Here is a list of potential Irish national anthem songs which we could actually sing along with; let’s take a look.
Music is a massive part of Irish culture, and there are undoubtedly many songs we have come to know throughout the years that we feel a strong connection with.
So much so that we even believe they could represent the country. While some of these tunes are deep and meaningful, and some even bring crowds of strangers together, others are as ridiculous as they come.
Still, we love them so much, and we would love nothing more than to have them as our national song. So, if our leaders are ever looking to switch it up, here are ten songs we could swap out for the Irish national anthem.
10. Crazy World, Aslan – a 90s Irish classic
Picturing crowds with their hands on hearts singing, ‘How can I protect you from this crazy world, it’s alright, it’s alright’, makes us think this could do quite well as a new Irish national anthem.
It may not have made it to our number one spot, but it’s a catchy one that we have to admit we all love.
9. Danny Boy – a slow ballad with much meaning
This classic ballad is a song that gets everyone singing in the pub, making it one of the best songs we could swap out for the Irish national anthem.
Plus, it’s sort of already the unofficial national anthem of Northern Ireland. It might be a slow and steady tune, but its meaningful and catchy lyrics make us feel tingly inside.
8. Molly Malone – the one with the catchy chorus
‘In Dublin’s fair city, where the girls are so pretty…’- we all know how it goes. ‘Molly Malone’ is one of those songs that everyone joins along to, especially when the chorus kicks in, and what a great national anthem this would be for Irish people. But, are we right, or are we right?
7. Galway Girl, Mundy – a world-famous Irish song
This song is so good that it was released twice, once by Steve Earle, who wrote it, and again by Sharon Shannon in collaboration with Mundy.
Whenever this song comes on, we cannot help but start tapping our feet to the beat, which makes this an excellent option for one of the best songs we could swap out for the Irish national anthem.
6. Whiskey in the Jar – we love all the versions
One of the most famous Irish songs we could swap out for the Irish national anthem has to be ‘Whiskey in the Jar’.
Whether it be the Metallica version, the Thin Lizzy version or the age-old classic that reminds us of traditional Irish music and culture, we cannot get enough of this catchy Irish tune.
5. C’est La Vie, B*Witched – one to make us all laugh
Yes, this may be one of the most ridiculous Irish songs ever released, but how funny would it be if this was the song played at sporting events and on formal occasions?
We don’t know how many people could keep a straight face if this were the chosen song, but let’s see, shall we?
4. Fairytale of New York, The Pogues – not just a Christmas favourite
The classic Fairytale of New York tune may be significantly associated with Christmas, but we Irish love the festive season, so why not keep this tune all year round and solidify it as our national anthem? It already kind of is already, right?
3. Boys Are Back in Town, Thin Lizzy – our national rock anthem
The sheer beat of this classic rock song gets everyone in the mood, and we would love nothing more than to have a world-famous Thin Lizzy piece as our Irish national anthem. This would make us look cool to other nations, wouldn’t it?
2. Raglan Road, Luke Kelly – a close contender for a national anthem
‘Raglan Road’ is one of the most loved Irish songs there is, and that’s because it is one that was derived from a romantic poem just as famous, called ‘Raglan Road’ by Patrick Kavanagh.
We think the combination of the melody and the lyrics of the popular song are very fitting when placing your hand on your heart, as done for a national piece.
1. The Fields of Athenry – our number one Irish favourite
While the background of this famous Irish song relates to a story the writer heard about a poor boy during the Irish Famine who was caught stealing food for his family and deported to Australia, it has gone on to win the hearts of the nation, which earns this the number one spot.
So, if we ever decide to change our national anthem, we have a few great contenders to choose from here, so let’s watch this space, shall we?
