"An Irish Lullaby," often known as "Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral," is a popular song with Irish-American roots rather than being a traditional Irish folk song. It was written in 1913 by James Royce Shannon (born James Royce) for the Tin Pan Alley musical production "Shameen Dhu." The song gained tremendous popularity when it...
The Dawning of the Day – Irish Song Lyrics
"The Dawning of the Day" (also known as "Fáinne Geal an Lae" in Irish) is a traditional Irish air that dates back several centuries. The melody originated in the 18th century and has been adapted for numerous sets of lyrics throughout Irish history. Two distinct versions have become prominent: one...
The Spinning Wheel – Irish Song Lyrics
"The Spinning Wheel" is a beloved traditional Irish folk song written by John Francis Waller, an Irish poet from County Limerick, who published it under the pseudonym "Jonathan Freke Slingsby" in 1865. The song portrays a tender domestic scene in a traditional Irish cottage, featuring young Eileen spinning wool while...
The Rose of Tralee – Irish Song Lyrics
"The Rose of Tralee" was written by William Pembroke Mulchinock, a wealthy merchant's son from Tralee, and was first published around 1846. It's said to be based on a true love story between Mulchinock and Mary O'Connor, a poor servant girl who worked in his family's household.According to local legend,...
I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen – Irish Song Lyrics
"I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" has an interesting history, as it's often mistakenly believed to be a traditional Irish song. It was actually written in 1875 by Thomas Westendorf, a German-American school teacher and composer from Plainfield, Illinois. He reportedly wrote the song for his homesick wife, who was...