"Come Out Ye Black and Tans" was written by Irish singer-songwriter Dominic Behan, son of Irish revolutionary Stephen Behan and the younger brother of playwright Brendan Behan. The song is a powerful response to the actions of the Black and…
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Old Dun Cow (MacIntyre)
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…
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Raggle Taggle Gypsy
“Raggle Taggle Gypsy” is believed to be inspired by the actual events of Lady Jean Hamilton, wife of the Earl of Cassilis in Scotland, who was rumored to have eloped with a gypsy in the early 1600s.
The term “gypsy”…
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Fisherman's Blues
Fisherman’s Blues was released by The Waterboys in 1988 after frontman Mike Scott felt the pull toward more traditional music, particularly the sounds of Ireland and the roots of Americana. In 1986 he packed up and headed to Spiddal in…
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Four Green Fields
"Four Green Fields," penned by Tommy Makem of the renowned Irish folk group The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, debuted in 1967. The song utilizes the symbol of an old woman in Irish folklore to represent Mother Ireland, lamenting the…
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Nancy Whiskey
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,…
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Sean South of Garryowen
Sean South, a dedicated Irish nationalist and devout Catholic, was born in Limerick on February 8, 1928. His deep-rooted belief in Irish independence and fervent opposition to British rule in Northern Ireland led him to join Sinn Féin and the…
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American Wake
During the Irish Genocide of the 1840's, Irish families had to make tough choices about who they would send to America in hopes of a better life and who would stay behind to continue to face the hardships of famine.
…
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Jolly Roving Tar
"Jolly Rovin' Tar" is a song made popular by the Irish Rovers that embodies the spirit of a sailor's life, full of adventure and revelry. The song is a blend of sea shanty, pub song, and cautionary tale, reflecting the…
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Sunday, Bloody Sunday
In 1983, U2 released "Sunday Bloody Sunday" as the first track on their album War. The song's title references the tragic events of January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland, where British soldiers fired on unarmed civil rights protesters. Fourteen…
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