Ten Fine Irish Songs

With a name like Erin, I think it might be criminal not to enjoy Irish music. Ever since I was little, my Papaw and Nana nicknamed me "Little Irish," so I've grown up with Irish references throughout my life, especially when dealing with music. Choosing a top ten list of songs for St. Patrick's Day is a daunting task, so instead, I'll direct you to a band we heard in a pub (Nine Fine Irishmen) while in Las Vegas-Sin E Ri-Ra. They were fantastic, and we danced and sang along to each song we knew. My list includes recommendations for what you should listen to to get in the mood for St. Patrick's Day, and they are all included on Sin E Ri-Ra's CD, Nine Fine Irishmen, along with seven others.

10: Wild Colonial Boy-This song tells a story of-you guessed it, a wild colonial boy. It's a catchy song, but not my favorite.

9: Step It Out Mary-A song about courtship, Step It Out Mary is a medium-paced song that tells a story about a father and his daughter, who is hesitant to marry the man he has chosen for her. It's a wonderful story set to beautiful music.

8: Guns Of The Magnificent Seven / Beare Island / Morse Avenue-These songs are purely instrumental, but beautiful and a fine example of what Irish music should sound like. Your foot will tap along to the beat, and long to hear more after it's over!

7: Castle Kelly-Castle Kelly is a bit slower than the other songs on the list, but it allows the listener to hear the song through the fiddler's story. The strings are fantastic, both from the fiddle and the guitar.

6: Kerry-Kerry would be a perfect step-dancing song, as the beat of the music will have you tapping along with your foot and itching to get out of your seat. The song adds strings along to the beat of the drum toward the mid-point of the song, and adds to the song's uniqueness.

5: Bobby Casey's / Punch In The Dark / The Commodore-This is yet another instrumental compilation of music that aims to get you dancing, and will likely be successful if you aren't too shy.

4: Spanish Lady-This is a catchy song that will have you singing along, even if you don't know (or understand) the words, especially during the chorus! It's a fun song that you will clap along with, which is perfect for a St. Patrick's Day celebration.

3: Irish Rover-This is a fast song that will have you dancing in your seat, unless you're brave enough to get up and step along to the beat with the band. It tells of a voyage on The Irish Rover, and will keep your energy level up throughout the entire song.

2: Whiskey In The Jar-This is easily the most fun song to dance to and sing along with, and I'm not embarrassed to admit that my husband and I dance and sing to it around the house from time to time. Want to have your friends dancing at your St. Patrick's Day party? Play this song, and they'll be on their feet!

1: Seven Drunken Nights-Whether or not you're a drinker, this is a classic Irish song. You'll sing along, you'll hold up your glass, and you'll participate in the call and respond. It's a fun song, exactly as a song to celebrate St. Patrick's Day should be. Enjoy!

Careful with the green beer...it will get you every time!