There is so much interest in the Irish selections Mr. Kearns presents, that we have endeavored to supply links to locations where complete lyrics to these songs may be seen. We hope you will enjoy being able to read through not only Anthony's song list, but to find the lyrics, as well.
How Are Things in Glocca Morra
is from the 1946 play "Finian’s Rainbow" by Burton Lane (music) and E.Y. Harburg (lyrics). The play premiered in 1947 and still enjoys productions across the country.
Of course, there is no Glocca Morra in Ireland, but the song and play were immensely popular and the tune is highly recognizable and considered Irish anyway! Anthony’s version was utterly delightful when he introduced it into his repertoire on his Fall 2007 tour. Lyric Melody The Ballynure Ballad
is a traditional folk tune and was recorded by John McCormack. It found its way into the Kearns repertorie in Fall 2007. Lyrics Link Another Lyrics Link My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose
The Poet of Scotland: Robert Burns, spent years collecting, reworking, and refurbishing over 300 traditional Scottish songs to publish for posterity; this is one of them. With Burns’s permission, Pietro Urbani published it in his “Scots Songs.” It has been recorded by many artists, including Pat Boone. (Okay, so it is Scottish rather than Irish: But Celtic is Celtic, right??) Lyric Midi available at this link Fairy Tales of Ireland, by Eric Coates.
From Ireland originally, Coates began his musical career as a viola player after studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He moved into composition and is well known for everything from his “Cinderella” to “The London Suite,” and for the theme music used for BBC’s “In Town Tonight” (Knightsbridge) to “The Forsyte Saga” (The Three Elizabeths Suite). But he also wrote wonderful songs, including “Fairy Tales of Ireland” and “Birdsongs at Eventide,” both of which can be found in the Solo Concert Repertoire of Anthony Kearns.
McBreen’s Heifer
(The Pretty and the Plain) is a typical tongue in cheek lyric written by Ireland’s most beloved songwriter, Percy French, who toured the country painting and writing songs for his support. He is credited with providing the world with a close look at Ireland, her people, and her music. Lyrics Percy French Off to Philadelphia in the Morning
(Otherwise known as "My Name is Paddy Leary") This is also new to Anthony's repertoire, with it being introduced in his Fall 2002 Tour. It is a fun little ditty composed by John Patterson from County Clare, who also wrote "The Stone Outside Dan Murphy's Door." It was a popular emmigration song, though not so sad and heart-rending as most of them. Rather, it is light and handled playfully along the lines of some of Percy French's character songs; it is another song popularized by John McCormack. Johnny Patterson was "the Clown from Kilbarron." He was billed as "The Irish Singing Clown" and was quite a famous circus performer in the late 1800s. Interesingly, one source credits this as being adapted from an arrangement of an old Irish melody by Battison Haynes, and another says the music for the first line comes from a Moore's Melody: "A Time I've Lost in Wooing."* This song was recorded on The Irish Tenors' CD "Heritage." Johnny Patterson's great grandson, singer-songwriter Michael McArdle recently contacted me saying his grandmother had recordings of John McCormack and Josef Locke singing his Patterson's music and is glad Anthony has also recorded his music. He added, "Anthony's voice is amazing! It is an honor that he performs a song from my G.G.'s repertoire."
Off to Philadelphia in the Morning
Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
is a comtemporary song by Brendan Graham which has become a classic in Ireland and the U.S. thanks to the combined project of PBS and The Irish Tenors: Ellis Island. It is an anthem to the first immigrant to cross the threshold of Ellis Island, and honors all who courageously left their homes and loved ones in search of a better life. The Irish Tenors recording of this song on the Ellis Island CD is incredibly moving. Anthony has begun to sing the song in his solo concerts now, as well. Lyrics Link Listen to a brief clip of Anthony's Voice My Snowy Breasted Pearl
Traditional and translated from the Irish by George Petrie. The music is from a Collection of the Ancient Irish Music by Edward Bunting, who credited it to Turlough O'Carolan. First heard by Kearns in his 2007 winter Irish tour. Lyrics and Tune Star of the County Down
This is a lively traditional Irish song. It is the same tune as a hymn named "Led by the Spirit." Anthony has sung this with The Irish Tenors for years and recorded it on their "Live at Belfast" CD. It is now being sung by Anthony on his solo tours. Lyrics and Tune She is Far from the Land
Thomas Moore’s poetic words were written to honor Sarah Curran, fiancé of the Irish patriot, Robert Emmet, who was executed for his leading role in the 1803 Dublin rising. These words were originally sung to the old Irish air “Open Door,” but my research also credits Frank Lambert for writing the melody in 1897. Anthony recorded a beautiful rendition of this song on the Belfast CD with full orchestra. He is now singing it in his solo concerts with the accompaniment of Patrick Healy's sole piano and it is stunning! Anthony refers to this song as "The best of Tom Moore!" This piece is also known as "Island of Sorrow." Lyrics Link
Danny BoyPossibly the most beloved of all Irish music was finalized in the form most used today by Frederick Weatherly when he set his words to the tune of the "Londonderry Air" in 1912. There is arguably no song more dear to the Irish than “Danny Boy.” Its sweet poignancy, its delicate strains bring a tear to the eye. It brings visions of a mother’s parting from a dear lad, a father’s difficult good-bye to his son, a lover’s parting in time of war; this air can be made any and all of these. It is an incredible piece of music which can be heard in pubs and in churches, at parades and wakes, by choirs and soldiers. To the expatriate Irish, it has become an unofficial anthem to the home country left behind, the home of their fathers, Mother Ireland. It is sung wherever people of Irish blood gather, and it is said that all people become Irish when that song is crooned. “Danny Boy” is never sung more sweetly, with more emotion, care, and purity than when Anthony Kearns sings it. It becomes in his hands a hymn to his home, his native land. It becomes not just a song, but an experience.
Danny Boy Intro Danny Boy History of Danny Boy Hills of HomePatrick Healy is a long time friend and accompanist to Anthony Kearns. In the summer of 2002, he wrote this incredible song especially for Anthony. It has a beautifully crafted lyric, a haunting melody, and may very well one day become as dear as "Danny Boy." It is as sweetly sentimental as that song, and with Patrick's beautiful piano and Anthony's softly lilting voice, it tugs at the heart strings and has one longing for home and loved ones left behind. This song is as Irish as Paddy and Anthony, and yet it speaks to all who hear it. It is as traditional as any air, yet is fresh and new, as well. It was a special gift from friend to friend, is offered to the audience from the heart, and gives great pleasure. This is well on the way to becoming Anthony's signature song. It is quite simply: lovely.
Hills of Home Kitty Me Loveis an amusing Irish ditty sung with the endearing cuteness often seen when Kearns delivers little bits of traditional fun from his homeland. It is done at a very fast pace in "oul" Irish brogue and terms. Here is a link to the lyrics dictated to me by Patrick Healy, Anthony's charming accompanist. Kitty Me Love The Meeting of the Watersis a lovely piece taken from a poem written by Thomas Moore while visiting the Garden of Ireland, County Wicklow. Writing this poem while sitting under a tree in the ‘Sweet Vale of Avoca,’ it speaks to the beauty and peacefulness of the area in lovely prose. It is said to have been set to an old Air “The Old Head of Dennis.”* This wonderful song was added to the Kearns Repertoire in Spring of 2004 and is perfectly Kearns: heart-felt and sweetly sung. Aside: The Vale begins at a joining of the rivers Avonmore, Big River, and Avonbeg, Little River ('the meeting of the waters'). About three miles downstream is a tiny village where modern tourists make their base while hiking the lovely area. This is a highly recommended stop on any tour of Ireland!
The Meeting of the Waters Kitty of Coleraineis a delightful ditty set in County Derry in Northern Ireland. I have found its origin listed as both “unknown” and “lyrics by Edward Lysaght set to traditional Air ‘Paddy’s Resources’.”* Whatever the case, this is a darling addition to the repertoire (Spring 2004) and is presented with the ‘endearing cuteness’ of a Kearns delivery. This 'character song' is definately a keeper, and Anthony seems to really enjoy singing it!
Kitty of Coleraine The Rose of TraleeThe traditional "Rose of Tralee" has been credited to one of Ireland's poets, William Pembroke Mulchinock. This is a beautiful song of love by the poet which carries a tragic love story, as so many do. William penned the first two verses of this lovely lyric to propose to his Mary. Mulchinock wanted to marry his beautiful Rose of Tralee (Mary O'Connor) in about 1840, but had to flee Ireland under a decree of arrest for a murder he did not commit. He then spent time as a war correspondent in India. When he returned home in 1849, it was to find his Mary had died. He was inconsolable and is said to have written the final verse while grieving. He died young himself in 1864 at 44 years of age. (During our research, we also found the song to be credited to C. Mordaunt Spencer (lyrics) and C.W. Glover (music).) There is actually a Rose of Tralee Festival, which according to some, is Ireland's biggest bash, ending with the crowning of the Rose of Tralee.
Rose of Tralee Phil the Fluther's BallThis is a lively character song by Ireland's last troubadour, Percy French. It is one of his earliest offerings, and is one of his very best. It is the song of a gentleman who has fallen upon hard times, so he throws a ball in his home to pay the rent. Anthony sings it on The Irish Tenors: Live at Belfast CD and DVD.
Phil the Fluther Gracewas written in 1985 by brothers, Frank and Sean O'Meara. It tells the tragic story of Joseph Mary Plunkett (scholar and poet) and Grace Gifford (artist). Plunkett was suffering from tuberculosis but left his sick bed to take part in the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule. He was condemned to death, but was allowed to marry Grace moments before being executed in Kilmainham Goal; Grace never married again. Mr. Plunkett's poem, "I See His Blood Upon the Rose" is referenced in the song. This is a powerful and passionate song, one which Mr. Kearns places at the top of his list of favorite contemporary pieces, he loves it. It is truly extraordinary. His interpretation leaves the crowd stunned into momentary silence before erupting into heart-felt appreciation. Anthony sings it on the first Irish Tenors CD and video.
Grace The Gentle Maiden(A Child of Dreamland) is from "Songs of Four Nations" by Sir Harold Boulton and was arranged by Arthur Sommerville. It is from a traditional 17th century Irish air. This song was recorded by and remained an important part of John McCormack's repertoire. It is a lovely piece.
The Gentle Maiden The Gentle Maiden Midi File Eileen Ogis another Percy French offering. It is a local character song from one of French’s favorite areas: the west of Ireland. French tells the pitiful story of lads pursuing a lass, only to lose her to the “hardest featured man in Petravore.” It ends with the remonstration: “If you want her to come after ya’ just walk the other way.” Anthony often sings this in tandem with the following song, making an amusing medley: both can be heard on the original Irish Tenors CD.
Eileen Og Darlin’ Girl From ClareThis character song from Percy French is from County Clare, an area in which French often painted in watercolors. He was a very accomplished painter, as well as dedicating himself to his songwriting. This charming song tells of lads in love with the same young woman, looking for the best strategy to win her.
Darlin' Girl From Clare The Old Houseis a traditional Irish air with words by Frederick O’Connor. It is an emigration story, a topic about which Irish music abounds because of her tragic history. It is filled with piercing sadness and longing. John McCormack brought this song to the world. It is one of Anthony’s favorites and his gift for presenting a lyric is never more evident than in this poignant song of reminiscence.
The Old House Love Thee Dearestis a Thomas Moore Melody. This song is a beautiful piece which was also highlighted in our Classical section. It is there because we feel this song is every bit as classical as any written or performed by classically trained tenors. It requires tremendous vocal range and control and is an audience favorite for Mr. Kearns. But since it is a Thomas Moore Melody, we wanted to put it in our Irish Offerings, as well. It can be heard on the Irish Tenor CD and video: “Ellis Island.”
Love Thee Dearest Macushla(Music by Dermot MacMurrough and words by Josephine Rowe.) This is another song which was highlighted in our Classical section, but since it is also Irish, it is a natural addition here. It is a remarkable piece and a tenor classic. John McCormack told Mr. MacMurrough that he most definitely could reach the high Bb which ends this song; he recorded it and made it famous. Mr. Kearns also has the range needed for this incredible song and it has a stunning ending, simply breathtaking! It can be heard on the Irish Tenors CD and video: Ellis Island. (“Macushla” is an Irish term of endearment.)
Macushla Trottin’ to the FairText by Alfred Perceval Graves, Set by Sir Charles Villiers Stanford. These two collaborated together to publish traditional Irish songs, airs, and ballads. This particular offering is a fun and lilting lyric of a boy and girl riding to the fair “on a single pony.” (Recently, Anthony has begun implying that the pony is "The Irish Tenors," the new race horse purchased by the Tenors in a joint racing venture!)
Trottin’ to the Fair The Last Rose of SummerThis is a Thomas Moore Melody, and is one of his most famous, having sold over 1,000,000 copies of sheet music in the U.S. alone in the 1800’s. This song is in Volume Five of the many books he and his partner, Sir John Stevenson, presented to the world. It was set to the music of “Groves of Blarney.” This piece is very nearly classical in nature, with quite a vocal range needed to make it effective. It is lovely in its sentiment, as are so many old Irish airs. John McCormack recorded it and it has always been associated with his name. Nearly every Irish tenor sings it or has recorded it.
The Last Rose of Summer The Kerry DancersThis lively song was penned by James Lynam Molloy in 1879; it is made up of a marvelous melody and lilting lyrics of longing. JL Molloy was an Offaly man and a prolific composer of some of Ireland’s most beloved songs. One this writer especially loves and is done by Mr. Kearns is “Bantry Bay” a poignant song of emigration which is quite wonderful, and another Anthony does incredibly well with the Irish Tenors is “Love’s Old Sweet Song.” The “Kerry Dancers” was featured in the John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara film: The Quiet Man.
The Kerry Dance The Croppy Boy
Anthony Kearns sings this song with particular feeling, since it takes place during the 1798 rebellion-a rising nearly localized to Wexford, from where Mr. Kearns hails, and one in which one of his ancestors figured strongly. It is a moving tale of courage, rebellion, and family betrayal. Its origin is in question, as are the lyrics. This writer was able to uncover no less than three different sets of lyrics, but the link below is to the one which Mr. Kearns sings. There was no credit given to a writer in any resource found for this particular set of lyrics. Aside: Croppies were Irishmen from the countryside taking part in the 1798 rebellion who cut their hair in a short, cropped style much like those in the French Rebellion. Anthony recorded it on The Irish Tenors at Ellis Island.
The Croppy Boy Boolavogue
This is a traditional song with words by P.J. McCall. It is stirring and patriotic and sung passionately by Mr. Kearns. It is another song written about the 1798 Rebellion. Since Anthony considers himself first to be a Wexford man, pride in the area and its history is deeply ingrained in him. One of his forefathers was a leader in the 1798 Rebellion, Father Mogue Kearns, from Kiltealy, County Wexford. When one hears Anthony Kearns sing this song, one can feel the depth of his emotions, the fierceness of his pride. He recorded it on the original Irish Tenors CD and video.
Boolavogue Terence's Farewell (To Kathleen)
"Terence’s Farewell" is a new addition to the repertoire of Mr. Kearns, with his audiences having heard it first in the summer of 2002. It is a traditional air and classical in nature. It is technically difficult and needs an extremely well trained voice to carry it. Anthony sings this lyric of parting with such a sense of sadness and loss that there is a feeling of grief in one's heart for the young Terence. It is a stunning addition to his repertoire, one which shows clearly his accomplishment with a lyric as well as his tremedous vocal technique.
Terence's Farewell Ireland Mother Ireland
is virtually an unofficial National Anthem to that country! Its words by P.J. O’Reilly and music by Raymond Loughborough are majestic and powerful. It is truly an operatic aria of patriotism which imparts deep pride and love of country. John McCormack sang the song in the movie “Song O’ My Heart” in 1930, but it had not been in regular use since until the Irish Tenors passionately resurrected it on their Live at Belfast CD and video.
Ireland, Mother Ireland Down By the Sally Gardens
is a poem, originally titled "An Old Song Resung," by William Butler Yeats written in 1889 and set to music. Yeats's footnote reads: "This is an attempt to reconstruct an old song from three lines imperfectly remembered by an old peasant woman in the village of Ballysodare, Sligo, who often sings them to herself." It was set to music by Herbert Hughes. (Aside: A sally is a willow tree and these gardens were kept to have material at the ready for basket making and thatching.)
Down by the Sally Gardens Mother Machree,
words by Rida Johnson Young and music by Chauncey Olcott and Ernest R. Ball, was published in 1910. It was recorded by John McCormack, and was featured in the musical "Barry of Ballymore," as well. This is a sentimental song of love from son to mother and is sweetly sung by Mr. Kearns. Nearly every Irish tenor has managed to include this in his repertoire, and it is generally received with great appreciation. "Machree" means "My Heart" or "My Dear."
Mother Machree Spanish Lady
This is a traditional folk song whose origins are lost in the sands of time. There are many versions to be found and many titles to nearly the same song. This has even been referred to as an "Irish Polka!" It is a toe-tapper, fer shure, and a fun song altogether...Ole!
Spanish Lady Palatine's Daughter
is one of the better known of the old Irish traditional songs. This ditty was introduced into Anthony's Solo Repertoire during his mini-winter tour of early 2003. It tells of a poor lad who has the good fortune to come upon a handsome, landed lass and have her fall in love with him, assuring him riches and land of his own! The Palatines were displaced Germans as a result of the wars with France. They were from The Palatinate (near modern Rhineland/Pfalz). In 1709 when the Irish were already forced to live in abject poverty, several hundred families of German descent were settled in the counties of Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, and Wexford (mainly in Rathkeale) in an attempt to strengthen the Protestant minority. Land was settled upon them in huge quantities while the Irish had to pay devasatingly high rents.
The Palatine's Daughter As I Sit Here
is a beautiful, sentimental old song written in 1933 by Dena Tempest and Wilfrid Sanderson and is another piece popularized by John McCormack. This is a lovely song which requires the full range of the tenor voice and good technique to present it at its best. It was introduced into Anthony's Solo Repertoire in 2003 and it is done to perfection by him, with that final crystal clear note hanging in the air and in the memory.
As I Sit Here Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms
was a poem written by Sir Thomas Moore and set to music in 1808. It is among his "Moore's Melodies," an incredible compliation of historical Irish music. This piece is considered a standard among Irish singers, and has been recorded by scores of people down through the years.
Believe Me... Oft in the Stilly Night
is often thought to belong to Moore’s Irish Melodies. However, it is a Scottish Air which was included in Thomas Moore’s first volume of "A Selection of Popular National Airs," published in parts between 1818 and 1827. According to "Popular Irish Songs," edited by Florence Leniston, Dover Publications, Abraham Lincoln loved this song!*
Oft in the Stilly Night My Lagan Love
is a traditional air with the English words being credited to Joseph Campbell (AKA Seosamh MacCathmhaoil and Joseph McCahill, among others). In fact, it is these lyrics, more than any of Campbell’s work, for which he is most famous. In 1904 he began a collaboration with a young composer, Herbert Hayes. Together they collected traditional airs from the remote parts of County Donegal. Included within their “Songs of Uladh” you will find “My Lagan Love.” I have listed here a few links to lyrics. I believe this first link to be closest to the lyric which Anthony uses for this hauntingly lovely song: My Lagan Love My Lagan Love My Lagan Love/Sinead O'Connor's Lyrics The Old Bog Road
by Teresa Brayton is an Irish ballad of exile. Its poignant tale of a young man mourning the death of his mother from thousands of miles away has been done by most Irish singers. The sadness of the lyric, the heart-wrenching grief is perfectly suited to the Irish tenor voice, and none more so than that of Anthony Kearns. Teresa Brayton emigrated to the U.S. in 1908 to teach, and after the 1916 Rising, was a strong supporter of the Irish Republican cause. The Old Bog Road The West’s Awake
(found in research also as “The West’s Asleep) was written by Thomas Osbourne Davis, the same man who wrote “A Nation Once Again.” This powerful, passionate anthem calling for County Connacht to take up arms, actually relates to an older struggle in Irish history than we generally hear: the Norman invasion of Connacht. Kearns began singing it on tour with The Irish Tenors in 2003, and it can be found on their CD “Heritage.” It is the kind of music loved by Kearns, and into which he sweeps his audience. This one piece is worth the price of the entire CD! The West's Awake She Moved through the Fair
is a haunting, lyrically lovely traditional Irish air often sung in the Sean Nós style, sans accompaniment. I have heard it said that this is “thought to be Irish, but is actually English.” However, in my research I found it credited to the poetry of the famous Irish poet Padraic Colum (1881-1972), from County Longford. It is the only Sean Nós piece of music that Anthony has recorded, and one hopes that he will one day record more of this style of music, for which he first gained recognition. It can be found on the CD “The Best of The Irish Tenors.” I have included two links to lyrics here, with the first being the exact lyric that Mr. Kearns sings: She Moved Through the Fair She Moved Through the Fair The webmaster wishes to thank Miss Emily Rose Clayton and Ms. Barbara Goold for their research assistance. Their help was invaluable and is deeply appreciated.
*Thank you to Ms. Marie Kelleher for providing this information.
