ACAPELLA SONGS
A collection of songs recorded acapella in my home. Songs I love for many reasons, from the past and present.
Begun in April 2020

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Songs from the Irish Tradition both folk and American popular, most from the "Tin Pan Alley" era in the early 1900’s
Dear Old Donegal	A "tin pan alley" Irish song: I was a smash hit when I sang it in a school play in 6th grade! HERE is a recent video of the same song, for St Patrick’s Day 2022. On my computer, the video downloads instead of streaming.
The Star of the County Down	Star of the County Down" is an Irish ballad set near Banbridge in County Down, in Northern Ireland. The words are by Cathal MacGarvey (1866–1927) from Ramelton, County Donegal. The tune is traditional, and may be known as "Dives and Lazarus" or (as a hymn tune) "Kingsfold".
Mother Macree	An American popular song from 1910. One of the composers was a popular artist of the time named Chauncey Olcott. I recall a movie based on his career from the 1940’s.
When Irish Eyes are Smiling	Beloved of all those who are Irish on March 17th! Probably never heard the second verse, tho. From 1912. I like it - it gives me a chance to practice my Iriah accent.
The Wild Mountain Thyme	A folk song from Ireland, in which a lad invites his lassie to come along with him. He might be a little too confident of his own charms, however.
The Rose of Tralee	A nineteenth-century Irish ballad about a woman called Mary, who because of her beauty was called The Rose of Tralee. The words of the song are credited to Edward Mordaunt Spencer and the music to Charles William Glover.
The Irish Ballade	Not really an Irish song, but a sarcastic and darkly funny song by TOM LEHER from the !960’s, making fun of overly pretentious folk song singers and fans.
My Wild Irish Rose	A video I made on St. Patricks Day 2023 of this 1913 song by Chauncy Olcott, who also wrote “When Irish Eyes are Smiling”, among many others.

Songs from Many Places and Traditions
Were You There	Traditional spiritual. I had the honor of closing a Maundy Thursday/Tenebrae Zoom service in 2020.
Believe Me IF All Those Endearing Young Charms	I have loved this song by the great Thomas Moore (ca. 1880) for many years. For the young beautiful couples, but also for those whose union has lasted much longer. I have also posted this on YouTube Link with a slide show.
When You and I Were Young, Maggie	A folk song, popular song and standard written by George W. Johnson and James Austin Butterfield in 1864.
September Song	Music by Kurt Weill, from a 1938 o r 39 musical “Knickerbocker Holiday”. Interesting story can be found on Wikipedia. I have been singing this one while I was still too young to be doing so!.
Plaisir d’ Amour	Joy of Love: a song by opera composer Tedesco, which evolved into a strophic folk song form.
I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry	Classic country song by the great Hank Williams
Logger Lover	An amusing folk(?) song from Alaska. I have sung this since the 60’s.
Try to Remember	From the musical “The Fantastiks”, a long-time favorite.

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