Any true Irish ballad must be certain to contain at least two of the following elements:
1. Be maniacally happy.
2. Be maniacally sad.
3. Blame the English for everything bad that has happened to the Irish.
4. Celebrate an Irishman who left Ireland as soon as he was able.
5. A celebration of the charms of rural Ireland written by someone who would have sooner died than leave Dublin.
6. Mention the IRA, without mentioning that during the 20’s many Irish said the letters actually stood for I Ran Away.
7. Be about the death of a beloved pet or child.
8. Idolize near alcoholism.
9. Mention Saint Patrick or a leprechaun.
- Throw in a few Irish Gaelic phrases for the singer to mispronounce.
“And, I’ll play the wild rover no never no more.”
From the Boys of Wexford, “. . . Fought with heart and hand to burst in twain the galling chain and free our native land.”
You left out, “How would you like a punch in the nose?”
Anyhow, Erin Go Bragh!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all.
The absolute best
https://youtu.be/nmNSCiSp0pM
“The Irish Ballad” by Joe Bethencourt.
For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that God made mad,
For all their wars are merry,
And all their songs are sad.
–G.K. Chesterton
Happy St. Patrick’s Day, all!