St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration filled with joy, culture, and the spirit of the Irish, observed every 17th of March. It’s a day when we embrace the luck of the Irish, don vibrant green attire, and enjoy parades and music that fill the air with excitement. But beyond the shamrocks and rainbows, there’s a rich history and significance to this day, which offers a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about the heritage and traditions of the Irish people.
In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey that starts with a brief history of St. Patrick’s Day, helping you understand the roots and reasons we celebrate this joyous occasion. Following that, we’ll dive into how to explain St. Patrick’s Day to younger kids in a way that’s engaging and easy for them to grasp. And, of course, no celebration is complete without music!
We’ll introduce you to 7 enchanting St. Patrick’s Day songs that are perfect for kids, creating an atmosphere of fun and learning. Plus, we’ve curated a Spotify playlist so you can easily bring the sounds of St. Patrick’s Day into your home or classroom.
Let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day a memorable one with tunes that will have everyone tapping their feet and joining in the festive spirit!
Table of Contents
- A brief history of St. Patrick’s Day
- How to explain St. Patrick’s Day to younger kids
- 7 St. Patrick’s Day Songs to Celebrate with kids
A brief history of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day started as a religious feast day in the 17th century to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived in the 5th century. St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people. He used the shamrock, a three-leaf plant, to explain the Holy Trinity, which is why the shamrock is a common symbol associated with the day.
Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a day of spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide. Over time, it became a public holiday in Ireland. As Irish immigrants spread across the world, they took the celebration with them, especially to places like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This transformed St. Patrick’s Day from a mostly religious event into a largely secular celebration of Irish culture with parades, music, dance, and a whole lot of green.
How to explain St. Patrick’s Day to younger kids
If you’re trying to talk about St’ Patrick’s in the simplest way possible, these sentences will help!
St. Patrick’s Day is like a big, fun party where we celebrate being friends and having good luck.
It’s a special day to remember St. Patrick, who was a kind man that taught people in Ireland about being kind and loving to each other a long time ago.
On this day, we wear green clothes, see parades with music and dancing, and sometimes look for four-leaf clovers, which are like little green plants that are supposed to bring good luck.
It’s a day to be happy, wear silly green hats, and maybe even find a rainbow!
7 St. Patrick’s Day Songs to Celebrate with kids
1
Molly Malone (Cockles & Mussels)
“Molly Malone (“Cockles & Mussels” or “In Dublin’s fair city”)” is a sort of unofficial anthem of Dublin city. Molly Malone was a legendary fishmonger.
Lyrics
1. In Dublin’s fair city
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheel-barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!”
“Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh,”
Crying “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh”.
2. She was a fishmonger
But sure ’twas no wonder
For so were her father and mother before
And they wheeled their barrows
Through the streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!”
“Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh,”
Crying “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh”.
3. She died of a fever
And no one could save her
And that was the end of sweet Molly Malone.
But her ghost wheels her barrow
Through streets broad and narrow
Crying, “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh!”
“Alive, alive, oh,
Alive, alive, oh,”
Crying “Cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh”.
You can also check out our 7+1 Friendship Songs for Preschoolers
2
Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)
“Danny Boy” is a classic Irish melody that has touched hearts around the world, set to the tune of “Londonderry Air.” Its emotional lyrics speak of separation and longing, making it a beloved song not just on St. Patrick’s Day but all year round.
Its timeless appeal and stirring melody make it a perfect addition to any celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
Lyrics:
Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side.
The summer’s gone, and all the roses falling,
It’s you, it’s you must go and I must bide.
But come ye back when summer’s in the meadow,
Or when the valley’s hushed and white with snow,
It’s I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh, Danny boy, oh Danny boy, I love you so!
But when ye come, and all the flowers are dying,
If I am dead, as dead I well may be,
You’ll come and find the place where I am lying,
And kneel and say an Ave there for me.
And I shall hear, though soft you tread above me,
And all my grave will warmer, sweeter be,
For you will bend and tell me that you love me,
And I shall sleep in peace until you come to me!
3
It’s a Long Way to Tipperary
“It’s a Long Way to Tipperary” is an upbeat and catchy song that became famously associated with World War I soldiers.
Despite its origins in a different context, the song celebrates Irish pride and nostalgia, making it a spirited addition to St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Its lively tempo and memorable chorus invite listeners of all ages to sing along and celebrate the enduring spirit of Ireland.
Lyrics:
1. Up to mighty London came
An Irish man one day
All the streets were paved with gold
So everyone was gay!
Singing songs of Piccadilly
Strand, and Leicester Square
‘Til Paddy got excited and
He shouted to them there:
It’s a long way to Tipperary
It’s a long way to go.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Piccadilly
Farewell Leicester Square!
It’s a long long way to Tipperary
But my heart’s right there.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
It’s a long way to go.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Piccadilly
Farewell Leicester Square!
It’s a long long way to Tipperary
But my heart’s right there.
2. Paddy wrote a letter
To his Irish Molly O’
Saying, “Should you not receive it
Write and let me know!
If I make mistakes in “spelling”
Molly dear”, said he
“Remember it’s the pen, that’s bad
Don’t lay the blame on me”.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
It’s a long way to go.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Piccadilly
Farewell Leicester Square
It’s a long long way to Tipperary
But my heart’s right there.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
It’s a long way to go.
It’s a long way to Tipperary
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Piccadilly
Farewell Leicester Square
It’s a long long way to Tipperary
But my heart’s right there.
4
I’ll Tell me Ma
“I’ll Tell Me Ma” is a lively and playful folk song that captures the vibrant spirit of Irish music and culture.
Often sung as a children’s rhyme, it tells the story of youthful mischief and romance in the streets of Belfast. Its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm make it an irresistible sing-along for kids and adults alike, adding a burst of energy and joy to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Lyrics:
1. I’ll tell me ma when I go home,
the boys wont leave the girls alone,
They pull me hair and stole me comb,
but that’s all right till I go home,
She is handsome, she is pretty,
she is the girl from Belfast City,
She is courting one two three,
please wont you tell me who is she?
2. Albert Mooney says he loves her,
all the boys are fighting for her.
They knock on her door they ring on her bell
saying “oh me true love are you well?”
Out she comes as white as snow,
rings on her fingers bells on her toes,
Old Jenny Murphy says she’ll die,
if she doesn’t get the fellow with the roving eye.
3. Let the wind and the rain and the hail blow high,
and the snow come shovelling from the sky,
She’s as sweet as apple pie,
and she’ll get her own lad by and by.
When she gets a lad of her own,
she won’t tell her ma when she gets home,
Let them all come as they will,
but its Albert Mooney she loves still.
5
The Rattlin’ Bog
description paragraph …
Lyrics:
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
A Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
1. Well in the bog there was a hole,
A rare hole and a rattlin’ hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
2. Well in that hole there was a tree,
A rare tree and a rattlin’ tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
3. On that tree there was a branch,
A rare branch and a rattlin’ branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
4. On that branch there was a twig,
A rare twig, a rattlin’ twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
5. Well on that twig there was a nest,
A rare nest and a rattlin’ nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
6. In that nest there was a egg,
A rare egg a rattlin’ egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
7. And in the egg there was a chick,
A rare chick a rattlin’ chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
8. And on the chick there was a feather,
A rare feather a rattlin’ feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
9. On the feather there was a flea,
A rare flea, a rattlin’ flea,
And flea on the feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
10. And on that flea there was some legs,
Rare legs, rattlin’ legs,
And the legs on the flea,
And flea on the feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
11. And on the leg there were some shoes,
Some rare shoes, some rattlin’ shoes,
And the shoes on the legs,
And the leg on the flea,
And flea on the feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
12. On those shoes there were some heels,
Some rare heels, some rattlin’ heels,
And the heels on the shoes,
And the shoes on the legs,
And the leg on the flea,
And flea on the feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
13. On that heel there was a nail,
A rare nail, a rattlin’ nail,
And the nail on the heel,
And the heels on the shoes,
And the shoes on the legs,
And the leg on the flea,
And flea on the feather,
And the feather on the chick,
And the chick in the egg,
And the egg in the nest,
And the nest on the twig,
And the twig on the branch,
And the branch on the tree,
And the tree in the hole,
And the hole in the bog,
And the bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
Ho, ro, the rattlin’ bog,
The bog down in the valley-o.
6
The Rocky Road to Dublin
“The Rocky Road to Dublin” is a spirited and fast-paced Irish folk song that takes listeners on an adventurous journey through the eyes of a young man traveling to Dublin. Its lively rhythm and intricate wordplay capture the essence of Irish wit and the excitement of travel.
Perfect for engaging kids with its energetic beat and story-telling lyrics, it’s a fun addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration that encourages singing along and tapping feet to the rhythm of this classic Irish tune.
Lyrics:
1. In the merry month of June from me home I started
Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted
Saluted Father dear, kissed me darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born
Cut a stout blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand new pair of brogues, rattlin’ o’er the bogs
Frightenin’ all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin.
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
2. In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight me spirits bright and airy
Took a drop of the pure, keep me heart from sinking
That’s the Paddy’s cure whenever he’s on drinking
To see the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, ‘twould set your heart a bubblin’
An’ asked if I was hired, wages I required
‘Till I was nearly tired of the rocky road to Dublin.
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
3. In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be soon deprived a view of that fine city
Well then I took a stroll, all among the quality
Bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin’
Enquiring for the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
Wasn’t much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin.
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
4. From there I got away, me spirits never falling
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, played some funny rigs
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holyhead wished meself was dead
Or better far instead on the rocky road to Dublin.
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
5. The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
Poor old Erin’s isle they began abusing
“Hurrah me soul!” says I, me shillelagh I let fly
Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in
With a loud “Hurray!” joined in the affray
We quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin.
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
6. Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!
7
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)
“Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That’s an Irish Lullaby)” is a soothing and melodic song that has lulled generations of children to sleep with its gentle rhythm and tender words.
This cherished lullaby captures the warmth and comfort of a parent’s love, making it a perfect, peaceful addition to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration aimed at sharing Irish culture with kids. Its sweet simplicity and heartfelt lyrics create a moment of calm and connection, echoing the deep familial bonds that are a cornerstone of Irish heritage.
Lyrics:
1. Over in Killarney, many years ago
My Mother sang a song to me
in tones so sweet and low,
Just a simple little ditty,
in her good ould Irish way,
And I’d give the world
if she could sing
That song to me this day.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Hush now don’t you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
That’s an Irish lullaby.
2. Oft in dreams I wander
To that cot again,
I feel her arms a-huggin’ me
As when she held me then.
And I hear her voice a-hummin’
To me as in days of yore,
When she used to rock me fast asleep
Outside the cabin door.
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Hush now don’t you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral,
That’s an Irish lullaby.
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