In our continuous efforts to “connect the fun to the fun people”, here are seventeen Irish songs to help you commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on the 17th:
The Pogues – If I Should Fall From Grace With God
Title track from The Pogues’ 1988 album.
—————————————————————
Pat McGuire – You’re So Beautiful
This version mixes in the intro “First Light of Day” from Paddy a Go-Go.
—————————————————————
Fields of Athenry – Paddy Reilly
One of Ireland’s top balladeers, Paddy Reilly used to introduce this song as “the song that put the kids through college”
—————————————————————
Black 47 – Walk All The Days
The Final Performance Bootleg, recorded live at B.B. King’s on November 15th, 2014, featuring Chris Byrne on vocals. This year will be the first St. Patrick’s Day without Black 47, but you can see Larry Kirwan at The Cutting Room on March 17, 2015.
—————————————————————
Flogging Molly – Factory Girl
Dublin born Dave King’s L.A. based Irish punk band Flogging Molly recorded this featuring backing vocals by Lucinda Williams.
—————————————————————
Shilelagh Law – When New York Was Irish
This version was recorded live at Connolly’s on St. Patrick’s Day, 2009. New York’s thirstiest, Shilelagh Law will be at Pier A on March 13, and Maggie Spillane’s on the 17th. See their full March schedule here.
—————————————————————
The Saw Doctors – N17
This version is from the Saw Doctors‘ 2004 “Live in Galway” album.
—————————————————————
The Wolfetones – Streets of New York
featuring Tommy Byrne on vocals, the Wolfetones are recently concluded a U.S. tour, celebrating 57 years on the road.
—————————————————————
Christy Moore – Delirium Tremens
“As I sat lookin’ up the Guinness ad I could never figure out, How your man stayed up on the surfboard after 14 pints of stout.”
—————————————————————
The Pogues & The Dubliners – The Irish Rover
Two generations of Irish music legends join forces, with dual vocals by Ronnie Drew and Shane MacGowan.
—————————————————————
Seanchai & the Unity Squad – Mise Eire
featuring guest vocals by Shane MacGowan, Terry “Cruncher” O’Neill, Gary Og, Mary Courtney and Damien Dempsey.
—————————————————————
Flip N Mickeys- Shamrock Shuffle
This catchy tune is from Flip N Mickeys from the South Jersey/Philadelphia area.
—————————————————————
Steve Earl – Galway Girl
Texan Steve Earl‘s semi-autobiographical tune recorded with legendary Irish musician Sharon Shannon.
—————————————————————
Finbar Furey – New York Girls
Irish folk legend Finbar Furey performed this version in the Martin Scorsese film “Gangs of New York”
—————————————————————
Shane MacGowan & Sinead O’Connor – Haunted
Shane MacGowan turned this 1986 Pogues tune into a duet with Sinead O’Connor for his 1994 solo album, The Snake.
—————————————————————
The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Maken – The Rocky Road to Dublin
No St. Patrick’s Day list would be complete without the legendary Clancy Brothers. The Rocky Road to Dublin is a nineteenth century song which could be considered early Irish rap.
—————————————————————
Whiskey in the Jar – from Joe Hurley’s Irish Rock Revue
Featuring Dave Kincaid of The Brandos with Jon Spurney (acoustic guitar and musical director), Mark Bosch (lead guitar), Sal Maida (bass) and Christian Cassan (drums).
—————————————————————
This list is only scratching the surface of songs I could have added. Look for Part II of this list coming soon.
What are some of your favorite Irish songs?
Drop us a note in the comments below.
Slainte, Murph.
