On the Druken but Merry Heels of St. Patrick's: An Appalachian Irish-American History Lesson in Song

When many people think of Ireland, they first think of music.

So I'm going to source some of that music to elaborate on the stories of those who emigrated here to America and the rich history behind it all - entrenched deep in the heritage and memory of all those whose ancestral roots hail from the country of Ireland.

In 1845 the Irish suffered famine.

As a result many Irish emigrated to America. It is estimated that as many as 4.5 million Irish arrived in America between 1820 and 1930. Between 1820 and 1860, the Irish constituted over one third of all immigrants to the United States. In the 1840s, they comprised nearly half of all immigrants to this nation.

And of those who survived many did stay behind and their families still remain there today.

But - I'm going to focus this post on those who made the journey to settle in America. Many of them came to settle in the Appalachian mountains of the Southeast; from which a rich history of music, folk-art, and Irish-American culture has grown, and still grows 'til this day.

They survived a long, hard journey. And like all those cultures who endure great hardship and still survive, their music was their strength - and it's still alive today.

Stuck on the road with nothing better to do...why not sing?

They traveled across the sea in search of a new home.

And when they got here, they laid down deep and solid roots from Georgia to Tennessee, Kentucky and beyond, but many took to the beauty of the Appalachian mountains whose rolling hills and green pastures reminded them of their old home in Ireland.

Much of this history is long gone to the past, but still remembered in song...

New generations were born who would become Appalachian farmers and coal miners.

They brought all their human struggles, even their city names, and their own unique version of the blues to their new country home. They built families, communities and wrote a whole new Irish-American history. They faced hardship, some of which echoes to this day.

Just one example of cities named after Irish ones: Dublin, TX. On U.S. highways 67 and 377 in southwest Erath County. It was founded in 1854 by A. H. Dobkins and named in 1860, probably for the warning cry at Indian raids, "Double In," for the capital of Ireland, or for the double-log cabins used by early settlers. http://texasalmanac.com/topics/culture/irish/irish-texans

In this new mountain home their native Irish folk music grew and evolved. It formed the roots of what we now know as American bluegrass music.

And in the late 1960's and 70's musicians began to experiment and blend the old bluegrass with the new rock music of the time.

The Irish had brought their instruments.

Their songs.

And their dancing.

And later, despite all the harsh realities of Southern life during the Jim Crow Era; flat-foot dancing and clogging even went on to cross cultures into the realm of African blues music.

These jovial and hospitable people would be the first to ask, "why don't you stay a little longer?"

Of all the cultures that make up the Southeastern United States, the Irish culture has contributed so much. The roots run deep and the influence spans wide.

The band played Waltzing Matilda - all those generations ago.

But, I still sing the old songs. I hold them dear to my heart.

I remember that old time feeling...every time I hear the sound.

It's under my nails. And it's under my collar. The damned old dirt wont go...

This is a small part of my own cultural history. But no matter your heritage, no matter how close or distant you feel, how right or wrong you think they are - remember to tell your family you love them - while they're here to still hear you say it.

This post is dedicated to my dad.

My family.

And to anyone who's not so lucky as I - to still have any (one or many) of their own around.

Take a drive through your memories. Go back to the place you were born.

No matter what you do, always try to remember where you come from. Never forget your roots. I can guarantee there's some kind of unique and special beauty to be taken from them. And there's love there to be found. It's where you come from and it's why you exist. And in hard times - the only place many of us have to return to. If you can't see it, then you're probably just not looking hard enough. Learn to love your roots.

I'm only a bit partial, but I can tell you there's nothing quite like a Galway girl.