History of Ireland through Song


 * Part of the Department of European History

Introduction
Ireland's history is rich, and richly recorded in song. The purpose of this project is to provide a listing of songs (and, if possible, a way to obtain them legally, for free), corresponding to various elements of Irish history, complete with commentary and background.

The goal is to develop a greater knowledge and understanding of Irish history through the memorable and enjoyable medium of music (particularly Celtic music).

Tasks

 * Create outline of Irish History (this is in the works—see talk page)
 * Find and add songs relevant to as many aspects of Irish history as possible

Questions
(Please discuss on the talk page).
 * Should we include Scotland, as well, and have a course on the two together, or separately?
 * Should there be an option to include songs in Gaelic (or even other languages) for ambitious students?

Coordinator

 * The Jade Knight

Contributors

 * The Jade Knight
 * Cormaggio
 * Kaycee
 * Wilkinson
 * GeoBardRap

Interested Students
Supersarah1999 13:09, 8 April 2010 (UTC)
 * Danielle Ralph
 * Ioana
 * Koala
 * DónalMcK 10:55, 26 November 2007 (UTC)
 * Lyrasong
 * Victoria Butler 17:48, 01 December 2011

Songs

 * "Black and Tans" composed by Dominic Behan. (Full version by StoneRing available here.)
 * "Bold Fenian Men" written by Peadar Kearney. (2 minute excerpt of the Kellee Brad version available here.  Lyrics and midi available here.)
 * "The Wind That Shakes the Barley", composed by Robert Dwyer Joyce.
 * "Arthur McBride" - lyrics and mp3
 * "The sash my father wore" - MIDI & notation
 * "The Green Fields of America". Lyrics and midi here, Original 1852 broadside image here.
 * "The Foggy Dew", (revolutionary version, 1916) composed by Peadar Kearney or Canon Charles O'Neill. Lyrics and midi here.
 * "The Fields of Athenry" - lyrics and midi
 * "The Patriot Game, with lyrics by Dominic Behan. (Full version by the Brobdingnagian Bards available here.)
 * "Banba Óir (in Gaelic), by Clannad, makes reference to ancient Irish history. (Lyrics and translation here.)
 * "Skellig", by Loreena McKennitt; about the monastery on Skellig (lyrics).
 * "Bonny Portmore" (traditional). (lyrics.)
 * "From Clare to Here", by Ralph McTell (about immigration). (Lyrics available here.)
 * "Famine" by Sinead O'Connor, talks about the Irish Famine lyrics.
 * "The Wearing of the Green" written at the time of the 1798 Irish rebellion.

Background
Celtic music classifications Notes on Celtic tunes

Related resources

 * The Irish Language Department