Lyr Req: Irish comic song-Invitation to a Funeral

Subject: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: GUEST,Molly
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 08:52 AM

My deceased father had a few songs inherited from my Irish Grandfather. He didn't know any one of them in its entirety! One concerned a group of drunks out on a spree one of whom ended up in jail. So money was collected to bail him but, because they were drunk, it got spent on an accordion. The accordion got damaged and an attempt was made to mend it with a hot potato!
If anyone can throw any light on this I would love to know what song it was.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: MartinRyan
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 09:11 AM

It's a song usually called "Invitation to a Funeral" - there are various versions. On a musical note, so to speak, it's usually a concertina they invest in, rather than an accordion!

I'll post a link to set of lyrics and relevant thread later.

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: MartinRyan
Date: 01 Jul 12 - 09:15 AM

For one version:
Click here

Regards

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: GUEST,Molly
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 06:02 AM

Thank you Martin. Brilliant! I thought it was going to be a real struggle to trace it. Now I just need to get someone to play me The Temperance Reel! I only have a vague recollection of the tune father sang (and that was quite probably 'wrong').
I await any further versions which may be forthcoming.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 06:08 AM

If you go looking for the tune also look for the Teetotaller's reel, which is the name used more often these days. There are loads of versions on Youtube but at a quick glance I didn't immediately see one I'd recommend. It shouldn't be too hard to find a recording of it anyway. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: clueless don
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 09:12 AM

I have an impression that The Temperance Reel is the more usual title in the American tradition and The Teatotaller's Reel is the more usual title in the Irish tradition. Could be wrong, of course.

Don

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Irish comic song
From: GUEST,Molly
Date: 06 Jul 12 - 02:44 PM

Thanks Peter and Clueless - all grist to my mill!