Pete

“Give Me Your Hand,” known in Irish as “Tabhair Dom Do Lámh,” is an elegant and historically significant Irish tune that traces its origins to the early 17th century. Attributed to the renowned Irish harper Ruaidhrí Dall Ó Catháin (Rory Dall O’Cahan), who lived from approximately 1570 to 1650, the piece was composed during a time of...

“The Wearing of the Green” is a traditional Irish ballad that dates back to the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song laments the suppression of Irish nationalism, specifically referencing the British ban on wearing green, which was a symbol of Irish identity and solidarity. The color green had become associated with Irish republicanism and independence...

“Cockles and Mussels,” commonly known as “Molly Malone” or “In Dublin’s Fair City,” is one of Ireland’s most beloved folk songs, though its origins blend history with mythology. The ballad emerged in late 19th century Dublin, with its first published version appearing around 1884, attributed to James Yorkston. The song...

“The Irish Washerwoman” is a lively traditional Irish jig that dates back to the late 18th century, first appearing in print in 1791 in Peter Thompson’s “Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances.” The tune quickly became popular across Ireland, Britain, and later in North America. Unlike many traditional Irish tunes with...

“An Irish Lullaby,” often known as “Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,” is a popular song with Irish-American roots rather than being a traditional Irish folk song. It was written in 1913 by James Royce Shannon (born James Royce) for the Tin Pan Alley musical production “Shameen Dhu.” The song gained tremendous popularity when it was performed...

“The Dawning of the Day” (also known as “Fáinne Geal an Lae” in Irish) is a traditional Irish air that dates back several centuries. The melody originated in the 18th century and has been adapted for numerous sets of lyrics throughout Irish history. Two distinct versions have become prominent: one associated with the poet Thomas Moore who...

“The Spinning Wheel” is a beloved traditional Irish folk song written by John Francis Waller, an Irish poet from County Limerick, who published it under the pseudonym “Jonathan Freke Slingsby” in 1865. The song portrays a tender domestic scene in a traditional Irish cottage, featuring young Eileen spinning wool while her blind grandmother...

“The Rose of Tralee” was written by William Pembroke Mulchinock, a wealthy merchant’s son from Tralee, and was first published around 1846. It’s said to be based on a true love story between Mulchinock and Mary O’Connor, a poor servant girl who worked in his family’s household.According to local legend, Mulchinock fell in love with...

“I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen” has an interesting history, as it’s often mistakenly believed to be a traditional Irish song. It was actually written in 1875 by Thomas Westendorf, a German-American school teacher and composer from Plainfield, Illinois. He reportedly wrote the song for his homesick wife, who was named Kathleen. Despite its...

“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was written in 1912 by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr., with music by Ernest Ball, for the American stage show “The Isle O’ Dreams.” Despite being composed in America rather than Ireland, it quickly became a cultural touchstone for Irish-Americans. Olcott, an Irish-American tenor who specialized in...