Janene, I hadn't seen that website, although I'm glad I did now! One interesting point it raises is how many songs reflect the horrors of the potato famine but express anger not at the blight itself or the over-reliance on small plots of rocky soil that can't grow proper grain, but at treatment by the English. The English deserve plenty of blame for the treatment of the Celtic peoples over the centuries, but they can't be blamed for a fungus that spread on potatoes.
That's an interesting question you raise about "traditional Irish" as opposed to "Irish folk song." It's possible that the difference has to do with the origin of the melody. A lot of lyrics were put to older traditional airs, and perhaps those would be listed as "traditional Irish." But if the melody and lyrics were written together, it would be an "Irish folk song." I'm just speculating here. I have no idea, truth be told.
Dusty, I see what you mean in the story, an emigrant song like Erin grá mo chrói? I had to go and read some more about the song, research I normally do when I sing a song, to get perspective on the lyrics. Embarrassed to say I didn't study this song much before attacking the melody. But found a site which explains it's origins and embrace in Ireland.https://www.historyireland.com/volume-24/old-skibbereen-fenian-anthem-famine-lament/ Maybe you've seen this site? I also found it interesting when I initially looked into the song, it was always referred to as an "Irish folk song" and not "traditional Irish". Maybe this is why.
You're getting pretty fancy there, Janene! I really like some of the chord voicings you get. I miss your singing, though.
I consider this song Irish-American, since the words only make sense if the father and son have left Ireland and the son wants to know why. And I think it was first published in Boston or New York.
Very beautiful 2nd part to the tune.
Janene, I hadn't seen that website, although I'm glad I did now! One interesting point it raises is how many songs reflect the horrors of the potato famine but express anger not at the blight itself or the over-reliance on small plots of rocky soil that can't grow proper grain, but at treatment by the English. The English deserve plenty of blame for the treatment of the Celtic peoples over the centuries, but they can't be blamed for a fungus that spread on potatoes.
That's an interesting question you raise about "traditional Irish" as opposed to "Irish folk song." It's possible that the difference has to do with the origin of the melody. A lot of lyrics were put to older traditional airs, and perhaps those would be listed as "traditional Irish." But if the melody and lyrics were written together, it would be an "Irish folk song." I'm just speculating here. I have no idea, truth be told.
Very nice. I will learn this one myself.
Thanks.
Thanks @Natebuildstoys :-) for you kind comment.
Dusty, I see what you mean in the story, an emigrant song like Erin grá mo chrói? I had to go and read some more about the song, research I normally do when I sing a song, to get perspective on the lyrics. Embarrassed to say I didn't study this song much before attacking the melody. But found a site which explains it's origins and embrace in Ireland. https://www.historyireland.com/volume-24/old-skibbereen-fenian-anthem-famine-lament/ Maybe you've seen this site? I also found it interesting when I initially looked into the song, it was always referred to as an "Irish folk song" and not "traditional Irish". Maybe this is why.
You're getting pretty fancy there, Janene! I really like some of the chord voicings you get. I miss your singing, though.
I consider this song Irish-American, since the words only make sense if the father and son have left Ireland and the son wants to know why. And I think it was first published in Boston or New York.
WOW. Each verse got cooler than the last! Thanks for sharing.