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Going for Brogue
Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent
Marc Gunn
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn. All rights reserved.
This ebook is free and you are welcome to copy it, print it out,
post it and share it with friends. Please don’t sell it or alter it.
The links in this PDF file work... just click on one to go to the web.
For more about Marc Gunn, please visit
www.marcgunn.com
www.irish-song-lyrics.com
www.pubsong.com
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Table of Contents
Creating a Celtic Lyrics Directory.................................................................................. 3
The Birth of a Brogueish Idea......................................................................................... 3
At Last, I'm Going for Brogue!....................................................................................... 4
Life Goals........................................................................................................................ 5
Education and help fellow musicians ..................................................................... 5
Support Non-Profits ................................................................................................ 6
Make Music and Art ............................................................................................... 6
Going for Brogue Song Lyrics........................................................................................ 7
A Drop of Nelson's Blood (Roll the Golden Chariot Along) ..................................... 7
Holy Ground ............................................................................................................... 8
The Night Paddy Murphy Died................................................................................. 10
Isn't It Grand Boys .................................................................................................... 12
Botany Bay................................................................................................................ 13
Old Fenian Gun......................................................................................................... 14
The Mermaid Song ................................................................................................... 15
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye ....................................................................................... 17
Irish Rover ................................................................................................................ 19
The Humours of Whiskey......................................................................................... 21
Whiskey in the Jar..................................................................................................... 23
Fiddlers Green........................................................................................................... 25
Haul Away Joe.......................................................................................................... 26
All For Me Grog ....................................................................................................... 27
The Bonnie Ship the Diamond.................................................................................. 28
The Foggy Dew......................................................................................................... 30
Rattlin' Bog (Bog Down in the Valley) .................................................................... 32
Whiskey, Johnny! ..................................................................................................... 33
Mingulay Boat Song ................................................................................................. 35
Marc Gunn Discography............................................................................................... 36
Solo CDs ............................................................................................................... 36
Compilations, Brobdingnagian Bards, and Misc CDs I've Performed On ........... 37
About the Song Book
The song lyrics in this ebook were taken from my www.Irish-Song-Lyrics.com. The
lyrics I tried to update to what I sang on the CD. Thus, there may be differences from
traditional song lyrics. The chords are what I played on the autoharp at the time of
recording. Changes may occur to both website and the way I play live as I learn more and
more about music theory. Songs without chords were either a cappella or recorded
without the autoharp. Keep an eye on the lyrics directory for chords in the future. Thanks
for your patience, and I hope you enjoy the book.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Creating a Celtic Lyrics Directory
When I started playing Irish music in 1999, I was in a weird situation. I knew very few
Celtic songs and there were very few websites that could help me. You see, I don't read
music easily, and I know very little about music theory. When I went searching for lyrics
online, I wanted lyrics, chords, and to hear a melody, but there were no websites that
offered that service. Cantaria was the closest, but you had to download a bulky 30 sec
wav file. That worked okay, but to me, that's just stupid. I want to listen to the song and
not add it to my digital clutter. So I started the Brobdingnagian Bards lyric directory.
I created a website for people like me. Soon, our lyrics directory, combined with
MP3.com and the ability to stream music straight from the directory, became our biggest
promotional tool. We made thousands of new fans just by sharing our lyrics and the
music that we recorded for our lyrics. And of course, every time we recorded more
music, I added more lyrics to the website.
Trouble struck in 2005, after we finished recording Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales. We
stopped recording new music. By this time, I decided that one of my life goals was to
keep alive traditional Irish music. I loved my Celtic Lyrics Directory, but I wanted... I
needed to see it grow. But to do that, I need to record new Celtic songs.
It was then that I decided to start Irish-Song-Lyrics.com. This site would be different
from the Bards Celtic Lyric Directory in one distinct way, I would include lyrics, chords
and streaming MP3s to listen to songs that I may not know.
Say wha'?
I started by recording a few songs I knew. Nothing fancy, just me and the autoharp. A
couple of those songs ended up on The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs in 2006. But
the lyric directory wasn't going anywhere. I wasn't adding new lyrics.
The Birth of a Brogueish Idea
So in mid-2006, I came up with a weird idea, "Perhaps I can just read the lyrics straight
from a piece of paper and record a song?" It would require virtually no pre-production
time, and the post-production mix could be quiet simple. Best of all the lyrics directory
would continue to grow.
I sat down with my autoharp and recorded a couple songs. They went online almost
immediately in the early version of my Pub Songs Podcast. It kinda worked.
About that time, a marketing idea came to me. The idea was to create a faux band, that
is, a band that does not technically exist, but that might do well when marketing it online.
ITunes had just sprung up. It was very similar to the old MP3.com in how it worked. You
needed good keywords to sell well. I decided I would record a short CD that I would
release on CD Baby and iTunes and see if I could improve sales of the album by using
good keywords.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
So late one evening in 2006, I sat down with my autoharp and a bunch of song lyrics. I
recorded for two hours, about twenty songs. I didn't stop to edit or make the performance
perfect. I just recorded. And I recorded with an Irish accent. I then picked the best of
those performances and created my faux band and CD--4 Irish Whiskey Pub Songs by 4
Irish Whiskey.
I placed the CD on CD Baby and posted the lyrics to my Irish Songs & Lyrics
directory. It quickly climbed the charts on iTunes, and sold fairly well. I then tried an
alternate album with A Collection of Irish Pub Songs by Irish Stout, that featured three
new songs added to the 4 Irish Whiskey CD. That album didn't do as well, but I learned.
While recording a Pirate edition of the Renaissance Festival Podcast, I created a
rogueish character called "Captain Black Jack" Murphy, who captained a ship called Irish
Stout. In the Fall of 2007, I decided to record some sea shanties using a book a fan sent
me. I decided to do so with the pirate persona to do some more marketing.
As I started recording, I got more and more creative. I added background vocals, then
additional instrumentation. It was my first fully produced CD at home. And it sounded
pretty decent. It retained that LIVE feel that I love and, like the CDs before it, served to
test a new market online.
At Last, I'm Going for Brogue!
All in all, my lyrics directory has not grown as fast as I originally hoped. That's why I
decided to compile the songs from the three previous albums onto one CD and release it
under my name. I felt it was time to officially share this music with my fans, and to set
new goals for my Irish Songs & Lyrics directory.
Yes, the plan is to release at least one new Celtic song per month via the MarcSongs
Podcast, and then compile those songs into another CD. No, these future CDs (proabably)
won't be sung with an accent. But you never know. My music progresses in weird ways-some musical, and some, well... promotional. This means I may release another faux
band in the future. So there may be something else that's kinda rogueish or kinda
brogueish.
Whatever the case, I love recording new music. I greatly appreciate that you are
interested in being a part of my musical experience.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Life Goals
I used to think New Year’s Resolutions were kinda a shame, but in 2006, I wanted to see
growth. So I decided to make a list of goals for the year. Those eventually evolved into
my Life Goals. They are a continual work in progress, but I’d like to share them as they
are right now.
Life Goals:
1. Educate and help fellow musicians
2. Support non-profits
3. Make music and art
Education and help fellow musicians
My music education began in 1996 when I started managing a rock band called Plow
Monday in Austin, Texas. The band dreamed of being “signed to a label,” so I set about
learning what it took to achieve that dream.
Lo and behold, I learned you needed education. I stopped managing the band, because I
learned I was handicapping them. Yes, the “overnight” success stories do happen, but
usually it comes from hard work. If you’re in a band and you want to succeed, you need
to educate yourself and learn how to promote yourself. It’s not just a career change, it’s a
life change. If you’re not willing to do that, and you rely on someone else to run your
career, you’re very likely to run off a cliff.
In 2000, there was very little free information available for upcoming music groups to
educate themselves online. So I started The Bards Crier Music Marketing & Promotion
Ezine (www.bardscrier.com). The ezine became extremely popular among Do-ItYourself musicians, but it was only the start.
I then started the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine (www.celticmp3s.com) to give a voice
to independent Celtic musicians. The magazine featured Celtic groups who offered free
music downloads. It continues to grow today.
This was when I started the Celtic Lyrics directory (www.thebards.net/music) too. I
had no idea how successful that website would be come. Traditional Celtic songs live so
long because they tell great stories. They’re fun. They’re sing-able. Now my Irish Songs
& Lyrics (www.irish-song-lyrics.com) directory keeps that tradition alive so other
musicians can learn new songs even if they only learn by ear.
The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast (www.celticmusicpodcast.com) and the Renaissance
Festival Podcast (www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com) are the latest additions addition to
my goal of helping fellow musicians. With these programs, I am able to share nichespecific music to a community that wants to hear it, while bringing new fans to the
musicians who share their music here.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Support Non-Profits
I must admit, I’m not the most generous of people by nature. I see someone begging on
the side of the road, and I typically ignore them. That’s easy to do because as an
independent musician, I don’t make a lot of money. By the IRS standards, I’m living in
poverty.
Yet despite my financial desolation, I have a huge desire to help people. It makes me
feel good. Music education is one way of helping people, but I decided several years ago
that I could find another way of fighting human nature by supporting non-profits.
I started by creating compilation CDs through the Celtic MP3s Music Magazine. I
decided that all the money earned from the album sales would be donated to Celtic nonprofits. The albums did well, but knowing I was helping the Celtic community made me
feel good. I decided to expand that.
So when I paid off released Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I decided to turn that
into a partial non-profit by donating a portion of the profits to cat charities.
Now I give several over a thousand dollars each Quarter to non-profit organizations. I
feel like I run a happier business. You see, I feel it is important to support things you are
passionate about. Corporations and governments are unable to help individuals. That’s
why smaller charities are started, to achieve a goal that is unattainable with bureaucracy.
But I admit, it is not an easy task to give away money that you need. It took great will
for me to say, “This is not my money. It belongs to the community.” Once I did that I
found something that you don’t get from hording money in your pocket—true joy at
knowing you are helping someone or something for the betterment of society.
Make Music and Art
For me, music and art are a way of life. I love creating it. I love sharing it. And I don’t
entirely care if I get paid for it, as long as I am bringing joy to someone else’s life, or
helping someone to meet their dreams. For me, it all started with a dream.
I joined Amway in college. My upline told me that with Amway your dreams come
true. Then he asked, “What dreams would you like to see a reality?”
I think he meant to ask, what physical things do you want--A car, a house, traveling
around the world? Those weren’t my dreams. When I was a kid, I loved Elvis Presley,
and I wanted to him. It was then I decided to become a musician. It is a dream that has
come true.
Now when I want to travel, I book gigs to help pay for the journey. I record new music
and share it with my fans. All I hope for is a little feedback, and someone to share what
they find with their friends. As that is what helps me continue making music.
My artistic skills are not nearly as developed as my music skills, but I love making art
too. I’m novice painter, a writer, a photographer, and a poet. And my hope, my dream, is
that one day I might turn those skills into something that will continue to support my
dream of sharing my music and art with the world.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Going for Brogue Song Lyrics
A Drop of Nelson's Blood (Roll the Golden Chariot Along)
Traditional
A drop of Nelson's blood wouldn't do us any harm (3x)
And we'll all hang on behind.
chorus:
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll roll the old chariot along.
So we'll roll the old chariot along
An' we'll all hang on behind!
A plate of Irish stew wouldn't do us any harm...
A nice fat cook wouldn't do us any harm...
A roll in the clover wouldn't do us any harm...
A long spell in gaol wouldn't do us any harm...
A round on the house wouldn't do us any harm...
A glass of hot whiskey wouldn't do us any harm...
If the devil's in the road, we'll roll it over him...
KEY Bb
verse/chorus:
Bb Bb Bb Bb
FFFF
Bb Bb Bb Bb
Eb F Bb
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Holy Ground
Traditional
Fare thee well, my lovely Dinah,
a thousand times adieu.
We are bound away from the Holy Ground
and the girls we love so true.
We'll sail the salt seas over
and we'll return once more,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.
You're the girl that I adore,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.
Now when we're out a-sailing
and you are far behind
Fine letters will I write to you
with the secrets of my mind,
The secrets of my mind, my girl,
you're the girl that I adore,
And still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.
Oh now the storm is raging
and we are far from shore;
The poor old ship she's sinking fast
and the riggings they are tore.
The night is dark and dreary,
we can scarcely see the moon,
But still I live in hope to see
the Holy Ground once more.
It's now the storm is over
And we are safe and well.
We will go into a public house
And we'll sit and drink like hell (our fill)
We will drink strong ale and porter
and we'll make the rafters roar,
And when our money is all spent
we'll go to sea once more.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Holy Ground” cont.
KEY C
verse:
C G7 C-G7 C
C G7 C C
CFFG
G-C C G
G C G7 C
C C F C-G7
F F-C-F-C
C G7 C C
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Night Paddy Murphy Died
Johnny Burke (1851-1930)
Oh the night that Paddy Murphy died, is a night I'll never forget
Some of the boys got loaded drunk, and they ain't got sober yet;
As long as a bottle was passed around every man was feelin' gay
O'Leary came with the bagpipes, some music for to play
Chorus:
And that's how they showed their respect for Paddy Murphy
That's how they showed their honour and their pride
They said it was a sin and a shame and they winked at one another
Now every drink in the wakehouse went, the night Pat Murphy died
Mrs. Murphy sat in the corner, pourin' out her grief
When Kelly and his friends, came roaring down the street
They crept into an empty room and a bottle of whiskey stole
They placed the bottle on the corpse to keep the liquor cold
At three o'clock in the morning, after emptying the jug
Doyle rose up the coffin lid to see poor Paddy's mug
He stopped the clock so Mrs. Murphy couldn't tell the time
And at a quarter after three, they argued it was nine.
And everyone got merry, they didn't care for prayer
Mrs. Murphy said she'd wait 'til all the gang were there
Of all the sights I've ever seen that made me shiver with fear
They took the ice right off the corpse, and placed it on the beer
Now everything was doin' fine, there was no ill at all
'Til Finnegan told Callaghan, "You've got an awful gall."
I thought that that might start a row, And sure enough it did
For Callaghan had carved his name upon the coffin lid
Then the fight got fierce & strong, everyone was in
Someone knocked the whiskers off poor old Darby Flynn
And Dirty Andy Burke was there, now whadda ya think he done?
He placed the corpse right on its head, in the corner just for fun
Someone hollered for the cops; they busted down the door
They jumped upon ol' Paddy's back and they laid him on the floor
They knocked him twice behind the ears and they knocked him on the head
When they jumped up from his back, sure they found out he was dead
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Night Paddy Murphy Died” cont.
Mrs. Murphy started in, battled with them cops
She chased 'em, every one of them; she chased 'em several blocks
A lovely time was had by all, eighteen in court were tried
For having caused a riot on the night Pat Murphy died
At eight o'clock in the morning, the procession left the house
And everyone but poor ol' Mrs. Murphy was out soused
They stopped on the way to the churchyard at the old Red Door Saloon
They staggered in at nine o'clock and didn't come out 'til noon
Someone asked ol' Finnegan if anyone had died
"Lou," says he, "I'm not quite sure, I just came for the ride."
They started out for the graveyard, all holy and sublime,
But found out when they got there, they'd left the corpse behind
Oh the night that Paddy Murphy died, is a night I'll never forget
Some of the boys got loaded drunk, and they ain't got sober yet;
As long as a bottle was passed around every man was feelin' gay
O'Leary came with the bagpipes, some music for to play
KEY D
Verse:
DDGD
DDGD
DDGD
Chorus:
DDGD
D D G A7
DDGD
D D D-G A-D
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Isn't It Grand Boys
Traditional
Look at the coffin with golden handles
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Let's not have a sniffle,
Let's have a bloody good cry
And always remember the longer you live,
The sooner you'll bloody well die
Look at the preacher, bloody well santified (bloody sanctimonious)
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the choir boys, bloody castrati
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the widow, bloody great female
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the mourners, bloody great hippocrites
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the flowers, all bloody wilted
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the tombstone, bloody great boulder
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
Look at the whiskey, in buckets and bottles
Isn't it grand boys to be bloody well dead?
KEY C
verse:
CCFF
CCGG
chorus:
CCCC
FFCC
FFCC
GFC
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Botany Bay
Traditional
Farewell to your bricks and mortar,
Farewell to your dirty lies.
Farewell to your gangways and your gang planks,
And to hell with your overtime.
For the good ship Ragamuffin is lying at the Quay,
For to take poor Pat with a shovel on his back
To the shores of Botany Bay.
Well I'm on my way down to the quay where the ship at anchor lays
To command a gang of navys that I was told to engage
I stopped in for to drink awhile before I go away.
For to take a trip on an emigrant ship to the shores of Botany Bay.
Well the boss came up this morning, and he said "Well now Pat you know
If you didn't get those navvys out I'm afraid you'll have to go"
So I asked him for my wages and demanded all my pay
And I told him straight, I'm gonna emigrate to the shores of Botany Bay.
And when I reach Australia I'll go and search for gold.
There's plenty there for a'digging, or so I have been told.
Or else I'll go back to my trade and a hundred bricks I'll lay
Because I live for an eight hour shift on the shores of Botany Bay.
KEY Bm
verse/chorus:
Bm Bm
GD
Bm Bm
AA
Bm Bm
GD
Bm Bm
DA
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Old Fenian Gun
Traditional
It hung above the kitchen fire. It's barrel long and brown
And one day with a boy's desire, I climbed and took it down
My father's eyes in anger flashed. He cried ""what have you done?!
I wish you'd left it where it was, That's my old Fenian gun"".
I fondled it with love and pride. I looked it o'er and o'er
I placed it on my shoulder And I marched across the floor
My father's anger softened And he shared my boyish fun
"Ah, well"" he said "'tis in your breed like that old Fenian gun".
I remember '67 well when lads like you and me
All thought we'd strike another blow to set old Ireland free.
But broken were our golden hopes I was long months on the run
But it did good work for Ireland then that brown old Fenian gun.
I was down then in Killaluk t'was the hottest fight of all.
And you can see he burned his arm there's a mark still on the ball
I hope the young lads growing now will hold the ground we won
And not disgrace the cause in which I held that Fenian gun
I placed it o'er the fire once more. I heard my father sigh
I knew his thoughts were turning back on days now long gone by
And then I vowed within my heart I'll be my father's son
And if ever Ireland wants my aid I'll hold the Fenian gun.
That's years ago I've grown a man And I've weathered many a gale
This last long year's been spent inside a gloomy English jail
I've done my part I'll do it still Until the fight is won
When Ireland's free she'll bless the men Who held the Fenian gun.
One of my favourite rebel songs, recorded by many Irish artists, such as
Sean Dunphy, Pat Daly, and Willie Brady. BO'B
KEY G
verse/chorus:
G C G C G D G
G C G D
G C G Am C D
C C G G G-D-G
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Mermaid Song
Traditional/additional lyrics Marc Gunn
Twas Friday morn when we set sail
And we were not far from the land
When the captain, he spied a lovely mermaid
With a comb and a glass in her hand
O the ocean's waves will roll
And the stormy winds will blow
While we poor sailors go skipping to the top
And the landlubbers lie down below (below, below)
And the landlubbers lie down below
Then up spoke the captain of our gallant ship,
And a brave old man was he,
He said, "This fishy mermaid has warned me of our doom:
We shall sink to the bottom of the sea!" chorus
And up spoke the mate of our gallant ship
And a well-spoken man was he
I have me a wife in Salem by the sea
And tonight she a widow will be
And up spoke the cookie of our gallant ship
And a red hot cookie was he
Saying I care much more for my pots and my pans
Than I do for the bottom of the sea
Then up spoke the cabinboy, of our gallant ship
And a nasty little lad was he.
I'm not quite sure I can spell "mermaid"
But I'm going to the bottom of the sea.
Then up spoke the cannibal who snuck aboard our ship
And a hungry mad invader was he
You can drown right now beneath the cold ocean waves
Or you can be dinner for three, your choice
Then up spoke the parrot of our gallant ship
And a smartarse parrot was she
Brawk, you're going to drown, your going to drown, Brawk
And flew to the shore for her safety
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Mermaid Song” cont.
Then three times around went our gallant ship
And three times around went she
Three times around went our gallant ship
And she sank to the bottom of the sea
KEY G
verse:
GGCC
C D7 G
GGCC
C D7 G
chorus:
GGGG
G G D7 D7
GGCC
C D7 G
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye
Traditional
While goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo
While goin' the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo
While goin' the road to sweet Athy,
A stick in me hand and a drop in me eye,
A doleful damsel I heard cry,
Johnny I hardly knew ye.
Chorus:
With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo, hurroo
With your guns and drums and drums and guns,
The enemy nearly slew ye
Oh my darling dear, Ye look so queer
Johnny I hardly knew ye.
Where are the eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the eyes that were so mild, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the eyes that were so mild,
When my heart you so beguiled
Why did ye sci-daddle from me and the child
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye
Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo, hurroo
Where are the legs with which you run,
When first you went to carry a gun
Indeed your dancing days are done
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg, hurroo, hurroo
Ye haven't an arm, ye haven't a leg,
Ye're an armless, boneless, chickenless egg
Ye'll have to put with a bowl out to beg
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo
I'm happy for to see ye home, hurroo, hurroo
I'm happy for to see ye home,
All from the island of Ceylon;
So low in the flesh, so high in the bone
Oh Johnny I hardly knew ye
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye” cont.
Last chorus:
...the enemy never slew ye
Oh, my darling dear you look so queer
Key Dm
verse/chorus:
Dm Bb F
Dm Bb F
FC
Bb A7
Dm C Bb A7
Dm C Dm
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Irish Rover
Traditional
In the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and six
We set sail from the sweet Cobh of Cork
We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks
For the grand city hall in New York
'Twas an elegant craft, she was rigged fore and aft
And how the wild wind drove her
She could stand a great blast in her twenty seven masts
And we called her the Irish Rover
There was Barney McGee from the banks of the Lee
There was Hogan from County Tyrone
There was Johnny McGuirk who was scared stiff of work
And a chap from Westmeath called Malone
There was Slugger O'Toole who was drunk as a rule
And fighting Bill Tracy from Dover
And your man Mick McCann from the banks of the Bann
Was the skipper of the Irish Rover
We had one million bags of the best Sligo rags
We had two million barrels of stones
We had three million sides of old blind horses hides
We had four million barrels of bones
We had five million hogs, six million dogs
We had seven million barrels of porter
We had eight million bales of old nanny goat tails
In the hold of the Irish Rover
We had sailed seven years when the measels broke out
And our ship lost it's way in the fog
Then the whole of the crew was reduced down to two
Just myself and the captain's old dog
The ship struck a rock, Lord what a shock
The boat, it was flipped right over
Turned nine times around and the poor old dog was drowned
I'm the last of the Irish Rover
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“Irish Rover” cont.
Key G
verse:
CCCF
C C Am G
CCCF
CCGC
CCGG
CCGG
CCCF
CCGC
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Humours of Whiskey
Traditional
Let your quacks and newspapers be cuttin' their capers
And curing the vapors the scratch and the gout,
With their medical potions, their pills and their lotions
Upholding their notions, they're mighty put out.
Who can tell the true physics of all things pathetic,
And pitch to the devil, cramp, colic and spleen.
You'll know it I think if you take a big drink
With your mouth to the brink of a jug of poteen
So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature
For drowning your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh what moderation gives hope to a nation
Can give consolation like poteen me boys.
No liquid cosmetic to lovers athletic
Or ladies pathetic can give such a bloom
As the sweet by the powers in the garden of flowers
E'er gave their own bowers such a darling perfume.
And this liquid so rare if you willingly share
To be taking your hair when it's frizzled and dead.
Oh the sod has the merit to yield the true spirit,
So strong it will shake all the hairs from your head
So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature
For drowning your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh since its perfection, no doctor's direction
Can cleanse the complexion like poteen me boys.
As a child in me cradle, the nurse from her ladle
Was swillin her mouth with a notion of Pep.
When a drop from her bottle fell into my throttle.
I capered and scrambled right out of her lap
On the floor I lay crawlin' and screaming and bawling
'Til me mother and father were called to the fore.
All sobbing and sighing they feared I was dying.
They found I was only crying for more.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Humours of Whiskey” cont.
So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature
For drowning your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh lord how I'd chuckle if babes in their truckle
Could only be suckled on poteen me boys.
Through youthful digressions and times of depression,
My childhood's impression still clung to my mind.
And at school or at college, the basis of knowledge
I never could gulp 'til with whiskey combined.
And as older I'm growing times e'er bestowin'
On Erin's potation, a flavor so fine;
And how ere they may lecture on Jove and his nectar
Itself is the only true liquid divine.
So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature
For drowning your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh lord, 'tis the right thing for courting and fighting
There's naught so exciting as poteen me boys.
Come guess me this riddle: what beats pipes and fiddle?
What's hotter than mustard and wilder than cream?
What best wets your whistle? What's clearer than crystal?
What's sweeter than honey and stronger than steam?
What will make the dumb talk? What will make the lame walk?
The elixir of life and philospher's stone.
And what helped Mr. Brunel to dig the Thames Tunnel?
Wasn't it poteen from ould Inishowen?
So stick to the cratur' the best thing in nature
For drowning your sorrows and raising your joys.
Oh lord, it's no wonder, if lightning and thunder
Was made from the plunder of poteen me boys.
KEY D
Chords:
DADE
E A C#m A
DAEA
A F#m E A D
A F#m E A E7 A
A F#m A
C#m D E A
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Whiskey in the Jar
Traditional
As I was going over the Cork and Kerry mountains
I met with Captain Farrell and his money he was counting.
I first produced my pistol, and I then produced my rapier.
And said stand and deliver, for I am a bold deceiver,
musha ring dumma do damma da
whack for the daddy 'ol
whack for the daddy 'ol
there's whiskey in the jar
I counted out his money, and it made a pretty penny.
I put it in my pocket and I brought it home to Jenny.
She said and she swore, that she never would deceive me,
but the devil take the women, for they never can be easy
I went into my chamber, all for to take a slumber,
I dreamt of gold and jewels and for sure it was no wonder.
But Jenny took my charges and she filled them up with water,
and sent for captain Farrel to be ready for the slaughter.
It was early in the morning, before I rose to travel,
the guards were all around me and likewise captain Farrel.
I first produced my pistol, for she stole away my rapier,
but I couldn't shoot the water so a prisoner I was taken.
If anyone can aid me, it's my brother in the army,
if I can find his station in Cork or in Killarney.
And if he'll come and save me, we'll go roving near Kilkenny,
and I swear he'll treat me better than me darling sportling Jenny
Now some men take delight in the drinking and the roving,
but others take delight in the gambling and the smoking.
But I take delight in the juice of the barley,
and courting pretty fair maids in the morning bright and early
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“Whiskey in the Jar” cont.
KEY C
verse:
C Am
F C G
C Am
F C G
chorus:
G C
F CGC
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Fiddlers Green
John Connolly
As I walked by the dockside one evening so fair
To view the salt waters and take in the salt air
I heard an old fisherman singing a song
Oh, take me away boys me time is not long
ch
Wrap me up in me oilskin and blankets
No more on the docks I'll be seen
Just tell me old shipmates, I'm taking a trip mates
And I'll see you someday on Fiddlers Green
Now Fiddlers Green is a place I've heard tell
Where the fishermen go if they don't go to hell
Where the skies are all clear and the dolphins do play
And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away
Where the skies are all clear and there's never a gail
And the fish jump on board with one swish on their tail
Where you lie at your leisure, there's no work to do
And the skipper's below making tea for the crew
Now I don't want a harp nor a halo, not me
Just give me a breeze and a good rolling sea
I'll play me old squeeze-box as we sail along
With the wind in the riggin to sing me a song
KEY C
verse:
C F G G
G F C G
F G C
C F C G7
chorus:
C G C
F G
F
C
C F G C
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Haul Away Joe
Traditional
When I was a little lad and so me mother told me,
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe.
That if I did not kiss the girls me lips would grow all moldy.
Way haul away, we'll haul away Joe.
Way haul away, we're bound for better weather.
Away haul away, we'll haul away Joe.
Way haul away, we'll haul away together.
Away haul away, we'll haul away Joe.
King Louis was the king of France before the revolution.
And then he got his head chopped off. It spoiled his constitution.
Saint Patrick was a gentleman. He came from decent people.
He built a church in Dublintown and on it put a steeple.
Once I was in Ireland a'digging turf and taties.
But now I'm on a Yankee ship a haulin' on the braces.
Once I had a German girl, but she was fat and lazy.
But now I got an Irish girl. She damn near drove me crazy.
Way haul away, rock and roll me over.
Way haul away, well roll me in the clover.
KEY Am
verse/chorus:
Am Em Dm Em
Am Em Dm Am
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
All For Me Grog
Traditional
Well it's all for me grog, me jolly jolly grog
It's all for me beer and tobacco
For I spent all me tin with the lassies drinking gin
Far across the western ocean I must wander
Where are me boots, me noggin', noggin' boots?
They're all gone for beer and tobacco
For the heels they are worn out and the toes are kicked about
And the soles are looking out for better weather
Where is me shirt, my noggin', noggin' shirt?
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
For the collar is all worn, and the sleeves they are all torn
And the tail is looking out for better weather
I'm sick in the head and I haven't been to bed
Since first I came ashore with me slumber
For I spent all me dough on the lassies movin' slow
Far across the Western Ocean I must wander
Where is me bed, me noggin' noggin bed
It's all gone for beer and tobacco
Well I lent it to a whore and now the sheets are all tore
And the springs are looking out for better whether.
Where is me wench, me noggin' noggin' whence
She's all gone for beer and tobacco
Well her (clap) is all worn out and her (clap) is knocked about
And her (clap) is looking out for better whether.
KEY G
verse/chorus:
GGCG
GGDD
GGCG
G D D7 D
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Bonnie Ship the Diamond
Traditional
The Diamond is a ship, my lads
For the Davis Strait we're bound
The quay it is all garnished
With bonnie lasses 'round
Captain Thompson gives the order
To sail the ocean wide
Where the sun it never sets, my lads
Nor darkness dims the sky
For it's cheer up my lads
Let your hearts never fail
For the bonnie ship the Diamond
Goes a-hunting for the whale
Along the quay at Peterhead
The lasses stand aroon
Wi' their shawls all pulled around them
And the saut tears runnin' doon
Don't you weep, my bonnie wee lass
Though you be left behind
For the rose will grow on Greenland's ice
Before we change our mind
Here's a health to the Resolution
Likewise the Eliza Swan
Three cheers for the Battler of Montrose
And the Diamond, ship of fame
We wear the trousers o' the white
The jackets o' the blue
When we get back to Peterhead
We'll hae sweethearts enou'
It will be bright both day and night
When the Greenland lads come hame
Our ship full up with oil, my lads
And money to our name
We'll make the cradles for to rock
And the blankets for to tear
And every lass in Peterhead sing
"Hushabye, my dear"
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Bonnie Ship the Diamond” cont.
KEY Dm
verse:
Dm Am
Dm Am
Dm Am
C Dm
chorus:
Dm C
Dm Dm
Am Am
Dm Am
C Dm
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
The Foggy Dew
Charles O'Neill
'Twas down the glen one Easter morn
To a city fair rode I.
When armed line of marching men
In squadrons passed me by.
No pipes did hum, no battle drum
Did sound its loud tattoo
But the Angelus bell o'er the Liffey's swell
Rang out in the foggy dew.
Right proudly high over Dublin town
They hung out a flag of war.
'Twas better to die 'neath an Irish sky
Than at Suvla or Sud el Bar.
And from the plains of Royal Meath
Strong men came hurrying through;
While Brittania's huns with their great big guns
Sailed in through the foggy dew.
O' the night fell black and the rifles' crack
Made "Perfidious Abion" reel
'Mid the leaden rail, seven tongues of flame
Did shine o'er the lines of steel.
By each shining blade a prayer was siad
That to Ireland her sons be true,
And when morning broke still the war flag shook
Out its fold in the foggy dew
'Twas England bade our wild geese go
That small nations might be free.
But their lonely graves are by Suvla's waves
On the fringe of the gray North Sea.
But had they died by Pearse's side
Or fought with Cathal Brugha,
Their names we'd keep where the Fenians sleep
'Neath the shroud of the foggy dew.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“The Foggy Dew” cont.
The bravest fell, and the solemn bell
Rang mournfully and clear
For those who died that Watertide
In the springing of the year.
And the world did gaze with deep amaze
At those fearless men, but few
Who bore the fight that freedom's light
Might shine through the foggy dew.
Ah, back through the glen I rode again
and my heart with grief was sore
For I parted then with valiant men
whom I never shall see more.
But to and fro in my dreams I go and
I'd kneel and pray for you,
For slavery fled, O glorious dead, when
you fell in the foggy dew.
KEY Am
verse/chorus:
Am G C Am
Am G C Am
C G C Am
Am G C Am
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Rattlin' Bog (Bog Down in the Valley)
Traditional
O-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-o
O-ro the rattlin' bog, the bog down in the valley-o
And in that bog there was a tree, a rare tree, a rattlin' tree
With the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Now on that tree there was a limb, a rare limb, a rattlin' limb
With the limb on the tree and the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Now on that limb there was a branch, a rare branch, a rattlin' branch
With the branch on the limb and the limb on the tree and the tree in the bog
And the bog down in the valley-o.
(Repeat, adding a line each time)
Now on that branch there was a twig, a rare twig, a rattlin' twig.....
Now on that twig there was a nest, a rare nest, a rattlin' nest.....
Now in that nest there was an egg , a rare egg, a rattlin' egg.....
Now in that egg there was a bird, a rare bird, a rattlin' bird.....
Now on that bird there was a feather, a rare feather, a rattlin' feather .....
Now on that feather there was a flea, a rare flea, a rattlin' flea .....
KEY D
verse/chorus:
D G D A7
D G D A7-D
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Whiskey, Johnny!
Traditional, additional lyrics Marc Gunn
O, whiskey is the life of man,
Whiskey, Johnny!
I drink whiskey when I can.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Whiskey killed my poor old dad.
Whiskey, Johnny!
And whiskey drove my mother mad.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Whiskey killed my borther Ben,
Whiskey, Johnny!
It always was since the world began.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
I took my gal to a whiskey mill,
Whiskey, Johnny!
We drank whiskey and I gave her my fill.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Whiskey from an old tin can,
Whiskey, Johnny!
I'll drink whiskey when I can.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
I drink it hot, I drink it cold,
Whiskey, Johnny!
I drink it new, I drink it old.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Whiskey up and whiskey down.
Whiskey, Johnny!
And whiskey all around the town.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Oh whiskey here and whiskey there.
Whiskey, Johnny!
Oh I'll have whiskey everywhere.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
“Whiskey, Johnny!” cont.
I'll drink whiskey when I'm in a noose.
Whiskey, Johnny!
And I'll drink whiskey with Dr. Seuss
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
A glass of grog for every man,
Whiskey, Johnny!
And a bottle full for the shanty man.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
Come along bullies and pull with a will
Whiskey, Johnny!
We're almost through. We can go it still.
Whiskey for my Johnny O!
KEY G
verse:
GGCG
GGG
CGDG
GDG
chorus:
GGCG
GGG
GDG
GDG
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Mingulay Boat Song
Hugh S. Roberton
Heel yo ho, boys; let her go, boys;
Bring her head round, into the weather,
Hill you ho, boys, let her go, boys
Sailing homeward to Mingulay
What care we though, white the Minch is?
What care we for wind or weather?
Let her go boys; every inch is
Sailing homeward to Mingulay.
Wives are waiting, by the pier head,
Or looking seaward, from the heather;
Pull her round, boys, then you'll anchor
'Ere the sun sets on Mingulay.
Ships return now, heavy laden
Mothers holdin' bairns a-cryin'
They'll return, though, when the sun sets
They'll return to Mingulay.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Marc Gunn Discography
Find the complete discography at http://www.marcgunn.com/discography.shtml.
Solo CDs
Whiskers in the Jar (2008)
The follow-up CD to 2005's highly successful album Irish Drinking Songs for Cat
Lovers. This album picks up where the last one left off while bringing lyrical
contributions from fans of the first album. It's twisted, but amazing fun.
The Gift of Cat Love (2008)
Love Celts? Love Cats? Love Continuations? Marc Gunn continues to share his love of
Celtic music and our furry friends with this preview of the upcoming CD, "Whiskers in
the Jar".
A Tribute to Love (2008)
I believe in love. It's an essential part of human existence. There are so many great
aspects to it, and not all of them are romantic: love, love lost, marriage, infatuation,
longing, lust, frustration, love for animals, places, and things. It is not all cut and dry.
There is no perfection, except perhaps in accepting the imperfection of our own
understanding.
Three Movie and TV Songs for Geeks Like Me (2007)
Original music inspired by Firefly, Stardust, Bugs Bunny and Witch Hazel.
Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion (2007)
A delightful, fun mix of Irish drinking songs with a special touch for the cat lover.
Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers (2006)
Before the Brobdingnagian Bards were formed, Marc Gunn combined his love of original
and traditional American Folk music with the love of Celtic songs. This became
"Mountain Rain" featuring some of his finest early original Celtic and Folk songs.
Soul of a Harper (2004)
Before the Brobdingnagian Bards were formed, Marc Gunn combined his love of original
and traditional American Folk music with the love of Celtic songs. This became
"Mountain Rain" featuring some of his finest early original Celtic and Folk songs.
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn
Compilations, Brobdingnagian Bards, and Misc CDs I've Performed On
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Renaissance Festival Podcast Compilation by Various Artists (2008)
4 Drunk's Sake: Live Songs from an Irish Pub by 4 Irish Whiskey (2008)
Pogue Mahone Means Kiss My Arse by "Captain Black Jack" Murphy, Pirate
Extraordinaire (2008)
LIVE: Nex Monoceroti, Per Risibus by Brobdingnagian Bards (2007)
Victims of Irish Music by Various Artists (2007)
A Collection of Irish Pub Songs by Irish Stout (2007)
The Holy Grail of Irish Drinking Songs by Brobdingnagian Bards (2006)
The Circle by Various Artists (2006)
4 Irish Whiskey Pub Songs by 4 Irish Whiskey (2006)
Christmas in Brobdingnag, Vol. 1 by Brobdingnagian Bards (2005)
Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales by Brobdingnagian Bards (2005)
Rimbosity by Rimbo (2005)
The Secret World of Celtic Rock by Various Artists (2005)
Memories of Middle Earth by Brobdingnagian Bards (2004)
A Celtic Renaissance Wedding by Brobdingnagian Bards (2003)
Songs of the Faire Folk by Various Artists (2003)
Coventina's Well by Various Artists (2003)
Extinct by Breastfed/Skander (2002)
Do Virgins Taste Better? (Than Those Who Are Not) by Brobdingnagian
Bards (2002)
A Million "Million Ducats" by Brobdingnagian Bards (2002)
Celtic Love & War by Marc Gunn (2002)
Songs of Ireland by Brobdingnagian Bards (2002)
Nagians Only, Vol 1 by Brobdingnagian Bards (2001)
Mountain Rain by Marc Gunn (2001)
A Faire To Remember by Brobdingnagian Bards (2001)
Songs of the Muse by Brobdingnagian Bards (2000)
Gullible's Travels by Brobdingnagian Bards (2000)
Marked By Great Size by Brobdingnagian Bards (1999)
October Sessions by Marc Gunn (1998)
Geography by Ichabod (1998)
Breastfed by Breastfed (1997)
Intent on World Domination by Skander (1995)
Copyright 2008 Marc Gunn