Pascal, Peggy, and Paddy

I remember when I was a kid, my Irish relatives would come to visit Canada. After dinner, we would sit around with my grandmother and her siblings, and they would tell stories and sing songs. I found it all a bit boring at the time, but looking back, I cherish these memories and think of them fondly. Everyone always seemed to have a special song that they would sing, and I remember my dad’s uncle was very good at playing the Irish tin whistle.

Music has always been a part of Irish culture. Through both the songs sung and the instruments played, Irish music often conveys a deep love of one’s country, the beauty of Ireland, its people, its struggle for independence, and the Irish story of immigration through the ages.

The famous song below was written by Phil Coulter and Bill McEwan. The song has been performed by various Irish artists, including The Dubliners, Celtic Thunder, and Dan McCabe. I feel it captures the beauty of Ireland and its landscapes.

The name of the song is Song for Ireland

Walking all the day
Near tall towers where falcons build their nests
Silver wings they fly
They know the call of freedom in their breasts
Saw Black Head against the sky
Where twisted rocks they run down to the sea
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
Stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland

Talking all the day
With true friends who try to make you stay
Telling jokes and news
Singing songs to pass the night away
Watched the Galway salmon run
Like silver dancing, darting in the sun
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
Stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland

Drinking all the day
In old pubs where fiddlers love to play
Someone touched the bow
And played a reel that seemed so grand and gay
Stood on Dingle Beach and cast
In wild foam for Atlantic bass
Living on your western shore
Saw summer sunsets, asked for more
Stood by your Atlantic Sea
And sang a song for Ireland

I'm grateful to have grown up listening to these songs, and to have spent some time with my relatives experiencing a bit of Irish culture. It's given me an appreciation for Irish music and given me memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.