The modern image of the leprechaun is very different from the leprechaun of Irish legends. But times change and not everyone adapts as easily. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t celebrate both the new and the old as we explore the origins of my song “The Leprechaun.”
Ever dream of building your own castle and starting your own Renaissance festival? Dreams can come true. They did for George Appling of Sherwood Forest Faire.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #286
0:24 – Marc Gunn “Parting Glass” from Soul of Harper
3:45 – WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’ Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
- Poll: What’s your favorite song on Soul of a Harper?
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6:01 – CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS
Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends.
That is usually how it rolls. But at the end of September, we’re invading Scotland’s Whisky distilleries in between hiking throughout the country. It’s gonna be epic.
You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/
6:29 – MY FAVORITES OF CELTIC TOP 20
Every week, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast asks fans of the show to vote for your favorite songs in the podcast. Those votes are compiled at the end of the year to create the Celtic Top 20, your pick of the best music of the year.
I don’t just make the podcast, I’m a fan of it too. So here is another favorite from recent episodes.
7:04 – The Dustbunnies “Gillingham Ramshire” from What Goes Around
11:37 – THE STORY OF THE LEPRECHAUN
- “La Ta Tee Da” by Brendan O’Loughlin
- Driving to Dallas for gig with Bards
- Rewriting the song with Inara
- Lucky Charms breakfast cereal
The Leprechaun
lyrics and music by Marc Gunn
There's a Leprechaun in me head, and I wish that I were dead
For I don't think he'll e'er let me be.
Oh, he tempts me with his gold, and if I were e'er so bold,
I'd strangle him and leave him in the street.
* Well, he says to me, “Ah, you're no Irish Laddie!
And ye call that thing a harp?”
But each time I share the lore that I am learning.
He hides in shame while my friends they chant.
* La ta tee, da diddley dee, la ta tee ta tee da
La ta tee, da diddley diddley dai
La ta tee, da diddley dee, la ta tee ta tee da
La ta tee, da diddley diddley dai
There's a leprechaun in my room. He swats me with a broom.
That's the reason I forget the words of this song.
Well, he shows me a four-leaf clover, and before me song is over,
It's buried in a bowl of Lucky Charms.
There's a leprechaun on the floor, and he says that I'm a bore.
He yawns aloud as I sing my song.
He feigns one last breathe stolen, but I see his eyes are open.
And he's watching me with envy deep inside.
There's a leprechaun on a hill, and his gold is buried there.
So I grab him by the neck ‘fore he gets away.
The pot's too heavy, he giggles, so I pinch me just a little,
And he thinks he's fooled me as I run away.
21:29 – Marc Gunn “The Leprechaun” from Soul of Harper
25:31 – SUPPORT THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. You get it all ad-free when you listen and on Patreon. Email follow@celtfather !
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free. Special thanks to our newest and returning patrons: James Liang, Carol Donahue
26:13 – CASTLE BUILDING AT SHERWOOD FOREST FAIRE
Ever since I started performing at Renaissance festivals in 1999, I've dreamed about starting my own faire. I think most Rennies have. How exciting that would be! George Appling, or King George as he's known at the Sherwood Forest Faire, not only dreamed of it, he made his dream a reality.
How did it happen? Where did this inspiration come from? Where has he seen his greatest successes and challenges over the years?
56:33 – Patsy O'Brien “Jack ‘Brien” from Onward
1:01:32 – CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Refuse, Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
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