You’re not alone if March has dredged up some tough feelings. A year ago, we were entering our first shutdown and getting to know life-in-pandemic. It’s been less exciting than the Walking Dead led us to believe. By now, we’re all old hands at celebrating holidays alone or alone with a crowd of people on our computer screens via Zoom. Does anyone genuinely miss the St. Patrick’s Day crowds, though? People who’ve been drunk since dawn on green beer? This year, why not treat yourself to a more chill holiday, and relish your solitude before a post-vaccine return to regular life? Here’s your ultimate St. Patrick’s Day playlist. No judgment if you rock out while sipping on a homemade green beer for old time’s sake.
“Wellerman”
Nathan Evans
Is there any explaining the sudden popularity of sea shanties? Luckily, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to play them loud and proud. Turn it up and let your neighbors know how much you need sugar and tea and rum. Perfect your rendition, and you can gain your own virality on TikTok.
“Johnny’s Got a Boom Boom”
Imelda May
If you don’t know Irish songwriter Imelda May, you’re about to level-up your solo dance parties at home with this bop.
“Take Me to Church”
Hozier
There’s no better day to appreciate the immortal being Hozier, a haunting/haunted Irish songwriter. This rendition of Take Me to Church will renew your faith in the grip-your-soul infatuation we’ve been short on in the age of social distancing.
Galway Girl
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran’s describing the night that everyone wishes they had while traveling internationally. It’s a lot more attainable if you’re a famous musician. But it’s impossible when the world is shut down and contagious, but it’s a nice throwback to a time when you could gather in crowded bars and kiss strangers.
“Drunken Lullabies”
Flogging Molly
Is it even a St. Patrick’s Day playlist if you don’t have a Flogging Molly song on it? This Irish band was the first and last word in Celtic punk for people of a certain age. To be fair, there’s not a lot of charting Celtic punk bands in the US, but it didn’t stop some of us from having a few of their albums on cassette kicking around the glove-box.
“The Blower’s Daughter”
Damien Rice
This was the creepy/romantic ballad of the early teens and featured in the movie Closer, which was not good despite boasting some serious talent. Open a cold one and reflect on all those meaningful glances you used to have on public transportation before COVID.
“I’m Shipping to Boston”
Dropkick Murphys
It’s rare a folk song written by Woody Guthrie gets covered by an Irish punk band and transcends to popular culture. The Departed used it in their soundtrack, bringing a fair amount of notoriety to the Dropkick Murphys and this unlikely song.
“The Foggy Dew”
Sinead O’Connor and The Chieftains
No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a nod to the queen fey herself, Sinead O’Connor. The Foggy Dew is a traditional Irish ballad and will fill you with patriotism for the Emerald Isle, whether or not your ancestors hail from its shores.
“C’est La Vie”
B*Witched
The Irish equivalent of The Spice Girls never got the same acclaim as the British girl group. You can decide if it was for good reason or not. This song crossed the Atlantic and charted in the US. Yes, it’s about sex.
“Seven Drunken Nights”
The Dubliners
It doesn’t get much more Irish than the Dubliners. Seven Drunken Nights is the perfect song for ending your day or your night and reflecting on the revelries of St. Patrick’s day when you’re drunk as drunk could be.
Featured Photo Credit Jordan Harrison on Unsplash
