Well done Eugene, thank you VERY MUCH! Been singing this song with Luke Kelly in my car for years and today the question of its origins finally hit me. Your video made an excellent informative watch! Keep up the great work!
""Rocky Road to Dublin" appears to have been an expression before it became a song, as a metaphor for any rough patch of road. An 1856 article in a California newspaper uses it in that way. In 1858 it appears in a collection of "One Hundred Irish Airs" published by PM Haverty in New York City and advertised in a Knoxville Tennessee newspaper.
Interesting observation, and thanks. The Rocky Road to Dublin as a slip-jig pre-dates Gavan's ballad of the same name. We don't know when the slip-jig was written, but it was probably the tune's name that inspired commentators to use it in their articles etc. I've seen the phrase used in the early 1800s, by journalists in America and Britain who were commenting on the poor state of a particular road or thoroughfare.👍
The original version of 'The Rocky Road to Dublin' was published in 1866, in 'Gems of Erin', a book of songs written by D. K. Gavan. All of the words of this song (as published in 'Gems of Erin') are included at the end of the video. Thanks.
fascinating deep dive into the history of the time Eugene. Class stuff
Well done Eugene, thank you VERY MUCH! Been singing this song with Luke Kelly in my car for years and today the question of its origins finally hit me. Your video made an excellent informative watch! Keep up the great work!
My pleasure Joey and thanks. Luke Kelly does an excellent rendition.
Thanks for posting. Interesting history song explained. I always like this but sadly never really paid much attention to all of the lyrics.
""Rocky Road to Dublin" appears to have been an expression before it became a song, as a metaphor for any rough patch of road. An 1856 article in a California newspaper uses it in that way. In 1858 it appears in a collection of "One Hundred Irish Airs" published by PM Haverty in New York City and advertised in a Knoxville Tennessee newspaper.
Interesting observation, and thanks. The Rocky Road to Dublin as a slip-jig pre-dates Gavan's ballad of the same name. We don't know when the slip-jig was written, but it was probably the tune's name that inspired commentators to use it in their articles etc. I've seen the phrase used in the early 1800s, by journalists in America and Britain who were commenting on the poor state of a particular road or thoroughfare.👍
Good researchin'!
Imm trying to find the full original version of the song and i cant find it anywhere
The original version of 'The Rocky Road to Dublin' was published in 1866, in 'Gems of Erin', a book of songs written by D. K. Gavan. All of the words of this song (as published in 'Gems of Erin') are included at the end of the video. Thanks.
🌈✨🧚🏼✨💚✨🧚🏼✨💫
Thanks , we all need more of real British isles folk songs and there history