Is Molly Malone the Galway Girl or is she just part of Another Drinking Song as part of The Irish Roar?

Hello, Monday peeps! Last Friday, parts of Washington State got snow, including my lucky duck brother. What did we get? Incessant rain, rain, and more rain! I 1000% would have preferred snow to pretty things up around here, instead of the drab, gray rain that seemed to never end. 😅

Since it is Monday, you know that Monday means music! This week’s theme is “yesterday was the ‘Ides of March’ and tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day. Based on these find song picks to express whichever occasion inspires you.” I’m going with the Irish – let’s get this St. Patrick’s Day party started!

Here’s an extra special wish for you, Cathy:

Let’s start with an ultimate Irish sing-along – most will recognize this version, but it was most likely written long before, sometime in the late 19th century. The subject is a Dublin fishmonger who, let’s just say, may have sold more than just cockles and mussels.

The song has become an anthem for the people of Dublin. It touches on the heart of the city and those who have worked as street sellers since the city was established over a thousand years ago.

Give a listen to The Dubliners with “Molly Malone”:

Next up is a fun folk-pop song this artist released on St. Patrick’s Day 2018 about falling for an Irish girl. The track is the result of him inviting Northern Irish trad-folk band Beoga to his home recording studio for a week. The artist explained:

“It was based on the fiddle player in Beoga, Niamh [Dunne]. She’s married to an Irishman, a friend of mine. I had the band in my house for an extra day so I was like, ‘what can I write about? She plays the fiddle in an Irish band… right, cool, let’s write a song about that.’ She inspired the first line but the rest of the song isn’t about anyone, I just made up a story.”

He also explained the title of the song:

“Galway is a city in Ireland where my cousin and uncle live and it’s a really beautiful place – it’s like cobbled streets, it’s quintessential Ireland.”

Here’s the mega-talented Ed Sheeran with “Galway Girl”:

Next up, from Washington, DC, comes an award-winning a cappella quartet that takes four-part harmony and stands it on its ear. They’ve been described as Bobby McFerrin and ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic colliding on stage; their tight vocal blend, infectious humor, and madcap antics have made them a favorite on stages and at festivals throughout the country.

Founded in 1993, their eclectic blend of a cappella harmony – a fusion of doo-wop, jazz, bluegrass, calypso, opera, and rock – evolved into a unique show, whose professional awards include two Wammies (Washington DC local music awards) for “Best A Cappella” group. Sadly, the band disbanded in 2004 when two members hit the road as a musical duo.

The original group still performs together occasionally for corporate shows, and in 2013, this song was featured in the film Despicable Me 2, with new lyrics in the Minions’ language. 

Parental Guidance is suggested – some of the words and theme of the song may not be appropriate for the younger minions, but the grownups will undoubtedly laugh like 12-year-olds as I did.

Here’s Da Vinci’s Notebook with the hilarious “Another Irish Drinking Song”:

Last but certainly not least is a brand new song by this new (to me) Irish quartet, which has gone viral over the past couple of weeks, and is shaping up to be their biggest hit yet. It’s a rollicking drum-laden affair with impassioned couplets like:

From Clare to Down / From hill to town / The bloodline runs afar / And every grave where good men lay shall guide us through the dark

The accompanying video is close to breaking through the 250,000 YouTube streams barrier with their Instagram and Facebook followers respectively up 10,000+ and 30,000+. All of the online action has happened completely organically – and feedback has been flooding in from all over the world and, in particular, the States, Poland, Australia, Brazil and Ukraine which underlines their growing global appeal. They said:

“We are so unbelievably proud of this track,” Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Darren Holden, and Paul O’Brien say. “‘The Irish Roar’ is about identity and belonging. It’s about that feeling in your chest when you hear the anthem, see the flag, or stand shoulder to shoulder with your own. Ireland has always been called the underdog, but time and time again we rise.

This song is a call to assemble, a call to believe, and a reminder that no matter where in the world you are, if you carry Ireland in your heart, you’re part of something powerful.”

Get ready to dance (you’re not gonna be able to resist dancing, even in your chair—trust me on that), here’s The High Kings with “The Irish Roar”:

That’s a wrap for this week – have a great Monday! See you on the dance floor!

Now, onto the particulars of Monday’s Music Moves Me:

I have the supreme honor and privilege of being a co-host with the inimitable Xmas Dolly and our musical cohort, the awesome Cathy from Curious as a CAThy, and Alana of Ramblin’ with AM!

Want to join in the fun? It’s easy – just find a tune that rocks your boat, post it, and link up! Check out the other music lovahs and let’s jam!