lyr: Steve O'Donnell's Wake

26 May 98 - 12:09 PM (#29327)
Subject: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Eddy Doyle

Any info on "Steve O'Donnells Wake", a tune played on Boston area radio in the Fifties. Possibly by an Irish or Canadian folk band. Lyrics include..."there were Irish dynamiters and drunkard politicians....all at Steve O'Donnells wake" Appreciate any help in locating song. Thank you.

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26 May 98 - 06:32 PM (#29363)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Con

Believe the song you're looking for was written by Mrs. Rosamont Robinson. Don't know where you could find it though. Good luck!

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26 May 98 - 08:07 PM (#29382)
Subject: Lyr Add: STEVE O'DONNELL'S WAKE
From: Frank Maher

This was recorded on Copley records by "Hum & Strum" who I believe were from Canada.

STEVE O'DONNELL'S WAKE

Steve O'Donnell was a gentleman, so everybody said.
He was loved by all his friends both rich and poor;
And everyone felt sorry when they heard that Steve was dead,
And they saw the piece of crepe upon the door.

The barber came to shave the Galway slagga from his throat,
And cut his hair in a la pompadour.
A red necktie and buttonhole bouquet was in his coat,
And a bunch of shamrocks in his hand he wore.

Undertaker Feeney had the job to lay O'Donnell out,
In a casket of the very finest make.
He dressed the corpse in broadcloth and said, "Boys, there'll be no doubt
That they'll all get drunk at Steve O'Donnell's wake."

There were fighters, biters, and Irish dynamiters.
There was beer, gin, whisky, wine and cake.
There were men in high positions. There were Irish politicians;
And they all got drunk at Steve O'Donnell's wake.

There were 50 candles at his head & 20 at his feet,
Plenty flowers sent for friendship sake.
"O Steve, me by'e, why did you die?" the grieving widow said,
And we all felt sad at Steve O'Donnell's wake.

Mike McGovern said that Steve O'Donnell was an awful bum.
Of course he only meant it for a joke,
But Paddy Mack got up his back and he made McGovern run,
'Cause he hit him in the eye an awful poke.

They all joined in the fightin' then 'cause everyone was mad,
And blood enough was spilled to form a lake.
They knocked the corpse down on the floor and blew off all the lights.
There was murder down at Steve O'Donnell's wake.

Then the cops came in to stop the brawl to make them understand,
And the corpse was picked up by his brother Dan;
But someone stole the necktie from around O'Donnell's throat.
Mike McGovern said O'Reilly was the man.

O'Reilly's friends got crazy mad and swore they'd have his life.
McGovern saw he made a great mistake.
They fought and fought and danced around until the cops came in,
And arrested all at Steve O'Donnell's wake.

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27 May 98 - 01:35 PM (#29448)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Frank Maher

Hey Eddie... Frank Maher here again!!! I hope the Words to O'Donnell's Wake were to Your liking...If You would like to have the Song on Tape, I would be only to happy to send It to You.If You would like any more Songs in the same Genre let Me know All the best Frank

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27 May 98 - 05:24 PM (#29471)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Frank McGrath

I like the song too. Can I get a tape also? Tell me how much.

I think you are the fine gentleman who left a very nice remarks on our web site.

Frank McGrath
Nenagh Singers Circle

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27 May 98 - 06:23 PM (#29476)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Eddy Doyle

To Frank Maher: Your the best Frank- So kind of you to send the lyrics...exactly what i was looking for.....yes, definately would like a tape... please advise, thank you, ed

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27 May 98 - 08:25 PM (#29486)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Casey

Great song! The Roadhouse Pub here in Oregon is owned by a grand gentleman named Maher.I must ask Mick why he doesn't have this fine selection on his jukebox.

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28 May 98 - 12:34 AM (#29498)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Frank Maher

To FrankMcGrath... Yes,I'm the same guy... It will not cost You anything...Just give an Address!!!

To Eddy Doyle... Same thing....Just give Me an Address

[e-mail]

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28 May 98 - 04:22 PM (#29557)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: dick greenhaus

If someone who receives a tape can transcribe the tune and post it here, I'd be most grateful. If not, could I have a tape, and I'll write out the tune. dick

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28 May 98 - 10:39 PM (#29601)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: Frank Maher

If You want a Tape of Steve O'Donnell's Wake please send Me Your Address and also let me know if You want the Tape filled with other Songs like the same kind of stuff All the best Frank [e-mail]

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07 Jun 01 - 11:55 AM (#478408)
Subject: lyrics to o'briens got no place to go
From: GUEST,[e-mail]

Does anyone know the words to "O'Briens got no place to go"? Some of the lyrics are "don't go into the parlor dad, Joanies in there with her beau, don't go into the kitchen dad, I'll be in there with my fella." Any help would be appreciated a lot. Thank you, Bernie Feeney

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12 Jun 01 - 06:25 PM (#481906)
Subject: RE: Looking for Steve O'Donnells Wake
From: GUEST,Frank Harte

Frank Maher,

Any chance you might send me one also.......along with
any other songs of the same type.....I have always
liked those types of outrageous songs.

I tried to Contact you at [e-mail] but you seeem
to be unknown at that address.

My E-mail address is [e-mail] perhaps you
might contact me there.

Slan.........Frank

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01 Mar 12 - 08:15 PM (#3315869)
Subject: RE: Origins: Steve O'Donnell's Wake
From: GUEST,Lighter

The Boston Daily Globe of Nov. 19, 1894, includes a letter from a reader who requests the words of this song.

That is the earliest reference to it I have found.

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To avoid confusion, please post in this thread (click) if you wish to discuss this song. Thanks.
-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-

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