Song Lyrics

“When it comes to songwriters, there is none better than Richie Kavanagh. I think he is fantastic” – Daniel O’Donnell The Sunday World.

“Richie writes songs that allows you to close your eyes and make your own pictures” – Shay Healy.

“Richie Is A True Original” – Brendan O’ Carroll.

“I Saw A Terrific Song Writer, With Great Humour, And Great Originality” – Tommy Swarbrigg


“Aon Focal Eile”

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh When I was just a little lad, I used to go to school. I’d sit down there in the seat, feeling like a fool. The teacher toult us everything, everything we know. She had a great big lump of a stick, that was bent […]


The Mobile Phone

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh my girlfriend has a mobile phone, Now we can never have a minute alone. The other night I asked her for a kiss, She said “Hang on now till I answer this”. Oh this mobile phone it is a curse, An it […]


Chicken Talk

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh [Richie] … “Johnny”. [Johnny] …. “Ya”, [Richie] ….”When was the first time you heard a naughty word?”. First time I heard a naughty word, was when I was a child. I heard it from the chickens, me Granny she went wild. Me Granny says […]


How Elvis Became A Carlow Man

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh William Presley came from Hacketstown, at the foot of Eagle Hill. The stones from his house, ya’ll see them in the fields there still. I’ll tell you now the story, so listen if you can, And I will tell how, Elvis became a Carlow […]


Stay Wut Her Johnny

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Stay wut ‘er Johnny Johnny, stay wut ‘er Johnny, Stay wut ‘er Johnny Johnny, stay wut ‘er Johnny. I am a rally driver on the circuit for years, I’m a woefull man now for jammin’ gears. I rev’s her on the corner, flat out […]


A 20th Century Man

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny whats gonna happen to us in the year 2000?” In the year two thousand they’ll look at me, They’ll say he’s a quar auld fella ya see. They don’t realise, when I was young,  Life was simple an full of fun. I know […]


The Auld Waterfall

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus In our house we had no bathroom at all, We’d go wash ourselves at the aul waterfall. Lovely fresh water and carbolic soap, Gallons of water flowing down a big slope. We’d be thinning the turnips, we’d be weeding the beet, We’d have […]


”A Little Woman A Me Own”

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I am a small farmer living here all alone, An’ I wish I had a little woman a me own. Tom Cruise I wish I look like you, But the way I am sure I’ll have ta do. A ha ha ye ye  […]


”My Wife Johnny’s Morris Minor”

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Spoken….. (Richie) “Well Johnny are you going to sing a little song?” (Johnny) “I’m going to sing about me little morris minor” (Richie) “An’ I’ll sing a song about me wife” (Johnny) “Right you start an’ I’ll join in” Chorus (Richie) Oh me wife […]


TheFootball Match Row

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh. At the football match there was a row, About that row I’ll tell you now. The ref. was kicked by three or four, Say nothing now ’till you hear more. Chorus Will you tell us will you tell us where the ref. was kicked […]


His Name It Is Joe Dolan

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus There’s a singer here in Ireland the greatest of all men, He started off in Mullingar with his brother Ben. His first job was a printer, his first love was to sing, His very first recording was the “Answer to everything.” His name […]


Fagan’s Chipper Van

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Oh me name is Johnny Fagan, I’m a hard working man. An’ I always wanted for to own a little chipper van. I bought a Buy and Sell, it’s full of ads you know. Then I seen an ad for a chipper van in […]


Face Her For Mount Leinster

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Aon, Do, Tri, Ceathair, get them feet and start to cater. One, Two, Three, Four, keep them dancing on the floor. Chorus Oh face her for the mountain and face her for the hill. When you face her for Mount Leinster, she’ll keep on […]


Christy’s Auld Cow

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Now Christy’s auld Mammy, she really gave out. When Christy’s auld cow now it got foot n’ mouth. She says ya know now I’ll get rid of it soon, Put it on a rocket send it to the moon. .Chorus Over the moon, Over […]


Me First Marquee Dance

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)… “Aye Johnny di ya remember yer first marquee dance?” At sixteen years of age, I went to my first marquee dance. Girls dresses were so short, you could nearly see their pants. Then I spy’ed this little red head, that I never seen […]


John Tyndall

( Waltz ) Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh John Tyndall was born in Carlow and a quar thing I’ll tell now to you. He was the first man in all of the world to explain why the sky it is blue. Born in the village of Leighlin his homestead […]


Me Little Jack Russell

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I had a Jack Russell for 15 years or more, And he never would let anybody inside of the door. He was a little devil, a woeful dog to bark, And when he’d show his teeth he was like a little Shark. Well […]


I Love The Smell Of Silage

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh I love the smell of silage, sure I cut it every year. I jump upon me tractor and I slap her into gear. Tearing down the road with me trailer full of grass. And all the cars caught behind me raring for […]


Daddy’s Pocket

Lyrics and Music by Michael O’Neill, and Richie Kavanagh. Chorus Mammy thinks that Daddy’s pockets are very wide n’ deep. Sometimes we all wonder if they go down to his feet. Only Mammy knows what money Daddys got.  And she won’t be happy til’ she spends the bleedy lot. She […]


Me Wife’s Auld Melodion

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Me wife was in bad form, by night and by day. In the morning to the bedroom, I brought her some tae. Says I what is wrong, is it something I’m doing.  Says she no me melodion, has gone out of tune. Chorus (OH) […]


God Bless Ya, God Save Ya

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus (OH) Granny tauld me stories, when I was very small. Her lovely way of talking, ye don’t hear now a’tall. God bless ye, God save ye n’ God leave you your health. Who wants ta be a millionaire, your health me boys your […]


The Borris Fair

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus On the fifteenth day of August, a everyone is there. They come from miles around, a ta the Borris fair. There’s all kinds of tinkers, dalers and conmen. And even three card tricks, a game thats hard to win. Its there you’ll see […]


Up The Road

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Johnny were ya good at the riddles going to school” (Johnny) “I was’ent too bad lad” (Richie) “Right listen to this…” What goes up the road and down the road over the road and back the road, An’ never touches no part of […]


Captain Myles Keogh

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Myles Keogh lost his life at the Little Bighorn. A long ways from Carlow, the place he was born. After the battle the were counting the dead. When the came to Myles Keogh, this red indian he said. This man rode a horse with […]


Our Anniversary is Today

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Johnny) “How long do you know the wife now lad?” Chorus Our Anniversary is today, I love’s her still in the same auld way. She is me darling, she’s me true love, She is me turtle dove. The first time I saw her was […]


The Disney Gravestone

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus There’s a churchyard in Carlow, near a broken down house. Where lie the ancestors of the great Mickey Mouse. Walt Disney’s forefathers lie under long grass. Gravestone unnoticed by people who pass. A Disney left Ireland, sailed over the sea. Could never have […]


Never Say Ow! ( How To Milk A COW )

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus A quar thing I’ll tell you about a cow now. You can pull all her tit’s, but she’ll never say Ow! Never say Ow! Oh never say Ow! You can pull all her tit’s, but she’ll never say Ow! Me granny, she thought […]


Paddy’s Day

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Saint Patrick came to Ireland, in four thirty two. He tried to make a christan out a me an’ out a you. Held up a bit of shamrock, frightened all the snakes away. And that’s why we still celabrate Paddys Day. Paddys Day, A […]


The Gordon Bennett Race

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus A Hundred years ago today, in nineteen hundred and three. The Gordon Bennett race, it was a sight to see. Jenatzy was the winner in six hours thirty nine. In a sixty horse Mercedes, he had the fastest time. The starting point was […]


Do You Really Love Your Mammy

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Heres a little song about all the mammy’s in all the world”. Do you really love your mammy, do you love her every day. Cause you’ll never miss your mammy, till your mammy’s gone away. When the good lord up in heaven, calls […]


A Ferguson Tractor

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Di ya remember the little Ferguson tractor Johnny?” (Johnny) “The were a great little yoke, you start an I’ll join in”. Chorus Oh I am a little Ferguson, built so many years ago. I was bought up in Dublin, at the RDS spring show. […]


A Little Bit Of Lastic

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I’m a little bit of lastic an’ a little bit of lace. I was made for to cover your important little place. Lads try to get their hands on me and end up in disgrace. I’m a little bit of lastic an’ a […]


A Travellin’ Man

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Johnny, Are you going to sing a song?” (Johnny) “I’m going to sing about a little Travellin’ Man an’ it goes something like this” Chorus Oh I am a little travellin’ man, some people calls me Tinker Dan. I have a great big […]


The Carlow Fence

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus There never was a structure before now or since. As unique and sturdy as the Carlow fence. The upright on top was cut into a V. For the end of the lentil to fit into you see. Says Watson down in Fenagh, this […]


I love My Juggernaut

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh believe it or believe it not, I love me Juggernaut !! I’ve been all over Ireland, to the North I’ve seen the lot. I’m hauling great big bales of hay, I’m heading for Mayo. With potholes all through Cavan, sure I’ll have […]


The Pothole Song

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Heres a little song about the holiest country in all the world “ “Holy Ireland” “Is’aint that right Johnny?” (Johnny) “Thats Right, Thats The Truth, you start an I’ll join in” (Richie) “Right Johnny, here we go……” Now they call us holy Ireland, […]


Johnny is a Bachelor

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh Johnny is a bachelor and I’d like to tell ya why, He loves and kissed all the girls but he’s quick to say goodbye. Did you every sleep with a woman or would it be a sin? I wouldn’t be sure for […]


Mick The Tent

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus He was known all over Ireland, everywhere he went. His name it was Mick Donohue, but they called him Mick the Tent. If you wanted a marquee for hire, there was no better man. Sure he travelled all of Ireland, in his little […]


Rev’er On The Corners

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh I never had a rally car since or before, Like the Mark 2 Escort, that I bought in ’84. She was almost 10 years auld and had seen better days. You’d rev’er on the corners, and drive her straight side ways. Rev’er, rev’er, rev’er […]


Mickey’s Buckin’ Ass

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh. Chorus Oh Me Uncle Micky had a buckin’ ass. This buckin’ ass you know was awful crass. He was the biggest buckin’ ass, the finest buckin’ ass, The wildest buckin’ ass in Ireland. Chorus Well he bought the buckin ass in Tullamore, From a […]


Irish Book / Focal Leabhair

”A little song to get you started learning the Gaelic” Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh. Chorus ‘This is a song about an Irish dictionary’ ‘That’s right, a word book, a focal leabhair” Oh get out your focal leabhair, get out your focal leabhair. And we’ll have you speaking Irish […]


Life Is Like A See-Saw

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus (OH) Life is like a see-saw, it has its ups and downs. Sometimes it brings us happy smiles, sometimes it makes us frown. When your up, your up and when your down your down. So when your up, you know what, you really […]


Once in a Blue Moon

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Once in a blue moon, once in a blue moon. What’s a blue moon, what’s a blue moon. Two full moons in the one month. That’s what they call a blue moon. I look at the heavens, the heavens above. Think of the […]


Grannie Used Ta Jig

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (OH) When I was just a little lad, we were so very poor. But we had woofull gallery there upon the kitchen floor. We didn’t have a penny, we didn’t give a frig.  ‘Cos we had lovely music, when me granny start ta jig. […]


The Dribblin’ Teapot

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh  Chorus  “Johnny, what’s it like, ta get tae in a hotel?” There’s a dribble from the taepot, there’s a dribble from the jug. Everytime I try to pour me tae or milk into me mug, I hauld the taepot steady but I cannot pour […]


The Little Honda 50

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh ( Richie) “Johnny, do ye remember the little Honda 50?” ( Johnny) “They were a great little yoke lad” Chorus Ah the little Honda 50 boys, they were all the craic. A little Honda 50 with a white box on the back.  They were […]


Have you seen the Paddy Wagon?

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny will ye c’mon? Will ye c’mon now outta that!!” “Your always late, we’ll miss the Paddy Wagon!!” “No, we won’t.”   Chorus Have ye seen the Paddy Wagon, have ye seen the Paddy Wagon. It’s a lovely shade a green, it’s a lovely […]


If you have no influence

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh All them days ye went ta school, ye studied all them nights. Ye proved ta them ye were no foul, ye surely got the points. The only thing about it that doesn’t make no sense. You’ll never ever get a job, if you have […]


Tommy Hogans Cinema

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Spoken….”Tommy Hogan had a cinema up in Garryhill, The pictures in that cinema are in my memory still. T’was there I seen Roy Rodgers, Kenneth Moore n’ Ben Crosby. Ye’d pay your little tanner, the whole of Hollywood ta see” Chorus Tommy Hogan had […]


Me Hearty Irish Breakfast

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus (OH) I love me Irish breakfast, me hearty Irish breakfast. Bacon, eggs n’ sausages all dancing on the plate. With a lump of jet black pudding and mushrooms by the dozen. A hearty Irish breakfast is the only thing ta ate. Ah I […]


How To Do 1,2,3.

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Johnny) “Around my part of the country, you’d never ask a woman out ta dance. You’d always say to her, Can I face ye for Mt.Leinster?” (Richie) “Who learnt you ta dance, Johnny?” Ah me sister was aulder than me ye see, And she […]


Courtin’ In a Mini Car

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh I had a Mini Minor in 1969, A little Mini Minor I was so glad that she was mine. I had a little girlfriend with the skirt above her knee, I loved me Mini Minor and me girlfriend she loved me. Chorus Did ye […]


A Real Humdinger

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Johnny, what was the wife like before ye married her?” Chorus She was a real humdinger, she was a country an western singer. I’d see her on the band stand every night. She was a real humdinger, she was a country an western […]


Maggie Murphy’s Melodion

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny, will we sing this little song” “Aye, sure its only a bit of gallery lad” Chorus Maggie Murphy had a melodion that she bought in Bagenalstown. A lovely little melodion that she got for a half a crown.  It was an international, it […]


Me Granny Was A Plucker

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I never knew me granny, but they said she was a plucker. Me granny taught me daddy how to be a plucker too. Now I am a plucker an’ me brother is a another.  We’re the greatest crowd of pluckers anybody ever knew. […]


The Anglia Deluxe

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus “Tell him a‘bout Daddy’s Anglia Deluxe lad, Tell ’em” Chorus Was there anythin’ nicer than a Anglia Deluxe. Stylish design an’ such lovely good looks. A grand cromey strip from the front ta the back. An up on the top was a sturdy […]


Me Little Zuki Jeep

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I am a happy farmer in me little Zuki jeep. I drives it up the mountain, for to count me sheep. I drives it over rocky ground, I drives it through the bog. An sittin’ there beside me, is me faithful auld sheepdog. Beep […]


Her Name Was Nellie

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh ‘These are little rhymes that I learnt as a chap, On me way home from school” Chorus There was a little girl an’ her name was Nellie,  Stud in water up to her knees….  Doesn’t rhyme very well, doesn’t rhyme very well. ‘Cos the […]


Why Did They Call Me E.S.B.

”This is a song dedicated to the ESB men of 1955” Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny, will ye tell us how ye got your nickname?” Chorus When I was a young lad, I had a nickname ye see. They used ta call me E.S.B. What was me link […]


Me Lovely Yellow Scooter

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I was saving up me money for to buy a motorbike, But I could never see one that I did really like. Then I seen this yellow scooter, this lovely yellow scooter. An’ I knew that great big scooter was for me. Well […]


Danoli

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh and Dermot O’Shaughnessy It all started in Kildare, in a place thats known as Goffs. A place not for the culchie’s, more frequented by the toffs. When two lads from County Carlow, Dan O Neill an trainer Foley. Knew a winner when they saw one […]


A Long Lank Of A Loody

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) …”Johnny!” (Johnny) …”Ya” ( Richie)…”Did ya like going to school Johnny?” ( Johnny)… “No” ( Richie)…”What was your teacher like?” Chorus He was a great big long lank of a loody of a man. He had an auld Austin, it was like a […]


The Old Dance Hall in Garryhill

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus The old dance hall is standing still its on the road near Garryhill. The doors are open night an’ day its falling into a sad decay. I walk along its empty floor an’ I think of all the nights before. Eight lads playing […]


Sally Doran’s Nellie Bike

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…”Johnny, do ye remember Sally Doran?” (Johnny)…”I do well an’ her great big nellie bike” Chorus Be the holy man above tonight, did ye ever see the likes. Sally Doran sittin’ there upon her great big nellie bike. It was at twelve a clock […]


Me Father Was A Fairy

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Ah Me father was a fairy, me mother a banshee. Thats why when I was born, I was a leprechaun ye see. Me father had a fairy bush an’ a great big fairy ring. Me mother being a banshee, would always wail an’ […]


No Drink No More

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I’ll never drink, like I drank before. No I won’t drink, no drink no more. Ya ruled me life, now I have feck all. ‘Cos I pissed it all, up against the wall. I bruised me face an’ I broke me nose. Oh […]


Concrete Paddy

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Concrete Paddy, who works in London town. Concrete Paddy, who lays the concrete down. He works with all the Subies, part now of the crew. An’ every night in the pub, he’ll always have a few. He left his home in Mayo in […]


The Farmers Ball

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Oh Maggie went a dancing’ a ta the local hall. She not a realising that it was the farmers ball. Very soon Maggies little feet they were all bruised. As farmers in there great big boots around the floor they cruised. Chorus Oh Maggie […]


Family Farm Survival

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Us poor auld  Irish farmers, our future now in doubt. That’s why we drive our tractors, through the street an’ all about. Farmers here in Ireland, are so very poor. To survive upon a farm ye’d want ta be a cute hur. The […]


Drumphea On A Hill

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Drumphea, Drumphea I remember ye still. A beautiful chapel way up on a hill. On Sunday we’d all go there ta pray. We never did miss mass upon a Sunday. As a chap I would walk there, it was almost two mile. I […]


Me Girlfriends Pussy Cat

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh Me girlfriend has a pussy, a lovely pussy now. An every time I rubs it, a she goes meow. She has a lovely pussy, I seen it in her house. I did I seen her pussy cat, a gobble up a mouse. […]


I Went To The Sea

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus “Johnny where did ye go on your holidays?” I went ta the sea, I went ta the sea. I went ta the sea, for the see ta sea. Did the sea see you, did the sea see you. Well it waved at me […]


Who Wants To Be A Millionaire

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…..”Johnny” (Johnny)…”Ya” (Richie) …”Are ye ready?” (Johnny)….”Ya” (Richie)…”Final answer?” (Johnny )…”Final answer” (Richie)…”No doubts?” (Johnny)…”No doubts, You start and I’ll join in” (Richie)…”Right Johnny, here we go” (Johnny)….”And thats the truth” Chorus There I was upon the telly, who wants ta be a millionaire. […]


Me An’ Me Grandad,Walk Across Mount Leinster

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Me an’ me grandad, hand in hand together. We walk across Mt.Leinster, in all kinds of weather. The years have made him older but he’s gentle an’ he’s kind. It’s the sheep upon the mountain, that’s always on his mind. Me mammy says […]


The Castle At Old Ballymoon

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Old Ballymoon, old Ballymoon. The castle at old Ballymoon. A place in my memory that I’ll never forget. The castle at old Ballymoon. Me father he brought me on the bar of the bike, when I was a little garçon. That was the first […]


Me Scarecrow

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh Every year we make them, from rags an’ sticks an’ straws. He was the grandest scarecrow, that you have ever saw.  We make a beard a horsehair an’ we’d stick it on his jaw. Then we’d put him in the potato drills […]


I Am An Auld Turkey

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I am an auld turkey, I get no fair play, I’ll end up on the table on a Christmas day. You’ll pull out me feathers from me lovely skin.  Then you wash me out an’ stuff the breadcrumbs in. You feed me well […]


The First Little Car That I Ever Bought

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Well I went ta the scrapyard, a gear box ta buy. An what did I spy there, with my little eye. I recognised it, the minute I saw it.  The first little car, that I ever bought. The seats were all torn an’ cover […]


Nellie In The Deli

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Nellie, Nellie, Nellie, Nellie, Nellie, Nellie, Nellie, Nellie. Chorus (OH) Nellie at the deli in the service station. Every little sandwich, is a Nellie creation. The ham has gone stale, she has it for days.  You’ll never know the differ, when she slaps on […]


The Health And Leisure Centre

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I eat what I like, when I’m looking at the telly.  Bags of crisps, cans of coke, I’m puttin’ on a belly. Then wife said your not gonna sit here for the winter. ‘Cos I’m gonna send ye to the health an’ leisure […]


All Ireland Ploughing Match

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)  “Every year, Johnny” (Johnny) “Every year for three days, wet or dry. I wouldn’t miss it for the world, lad”. Chorus All Ireland ploughing match, every year I’m at. With raincoat, stick an’ wellies an’ I don’t forget me hat. A trudging through […]


Boy Bands Karaoke

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…. “Johnny, do ye like boy bands?” (Johnny)…. “I do but my grandad doesn’t” (Richie)…. “Why, what does your grandad say?” Chorus Grandad says a be the hokey, Boy bands there just karaoke. They’re just singin’ to a backin’ track. It’s quite easy when […]


Fifty Years Loving

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus The girl that I love is now feeble an’ grey. But she’s still the girl of my wedding day. Her voice is so gentle, her ways are so kind. I’m glad now that she is still mine. Fifty years loving an’ fifty years […]


The Lotto Balls

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Twice a week I watch me balls bobbin up an’ down. Twice a week I watch me balls hoping all around. It’s all the balls them lotto balls, me balls never hop out. Red an’ green an’ yellow ones juggling all about. Twice […]


Traffic Everywhere

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Now I tried ta go to work in ta me local town. But I get stuck in traffic, I can’t move up or down. Lorries here, vans there an’ cars everywhere. An’ even JCB’s digging up the market square. Chorus Oh Traffic, traffic, traffic, […]


A Knicker’s Shop

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny” “Ya”  “Did ye see Maggie Murphy lately?” Chorus I met sweet Maggie Murphy down at the parish shop. She says, ye know now Johnny, we should start a knickers shop. We’d sell all kinds of frilly things, bras of great selection. There’s a […]


Me School Bag Is Too Heavy

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Oh) Me school bag is too heavy an’ it make some shoulders sore. At half eight every morning, I drag it out the door. I heist it up upon me back, it weighs me to the ground. Then off to school I stagger, down […]


Back Sate Of Me Auld Morris Car

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…. “Johnny, did ya remember when we had the morris minor?” (Johnny)…. “There was a great back sate in her lad, you start an’ I’ll join in” Chorus I was thinking today of me auld morris car.  An’ the girls that I drove near […]


Whi – Del-daw- Del-Dum

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Mammy said that Santy bring a whi-del- daw-del- dum. She did, she said he’d bring one, when Santy he would come. Then Santy he brought me a whi-del- daw-del- dum. An’ when I pressed his belly button, this is what he’d hum. I got […]


A Willie A Me Own

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Richie….”Johnny, Johnny did your sister Bridie ever get married?” She used ta go with Tony an’ then she went with Tom. She used ta go with Charlie but not for very long.  Ah Bridie was a good court, she’d hug ye like a glove. […]


Saturday Night When I Was Small

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…. “Johnny, di ya remember Saturday night when we were small?” (Johnny)…. “Gore, they were great auld times” Chorus Saturday night, when I was small.  Saturday night, was the best night of all. Stirrin’ the jelly an’ steepin’ the peas. We all had our […]


Don’t Throw Yout Little On The Ground

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Oh, Ireland now this isle a green. The grandest place, you’ve ever seen. To keep it clean, we have a snag.  It’s called the bleedy plastic bag. Chorus Don’t throw your litter on the ground. The litter wardens on his round. If you throw […]


The N.C.T. Test

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)….”How is the car going Johnny?” (Johnny)…. “It’s not going to bad” (Richie)… “How long have ye her now?” Me car is over ten years auld, Years ago sure I should have sailed.  But I loved me car, it is the best. Though I […]


It’s Called The County Carlow

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus If ya look at the map of Ireland, ya’ll see a county fair. It looks like South America, but they grow no coffee there. It’s there they grow the sugar beet an’ I thought I’d let ye know.  The celtic centre of Ireland, […]


ART KAVANAGH

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh He was born in Borris in eighteen thirty one. Many years have now passed but his memory lives on. He built the new railway and the viaduct as well. An’ the house he was born in, the Kavanaghs still dwell. Art Kavanagh was born with […]


The Battered Sausage

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh I bought a battered sausage, inside a public house. And when I bit the top off, inside there was a mouse. I was full of porter, it I did devour.  Tho’ I did complain to the bar maid, that the sausage it was sour. […]


I Was Here Before Ya

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Now I a goes a shoppin’ upon a Saturday. An’ everywhere I try ta park, there’s cars now in me way. I spot a lovely little space, a car is pulling out. But when I park me own car, this fella starts ta shout. […]


JOE SOAP

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Johnny can the tell me, who Joe Soap could really be? He’s a little part of everyone, even you an’ me. Is he someone important, Gerry Ryan or the Pope. No before he’s only just an’ ordinary Joe Soap. Chorus I reads it in […]


Are The Bin Men Comin’?

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…. “Johnny, did ye put out the bin?” (Johnny)…. “I did ya, I did” Get your little wheelie bin.  An’ put all of your rubbish in.  Ye better hurry don’t be late.  They’ll soon be outside of your gate. Chorus Are the bin men […]


I’m A Bottle A Stout

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I’m a bottle, a bottle, a bottle a stout. I’m hardly in your belly, till I want ta get out. I’m a bottle, a bottle, a bottle a stout. With me in your belly, you’ll be jumping about. They put me in the […]


The Alley Cracker

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie)…. “Johnny, Johnny did ya like rock ‘n’ roll when you were small?” (Johnny)… “No, I’d rather be playing the auld handball lad” I liked rock ‘n’ roll when I was small.  But most of all I loved the auld handball.  I’d say stand […]


Big Maggie Left Kerry

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Big Maggie she left Kerry in 1952.  She had ta lave auld Ireland, there was nothing there to do.  All she had in her pocket was a one ten shilling note. An’ she looked so sad an’ lonely as she sad there on the […]


Whack-A-Li-Lu

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh We met in a pub just outside a Perth, You looked so beautiful in your short skirt. Your skin was as brown as our barn door, Such beauty in a woman I nar seen before. Chorus Whack-a-li-lu, A whack-a-li-lu, I went to Australia it […]


A Teenager In 1968

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Well Johnny, have all the pot holes filled?” I sent a lorry for a barrel a tar. It hasn’t came back here so far. Me shovel handle broke in two. Oh what am I supposed ta do. Well ya have no tar an’ ya […]


Ballinspittle

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Well a few years ago, we were all heading for Ballinspittle. For ta see the moving statue, well I went down ta Ballinspittle. Knelt down an’ said a few prayers and there was no stir. But I felt the better of going down there. […]


Your Local Radio Station

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus There’s a new sensation all across the nation. It’s called your local radio station. They play real good music pop, rock ‘n’ roll.  Country ‘n’ Irish and a little bit a soul. If your listening to the radio and your feeling kind of […]


Every House Had A Fanners

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Every house had a fanners, not so many years ago.  Everybody had fanners, the fire for to blow. I can still here it rattle, when the big wheel you would turn.  If ye didn’t have a fanners, the green sticks would never burn. […]


Horsing Around (the burger song)

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh We bought them auld burgers in the town yesterday. We brought them home an’ had them for the tae. There was six in a packet, the wife ate them all. Since then the auld crater hasn’t been well at all. Chorus She’s been horsing […]


John Joe Yer A Good One

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “John Joe Nevin, what way are ya?” (John Joe) “I hear ye wrote an’ auld song about me Richie” (Richie) “I did, I did. I did listen..” Chorus John Joe Nevin yer a good one, the man from Mullingar. Even as a young […]


All Kinds Of Motor Cars

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh I’ve had all kinds a motor cars, since I was just a chap. I bought them for small money, most of them were scrap. There wasn’t any NCT, sit in an’ drive away. After driving all them yokes, I’m lucky to be alive today. […]


Johnny Barry’s Helicopterr

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Johnny Barry in his helicopter what a lovely sight. Johnny’s in his helicopter nearly every night. He doesn’t go to one show, he doesn’t go ta two. When Johnny goes out to a show, he’ll always see a few. He flys up to […]


Games We Used Ta Play

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh the games we used to play, when I was very small. Ye seldom see anybody playing them now at all. There was pitch and toss marbles and we’d play the skittles too. With the hop scotch and the rounders, there was always […]


The Shopping Trolley

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus About a shopping trolley, I thought I’d let ye know. Ya’d try ta push it straight, but it never seems ta go. Ya’d wobble through the car park, hopping off the cars. Any one would think ya had a few auld jars. You […]


A Great Day For The Washing

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus It’s a great day for the washing, just hang them on the line. I hear it on the radio, that the weather t’will be fine. So get your little pegs and your basket full of clothes. And hang them up upon the line, […]


”Pulling Their Wire ”(The ESB Men 1955)

”This is a song dedicated to the ESB men of 1955” Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh They were pulling their wire, higher and higher. Higher and higher everyday. They were putting their poles, into all kinds of holes. Up and down the byway. Chorus They were pulling their wire, […]


A Lovely Great Big Field A Beet

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh never again will we see it. A lovely great big field a beet. It was there for so long, but now it is gone.  And never again will we see it. The field would be ploughed and well tilled. By the farmer […]


The Undertaker

Lyrics and Music by Richie Kavanagh Chorus The undertaker is the nicest man, here in the town.  ‘Cos he’d be the last man for ta let ya down.  He wears a black suit and he has a sad face.  And the prices he charges they are a disgrace. He has […]


The Auld Stepping Stones

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus The auld stepping stones, they were layed out so neat. Straight cross the river, so you don’t wet your feet. They were put there by auld lads so long, long ago.  All kinds of stones layed out in a row. First time I […]


Baling Twine

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh There’s all kinds of inventions and some of them are fine. But the greatest yoke of all is a bit of baling twine. Ye can tie up your boots, when ye have no laces. Twill hauld up your trousers, when ye haven’t got no […]


Up On Ballon Hill

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus If your ever down in Ballon, they talk about it still. About the dancing board, that was up on Ballon hill. People came from miles around, they came from near and far. Most of them on bicycles, they didn’t have a car. Early […]


From The Top Of Mount Leinster

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh When I was a chap, I remember it still.  Going to school through the fields around Garryhill. Auld lads at the cross roads, such stories they’d tell. And me drawing water in a bucket from the well. Chorus From the top of Mount Leinster […]


“Will Ya Have A Mug A Tae”

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “If you you ever go to Ireland, ya’ll always hear em say,  Your welcome sit down an’ we’ll have a mug a tae.  I’ve just put on the kettle, it’s all most on the boil.” (Johnny) ‘’Oh I won’t have tae now, I’ll have […]


Them Great Chevy Sheep

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Over the hill with my sheepdog. Over the hills to Wicklow. Over its hills and it valleys. The home of that great cheviot ewe. Jim Norton told me about them.  His known them since he was a boy. He’d talk there about them […]


So Hard To Be Hungry

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Well Johnny, how is the diet going?” (Johnny) “Ah bad lad, bad.” Chorus Oh lord it’s so hard to be hungry.  But I’ll stay on the diet anyway.  I can’t bare to step on the weighing scales. I get pounds heavier each day. […]


Me Little Volkswagon

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus I was driving along in me little Volkswagen. The wives tongue, wouldn’t stop waging. I wasn’t going hard nor I wasn’t going easy. Ya know now the wife, she was driving me crazy. When I got a few pints the night before.  And […]


Her Name Is Nancy

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Richie) “Now your man is going ta sing a song about a woman he met at a marquee one night.” Chorus Oh the girl that I love her name is Nancy.  She’s small and she’s neat, she’s the girl I do fancy. I met […]


No More Beer

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh ( Richie) “Aye Johnny, will we go for a pint?”  (Johnny) “Ya sure, we’ll get one between us lad.” Chorus Oh the drink laws in Ireland they are so severe. You’re only allowed three quarters a beer. If the man at the counter sells […]


Goin’ To Be A Wedding

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh (Johnny) “Ah lad, did ye enjoy the wedding?” It was a day in May, ’twas a fine day.  There’s going ta be a wedding, I hear them say. So we hit the church without delay. And that was the start of a great auld […]


Declan Nerney Is Your Man

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus If ye want ta go a dancing, Declan Nerney is your man. He’ll have ye hopping like a herring on a frying pan. He plays real good music pop, rock ‘n’ roll. Country ‘n’ Irish and a little bit of soul. He got […]


Outside For A Fag

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh No smoking now, inside the pub, no smoking now at all. Ya have ta smoke outside, in the shed beside a wall. Me wife she went outside, she was dying for a fag. Outside she met a fella and instead she had a shag. […]


Be The Holy, Says Foley

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh They’re talking in Rahanna, in Myshall and Fenagh. About High Nelly’s Pub, that opened up the other day. It’s in a place called Milltown, better known as Garryhill. And you are very welcome there and you can drink your fill. Chorus Well be the […]


Pears, Bananas And Chocolates

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh pears, bananas and chocolates, a good ripe fruit. The women down in Moore street, are so very cute. Pears, bananas and chocolates, you’ll always hear them cry. Keep your hands off the apples, if you’re not going ta buy. Oh the women […]


Jingle Jangle Ding A Ling

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Oh jingle jangle ding a ling.  Jingle jangle ding a ling I heard Santys sleigh bells ring.  Jingle jangle ding a ling. Oh Santy ate me cream and tart. Then up the chimney he did start.  Half ways up he let a fart. […]


The Lanz Bulldog Tractor

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Johnny Fagan had a tractor, when I was very small. A Lanz Bulldog tractor, the grandest yoke of all. It was a lovely shade of blue and stylish all around.  With a little two stroke engine, sure it had a unique sound. He […]


My Dog Spot

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh I have a dog who’s name is Spot, sometimes he’s white sometimes he’s not. Whether he’s white or whether he’s not, there’s a patch on his back that makes him spot. He likes a bowl and he likes a ball, doesn’t care for a […]


   


The Johnny Tracey Song

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus When it comes to ploughing, Johnny Traceys no cod. Since the age of thirteen he’s been turning the sod. Its now fifty years since he first did compete. He’s still turning over the sod nice and neat. His first ploughing match, he remembers […]


The Norman Wisdom Song

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Chorus Norman Wisdom is the greatest comic of them all.  We love his little walk, that trip and funny fall. He made us laugh so much, at the silver screen.  Norman Wisdoms comic films, were the greatest ever seen. At fourteen years of age, […]


The Water Meter Song

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Ah lad, did ye get the water meter yet?” Chorus Now they put a water meter just outside our gate. There’s no point in complaining, sure now it is too late.  To keep the water charges down, there’s one thing we can do.  Don’t […]


Keep The Shovel Tippin’

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny, how long are ye on the council now?” Well I’ve been on the council twenty year . An’ I’ll never leave it don’t ye fear. One time they tried ta get rid a me. But I wouldn’t take me redundancy. Chorus Oh keep […]


Mattress Mick

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Well I wanted a good bed for to rest me poor auld head. So I travelled all of Ireland trying to find one. Then I met with Mattress Mick. He says the mattress does the trick. Come on inside me shop an’ take your pick. […]


Moore On Tour

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Are ye going ta sing a song Johnny?” “I made up a little song about Seamus Moore the JCB man.” “The man with the transit van.” “That’s right, that’s the truth.” Chorus I’m Moore on tour with the big bamboo.  I came here tonight […]


My Girlfriend Has A New iPhone

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh “Johnny, how is the girlfriend?” Chorus My girlfriend has a new iPhone.  Now we can never have a minute alone.  When I try ta kiss her, she takes a selfie.  All me Facebook friends are laughing at me. Oh her new iPhone it is […]


Halloween is coming soon

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Halloween is coming soon, I feel it in the air. Now that it’s October there’ll be bonfires everywhere. A spooky time, a quare time, a happy time you see. Them pumpkins with their fiery eyes, I think their watching me. The boys and girls […]


TD in the Dail

Music and lyrics by Richie Kavanagh Would ya like to be a TD in the Dail? ( in the Dail ) Sitting there upon you bum doin’ sweet damn all. ( sweet damn all ) Shake me hand and get me vote. Then ya treat me like a goat. There’s […]