From lively Irish ballads, like 'Crazy World', to famous Irish songs, like 'Grace', you'll find something in this post to enjoy singing and add to your regular playlists. From Mary Black to Christy Moore, Westlife to The Coronas and even U2, Irish artists have perfected the art of a good ballad.
Mary Black - Feilds of Gold
Mary Black recorded Feilds of Gold for her album Speaking with the Angel which was released in 1999. Her version became much more recognisable than the original by Sting, in turn, many people have made the mistake of thinking Mary actually wrote the song. It has since been covered by Eva Cassidy and Celtic Woman, making it a great song for any female to audition with.
However, Fields of Gold is a stunning and thoughtful track about the journey of commitment and the original rock version by Sting is actually the perfect audition song for a tenor.
Aslan - Crazy World
Crazy World is a single by the Dublin group Aslan released in 1993. Arguably one of the most popular songs in Irish pop-rock history, ‘Crazy World’ is a crowd pleaser with deep meaning full lyrics and a catch chorus.
"How can I protect you in this
Crazy world?
It's alright
It's alright"
If you choose this pop-rock ballad, make sure you give it all the feeling it deserves.
- Image via I-Love-Limerick
The Cranberries - When You're Gone
When You're Gone was written by The Cranberries frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan after her grandfather died. In an interview, she once explained how over the years, it took on different meanings for her.
About When You're Gone Dolores said:
"Later on, on tour, when I'd be on the road, I might think about my kids when I was singing it or I might think about my father who passed away,"
The Corrs - I Never Loved You Anyway
This is the ultimate F*** You song to an ex, written by the band members along with their producer, David Foster. I Never Loved You Anyway was released as the second single from their album, Talk on Corners, in 1997.
The song is about a woman who has moved on from a past relationship and is telling her ex that she never truly loved him anyway. The lyrics are empowering as they show the narrator taking control of her own emotions and realizing that she is better off without her former lover.
The chorus is such an uplifting and powerful song and The Corrs always include traditional Irish instruments in their songs.
Bridge & Chorus
And when you go I will remember
To send a thankyou note to that girl, (ooh that girl)
I see she's holding you so tender
Well I just wanna say... (just wanna say)
I never really loved you anyway
No, I didn't love you anyway
I never really loved you anyway
I'm so glad you're moving away
Westlife - My Love
“My Love” is the second single from Coast to Coast. It is one of pop group Westlife’s most successful songs to date. The song portrays how the band misses their native Ireland and, in particular, a love interest left behind.
Released on 30 October 2000, My Love is a favourite to many Irish away from home when you read the chorus you'll understand why.
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue
To see you once again, my love
Overseas from coast to coast
To find a place I love the most
Where the fields are green
To see you once again, my love
Sharon Shannon & Mundy - Galway Girl
The Irish artist Mundy collaborated with Sharon Shannon on a cover of "Galway Girl", a track she had previously performed with Steve Earle. The song was written by American singer-songwriter Steve Earle and recorded with Irish trad musician Sharon Shannon; the title was originally "The Galway Girl". It was featured on Earle's 2000 album Transcendental Blues.
The song tells the story of a young man who meets a girl from Galway and falls in love with her. The lyrics describe the girl's beauty and charm, and the singer's desire to stay with her forever.
The Wolfe Tones - Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile
Óró 'Sé do bheatha 'bhaile is a traditional Irish song, that came to be known as a rebel song in the early 20th century. Óró is a cheer, while sé do bheatha 'bhaile means "welcome home".
Although the song's original origins are uncertain, what we do know is that in the early 20th century it received new verses by the nationalist poet Patrick Pearse and was often sung by members of the Irish Volunteers during the Easter Rising. It was also sung as a fast march during the Irish War of Independence giving it a special place in the hearts of Irish people.
The second half of the chorus translates as:
Óró, sé do bheatha 'bhaile
Anois ar theacht an tsamhraidh.
Oh-ro, You're welcome home,
Now that summer's coming!
Why the Irish Write and Sing Such Popular Ballads
Ballads written and sung by Irish artists are popular not just at home but all around the world, why? It's simple really. Culturally, Irish songs tell a story and Irish singers know how to tell a story filled with charm and emotion unlike anyone else.
From heartbreaking songs like The Dubliners cover of Grace to nostalgic songs like Zombie by the Cranberries and even more inspiring songs like New Day by the mighty LYRA, Irish ballads will stir something in your soul every time you listen to them.
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