Pete

“The Rakes of Mallow” is a traditional Irish jig that originated in the 18th century, celebrating the wild and carefree young gentlemen from the town of Mallow in County Cork. These “rakes” were notorious for their extravagant lifestyles, drinking, gambling, and general revelry. The tune first appeared in print in 1748 in John and William...

“Roddy McCorley” is a famous Irish ballad that commemorates the execution of a young Irish rebel during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song tells the story of Roddy McCorley, who was hanged at the Bridge of Toome in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Although historical records about the real McCorley are somewhat limited, he has become a celebrated...

“The Kerry Dance” is a sentimental Irish ballad composed in the late 19th century by James Lynam Molloy, with lyrics also penned by Molloy. Published around 1879, the song evokes nostalgia for rural Irish gatherings and celebrations that were disappearing during a time of significant cultural change and emigration. The song’s poignant lyrics recall...

“Be Thou My Vision” is one of the most beloved and enduring Irish hymns, with roots dating back to ancient Celtic Christianity. The text originated as an Old Irish poem called “Rop tú mo Baile” (Be Thou my Vision), attributed to the 6th-century Irish Christian poet Dallán Forgaill, though some scholars debate this attribution. For centuries...

“I’ll Tell My Ma” is a traditional Irish children’s street song that has been passed down through generations, with its origins likely dating back to the mid-19th century. Also known as “The Belle of Belfast City,” this lively, upbeat tune began as a skipping and playground rhyme for young girls in Ireland’s urban...

“The Black Velvet Band” is a traditional Irish ballad dating back to the 19th century that tells the cautionary tale of a young man led astray by a beautiful woman wearing a black velvet band in her hair. The song originated in Ireland but gained widespread popularity through oral tradition and printed broadsides throughout the British Isles and later in...

“Green Grow the Lilacs” has a fascinating, somewhat misunderstood history. Though often considered an Irish folk song, it actually originated as an English or Scottish folk song that later spread to Ireland and America during periods of migration. The song gained significant popularity among American cowboys and settlers in the 19th century, where it...

“The Water is Wide,” while often associated with Irish musical tradition, actually has its earliest documented roots in Scotland and England. The song dates back to the 1600s and appears in various forms under titles like “O Waly, Waly” and “When Cockleshells Turn Silver Bells.” The haunting melody and poignant lyrics about love...

“Carrickfergus” is a haunting Irish folk ballad whose origins remain somewhat mysterious despite its widespread popularity. The song takes its name from the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and is believed to date back to the 19th century, though some musical historians suggest it may have roots in an older Scottish melody. The...

“The Lark In The Clear Air” is a cherished traditional Irish folk song whose origins can be traced to the mid-19th century. The hauntingly beautiful melody comes from County Derry in Northern Ireland, while the poignant lyrics were penned by Sir Samuel Ferguson (1810-1886), an influential Irish poet and antiquarian who dedicated much of his work to...