"The Rising of the Moon" is an Irish ballad recounting a battle between the United Irishmen, led by Wolfe Tone, against British forces during the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
The song tells the story of a secret meeting between Irish…
"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…
"The Night Paddy Murphy Died" is a beloved Newfoundland folk song that chronicles the demise of a man named Paddy Murphy and the uproarious antics of his friends during a traditional Irish wake. Often attributed to Johnny Burke, a popular…
O’McPub Band had been looking for a song they could perform which would demonstrate Ireland’s connection with the rain. Ireland is known for its abundant rainfall and temperate climate. Ireland is also associated with the color green, which comes in…
“Fiddler's Green” is a concept well known to seamen of all types. While the interpretation of what Fiddler’s Green is has varied overtime, most see it as representing a paradise reserved for seasoned sailors who had devoted their life to…
"The Leaving of Liverpool," also known as "Fare Thee Well, My Own True Love," holds a significant place in folk music as both a lyrical lament and a sea shanty, particularly sung at the capstan. Despite its limited collection, the…
"Haul Away Joe" is a traditional sea shanty with origins dating back to the 19th century, likely originating among sailors and maritime workers. The song's lyrics typically revolve around the toils of life at sea, with a repetitive and rhythmic…
"Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her" is a traditional sea shanty that originated among sailors during the age of sailing ships, particularly during the 19th century. It is one of the most well-known and enduring sea shanties, often sung as a…
Our version of "Mary Mack" is a variation of a traditional Scottish folk song which is characterized by its playful and humorous depiction of courtship and marriage arrangements. It has been performed by many leading Irish bands such as 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.
"Katy Daly" was written by Eamon O'Shea about real life Katherine Rose Daly and is deeply intertwined with the Wild West and Prohibition-era America. Katy's father, Bill Daly, a native of Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, Ireland, was running an illegal alcohol…
"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…
"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…
War is a common theme in Irish music and reflects the history of the now neutral country. Written in 1976 by Scottish-born Australian singer-songwriter Eric Bogle "The Green Fields of France," also known as “No Man's Land” and “Willie McBride”…
"Brown Eyed Girl" stands as one of Northern Irish singer Van Morrison's most iconic songs, capturing the essence of youthful nostalgia and romance. Released in 1967, it quickly became a timeless classic. The lyrics reminisce about fond memories shared with…
"House of the Rising Sun" is a classic folk song that has been interpreted by various artists over the years. The song's origins are somewhat obscure, but it's believed to have roots in traditional English folk music and was popularized…
"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,…
"Caledonia" is a modern Scottish folk ballad penned by Dougie MacLean in 1977. The song's chorus, "Caledonia, you're calling me, and now I'm going home," highlights the term "Caledonia," which is a Latin reference to Scotland. The composition was born…
"Drunken Sailor" is a sea shanty whose exact origins and authorship remain unknown, although it shares similarities with traditional Irish folk songs. The song likely emerged in the early 19th century and was used by sailors for various tasks aboard…