Irish music has a unique magic, doesn’t it? Its melodies can transport you to rolling green hills or a lively pub. But beyond the beautiful tunes, many beloved Irish songs hide some truly surprising, and often quite strange, backstories. These aren’t just songs; they’re windows into history, folklore, and sometimes, pure imagination.
Ever wondered if Molly Malone was a real person, or what inspired those heartfelt lyrics about war and love? Join us as we delve into the peculiar and fascinating origins of ten famous Irish songs. You might never hear them the same way again!
10. “Molly Malone”
Sweet Molly Malone, pushing her wheelbarrow through Dublin’s fair streets, is an iconic Irish figure. But was she a real person? The song paints her as a fishmonger selling “cockles and mussels.” However, some old tales suggest her story might be a bit more risqué. One account from a 1790s book hints Molly might have worked as a prostitute after her fish-selling day was done.
According to legend, Molly died of a fever, and her ghost is said to haunt the city. While there’s no solid proof, a Mary Malone who passed away in 1699 is sometimes linked to the legend. True or not, Dublin has embraced Molly, even dedicating June 13th as her day alongside erecting a famous bronze statue in her honor.
9. “The Fields of Athenry”
“The Fields of Athenry” is a powerful song that echoes the hardship of the Irish Famine. Songwriter Pete St. John penned this tribute after learning about the era’s struggles while in Galway. Though the family in the song is fictional, their desperate situation was all too real for many.
A strange part of the story involves Indian corn sent from the U.S. to aid the starving Irish. Unfortunately, Irish mills couldn’t grind the hard kernels, making it useless. This led to outrage, protests, and arrests, with some people even being deported to Australia. The song has since become a moving anthem, famously sung by Irish football fans, even in defeat, showcasing its deep emotional connection.
8. “Carrickfergus”
Made famous by artists like Van Morrison, “Carrickfergus” is a beautiful but somewhat puzzling song. One strange aspect is how the lyrics seem to jump between Carrickfergus in Ireland and Ballygrant in Scotland, two places separated by the Irish Sea. Some believe the lyrics might have changed over time, perhaps even through retellings by figures like actor Peter O’Toole.
The song speaks of not being able to swim the wide sea and needing a boatman to “ferry me over to my love and die.” This has led to a fascinating theory connecting it to ancient Greek mythology. In Greek myths, a boatman (Charon) would ferry souls to the Underworld across the River Styx. This suggests the singer isn’t just old but wishes to be buried in Scotland, across the sea, where his love might rest.
7. “The Galway Girl”
This modern Irish folk hit, “The Galway Girl,” was written in 2000 by American songwriter Steve Earle and recorded with Irish musician Sharon Shannon. And yes, the girl who inspired it is very much real! However, she’s not Sharon Shannon, though the two musicians did meet in Galway.
The true “Galway Girl” is someone Steve Earle met before his collaboration with Shannon. This black-haired, blue-eyed beauty captured his heart and inspired the song. They are reportedly still friends, and some say there’s an undeniable spark between them. Keeping up the mystery, the real Galway Girl prefers to remain anonymous, leaving us all wondering, just like the song says, “what’s a fella to do?”
6. “Arthur McBride”
“Arthur McBride” stands out from many traditional Irish ballads. While countless folk songs tell tales of going to war or returning from it, this one is all about resisting the call to arms. Written in the 1800s, it has a spirit more akin to a 1970s protest song.
The exact war that sparked the song isn’t known for sure, but theories point to the Napoleonic Wars or the Williamite War, especially since the lyrics mention soldiers being sent to France. Historians think the story is set in Donegal. The strangest and perhaps most entertaining part? After army recruiters try to enlist Arthur and his cousin, the pair firmly refuse, beat up the recruiters, and then toss their gear into the sea!
5. “Finnegan’s Wake”
Before it was a famous book or a quirky film, “Finnegan’s Wake” was an Irish comedy song. The ballad tells the peculiar story of Tim Finnegan, a hod carrier (a type of construction worker) who loved his whiskey a bit too much. His day couldn’t start without a few sips.
The comedy, albeit dark, begins when Finnegan falls from a ladder and dies. At his wake, mourning turns into a rowdy party fueled by, you guessed it, more whiskey. During a fight, some whiskey accidentally spills onto Finnegan’s corpse. Miraculously, this splash of booze brings him back to life! The strangest part is how this over-the-top, humorous drinking song went on to inspire James Joyce’s famously complex and influential novel of the same name in 1939.
4. “Noreen Bawn”
Many Irish songs are named after women, and “Noreen Bawn” is another beautiful example. However, this song’s origin isn’t about a far-off love or a mythical figure. It’s a tribute to a real person: Bridget Gallagher, a talented singer from Creeslough, County Donegal.
Bridget Gallagher was affectionately known by her fans as “The Girl from Donegal.” She was a celebrated songbird who achieved significant fame. One of her notable accomplishments was drawing thousands of fans to her performance at London’s prestigious Albert Hall, a record at the time. She is buried in Doe Cemetery in her native Creeslough, remembered through this lovely song.
3. “Wild Mountain Thyme”
The origin of “Wild Mountain Thyme,” also known as “Will Ye Go Lassie Go,” isn’t strange in a ghostly or dramatic way, but it’s certainly confusing due to its tangled authorship. It’s widely believed to be based on an older song called “The Braes of Balquhither” by Scottish poet Robert Tannahill, though it differs significantly.
The version we know today was adapted by Francis McPeake Sr. from Belfast, who apparently wrote it for his first wife. Later, his son, Francis McPeake Jr., added another verse when his father remarried. To add another layer to the story, Francis McPeake III, the nephew, recorded the song and reportedly tried to claim some songwriting credit as well. It’s a real case of too many cooks in the musical kitchen!
2. “The Sash”
How about a war song centered around an item of clothing? That’s precisely what “The Sash” (often called “The Sash My Father Wore”) is, making its origin quite unique. This folk song is significant for Irish loyalists and is widely believed to commemorate the Jacobite Siege of Derry in the 17th century.
The “sash” in the title refers to an orange sash, a key part of the Protestant uniform of the time. Wearing this sash symbolized victory and allegiance. Today, “The Sash” remains a popular and rousing tune, frequently played by marching bands, carrying its historical and cultural significance forward.
1. “On Raglan Road”
The story behind “On Raglan Road” is both strange and rather amusing. The song is based on a 1946 poem by Patrick Kavanagh titled “Dark Haired Miriam Ran Away.” As it turns out, the poem was at least partly true to life. Kavanagh did meet a young woman on a street, and he was indeed smitten, anticipating heartbreak even as he pursued her.
The name “Miriam” in the poem was a pseudonym for his actual love interest, Dr. Hilda Moriarty. (Doesn’t her name sound a bit like a character from Sherlock Holmes?) Kavanagh and Moriarty often met on Raglan Road in Dublin, which inspired the poem and, subsequently, the song. He even wrote other poems somewhat less creatively titled Hilda, Hilda 2, and so on. Ultimately, Kavanagh’s intuition about heartbreak was correct; the relationship didn’t last. Moriarty later said their 18-year age difference was the main issue.
From ghostly fishmongers and resurrected drinkers to real-life muses and confusing family songwriting credits, the stories behind these Irish songs are as captivating as the tunes themselves. They remind us that music often carries layers of history, personal tales, and cultural quirks just waiting to be discovered. Next time you hear one of these melodies, you’ll know there’s more to it than meets the ear.
Which of these Irish song origins surprised you the most? Do you know any other tunes with strange backstories? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
