Kiss My Irish Ass

Music has played a major role throughout the evolution of human kind. It has been around since the days of cavemen who discovered the effects of banging rocks and sticks in a rhythm. Through the years music has been used as a medium for expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The lyrics of the song are usually the easiest and least complex way of expressing these feelings. There are more subtle ways that are often overlooked though. These are the tone of voice, tempo of the music, the instruments used, hidden meanings or metaphors, and the overall way the song sounds. A good example of this is the song Kiss My Irish Ass by Frank Mackey and the Keltic Cowboys.

Mackey wrote this song about ten years ago. The song has many expressions of thoughts as well as feelings, emotions, and even history. First off the title itself shows the main idea of the song. The lyrics back this title up very well. The song starts off by setting the scene: “Oh the churchbells are ringin' in the schoolyard, And we all went out those daysвЂ¦Ð²Ð‚Ñœ This shows the religious thoughts in this song by mentioning the church. It also shows the ages of the people involved. Mackey then talks about a fight where he was singled out by a bully. He lost the fight but the bully said that he gained his respect because he fought with so much heart. This shows the feelings of an Irish boy who is growing up in these times.

The next main idea in this song is history. The singer talks about his family very often in this song. One line goes: “Oh the husbands and wives, they had a neighborhood pack, They called the Mackeys white trash behind our backs (White Trash!).” this not only tells about his family but how the Irish families were looked down at in the olden times. Mackey also sings:” Oh me grandpa passed through Ellis Island,/ From the greatest of the Motherlands/ For he worked, provided for his family/ He was a dedicated welding man/ And he knew right from wrong like day and night,/ He could whip any fool in a bareknuckle fight/ He talked of country like he preached of God,/ One hell of an Irishman!” This stanza depicts his pride for his family perfectly. The afore mentioned line tells not only about his grandpa’s pride but also tells how he has pride himself in his roots. Mackey also states towards the end of the song that his son will continue his feelings.

The main feeling expressed in the lyrics is in the chorus. The chorus goes:” We're as stubborn as mules/ With our blood on fire/ When we ain't at Sunday mass/ We'll look any man straight in his eyes and say/ Kiss my Irish ass!/ You better kiss my Irish ass!”

This shows how the Irish really feel about themselves and others. It also shows how they defend themselves against the oppressing Americans of other, more affluent descendents. With this Mackey also says about the families who talked about his behind his back that if he was old enough to understand he would’ve “given it right back.”

The tone of this song adds a significant feeling to the song. The music used is very upbeat and happy. The Keltic Cowboys use a variety of instruments that are very Irish and add to the emotions that this song expresses. They use the banjo, harmonica, and accordion among others. These instruments make this song very cherry and fast-paced. This not only helps avoid the threatening manner in which the words come off but also explains how Mackey and other immigrants and relatives of Irish-born feel.

The song Kiss My Irish Ass explains the Irish folk in America very well. It shows how they have been put down and looked down upon thought the years. This song allows for some hope for any legal immigrant to succeed in this country. I really enjoy listening to this song because it helps me get my spirits up when they are shot to pieces.

Kiss My Irish Ass

Written and preformed by: Frank Mackey

Oh the churchbells are ringin' in the schoolyard,

And we all went out those days

The bully said "Mick would you fancy a rumble?"

I said "Yes, it's time to play!"

Oh the nuns and the priests they grabbed their Rosaries

As they pulled our bodies apart

The bully said "Mick you lost the fight, but you've gained my respect!

You fight with so much heart!"

We're as stubborn as mules

With our blood on fire

When