Favorite Celtic songs for singing

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Thompson
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 05:26 PM

Some of the old songs, no longer sung, are beautiful, like Last Rose of Summer (Nina Simone has a lovely version) and Snowy-Breasted Pearl.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Stringsinger
Date: 05 Mar 11 - 12:28 PM

The Lark in the Clear Air
The County Down
The Ash Grove
Red Is the Rose
Open The Door Quietly (nobody seems to know this song)
John Reilly

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Brian Peters
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 11:14 AM

...except that 'Maids When You're Young' would appear most likely to have had an English origin. Go here for the generally impeccable Malcolm Douglas's note on the song.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: harmonic miner
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 10:38 AM

"Maids When You're Young Never Wed an Old Man" springs to mind because I'm listening to the Dubliners with Luke Kelly at present.

A bit of a can of worms opened there at mention of 'Celtic' songs but I think most people know what you mean. Apparently not all the 'celtic' nations are genetically 'celtic', is is more of a cultural thing bt is very hard to define. Always very hard to say where a song is 'from'

They say the sad songs go deepest. But nothing wrong with a bit of huomour.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Allan Conn
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 08:36 AM

"So songs in Cornish wouldn't be Celtic but things like The Dowie Dens of Yarrow would be"

And presumably the Dowie Dens would be Celtic but a Border Ballad from the English side in the same tradition and sung in basically the same language wouldn't be :-)

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,Steve
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 07:39 AM

And no Welsh songs mentioned to boot, perhaps because they are upbeat! Or is it the need for a full choir? Cwm Rhondda anyone?

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,Allan
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 05:37 PM

"I hope you realised I was being flippant. The term "Celtic music" is, IMO, essentially meaningless."

Yes I guessed it was kind of tongue in cheek and I agree it is pretty meaningless or at very best confusing.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 11:36 AM

Sadly , these days , Celtic Music simply means its been recorded by an Irish singer or band !
Hence the inclusion of SO many contemporary songs from all over the world !

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Tootler
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 11:13 AM

Guest Allan,

I hope you realised I was being flippant.

The term "Celtic music" is, IMO, essentially meaningless. I believe it is one of those terms ("World music" is another) dreamed up by marketing people to categorise music for sale so they can put it in a box.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,Allan
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 02:53 AM

"Any song or tune from the British Isles that is not from England."

So songs in Cornish wouldn't be Celtic but things like The Dowie Dens of Yarrow would be - even though the former is from a Celtic language tradition and the latter isn't? One wonders if the original poster was meaning Celtic (as in from a Celtic language tradition) or Celtic (as in those parts of the Isles which aren't England) or Celtic (as in he means basically just Irish and Scottish type music ). I suspect it might be the latter but it is a confusing term whcih means different things to different people

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:09 PM

Britanny , as well as large chunks of Eastern Canada have VERY strong Celtic connections

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Tootler
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 07:03 PM

Any song or tune from the British Isles that is not from England.

Plus.....any song or tune that actually is from England, but somebody has sworn blind is Irish.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Tradsinger
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 06:10 AM

Define 'Celtic' (and duck quickly).

Tradsinger

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Leadfingers
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 05:20 AM

Makes a change to find an old threat about 'Celtic' songs where nearly all the songs ARE more or less Celtic - Though of course Bill Staines and Shel Siverstein WERE inserted !
How DID Shel's 'Unicorns' become Celtic ??

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Nick E
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 10:36 PM

Rambles of spring
Come to the bower.
Come Along
Come to the bower

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,searching
Date: 20 Apr 10 - 09:26 PM

I'm searching for a song and wondering if anyone knows it. I don't remember exactly how it goes, but it's about a sailor who came to shore fell in love with a woman, but the sea was his true love so he went back to it. She dressed up as a sailor and worked on his ship and he discovered her and they lived happily ever after. I really loved the song and I can't find it now. Thanks!

---

Please see this thread (click)

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From:
Date: 05 Jan 06 - 11:54 AM

I need the lyrics to the scotish song "Westering Home". do you have it?
Thank you
Mary Olivo

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 12:38 AM

Also in the digitrad at 0.0831. Enter title in search window.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 12:36 AM

You will find "Jacobites' in any decent edition of Burns. It was written by Rabbie.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From:
Date: 01 Mar 04 - 12:30 AM

Any one got the words to 'Ye Jacobites by name lend an ear lend an ear. Ye Jacobites bt name lend an ear.? I believe this was performed by the Mc.Cowmans?

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: schmuze
Date: 06 Jan 99 - 02:20 PM

Re: Mo's ideas Ho-ro My Nut Brown Maiden, you'll find on a Corries' album and the other one on a record by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Hope you find them!

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Reta
Date: 05 Jan 99 - 11:18 PM

Gosh, what a list! I just feel I must put in something to keep the thread alive.

How about the beautiful, funny love song, THE SPINNING WHEEL?

I fell in love with it's lovely melody and funny romantic words many years ago. It was the first "real" Irish ballad I had ever heard, sung by our new neighbor in Ireland. It started a great love affair with the Irish music for me. I still love it. It must be in the database. If not, I can put it on for you.

This is a great thread. I have really enjoyed it.

Blessings Reta

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From:
Date: 24 Dec 98 - 12:41 PM

English, not Celtic, but no one seems to have mentioned the great Frankie Armstrong, who specializes in strong-women type neglected ballads; her "William Taylor" is the standard, in my book; and of course there is "Nine Times a Night ..."

If I were rich, I would go to England and find a way into her workshops ...

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: johnm
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 11:45 PM

annraoi Bruach na Carraige Baine Diarmuid O Suilleabhain Clo lar-Chonnachta 1995 MOC Music 1995.. You can get it from Dufour Editions Inc. PO Box Chester Springs Pa 19425 1 800 869 5677 item CICD 115 for the Disc or CIC 115 for the cassette in its Irish Book and Music Catalog--great catalog by the way. If you want I can post the song in a day or so. John

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: silverdragon
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 10:25 PM

do anyone knows the lyrics of the plains of Kildare played by Paul Brady and Andy Irvine? please help me!

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Annraoi
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 09:24 PM

johnm, Exact Disc Ref. The ref. to Pup from Claedach intrigues me. Ref, le do thoil ? Annraoi

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Annraoi
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 09:24 PM

johnm, Exact Disc Ref. The ref. to Pup from Claedach intrigues me. Ref, le do thoil ? Annraoi

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: johnm
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 08:36 PM

That disc is "Bruach na Carraige Baine". Second fun song is My Pup Came Home From Claedeach John

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: johnm
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 08:25 PM

Just received a disc by Diarmuid O Suilleabhain and the notes to a song "An Gamhnaichin" describe it so: "This is a hilarious bawdy song which used to be sung by Tadhg O Riordain fraom Cuil Aodha." Only the Irish is given,no English translation.

Subject: Lyr Add: The Blarney Roses^^
From: Alice
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 01:03 PM

This thread is getting long, so I don't know if this one was already mentioned....

Where the Blarney Roses Grow

I requested this awhile back, and Frank Maher emailed them to me (thank's Frank).

I checked and did not find it in the database.
alice
----------
Hi Alice,
Here are the Lyrics to the Blarney Roses as taken from an Old Connie Foley Record.

'twas over in old Ireland not far from Cushindall,
One Morn I met a Coleen There,the Fairest of Them All,
'twas with My Young Affections and My Money She did go,
And She told Me She belonged to where the Blarney Roses grow.

Can anybody tell Me where the Blarney Roses grow,
It may be down in Limerick Town, or over in Mayo,
It's somewhere in the Emerald Isle but This I'd like to know,
Can anybody tell Me where the Blarney Roses grow.

Her Cheeks were like the Roses and Her Hair a Raven Hue,
And when She had done with Me,sure I was raving too,
She left Me Sorely Stranded, not a Cent she left You know,
When She told Me She belonged to where the Blarney Roses grow.

Can anybody tell Me where the Blarney Roses grow etc.

There's Roses in Killarney and the same in County Clare,
But 'pon My Word These Roses Boys, I can't find anywhere,
She Blarneyed Me and by the Power, She broke My Heart You know,
Did This Coleen that belonged to where the Blarney Roses Grow.

I hope I got all of the Words right.The Record was a bit scratchy
All the best
Frank Maher

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Bill Cameron
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 01:01 PM

But to get to topic: happy Celtic songs (especially Scottish) are like happy blues, or the legendary "pleasant hangover". They may exist, but are anomalies.

And most of them are happy for rather wrong reasons. ("Welcome Royal Charlie").

Dourly yours its a poor excuse for pickin a man's pocket etc etc]

Bill

Subject: RE: Shel Silverstein
From: Bill Cameron
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 12:52 PM

John M, anyone who would praise the writer of (excerpt)

"That man is big and ugly, and he's mean and grim.
He's gonna kick your ass with his artificial limb!
But next morning bright and early, I ran off with Peg Leg's girly,
And I also took his wooden leg, just to play it safe
But there weren't no time for laughter, cause he started hoppin after
And I keep on goin faster, but he won't give up the chase.

And I'm a three-legged man with a two legged woman,
Bein chased round the country by a one-legged fool
He's hoppin, and a floppin, and he shows no sign of stoppin
And I tell ya boys this life is hard & cruel."

-Shel Silverstein

probably listens to Art Thieme's recordings when no one else is around.

(like me)

Bill

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: alison
Date: 23 Dec 98 - 07:02 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: pegeen
Date: 07 Oct 98 - 07:39 PM

Dear OSh Yes I agree and I have most of the one's you mentioned in my repetoire - always brings the house down - particularly "Seven Drunken Nights"

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: OSh
Date: 07 Oct 98 - 05:54 PM

There are many great, happy Celtic songs. A good source is the Clancy Brothers who sing such standards as "Dicey Riley," Galway Races," "Bog Down in the Valley," "Gypsy Rover" "I'll tell my Ma," 'Brennan on the Moor" (song of a highwayman and a daring escape), "Big Strong Man," "Holy Ground" "Jolly Tinker" "Bold Thady Quill" and "Take her up to Monto" to name a few. Heck, even some of the songs were people "die" are pretty upbeat, such as "The Mermaid," and "Irish Rover" (a standard).

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Robert
Date: 07 Oct 98 - 02:36 PM

One of mt favorites is a tune by the name of "Sarah" an acapella tune which I choose to sing when-ever I can.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John M.
Date: 06 Oct 98 - 09:44 AM

Shel Silverstein - Unicorn author, is a far cry from being a Celt ! I wish we could claim him though, his poems, are brilliant.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: pegeen
Date: 05 Oct 98 - 07:59 PM

Thanks to everyone joining the discussion - particularly Barry Finn! you made my night fine lad!! I just wasn't working the base properly ( what else is new?) I must agree that the Celts are a mournful lot - it is difficult to find something that is fun without gagging on the unicorn song ad nauseum.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John Nolan
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 07:09 PM

OK,Mo...
Fritz a grand auld team tae play for,
Fritz a grand auld team tae see,
And if you know their history,
It's enough tae make yer heart go oh, oh, oh, oh...
We don't care what the animals say,
What the hell do we care?
For we only know, there gaun tae be a show,
And the Glasgow Celtic wull be there!

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Mo
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 07:02 PM

Don't be shy John - give us the words,and the tune if you can and we can all share it! Mo

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John Nolan
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 03:35 PM

My favorite Celtic song - one widely sung in Scotland - is Fritz. Surprisingly, it's not in the database.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John Nolan
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 03:34 PM

My favorite Celtic song - one widely sung in Scotland - is Fritz. Surprisingly, it's not in the database.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John Nolan
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 03:32 PM

My favorite Celtic song - one widely sung in Scotland - is Fritz. Surprisingly, it's not in the database.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John M
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 12:53 AM

You don't have to bug Joe! They are there if you check, I don't know how to drag hypertext to the letters here or I would have done it for you.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: John M
Date: 30 Sep 98 - 12:44 AM

Old Woman From Wexford, and The Town of Ballybay, ( Spelling ? ) are funny tunes. If they are not in the D.B., ask this guy Joe Offer to get them for you, if he can't ( yeah right ) I'll type them up. Good Luck !

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Jonathan
Date: 29 Sep 98 - 02:28 PM

Got the Lass of Erin's Isle! Thanks everyone. J. Speaking of resemblance; take Andrew Lammie, speed it up & substitute the lyrics & you have Farewell to Nova Scotia. Neat.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From:
Date: 27 Sep 98 - 05:03 PM

I like the Irish love songs, but as I said in another thread they are rarely sung in pubs over here because (1) there is too much din and (2) everyone wants to hear the usual rebel songs.

I think there was a separate thread on Star Of The County Down, and as I mentioned there I can see no resemblance whatsoever between the tune of that song and the tune to Banks of Newfoundland.

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: mcmud
Date: 27 Sep 98 - 12:47 AM

Has anyone mentioned Raggle Taggle Gypsy on Planxty albums? Also, The Rambling Siuler, off their After the Break Album.

I think it's genetic, too. Aside from the latter tune, and Willie and Mary (on Deanta's latest recording, and initially sad but with a happy ending), I don't much like the more upbeat tunes. -Jill McMahon

Subject: RE: Favorite Celtic songs for singing
From: Big Mick
Date: 26 Sep 98 - 08:49 PM

Great song, Ciara. By the way, I live in Michigan and my 6 year old daughters name is Ciara. She is named after a lovely young lady from Drogheda. She always gets very excited when she sees others with her name, as it is not very common, spelled properly, here in the States.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: Lyr Add: Dónal Agus Mórag
From: Ciara
Date: 26 Sep 98 - 11:33 AM

Altan performs a song on Celtic Odyssey called "Dónal Agus Mórag". It's a really spirited and upbeat wedding song from Ulster. I love it and it's one of the few songs which aren't very sad! The words are:

Bhí móran daoine uasal ann
Bhí tuatanaigh na h-Alban ann
Bhí 'n maistir scoile is an ministir ann
Bhí an laoch Mac Amhlaigh ann

Curfa:

Dónal, 'sé Dónal, 'sé Dónal a rinne an bhainis
Dónal agus Mórag a rinne an bhainis ainmeall

Bhí cearcan ann, 's bhí géanna ann
Bhí corr is doisín sgairbh ann
Seo bha iad is bhí car a' bí ann
'Sé cearc na n-éan a b'fhearr dhuibh ann

Dónal, 'sé Dónal, 'sé Dónal a rinne an bhainis
Dónal agus Mórag a rinne an bhainis ainmeall

Bhí bradáin 's bric ón Éirne ann
Is flúirse feoil na bhfia n-éan ann
Feol mart 's lao, ba bhlasta bhí
Bhí uanfheol friochta is oisfheoil ann

Dónal, 'sé Dónal, 'sé Dónal a rinne an bhainis
Dónal agus Mórag a rinne an bhainis ainmeall

Bhí 'n dí go fial 's go fairsing ann
Bhí brannda is fíon na Spáinne ann
Bhí póitín stil is mead le mil
Bhí beoir is leann na h-Éireann ann

Dónal, 'sé Dónal, 'sé Dónal a rinne an bhainis
Dónal agus Mórag a rinne an bhainis ainmeall

HTML line breaks added. -JoeClone, 17-Apr-01.