Keltic Kaleidoscope
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The Cat Came Back The Cat Came Back
Henry S. Miller is alleged to have written this song around 1897. Its not clear if Henry liked cats or not but its a great song either way.
Castle of Dromore Castle of Dromore
It has been rumored that the castle in the movie 'High Spirits' may be the 'Castle of Dromore' of this lullaby
The Ship That Nerver Returned The Ship That Nerver Returned
Surprise! Its about a ship that never returned! This song was the basis for the MTA and asks a very similar question.
George M. Cohan Medley George M. Cohan Medley
Here three of George M. Cohan's most famous songs, 'Yankee Doodle Dandy,' 'Over There' and 'Your a Grand Old Flag' are sung together.
How Can I Keep From Singing How Can I Keep From Singing
Rev. Robert Lowry wrote this song in 1869 and it was made popular by Pete Seeger.
Sloop John B Sloop John B
Sloop John B describes a rather unfortunate set of occurrences due to excessive partying. Its really not good when the Sheriff gets involved.
American Pie American Pie
American Pie describes Don McLean's reaction to the death of Buddy Holly and how popular music changed from then until the song was written in the late '60's.
My Grandfather's Clock My Grandfather's Clock
Henry C. Work was visiting Piercebridge, England and stayed in an old hotel called the Geroge Hotel. In this hotel there was an old upright clock that no longer function after the owners died. Work modified the story somewhat for this song.
Coulter's Candy Coulter's Candy
Robert Coltart (pronounced Coulter) wrote this song to promote his candy. Children were very fond of his aniseed-flavoured candy. Sadly, the recipe went to the grave with him but we still have the song.
The Minstrel Boy The Minstrel Boy
The lyrics are by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) based on the Irish Aire "The Moreen" to commemorate the 1798 uprsing against the British.
George Brabazon George Brabazon
Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) is the most famous Irish composer of the Baroque era. He composed harp music for his patrons including George Brabazon.
Leaving of Liverpool Leaving of Liverpool
This is a song about a man who is going to California to find his fortune (perhaps during the Gold Rush) and then return.
O'Carolan's Draught O'Carolan's Draught
It is alleged that O'Carolan enjoyed drinking alcoholic beverages. The draught here very likely refers to the water of life, Uisce Beatha. It is more commonly known totay as whiskey!
Green Grow the Rushes Green Grow the Rushes
A traditional Scottish tune with words by Robert Burns.
Skibbereen Skibbereen
This is a song about the great famine caused by the failure of the potato crop and English greed and indifference.
Simple Gifts Simple Gifts
Simple Gifts was written about 150 years ago by Joseph Brackett for Shaker worship services but has become immensely popular. It the melody for the hymn “Lord of the Dance” and is featured prominently by the Irish dance troupe of the same name.
Flowers of Edinburgh Flowers of Edinburgh
This is a Scottish reel as might be inferred from the name since Edinburgh is in Scotland! Rumor has it that the flowers in the title don’t refer to real flowers but rather something much less pleasant.
