Lyr/Chords Req: You're Not Irish (Robbie O'Connell

Subject: You're not Irish
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 07:36 PM

The "songs you're sick of" thread brought this to mind: it's a humorous song containing the line "You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't sing Danny Boy".

Anyone have the words/chords?

Thanks,
Michael

Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'RE NOT IRISH (Robbie O'Connell)
From: masato sakurai
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 08:00 PM

YOU'RE NOT IRISH

When first I came to the USA with my guitar in hand
I was told that I could get a job singing songs from Ireland
So I headed up to Boston, I was sure it would be alright
But the very first night I got on the stage, I was in for a big surprise
They said:

CHORUS
You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy"
Or "Toora Loora Loora" or even "Irish Eyes"
You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland
So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band"

To tell the truth I got quite a shock and I didn't know what to say
So I sang a song in Gaelic, I thought that might win the day
But they looked at me suspiciously and I didn't know what was wrong
Then all of a sudden they started to shout " Now sing a real Irish song"

The next day I was on my way, for Chicago I was bound
I was ready to give it another try and not let it get me down
From the stage they looked quite friendly but I'd hardly sung one word
When a voice called out from the back of the room and what do you think I heard?

Now I've travelled all round the country, but it's always been the same
From LA to Philedelphia, and from Washington to Maine
But sometimes now I wonder if it's a secret society
And it doesn't matter wherever I go, they'll be waiting there for me
Saying:

You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy"
Or "Toora Loora Loora" or even "Irish Eyes"
You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland
So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band"

Love of the Land - Green Linnet, GLCD 1097
Words and Music by Robbie O'Connell © 1985
Slievenamon Music (BMI)

(From HERE)

~Masato

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: You're not Irish
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 09:24 PM

Thanks so much, Masato, you're a scholar and a speed demon!

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: You're not Irish
From: michaelr
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 09:25 PM

Thanks so much, Masato, you're a scholar and a speed demon!

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: You're not Irish
From: The Pooka
Date: 19 Apr 02 - 10:39 PM

Ain't he though? Masato powers the Mudcat. Thank you also, Masato, for the Robbie O'Connell website. / I'm kickin' meself that I didn't make it to either of Robbie's concert(s)last month with his Uncle Liam, the renowned author.

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: You're not Irish
From: Big Mick
Date: 20 Apr 02 - 09:18 AM

And thanks to michaelr for asking. I have been looking for this song to sing when I get a request for The Unicorn, or Danny Boy.

Mick

Subject: RE: Lyr/Chords Req: You're Not Irish (Robbie O'Connell
From: sciencegeek
Date: 12 Jul 13 - 09:51 AM

LOL... I found this thread while looking for the lyrics

earlier in the week we were at a wine tasting in the small local shop & the owner mentioned this song & insisted that it was by some obsure songwriter... well, truth be told in 1985 this wasn't too far from the truth... and didn't believe me when I credited it to Robbie.

Now... the oldtimers doen't help much, but I remembered Robbie singing this shortly after it was written & talking about what inspired it... so I was pretty certain that I remembered him as the author. Robbie & Mick Moloney were performing together and doing workshops for our little folk festival at the time... so much music, so little sleep... LOL

and now I can help get the facts straight in one small corner... I've always enjoyed Robbie's songs... they are gems.