Hold Me Closer, Irish Step Dancer

Georgia Turvey, Writer|April 24, 2015

Georgia Turvey

Mooceuil.

So you want to spend more time listening to traditional Irish music? It’s okay. I get it. We’ve all been there. Here are the 10 songs you need to break into the genre (in no particular order):

  1. Raglan Road- Luke Kelly

Let me tell you something. This song is absolutely genius.

Favorite lyric: “Let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.”

Luke Kelly – Raglan Road + Lyrics – YouTube

 

  1. Molly Brannigan- John McCormack

Here’s what you need to know about this gem. John McCormack has the voice of an angel and he is a gift to mankind. This classic song about heartbreak is still relevant. If you’re too lazy to look it up yourself, feel free to ask Tyler Simeone to sing it you.

John McCormack ~ Molly Brannigan – YouTube

 

  1. Boolavogue- Anthony Kearns

Listen to this song when you need to cry and be inspired simultaneously.

Boolavogue – Anthony Kearns – YouTube

 

  1. The Parting Glass- Shaun Davey

This song is pretty traditional and there are a ton of different versions, but this one has a really nice instrumental section at the beginning so I have to recommend it.

Shaun Davey – The Parting Glass – YouTube

 

  1. An Spailpín Fánach- Ceoltóirí Chualann

Séan Ó Sé is life. Séan Ó Sé is love. Séan Ó Sé is the lead singer of this group that served as a bit of a precursor to the famous Irish group, the Chieftains.

An Spailpín Fánach – Seán Ó Sé, Seán Ó Riada, Ceoltóirí …

 

  1. Morning Nightcap- Lunasa

I have this disease where I chronically change songs before they’re over but I can listen to this one all the way through. No jokes. This song is uplifting and perfect for every occasion. Put the top down on your car and drive around with your friends listening to this classic.

Morning Nightcap – YouTube

 

  1. The Foggy Dew- The Chieftains & Sinéad O’Connor

In my opinion, this song is Sinéad O’Connor’s peak. The song stories the famous 1916 Easter Uprising. Interestingly enough, I have found a way to include this uprising on short answers for every standardized test I’ve taken in my high school career. Biology included.

THE CHIEFTAINS WITH SINEAD O’ CONNOR–THE FOGGY …

 

  1. The Men of the West- The Clancy Brothers

This song makes me want to fight historical battles and receive praise in song form for years to follow.

The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem -The Men of the West …

 

  1. O’Sullivan’s March- The Chieftains

Just listen to this song. It comes second only to Jesus.

The Chieftains – O’Sullivan’s March – YouTube

 

  1. Arthur McBride- Paul Brady

Only Paul Brady can sing this song. Fun fact: He played at our very own MHS a few years ago. Someone set it up as a fundraiser. My mother made me miss the show because we needed to clean. It’s okay I’m not bitter.

‘Arthur McBride’. – YouTube