to indulge in just one drink with his mate. 

However, one drink turns into several, and before they know it, they've spent the entire night drinking. Harvey realizes he's incredibly late, rushes home with the…

"Seven Drunken Nights" is a humorous Irish folk song dating back to the 18th century. The song humorously narrates a gullible drunkard's recurring discoveries of evidence suggesting his wife's infidelity, only to be duped by increasingly implausible explanations.

The song gained global popularity with The Dubliners' recording of "Seven Drunken Nights," reaching number 7 on the UK charts in 1967 and topping the charts in Ireland. Despite being banned from the Irish national broadcasting station, the song…

"Moonshiner" is a folk ballad steeped in the lore of Appalachia and the struggles of rural America. Originating in the early 20th century, this traditional song captures the essence of moonshining culture and the human condition. From its humble beginnings as an oral tradition to its recorded iterations, "Moonshiner" has woven itself into the fabric of American music. Bob Dylan's rendition in the 1960s catapulted the song into wider recognition, imbuing it with new layers of meaning and emotion. Through its…

"Streams of Whiskey" by The Pogues is a lively anthem that explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and the pursuit of happiness. The song paints a vivid picture of a carefree spirit dreaming of meeting the legendary Brendan Behan, symbolizing a passing of wisdom and a connection between kindred souls. With its restless chorus of "I am going, I am going," the song captures a wanderlust-filled desire for adventure and new experiences. The lyrics reflect on a life marked by rebellion and resilience, celebrating…