6 Great Songs for St. Paddy's Day (NOT Including Danny Boy)

At the age of six, I picked up my first pair of ghillies and immersed myself into the world of Irish dancing. For many years I've participated in many St Patrick's Day Parades in Philadelphia and performed for more pubs and Irish festivals than I can count. Not only that, my maternal grandparents were from Ireland and my family has visited relatives overseas. So needless to say, I've been exposed to Irish culture most of my life, and I am proud to say that I know a thing or two about it.

For as long as I can remember, all the pubs St Paddy's Day feel the need to play Danny Boy thinking it was the "essential" Irish song. Well here's a news flash for everyone: IT'S NOT EVEN AN IRISH SONG! Yep, that Irish song you supposedly loved because it connected you with your heritage was actually written by an Englishman (http://www.standingstones.com/dannyboy.html ). If you talked to anyone from Ireland, chances are they ever really heard the song before or if they have, they can't stand it.

So if you're left wondering, "If that's not an Irish song, then I don't know what is," then no need to fear! I have 6 full-fledged Irish songs, both old and new, that'll impress your friends and family with your knowledge of Irish songs and music. And you don't even have to tell them you got it from the internet.

I've listed my 6 favorites, plus my favorite recordings courtesy of Youtube.com. (Just a disclaimer, I do not own any of the videos or articles of research).

Hope you enjoy, and have a great St Patrick's Day

Celtic Symphony

This song, if nothing else, is just too damn catchy. A folk rock song written by Brian Westfield of Wolfe Tones, it's a song in celebration for the 100^th year of the Celtic Football Club (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wolfe_Tones) laced with modern and traditional Irish composition. The song isn't really about anything riveting; the narrator goes on a mythical journey to the jungle encountering the devil, but Celtic Symphony is a just a fun, up-tempo tune that's great for any Irish celebration-yes, I even daresay that it is a drinking song.

And here's a little FYI in case you happen to hear this song performed by an Irish band: in cadence to the nonsensical chorus "Oo, ah, up-the-rah/ Say oo, ah, up-the-rah," it's not unusual to see people in the crowd raising fists in the air. So feel free to join in!

Though much respects to the original, my favorite version of this song is by one of my favorite groups growing up, a local Philadelphia group called Blackthorn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1QhpvDV7Vo

Spanish Lady

Going back in time a bit to the 19^th century (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Lady), Spanish Lady is a grand old tune about a man's description of the beautiful Spanish woman in Dublin. This traditional song is a true staple and one of the more popular ones performed by everyone from Irish folk bands to classically trained singers.

One of my favorite versions of this song is actually is done by the Irish Tenors (sort of Ireland's answer to the Three Tenors). Even if you're not really into that style of music, they really do the traditional folk song justice and sing it quite nicely. Plus I love Ronan Tynan; he's like a big teddy bear with big ears and glasses and has a tremendous voice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnw98ElmFwE. Another nice version is by the very popular Celtic Women. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHOyPLSVam4

Tell Me Ma

This one has personal sentiments for me; this is actually one of my mom's favorites growing up. This sweet little ditty is about the "belle of Belfast city" (or sometimes Dublin city). Many a boy come knocking at her door but none avail except her love, Albert Mooney. This is as catchy as they come. The chorus is something of what children would say while playing together ("I'll tell me ma when I go home/ the boys won't leave the girls alone"). The rest of the song reminds me of the type of gossip about the prettiest girl in town must've heard.

Definitely one of favorite versions is by the ever popular traditional folk bands, the Dubliners http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlBk5_gXx1Y. Another version of the song isn't particular favorite, but a good one for a party or pub scene with lots of dancing, entitled "Belle of Belfast" by Kristy MacColl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79Nb97iyZug&feature=related

Whiskey in the Jar

For obvious reasons, another favorite drinking song and one popular with Irish bands everywhere, Whiskey in the Jar, about a man's string of bad luck (he's robbed and then discover his wife or lover, Jenny, has been cheating on him), is an additional tune perfect for a St Paddy's Day keg party.

Yes, I know Metallica and Thin Lizzy covered their own versions, but I can't help but be a bit of a traditionalist and like the folk version best. But to be nice to all of you, I'll include all three in this article ... but only because you've been the best readers EVER! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46EXY4oP1Do

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TehFZ38kt6o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZDhnRo8YvQ

Come Out Ye Black and Tans

One of my personal favorites, this one will get your fighting spirit alive and make you want to start a revolution. Come Out Ye Black and Tans (sometimes just called Black and Tans), written by Dominic Behran, is a classic Irish rebel song referring to the English militant police force around the 1920s. Throughout the song, the lyrics hold a strong taunting overtone, mentioning embarrassing events in British history like losing the war with the African Zulu tribe and numerous IRA victories in Killeshandra. There are also references to England's cruelty to the Irish, such as killing the "great Parnell," a leader in the Irish independence movement, and the "heroes of 16," referring to those executed during the Easter Rising of 1916. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_out_Ye_Black_and_Tans)

No matter your knowledge of the Irish Independence, this song is a great tune and for me captures the soul of the Irish people: they're a hearty bunch with a strong love for their country and heritage. Perfect for any pub scene or just tuning it at home, this classic song with make you proud of your heritage and give you a little history lesson along the way. I've heard many versions of this song, and it's hard to perform this song poorly, but one of my favorite versions is by the group, the Irish Descendents. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3oL7KnJ1yA

Las Vegas (in the Hills of Donegal)

Don't let the title fool you; this is fun modern folk song, heavily influenced in traditional music is a staple in the Irish pub bands. Originally recorded in 1992 by Goats Don't Shave (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas_(In_the_Hills_of_Donegal) is about how County Donegal (to the west of Ireland) is out of touch with an ever increasingly industrializing Ireland. Plus, there are fun little references to pop culture icons such as Donald Trump and Mike Tyson-who knew fold music could be so current (given that it was written in 1992)?

My favorite is certainly Goats Don't Shave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL_PXBt85rY though I've also heard countless others over the years that are just as good