MarcSONGS Podcast

Johnny Jump Up

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 CST

Next to "Irish Ballad", I think this was one of the first Happy Songs of Death that I ever learned. So isn't it fitting that it goes on a CD of the same name? The new arrangement is a big favorite of mine. It's something you can tap your toes to. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Happy Songs of Death' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Won't You Come With Me?

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:00:00 CST

Maybe it was my love of the Kingston Trio singing 'Tom Dooley' as a child, or maybe it was totally inspired by watching Buffy, the Vampire Slayer, but when the desire to write a murder ballad overtook me, I ran with it. The song that erupted from my autoharp ended in murder. It also sparked a desire to release an album of lots of fun and happy songs of death. The new CD is out in August 2009! Find out more about Marc Gunn at www.marcgunn.com Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'Happy Songs of Death' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Buttercup's Lament (Princess Bride)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Wed, 1 Apr 2009 00:00:00 CST

Who doesn't love The Princess Bride? I sure do. I wrote this song in December 2000. It began with the idea of a woman who's True Love was lost at sea. But as the story developed, it reminded me of Buttercup's 'True Love'--Wesley--in the cult classic. So I named it after her. It's a sad, but beautiful song. I first recorded the song for my first solo CD, Soul of a Harper. It went on to be a fan favorite. Find out more about Marc Gunn at www.marcgunn.com Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'Soul of a Harper' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

A Lil' Bit of Love

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CST

A couple years ago, I was performing at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival when The Mews... I mean Muse struck. No mews was correct. The frequent meowing came from a black cat named Lil' Bit. That talkative cat inspired this bluesy song that turned into a boogie woogie with the masterful guitar of my producer Rich Brotherton. I recorded it because after the Brobdingnagian Bards broke up I knew I needed a new solo demo. But I didn't quite realize how much blues would affect my music, especially when I moved to New Orleans. I feel it creeping into my new arrangements in a beautiful way, mixing in with my Celtic background and adding a little swing. How cool it would be to have people swing dancing to my new version of "Black Velvet Band". Meantime, I posted this recording on Soundclick the other day and it hit #1 two days later. Best of all, it's great for some West Coast Swing dancing. Find out more about Marc Gunn at www.marcgunn.com Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'Marc Gunn EP' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

St. Patrick Never Drank (featured on The FuMP)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CST

Isn't it kinda funny how St. Patrick's Day is now synonymous with getting plastered on March 17th? What a shame! There's so much more to the Irish than getting drunk. Listen to the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast--www.celticmusicpodcast.com, and you'll know what I mean. Now in all historical honesty, St. Patrick probably did drink. Beer was often used to kill bacteria. But that doesn't mean that his song with lyrics by the great comedic lyricist Spaff--www.spaff.com--are any less true. This is Irish satire at it's finest. Find out more about Marc Gunn at www.marcgunn.com Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'What Color Is Your Dragon?' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Of Twilight Shores

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 CST

I've been on a writing binge this Fall, especially of instrumental autoharp music. I love the sound the autoharp creates. It's very unique and I've heard no one experiment with effects. When I wrote this, my goal was to create a musical landscape to express my mood at the time. It was only late that I allowed my fans to listen and name the tune. The MP3 was originally released in Dec 2007. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'Heart's Ease: Instrumental Autoharp Music' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Stardust Serenade

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Wed, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 CST

This instrumental tune was written after watching the new movie based on Neil Gaiman's popular book, Stardust. I like to write music that tells a story, and that movie inspired me to write something on that very topic. It is a song based about seeking love across a wall and finding it in an unexpected fallen star, romantic and elusive. This is also the first of I hope many instrumental tunes that I hope to release in this new podcast. The song is due out on my fae album at the end of the year. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up my CD 'Heart's Ease' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Wild Mountain Thyme

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CST

This is one of the earliest songs I learned when I began playing Celtic music. The Brobdingnagian Bards recorded it on A Faire to Remember, and it never ceased to capture someone's attention. I rearranged the song a couple years ago to make it more sing-alongable. And I love this recording of this classic song by Francis McPeake. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'How America Saved Irish Music' (when it becomes available) at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Beer, Beer, Beer

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 CST

I played this song for a number of years with the Brobdingnagian Bards. Earlier this year, I got bored with my original version of it. I wanted a new rhythm. So I re-arranged the song with swing. When I started playing it Ireland, it quickly became the most-popular song on the trip. T'was then I knew I wanted to add it it a new CD. For now, it's on my Marc Gunn's Free CD, a short EP that you can only get for free. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'How America Saved Irish Music' (when it becomes available) at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Monahan's Mudder's Milk (Firefly Song)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 CST

It all began three years ago when I was introduced to Firefly, a Sci Fi Western by Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. I became a huge fan. The TV series is still one of my most-watched DVDs. One of my favorite episodes is "Jaynestown" where the ruffian Jayne Cobb becomes a folk hero with his own folk song, "Hero of Canton". I loved it so much, I wanted to write my own Firefly song, but I was too busy watching the show to really spend any time writing about it. Then I was inspired to write "She Said Her Name Was Saffron" for a contest last year. I hoped more songs would come. It didn't until a couple weeks ago. I finally decided I was gonna write a song about mudder's milk, the alcoholic drink from "Jaynestown". The song evolved into a worker's rights folk song ala Woodie Guthrie. I recorded it, and for the icing on the cake, I got a bunch of Firefly fans to sing back up in the chorus, the way a good drinking song should be sung. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Firefly Drinking Songs' (when it becomes available) at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Kitty's Rambles/Dowd's 9 Lives/Jenny's Chickens

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

When I decided to put together my cat CDs, my goal was to serve up a delicious blend of traditional Irish music, but make it about cats. So I picked some of the best Celtic musicians in Austin to help me record these albums. This set of tunes starts was picked by fiddler Christopher Buckley of The Tea Merchants. It starts with a bouncy jig and busts into a couple rockin' reels. Even with an autoharp it comes across sounding totally tradlicious. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Lusty Young Sith

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

Two years ago, Diane Frost sent me a funny parody of "Lusty Young Smith". It was too funny to pass up. It included first favorite Sci Fi genre, Star Wars, and it beautifully capture the original song, except it is about a battle between a Jedi and Sith. Way cool! I recorded this for my upcoming CD, What Color Is Your Dragon?. Coming soon to a galaxy far, far away. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'What Color Is Your Dragon? Folk Music with Delusions of Grandeur' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Song of Assisi

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CST

During Spring Break in 1990, my mom and I went on a pilgrimage of the art of Piero della Francesca. We followed his art around Italy, culminating in a stop in Assisi. I don't know what it was about the town, but upon entering, and throughout the visit, I was filled with a blissful sense of peace and joy. It is 18 years later, and I still remember the feeling I had in that town. While watching Rick Steves talk about the Assisi, I was left longing. So I picked up my autoharp and shared my feelings. Upon completion I asked my fans and friends what the song should be called. They voted, and it was named "Song of Assisi". I hope you share in the magic of my experience, and one day have the joy of visiting it too. The song will appear on a CD of instrumental autoharp music. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Autoharp Instrumental' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

A Drop of Nelson's Blood

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CST

Legend says that after Lord Nelson fell in the Battle of Trafalger, his body was sealed ina cask of rum to preserve it. When the sailors heard of this, they drank their fill. Thus, grog became known as "Nelson's Blood". This walkaway shanty is also known as "Roll the Old Chariot Along" or "Roll the Golden Chariot Along." I arbitrarily chose the later just for the heck of it. The song was also taken up as a hymn for the Salvation Army. The tune is very catchy. Feel free to make up verses as you go. It's great for that. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Irish Rover

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CST

I think I first heard this song at the Texas Renaissance Festival by the Flying Fish Sailors. They had a great version of the song, mixing in band members onto the ship. Well, when I decided to throw together a wee piratey set of songs, I decided to add this song. I didn't know it very well, so I just started playing the song, goofing around. This amusing intro was the result. I was happy to find that I actually know the lyrics of the song now. I didn't when I recorded it. Repetition does wonders. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Botany Bay

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 CST

I think I first learned this song from The Wolfe Tones when I first started learning Irish songs. It captured my imagination as it told the story of an Irishman who immigrates to Australia. The song was collected in Australia in the 1950s by H.P.C. 'Duke' Tritton. This version is sung with an Irish pirate brogue for my CD, Going for Brogue. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

When the Dairy Farm Caught Fire

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 CST

What happens when the dairy farm catches fire? The stray cat go crazy and have a field lapping up all the milk in this raucous song by Jean Prior, Nancy Pearsall and me. Jean came up with the idea when she started rewriting the lyrics to "Old Dun Cow". It got so funny that I had to put it out on my new CD 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers'. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Molly Malone... Cat's Perspective/Plaxty Hewlett

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

One of the great ghost stories of Ireland is that of Molly Malone, the fishmonger who died in Dublin and who's ghost is reputed to wander the streets still selling fish. My friend Emilee Rush seems to think the cats were just as disappointed with the death of this wonderful human. Because the cats see the ghost too! Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Rosin the Bow (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST

One of the first songs I learned when I started playing Irish music. And somewhere along the way it's become a renewed favorite of mine. This one was recorded live in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, '4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Danny Boy (St. Patrick's Day Cat Song Parody)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

No. This is not your typical "Danny Boy". The original "Danny Boy" was written by Frederick Weatherly, an English lawyer, using a traditional Irish melody called "Londonderry Air" in 1910. The song was popularized by opera singers at the turn of the century, and my guess is that it entered into the Music Hall scene where a lot of Irish were performing. They picked it up, and it became an Irish American anthem, and the dread of many contemporary Irish traditional musicians who are asked to play it every St. Patrick's Day. I didn't learn the original song until the summer of 2000. So I missed the dread part, and the Brobdingnagian Bards recorded it for our CD, Songs of Ireland. When I started writing songs for Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I decided I had to parody this classic song, and wrote it about my cat, Jasper, who kept me up at night, followed by a wise lesson on how to keep cats from keeping you up all night... Play with them before you sleep. Wear them out. They'll sleep. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

What Shall We Do With a Catnipped Kitty

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

I am back in the studio to record my second edition of Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. I had so much great feedback from the first album, I HAD to do another. And lo and behold, I haven't finished this album and already people are talking about a THIRD album. One paw at a time. Last week, I recorded three songs for the CD. This is the first of them. You can download it for free. Just do me a wee favor. Tell a friend. Post this in your blog. Post a review of the first album on iTunes. Recording albums with a producer is no inexpensive task. So I can use all the help possible at getting the word out. So please share this song with your friends. Thanks! Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, 'Whiskers in the Jar: Irish Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Black Is the Color (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

What a beautiful song! I really fell in loved with it listening to Nick Hennessey perform it on his solo albums. Nick plays harp. I play autoharp. But the first thing I did after falling in love with it was rewrite it about cats for my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD. And it was a hit. Glad folks still like my nice, traditional version, especially when sung in a pub in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, '4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Finnegan's Wake (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST

"Tim Finnegan lived on Walklin' Street..." Yeah. It's one of the first Irish songs I learned nine years ago. And it's still a favorite of mine and many others too. Here it is live and in it's raucous glory. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, '4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Gollum Blues (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

What happens when you read Lord of the Rings and drink too much in a pub in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland? A live recording of "The Psychopathic, Chronic, Schizophrenic Gollum Blues". Complete with butchered lyrics. But toned with lots of live sing-a-long fun. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, '4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Harry Potter and The Rising of the Moon

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

I was re-reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone when a story crept into my mind. Professor McGonagall was there in tabby cat form while London wizards celebrated the defeat of Voldemort. But what were the London cats doing? As I sang "Rising of the Moon", the answer came to me. I recorded this in for my first cat CD, but it was cut due to legal issues. But when I found out about Wizard Rock, I decided to blow care to the wind and plan to officially release the song for More Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, my next cat CD. I start recording in two weeks and am currently looking for angelic cat lovers willing to sponsor the album. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. Feel free to make videos or to share this song with your friends. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, "More Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Johnny Jump Up (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

"Johnny Jump Up" seemed the perfect song to start the evening with when I was in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland last summer, because I was drinking a lot of Bulmers cider (known stateside as Magners). I learned the song from Christy Moore. So it's one of the few versions I've heard in 3/4 time. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up this CD, '4 Drunk's Sake: Live from an Irish Pub' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Hero of Canton (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

Firefly is was a brilliant TV Sci Fi Western by Joss Whedon. I turned into a Huge Browncoat right before the movie Serenity was released. "Hero of Canton" is from the episode Jaynestown and much like in the movie, this song was recorded live in an Irish pub in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland with twenty plus friends singing along. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my new compilation CD, "Renaissance Festival Podcast Compilation' at www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Auld Lang Syne

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 CST

It's New Years Eve. I've wanted to record "Auld Lang Syne" for years now. It's just a beautiful song. As I was napping today, I finally came up with a solo arrangement for this classic song by Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my new compilation CD, "Renaissance Festival Podcast Compilation' at www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Faire Is Over

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

I wrote this poem in 2003 after another blissful year as the late, great Excalibur Fantasy Faire came to a close. I released in my poetry book, Bella Fillioct, and my friend Lorella Loftus liked it so much, she asked that we do a recording. When the Renaissance Festival Podcast began, I thought it would make a wonderful ending to the show and so it was. Now it's finally on a new compilation CD of Renaissance festival music released through my podcast. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my new compilation CD, "Renaissance Festival Podcast Compilation' at www.renaissancefestivalmusic.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Soul of a Harper (Live)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

A lot of people asked about recordings from my excursion to an Irish pub in Lisdoonvarna, Ireland last summer. I led twenty friends into a sing-a-long of Irish songs to a raucous evening. I grabbed a dozen of those tracks and put them together as an MP3 album on Soundclick. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

My Father Was a Werewolf

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 CST

Not too long ago a band called Redhill Rats submitted music to my Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. I loved their style so I played "My Father Was a Werewolf" in the show. A listener and fan of Harry Potter, named Peg Kerr, loved the song too. So much so that she filked it. I loved her filk so much that I recorded it. It tells the story of Teddy Lupin, son of Tonks and Remus Lupin, the werewolf. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Tiziano Gunn

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

In my first cat CD, Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I felt like I had a song for Jasper and a song for Torre, but no real song FOR Tiziano, my other tabby cat. Lyrics came to me based on the Irish song, "Old Fenian Gun" that just seemed to cool to miss. Since I was thinking of releasing a CD of love songs, I thought I might add this to that CD. Thus, it is a love song for a cat. I recorded it for my non-typical love songs CD A Tribute to Love. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Hobbit Journey Home

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

I recorded this instrumental tune in the winter of 2006 at my mom's. I was practicing on my autoharp when this melody came to me. It had a fairly sad, yet uplifting feeling that reminded me of Frodo and company returning home after their semi-triumphant return from Mordor. Their lives had changed. The Ring had made an eternal mark on Frodo. Yet, they were still going "home". It's the ups and downs of the occasion. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Heart and Soul

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

I don't remember where I first heard this song. But my favorite version was in the movie BIG. But I was really surprised to find out that there were lyrics to the song. I started singing it and I sounded like Jimmy Durante. But I soon worked out an arrangement for my CD, "A Tribute to Love". Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Froggie Went A-Courtin'

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 CST

I learned this song from my dad. These are the lyrics he used to sing to me as a kid. It was always a favorite song, which is why I recorded for my CD, "A Tribute to Love". I think my dad learned it from The Brothers Four. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

They Call Me Crazy

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

Falling in love is a funny thing. It's often not very rational. You just fall. Even if you shouldn't. I recorded it for my non-typical love songs CD, A Tribute to Love. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Silhouette of Longing Love

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

I wrote "Silhouette of Love" while leaving Zilker Park, here in Austin. I spent a good forty-five minutes practicing in the heat of the day and wanted some traveling music. I started playing a melody. It was simple, beautiful, and touching. And as I walked I had an image in my mind. And it's funny. Just about everyone who heard the tune recognized what I was not verbalizing. When I started playing, the song was to be called "Pottery Girl", but this is what came out. It was not just a "Silhouette of Love", but a "Silhouette of Longing Love." The song was inspired by an ex with whom I split on poor terms. As I lay in bed time tonight, I thought it was kind of ironic. Part of the reason for breakup was that I was unable to put her first. I thought too much about me. That's what I find ironic. This song is not about "Pottery Girl", it's about me. It's about my own longing for love and the shadows that linger over it. I guess I still haven't learned. Well, whatever the reason for the song, I think it is a touching reminder that love comes in all shapes and sizes. It's not always happy and blissful. Sometimes you don't get the girl and ride off into the sunset. Sometimes you're left longing and hoping for that Ever After. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Here's to the Dreamers

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

The movie, Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maud Montgomery and staring Megan Follows has long been an inspiration to me. I first saw it in high school. It's sort of a comfort movie for me. While watching in before bedtime late one evening, the inspiration of Anne came to me. The song was recorded for my CD, A Tribute to Love. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Star of County Down

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 9 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

This is probably one of the first Irish songs I heard in my first year playing Celtic music. Just about everyone has a recording of this song. It took me years to create an arrangement that I liked. That's a shame, because it really tells a beautiful, visual story. I think that's the reason it is so popular with so many musicians. I'd love to find more songs like this one. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

A Faint Heart

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 2 Oct 2007 00:00:00 CST

A couple years ago, a local songwriter took interest in the Brobdingnagian Bards. He asked to co-write a song with us and almost immediately sent this song. Yesterday, I finally set down and wrote a melody for the song. I recorded it for my non-typical love songs CD 'A Tribute to Love'. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Marry for the Heart

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

While in the final stages of recording A Tribute to Love, I realized there was something missing--a wedding song. I've never been married, but my band, the Brobdingnagian Bards, have performed at a number of weddings. One of our most popular wedding instrumentals is "Maids in the Meadow". It's from our popular wedding CD, A Celtic Renaissance Wedding. That song and a romantic interest of mine inspired this lovely wedding song. Because marriage should be done for love. And love comes from the heart. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Another Lonely Night

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

I wrote this song in 2001 while performing at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. It was the first time I was removed from my fiancee at the time, and it got lonely. It took a wee bit of revision, but I finally put together a song that I love. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

A Rabbit for Halloween

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

One of my favorite episodes of Bugs Bunny was "Broom-Stick Bunny" where Bugs meets Witch Hazel. The ugly witch is threatened by Bugs Bunny dressed as an uglier witch for Halloween. But when Witch Hazel finds out that Bugs is actually a rabbit, she realizes she needs him for a potion. During the fight to kill Bugs, Witch Hazel accidentally drinks a potion that makes her beautiful. Then the Genie in the mirror goes ga-ga chases after her on his flying carpet. I liked the story so much that last year, I wrote this song. This year, I am releasing it as a single, just in time for Halloween. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'Three Movie and TV Songs for Geeks Like Me' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

When She Held Me In Her Arms

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 00:00:00 CST

Love is an amazing thing that you never want to end. I wrote this love song about finding your true love and never turning back. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, support independent music and pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Gosling Reborn

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

This was one of the first songs I wrote for my latest CD A Tribute to Love. I had met someone who really clicked with me and inspired me in an almost magical way. This was my tribute to that response. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up my CD 'A Tribute to Love' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Patriot Game

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

This song was written by Dominic Behan, brother of Brendan. It tells the story of Fergal O'Hanlon from Ballybay, Co Monaghan, who tried to abolish the border between the Six Counties and the Republic. He was killed during the Brookborough attack at the age of 17. The song has become world famous. Undoubtedly one of the best ballads ever to come out of the Irish struggles. During our first year together, we were introduced to a wide variety of music. One of the first tapes someone lent me was a tape of I.R.B. tunes. Well the very first task we had to figure out was what I.R.B. stood for? Irish Republican Brotherhood. The Irish Republican Brotherhood was formed on Saint Patrick's Day in 1858. It was an underground organization designed to remove the English from Ireland. The song was recorded by numerous artists including Bob Dylan and the Kingston Trio. Our version came from the aforementioned I.R.B. compilation. I think it may have been the Wolfe Tones who sang it, but I'm not sure. In any case, it was the first rebel song we learned, and still one of our most popular. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up my CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

She Said Her Name Was Saffron (Firefly Song)

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 00:00:00 CST

I am a HUGE Firefly fan. Firefly is a Sci Fi Western by Joss Whedon, who gave us Buffy, the Vampire Slayer. I found the show in the summer of 2005 and fell in love. That Fall, I wrote an instrumental piece, but it wasn't until we were in Ireland that I heard about the Sing a Song of Saffron Contest. Write a song about the sexy villainess, Saffron (aka YoSaffBridge). I wrote the song using a recent melody I learned, "May Morning Dew". When I got home, I finished the lyrics, recorded it, sent it into the competition and won "Best Filk Song"! Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up my CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Gypsy Rover

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

One of the first songs I ever learned at faire was "Gypsy Rover". I heard another musician at Excalibur Fantasy Faire sing the song and vaguely remembered the chorus. "Ah di do ah di do dai day". That night, I went home and looked up the lyrics on the net. I printed them out and started memorizing. It wasn't until a year later though that I realized I pronounced the "Ah do DOH" different than others. But that's folk music for you. The song is a popular Childe Ballad and when I started thinking of songs to parody for my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD. I thought this one would be great one to base on Johnny Cash's song, "A Boy Named Sue". So I wrote "A Cat Named Rover". Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Lord of the Dance

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

"I danced in the morning when the world was begun." I loved that song growing up. But it wasn't until I got on MP3.com a few years back that I heard a great version by Muckle Flugga that renewed my interest of the song. However, it was Pam Owens, aka Mother Pockets who posted the song title, "Lord of the Pounce" that made me want to write a parody for Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers. That, ultimately, led to me actually learning the original Irish song. That's when I found out just how well-loved "Lord of the Dance" is as a song. It's amazing to find out that the lyrics were written in the '60s by Sydney Carter. I can only dream to hope that one day I might write a song as beloved. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Wild Rover

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Ah... "Wild Rover"! I know some people who hate this song because it seems like one of the most-popular Irish drinking songs ever. The chorus is simple, and there's a nice clapping part in it which adds to that interactivity that goes so well with Irish drinking songs. Personally, I love the song. The only real problem with me is that after I wrote "Wild Kitty"for Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I kept screwing up the original lyrics in favor of the cat version. But here it is in it's simplest form without the meowing. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

I'll Tell My Ma

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This Belfast street song has earned all sorts of performances from groups like The Clancy Brothers and The Dubliners, but I first heard it from tbhe Kansas City Irish group, Tullamore. But I soon modified it for my own purpose. And that was a parody called "I'll Tell My Cat". It wasn't until after I wrote that song for Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers that I decided I needed to learn the original. And it is a delightful piece that was a popular children's song too. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 3 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This Irish American song was written by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff, Jr.. Perhaps it's not the most "Irish" of songs but it does capture an important piece of the Irish ex-patriot tradition and despite it's parlor music sound, it's rather pretty too. So I couldn't help but parody it for my Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers CD. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Barnyards of Delgaty

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 CST

A Scottish bothy ballad. The bothy is the shed where the plowman slept. These plowmen would go to special fairs to find work. They didn't always have the best working conditions. This song tells of the struggles and dreams of a Scottish farm worker in Delgaty located in Aberdeenshire. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Fiddler's Green

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

What happens when fishermen die? They go to Fiddler's Green, a paradise for those who lived their lives on the sea. It's a beautiful fantasy by John Connolly. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Bonnie Ship the Diamond

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 22 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Over-fishing in the Greenland sea during the early 19th century had a devastating toll on the whale stocks. A new hunting ground, the South-West Fishery, was discovered in the region of the Davis Straits and it was mostly here that The Diamond fished. In 1830 The Diamond, Eliza Swan and The Resolution along with seventeen other whaling ships were caught in the ice of Melville Bay. The ships were lost and many sailors lost their lives. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Black Is the Colour

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This is an old song dating with tune origins probably dating to the 18th century. The lyrics were first recorded in around 1916 and believed to be out of the Appalacian Mountains, although it is so fully engrained in the folk tradition that many believe it to be out of Scotland as attibuted by the verse "I'll go to the Clyde" which is a river that runs through Glasgow. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Finnegan's Wake

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 8 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This was one of the first Irish songs I ever learned from some cassette of Irish drinking songs. It's about Tim Finnegan who dies and a wake is held in his honor. It quickly turns into a free-for-all. Even death, it's terrible thing to waste good alcohol. I parodied this song on Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers with a song about a Sphynx cat named Furagone who runs through the same life after death scenario with catnip. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Black Velvet Band

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 1 May 2007 00:00:00 +0000

"Black Velvet Band" is an Irish classic. It has a great story about drinking, women, and getting sent off to Van Dieman's Land as a punshment for a falsely accused crime. Ain't that great? On Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers, I parodied the song. I called it "Black Kitty Paw". It too has a great story about a man whose dog dies, and a cat helps him to refind is love for dogs. It was a nice sweet twist. This is the first single from my new CD. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Moonshiner

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A song about the joys of moonshine. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording, pick up our CD 'Irish Drinking Songs: The Cat Lover's Companion' at www.catdrinkingsongs.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

The Foggy Dew

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A song from the Easter Uprising of 1916 Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording pick up our CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Whiskey in the Jar

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Great pub sing-a-long about a man who robs Captain Farrell on the road. He brings the money home and shows it to his love, Jenny. Then while he's sleeping, his love takes his money and tells Captain Farrell where to find him. Metallica covered it in 1999 based on a version by Thin Lizzy. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording pick up our CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Rattlin' Bog

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 3 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000

A classic Irish sing-a-long. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording pick up our CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.

Old Fenian Gun

marc@thebards.net (Marc Gunn) — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

This is a beautiful visual song about a boy who learns about his father's support for Irish independence and decides to follow in his father's footsteps. Released under a Creative Commons Noncommercial ShareAlike License. If you enjoy this recording pick up our CD, 'Going for Brogue: Irish Pub Songs and Sea Shanties with an Accent' at www.marcgunn.com or by calling 1-800-BUY-MY-CD.