Composer

:

Pete St. John

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:47

"The Fields of Athenry" is a popular Irish folk song composed by Pete St. John in the 1970s. The song tells the story of a man named Michael who was sentenced to transportation to Australia for stealing corn during the Great Famine in Ireland. The song is a poignant reminder of the suffering and hardship endured by the Irish people during this time. The song was first recorded by Danny Doyle in 1979 and has since been covered by numerous artists, including Paddy Reilly, The Dubliners, and Dropkick Murphys. It has become a staple of Irish folk music and is often sung at sporting events and other gatherings. "The Fields of Athenry" is a ballad with a slow, mournful melody that perfectly captures the sadness and despair of the lyrics. The song is composed in the key of G major and features a simple chord progression that allows the lyrics to take center stage. The song is divided into three verses and a chorus. The first verse sets the scene, describing the fields of Athenry and the beauty of the countryside. The second verse introduces Michael and tells of his crime and subsequent punishment. The third verse describes Michael's wife and children and their struggle to survive without him. The chorus is the most memorable part of the song and is often sung by crowds at sporting events. It is a simple, repetitive melody that is easy to sing along to. The chorus repeats the phrase "Low lie the fields of Athenry" and serves as a reminder of the tragedy and suffering endured by the Irish people during the Great Famine. Overall, "The Fields of Athenry" is a powerful and emotional song that has become a symbol of Irish resilience and perseverance in the face of hardship. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic of Irish folk music.

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