The Druid’s altar and the Druid’s creed
We scarce can trace,
There is not left an undisputed deed
Of all your race,
Save your majestic song, which hath their speed,
And strength, and grace;
In that sole song, they live and love and bleed—
It bears them on thro’ space.
Thomas D’arcy McGee, from “The Celts” Poems, 1869
(THE) WILD ROVER
This is a traditional Irish drinking tune with the plot of the prodigal son. This version has a couple of “alehouse” photos from my hometown (Kellogg, Idaho).
©2023 Songwraith Media, LLC
The Foggy Dew
“The Foggy Dew” is the song I have always considered the most moving of Irish tunes. Sentiment would never allow me to perform it—the studio did. Words written against a much older tune around 1918; forbidden to be sung (or whistled) within Ireland for several years.
©2021 Songwraith Media, LLC
Bard of Armagh
If there was any doubt in anyone’s mind about the influence of Irish music on American music, The “Bard of Armagh” is a stark example! Old, old, Irish tune that you might recognize as “The Streets of Laredo.”
©2019 Songwraith Media, LLC