4 modern songs about irish history
zombie - the cranberries (1994)
"it's the same old theme since nineteen-sixteen / in your head, in your head, they're still fighting."
written in the early 90s, this grunge hit speaks on ireland's troubles with the ira in the 70s and 80s, while referencing the dublin uprising in 1916 and the subsequent war of independence.
thank god for ireland - tyrone wells (2018)
"you're an old soul, lord knows, i can see it in your eyes / there's a fire burning now."
an american's perspective on the broad history and culture of the nation, this song references the potato famine and the troubles of the 70s and 80s while assuring the listener that, "when you need me, you know there's nothing i won't do."
grace o'malley - cathie ryan (2001)
"queen of connaught by land and sea / her strength commanded fierce loyalty."
this traditional-sounding ballad recounts the story of the 17th-century pirate queen grace "granuaile" o'malley, who fiercely opposed british rule of ireland. she became a legendary figure in her time and the gaelic war hymn "óró sé do bheatha 'bhaile" references her assistance in irish rebellions multiple times.
celtic aggression - tonic (1996)
"so we sailed across the water / far away from the isle of green / it was the death of culture"
irish-american rock band tonic composed a hard-hitting ode to the irish immigrant flood after the potato famine. this song also expresses anger over british rule of early ireland, with the poignant use of a bridge in gaeilge near the end of the tune.
Anyway I Really Just Like These Songs
