The Beginnings of a Study on Irish Music

This semester, I have decided to study the influence of Ireland's history on its music. I traveled abroad to Ireland and Scotland over the summer for a course called Appalachia in Scotland. While there, I developed a passion for both the rich story and music of the Celtic world.

This project requires a study of general Irish history as well as a familiarity with many of Ireland's best-loved folk songs. Luckily, the Irish often incorporate their history into poems and, naturally, songs. Eric Bogle's well-loved tune "Green Fields of France", a reminder of the Irish sacrifice in World War I intended as much for the British memory as for the Irish, poignantly illustrates the needless losses suffered by so many. Another popular historical tune, "Grace", tells the story of a woman who marries her fiance just before his execution after he was caught participating in the Easter Uprising of 1916. "The Town I Loved So Well", written by Phil Coulter, describes the disruption of a peaceful life in Derry as a result of Bloody Sunday and the Troubles. A variety of other songs recall Irish history, as well.

I have studied the lyrics of many songs that I became familiar with during the past six months and have also begun study of a 50-tune anthology called "The Very Best Irish Songs and Ballads, Volume I".

My research has also included reading about Irish history so as to help myself recognize the references found in song lyrics. Most of the information gathered so far has been from The Book of Irish History by Amy Hackney Blackwell and Ryan Hackney. However, I plan to continue drawing from other sources as I advance in my understanding of the topic.

Conducting this project has hardly felt like an academic responsibility because I enjoy both Irish music and history so much. I look forward to progressing in my knowledge of both.