Episodes
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Pain is hard to deal with. Sometimes it feels overwhelming. You can get through it with maybe a little help from Doctor Who. We talk about my song Redemption.
You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #283
0:16 - Marc Gunn “By Amazing Grace” from Come Adventure With Me
By Amazing Grace, Hat Came Back, Tartanic Inspired by the Firefly episode “Heart of Glass” featuring Andrew McKee of Brobdingnagian Bards and Jamie Haeuser)4:23 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
New Poll: What are your favorite songs on Sci Fi Drinking Songs? New Merch Bundle: CD, Album Pin, Poster and Songbook for $909:32 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 28: Dragon Con Filk Music Concert w/Brobdingnagian Bards @ 8 PM MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 19-21: Jordan Con, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GAMake sure you check the calendar on the Marc Gunn homepage to see the latest list of performances.
10:35 - Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer “Folk Club Song” from Twelve Months & A Day
15:44 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free. Special thanks to our newest and returning patrons: Laura Belle, Michelle Powers, James Regan
17:20 - THE STORY OF REDEMPTION
Recorded for The War Doctor | Doctor Who #2.3 Inspired by “The Day of the Doctor” from Doctor Who Download the “Redemption” MP3 Lyrics and music Marc Gunn. Marc Gunn: autoharp, vocals; Rich Brotherton: bass, guitar, percussion. Mixed by Rich Brotherton BackgroundThis is a story about finding redemption. In the 50th anniversary Doctor Who episode "The Day of the Doctor", the 10th (Matt Smith) and 11th Doctor (David Tennant) meet The War Doctor. They are horrified and filled with dread to once again see themselves as the man who committed horrible atrocities wiping out the Time Lords and the Daleks with a doomsday weapon.
But after centuries dealing with that pain. They finally come to grips with it. They accept the decision they made even though it caused the death of billions of people. But even better, they remember Who they are. The Doctor. Never cruel or cowardly. Never give up or give in. Doctors give hope. They are finally able to save the people they thought they lost.
Redemption LyricsI was so young. I made a mistake
That I have never shared.
Much to regret. I tried to forget. I ran.
That just laid it bare.To speak the words out loud made me
Shudder for the harm I done
Now I help the innocent
Still I feel the need to run.* Because I burn. I burn.
It won't cover the pain
But it's time I learn. Time I learn.
Redemption can come again (x3)Are great men truly forged in fire?
While others light the flame?
That's what I tell myself so that
I can avoid the blame.Deep down inside there's a scared little child
Smashing statues, filled with fright.
Under cover, changing faces
To hide away in plain sightBut still I burn. I burn.
It won't cover the pain
But it's time I learn. It's time I learn.
Redemption can come again (x3)And still my monsters come from my past
They shatter my future bones.
Scary to face them, but time will heal
Don't have to do it alonePromise to keep, tho I may weep
For the pain I kept deep down
Face my fears for 1200 years
Hope will turn my life aroundNo longer burn. No longer burn.
It may not cover the pain
But it's time I learn. It's time I learn.
Redemption can come again (x3)26:11 - Marc Gunn “Redemption” from Come Adventure With Me
29:47 - CLOSING
33:25 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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Everything changes. But what do you do when your career, your life, your joy, comes to an end because everything must change. We’re talking about the life of a scallop diver in Lamlash Bay.
You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #282
0:17 - Marc Gunn “Favor of a Dance” from Come Adventure With Me
Favor of a Dance | West Side Story Meets Firefly Inspired by the Firefly episode “Shindig”3:14 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
New Poll: What are your favorite songs on St Patrick’s Day Songs for Kids? New Merch Bundle: CD, Album Pin, Poster and Songbook for $908:28 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 9: Senoia Beer Company, Senoia, GA @ 7-10 PM MAR 17: Wings Cafe & Tap House, Marietta, GA @ 3-7 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 28: Dragon Con Filk Music Concert w/Brobdingnagian Bards @ 8 PM MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TXMake sure you check the calendar on the Marc Gunn homepage to see the latest list of performances.
9:29 - The Byrne Brothers "P Stands for Paddy" from The Boys of Doorin
JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free. Special thanks to our newest and returning patrons: Laura Belle, Michelle Powers, James Regan
12:43 - THE STORY OF MYRA’S LAMENT FOR LAMLASH BAY
I plagiarise songs into local events..the one I sang last night I wrote at 3 AM in the morning. My wife had been in hospital 100 miles away, for two months, and the chorus came to my head when I was feeling sorry for myself. Simultaneously, the Government had decided to ban us clamming in Lamlash Bay. I’d sustainably hand picked scallops there for 34 years. The trawler/dredgers were destroying the habitat, and they wanted toban them. But they done us in as well… a Federal hammer to crack a wee nut!!!! So, the song is called “Myra’s lament for Lamlash Bay”…Lamlash is at the Isle of Arran.
Tommy Makem inspired my plagiarism with “The Boys from Killybegs.” Killybegs is a fishing port in Donegal, Ireland..Dun Na Gael…. The Fortress of the Stranger. Tommy famously sang and played banjo with the Glancy Brothers.. Sgheirs:- Gaelic..reefs pronounced “skerries. clams”:- generic term in Scotland for bivalve shellfish..we fish for scallops..Pecten maximus Sound:- navigable stretch of water between two pieces of land in this case formed by the Tarbert shore and Isle of Arran. Thole :- Lalands Scots (old Scots) my work they won’t accept or tolerate. Dole:- Un-employment register Listen to the original version of the song on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast #85.Myra’s Lament for Lamlash Bay
lyrics Liam Griffin, music Marc Gunn
There are scallops in the sea, put there for you and me
By the Lord who reigns from heaven above.
And the divers catch and sell, but we won’t go to hell,
We treat the sea with joy, respect and love.* There’s a wild and rolling sea bringing me back home to ye.
To yer bed that’s dry and crisp and woman warm
And our lovin’ knows no harm when I hold ye in my arms.
When the Boys from Lerags Glen come rollin’ home.There are rocks upon the shore,
There are sgheirs even more*
And the trawlers they are dredging to and fro’
But the diver’s in the gully, for the seabed we don’t sully
Hand pickin’ is the way I chose to go.But today the sea is calm and the boat is full of clams**
And swiftly we have cleared KilBrannon Sound..***
Sacks of scallops stacked up high
All our divers safe and dry
And soon for Lerags Glen we’re homeward bound.But now a new day’s dawned and time is moving on
and conservation is a game that they al play
and my work the cannot thole
and I’m told to sign the dole
No more from Lerags Glen go to the sea.23:37 - Marc Gunn “Myra’s Lament for Lamlash Bay” from Come Adventure With Me
27:22 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #lamlashbay #obanscotland
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Missing episodes?
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Do you ever get nervous or anxious? Sometimes the toughest thing to do, to overcome your fear, is to just take those first steps forward. Come Adventure With Me is the title track to my brand new album inspired by the 1977 Rankin & Bass film, The Hobbit. You can learn all about it today on Pub Songs & Stories #281
0:20 - Marc Gunn “Selkie’s Life” from Come Adventure With Me
Learn more about Selkie and Call of the Sea in show #234.3:57 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. And I compost non-meat scraps.
Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
New Poll: What are your favorite songs on Come Adventure With Me? Little River Video of “Wherever I May Roam” New Merch Bundle: CD, Album Pin, Poster and Songbook for $90 Folk on Foot Podcast7:21 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 9: Senoia Beer Company, Senoia, GA @ 7-10 PM MAR 17: Wings Cafe & Tap House, Marietta, GA @ 3-7 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 28: Dragon Con Filk Music Concert w/Brobdingnagian Bards @ 8 PM MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TXMake sure you check the calendar on the Marc Gunn homepage to see the latest list of performances.
8:47 - Mànran "Crow Flies" from Ùrar
12:04 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free.
Thanks to my Kickstarter supporters: An extra HUGE thanks to Rich & Leslie Maynard, Carol Baril, Emily "dragondoodle" Gaskill, Larry & Sarah-Beth Cook, Les Howard, Sunshine & Navigator Burke, Janine Rinker, Zan Rosin, Vicki Solomon, Thomas Browne, Kris Dobie, CrimsonDraggen, Jason Denen, Kathy Smith, Dell Christy, DW, Tammy Glover, Angela Hughes, Ben Doran, Thul Family, Crab Donkey, Glen Bartram, Rumbly Porter, Carol "Crazy Cat Lady" Donahue, Mike and Sam Cavanaugh, Jan & Jim Czenkusch, Tony & Enzo Lamanna, Jennifer Crispin, Mark Peters, Wendy Erisman, Rie Sheridan Rose, Tracy O'Shea, Kathleen Sloan, Lawrence Lang, James O'Dell, LeighAnn Mott, Kelley Durski. Thank you!
14:04 - THE STORY OF COME ADVENTURE WITH ME
1977 Rankin & Bass film, The Hobbit from In The ‘Verse podcast #2.2 Features Sam Gillogly on violin and Rich Brotherton on guitar The original story behind “Come Adventure With Me” was published on Patreon. First saw The Hobbit in 6th after moving to Texas from Maryland. Inspired my Love of Dungeons & Dragons Story of transformation and overcoming fear. 70’s songwriter feel with the minor chord change.Come Adventure With Me
Lyrics and music Marc Gunn
There's a secret door to a hall unknown
Inside are fears that Turn me to stone
Do I step forward Or head back home
Which is the path for me
I raise my head and Take one step more
The ground it shakes. I look back to the door
Feel like I’m caught and stuck to the floor
And so I cut myself free* This world’s a treasure that is full of strife
Every moment can enrich your life
Just face your dragons with the edge of a knife
It’s a better life you see
Come adventure with me.There are ugly goblins doing scary things
Deep down in dungeons there are magic rings
Live or die with the riddles we bring
You’ll find your way through the dark
My Precious life Has so many memories
Fluttering birds, butterflies in trees
My home is comfort, comfort is a breeze
But there’s another way to liveSo many wars. It’s an endless fight
To slay our dragons that soar through our night
But I’m no coward. I’ll do what is right.
Before I make my way home.
Now I’m back with stories that ring
A truth That soars up on eagle wings
Let’s not forget the songs elves sing
Oh the joy that they bring!25:25 - Marc Gunn “Come Adventure With Me” from Come Adventure With Me
29:54 - CLOSING
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #adventurepodcast #thehobbit
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"If they take the ship, they'll rape us to death, eat our flesh, and sew our skins into their clothing – and if we're very, very lucky, they'll do it in that order." Zoe’s description of reavers on the TV show Firefly sounds pretty insane. And every time we meet the reavers in the show and movie, they seem just as insane. And yet… they can fly spaceships. I share the story behind my song “Reavers Drinking Songs” today on Pub Songs & Stories #280.
0:25 - Marc Gunn “Molly Malone feat. Jesse Ferguson” from Come Adventure With Me
3:00 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
New Music Video: When She Held Me in Her Arms What are your favorite songs on Selcouth? There’s a poll in the Gunn Runner’s Club.5:09 - UPCOMING SHOWS
FEB 24: Maggie McGuinness Pub, Huntsville, AL @ 7:00 PM MAR 2: The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA @ 6:30-9:30 PM MAR 9: Senoia Beer Company, Senoia, GA @ 7-10 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 19-21: Jordan Con, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA6:06 - The Elders "Down at the Pub" from Well Alright Then
Featured in show #64410:12 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free.
10:53 - THE STORY OF REAVER DRINKING SONG
Inspired by the episode “Bushwhacked” from the TV show Firefly Check out Episode 3 of In the Verse: Song Crafting Reavers Drinking Songs Lyrics"Reaver Drinking Song" lyrics and music Marc Gunn
* Bash their heads flay their skin
Make them scream in pain
Let ‘em alone and think you’re done
Let's start another refrainNiska was old and scary,
A bad reputation
And then he heard a reaver scream
His body's gone for cremation.Badger was a businessman
Roots in the community
A reaver ate his little gang
And now he can't even peeDurran's steak was always rare
Before I first met him
He met a reaver now won't eat steak
He's a vegetarianBester loved ships and women
They howled when he boarded them
He shipped was boarded by reavers. Now
He howls when they board him.Boss Higgins' word was law
What he said was set in stone
Then reavers hit Higgins' Moon
The law is now written in boneFanty and Mingo are fine twins
You can't tell one from t'other
Until they met a band of reavers
Now Mingo's the prettiest brotherJubal was a bounty hunter
A sadist through and through
He rambled about philosophy
While a reaver started to chewNo mercy, they all were weak
Cattle for the slaughter
Open them up, look inside
I think I see Harry Potter18:23 - Marc Gunn “Reaver Drinking Song” from Come Adventure With Me
20:57 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #thehaar #comeadventure
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Is it all a game that we all fall into? Saffron certainly thinks so in “Our Mrs Reynolds from the TV show Firefly. Hear the story behind my song “Spiderwebs”. We're also making waves with music from Matt McGinn.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #279
0:17 - Marc Gunn “Bright Side of Everything” from Selcouth
3:28 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
What are your favorite songs on Selcouth? There’s a poll in the Gunn Runner’s Club. It’s open to all.
4:41 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 2: The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA @ 6:30-9:30 PM MAR 9: Senoia Beer Company, Senoia, GA @ 7-10 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 19-21: Jordan Con, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA6:02 - Matt McGinn "Making Waves" from Behind Every Door
Go listen at Rose in the Heather #645.8:56 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Laura Belle
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free.
9:28 - THE STORY OF SPIDERWEBS
Inspired by the episode “Our Mrs Reynolds” from the TV show Firefly Talked about it in episode #6 of In the Verse. Mal: Now, think real hard. You've been birddoggin' this township a while now. They wouldn't mind a corpse of you. Now, you can luxuriate in a nice jail cell, but if your hand touches metal, I swear, by my pretty floral bonnet, I will end you. Spiderwebs LyricsBad men are bird dogging our town
Dogging our town, Bird dogging our town
Bad men are bird dogging our town
We’ll lay a trap for them.We’re gonna spin a spiderweb
Spiderweb, Spiderweb
We’re gonna spin a spiderweb
That’s how we will catch them.I’ll wear a soft cotton dress
A soft cotton dress, soft cotton dress
I’ll wear a soft cotton dress
With a pretty floral bonnet on topWill shoot them down in the spider web
Spiderweb, spiderweb
Will shoot them down in the spider web
And celebrate our winA pretty little girl has lured me in
Lured me in, lured me in
A pretty little girl has lured me in
Declared her love for meShe caught my heart in a spiderweb
Spiderweb , Spiderweb
She caught my heart in a spiderweb
Now how will this all endShe’s leading me to the end of the line
End of the line, end of the line
She’s leading me to the end of the line
We'll put things right againI’ll break free from her spiderweb
Spiderweb, spiderweb
I’ll break free from her spiderweb
And never kiss a girl againCome here little lady, May I meet you
I meet you, I meet you
Come here little lady may I meet you
Guess it begins againIt’s all a game of spiderwebs
Spiderwebs, spiderwebs
It’s all a game of spiderwebs
And everybody falls in15:21 - Marc Gunn “Spiderwebs” from Come Adventure With Me
17:27 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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Let’s get Naked! Or at least I’ll share a story of one of my songs inspired by an episode of Firefly. Plus, The Haar are featured on this week’s show.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #278
0:13 - Marc Gunn “Bright Side of Everything” from Selcouth
3:25 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to follow@celtfather.
What are your favorite songs on Selcouth? There’s a poll in the Gunn Runner’s Club. 40 Minute Workout episode of Irish & Celtic Music Podcast4:14 - UPCOMING SHOWS
FEB 15: Hobbit Drinking Songs on Bandcamp @ 7:30 PM FEB 17: Goblin Market: Frost Faire @ 6:00-10:30 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 19-21: Jordan Con, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA6:14 - The Haar “Wild Rover” from Where Old Ghosts Meet
10:43 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email follow@celtfather !
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon:
If you can’t support me financially, just sign up on Patreon for free.
12:27 - THE STORY OF NAKED
Inspired by the episode “Trash” from the TV show Firefly Check out Episode 11 of In the Verse: Song Crafting G C G C Gregory Alan Isakov "Second Chances" from The Weatherman The Coupling Naked LyricsYou're a stunning lady
Your emotions you hide
You tear down my defenses
With a wink of your eye* You think it's a game
That only you can win
But that is insane, girl
Cuz it's you...Who's nakedThat I undress your heart
You choose to downplay
Try to reclothe your thoughts
But your feelings you betrayBridge:
You're breaking down now
Can I hold you when you cry?
Or will you disarm me?
'Fore you tell me goodbye
And leave me nakedDon’t shut yourself off
There’s no need to hide
Wanna know every part of you
Please let down your guard21:27 - Marc Gunn “Naked” from Come Adventure With Me
24:35 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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They don’t kill you in the normal sense of the word. Rather they feed off the life that might’ve been. My song, Blink is a parable about missing out on the best things in life.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #277
0:14 - Brobdingnagian Bards “Oor Hamlet” from Real Men Wear Kilts
4:02 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Come Adventure With Me comes out on March 4
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to pubsong@celtfather.
7:42 - UPCOMING SHOWS
FEB 15: Hobbit Drinking Songs on Bandcamp @ 7:30 PM FEB 17: Goblin Market: Frost Faire @ 6:00-10:30 PM MAR 23-24: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX MAR 30-31: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 19-21: Jordan Con, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA8:11 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you’ll get access to videos like my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Email pubsong@celtfather
If you can’t support us financially, just sign up on Patreon for free.
10:29 - THE STORY OF BLINK
Lyrics
I love old things. They make me feel sad
Take me back to the past, And all the happiness I had.
But when I met you, I could not close my eyes
I couldn't even blink, Lest you disappeared into time.Asked you out for a drink. While the rain fell down.
I tried not to think. That you might turn me down.
You’re like an angel as old as the universe
You saved me from a lonely life that is so much worse.Don't blink. Don't look away.
Life is too short.
I won't blink. I won't turn my back.
Let go of the hurt.
I won’t blink.Things don't always happen. Like we dream and plan.
It's confusing at times. That's why I take your hand.
To grow old with you for as long as time goes by.
You showed me this moment and you opened up my eyes22:06 - Marc Gunn “Blink” from Selcouth
25:40 - CHORD STRUCTURE
28:23 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.
You can follow and listen to the show on my Patreon or wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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Imagine a holiday market for nerds and geeks. I talk with one of the creators of Nerdy Noel and share my own Nerdy Wonderland story. Plus, I have a new album on Kickstarter. It’s called Dancing With Hobbits. Find out why you should support this CD and Musical Pin.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #276
0:20 - “Celtic Christmas Elf” by Marc Gunn from Celtic Christmas Greetings
WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIESI am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m at Conjuration this weekend.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to pubsong@celtfather. You can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know you’re favorite Sci F’ Irish song.
3:13 - WHAT’S NEW
Broadsheets Video stories6:33 - UPCOMING SHOWS
Weds; Coffee with The Celtfather @ 11:30 AM EST on Patreon NOV 16: Bandcamp Internet Concert @ 7:30 PM NOV 17-19: Conjuration, Sonesta Suite hotel, Gwinnett Place, GA DEC 3: Nerdy Wonderland Holiday Market at The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA DEC 10: Nerdy Noel, Huntsville, AL8:12 - “Hobbit Hornpipe” by Dancing With Hobbits from Dancing With Hobbits
10:36 - CELTIC MUSIC NEWS
There are three new Celtic Christmas albums that are now available. The Celtic Kitchen Party has an album called One Celtic Christmas. I interviewed the band for Celtic Christmas Music podcast. It’s upbeat and fun. You’ll hear some of the songs on upcoming episodes. The McDades have a new Christmas album as well. I’ve barely touched the surface of that one. But I have fallen in love with The Gothard Sisters new album, A Celtic Christmas. I have an interview with Greta from the band that’ll be out in early December. Next episode is out on Sunday, Nov 19. Listen to Celtic Christmas Music at CelticChristmasPodcast.com. Runa has a new album coming out. It’s called When the Light Gets In. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from this fantastic band. It comes out in February.11:53 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month. Email pubsong@celtfather !
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon:
If you can’t support us financially, you can leave a review for free.
12:21 - ABOUT DANCING WITH HOBBITS
19:13 – “Hobbit Polka” by Dancing With Hobbits from Dancing With Hobbits
22:26 - THE STORY OF NERDY NOEL
Nerdy Noel is a holiday market for nerds and geeks by Komai’s Oh My!
32:53 - Marc Gunn “Yuletide” from Single
Listen to the Story of Yuletide on show #246.
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can follow and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Become a patreon because your generosity allows me to keep bringing you podcasts, videos, exclusive blogs, photos, and songs every month.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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Who was the red-headed queen of Ireland? Why did she assault the harpers of old? Author Rie Sheridan Rose tells the story behind her song “Soul of A Harper”. New Star Trek inspired musical pin.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #275.
00:14 - Brobdingnagian Bards “The Unicorn Song” from Songs of Ireland
3:38 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I have a livestreaming concert this Thursday on Bandcamp.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@celtfather.
You will get an auto responder to download the month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
5:04 - WHAT’S NEW
w Star Trek Pint Glass- Musical Pin Shirts by Miranda Nelson Designs Kickstarter Coming for Dancing With Hobbits Are you subscribed via Google Podcasts? Try Podcast Addict, Amazon Music, or Spotify. In the Verse podcast - Stormtrooper drinking song “Star of the County Down” story by Rod Nevin on May 2021 Podcast with songs by Rie Sheridan Rose9:30 - UPCOMING SHOWS
OCT 19: Bandcamp Internet Concert @ 7:30 PM OCT 20-22: Multiverse Con, Atlanta, GA OCT 27: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 6:00-9:00 PM DEC 3: Nerdy Wonderland Holiday Market at The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA DEC 10: Nerdy Noel, Huntsville, AL11:12 - Fire In The Glen "Whup Jamboree" from Cutting Bracken
14:48 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month. Email pubsong@celtfather !
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Mykael, Mia
If you can’t support us financially, you can leave a review for free.
15:39 - THE STORY OF SOUL OF A HARPER BY RIE SHERIDAN ROSE
19:18 - Brobdingnagian Bards “Soul of a Harper” from Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales
22:49 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Sign up for new podcasts, videos, and songs every month. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can follow and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
#pubstories #unicornsong #riesheridanrose
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Did I go drinking with hobbits this year? You bet I did. Hear all my stories escapades from Dragon Con 2023. Learn what new musical pin is in my store and how I’m keeping them organized through upcycling.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #274.
0:20 - Marc Gunn “Arthur McBride” from St Patrick’s Day
3:02 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk musician and podcaster. I perform at Ironshield Brewing in Lawrenceville, Georgia this Saturday.
If you’re new to the show, please follow us on your favorite podcatcher. You can do that PubSong.com or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show and the last one. Just send me an email. pubsong@celtfather.
You will get an auto responder to download the month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
3:44 - WHAT’S NEW - UPCYCLING MUSICAL PIN CASES
8:48 - UPCOMING SHOWS
SEP 23: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 5:30-8:30 PM OCT 13: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 6:00-9:00 PM OCT 19: Bandcamp Internet Concert @ 7:30 PM OCT 20-22: Multiverse Con, Atlanta, GA DEC 3: Nerdy Wonderland & Holiday Market at The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA DEC 10: Nerdy Noel, Huntsville, AL12:29 - Dan the Bard “Drink Drink Drink” from Unicorns & Dragons
14:44 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: DWS, Melissa Randall, A. Lynch, Traci Girard-Turner, Michelle Hahn, Lisa, David Willer, Jo Navarre, Tracy O'Shea, Antoinette Brenion, John Dowling, Kate Smith, Gina Colaianni, Ruth Acoya, Gordy Euler, Iain Benson, Kerry Komai, Dannan Tavona, Tom DiGenno, Mazer
If you can’t support us financially, you can leave a review for free.
15:49 - DRAGON CON THURSDAY - SATURDAY
24:56 - Marc Gunn “Those Characters Died” from Sci Fi Drinking Songs
29:56 - DRAGON CON 2023 - SATURDAY - MONDAY
37:09 - CLOSING
37:45 - OUTRO
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Sign up for new podcasts, videos, and songs every month. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can follow and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
#pubstories #danthebard
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Dragon Con weekend is back. There’s Firefly, hobbits, Brobdingnagian Bards, musical pins and madness. Music from Marc Gunn, Wakefire, Brobdingnagian Bards, Mikey Mason.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #273.
0:21 - Marc Gunn “Raise a Glass to Flyin’” from As Long As I’m Flyin’
1:57 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. Where I’ll be performing at Dragon Con this coming weekend.
If you’re new to the show, please follow us on your favorite podcatcher. You can do that PubSong.com or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show and the last one. Just send me an email. pubsong@celtfather.
You will get an auto responder to download the month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
3:44 - UPCOMING SHOWS
AUG 31-SEP 4: Dragon Con
Friday: Firefly Drinking Songs
Sat: Bards Concourse show and evening concert
Sun: Hobbit Drinking Songs
Mon: Live Pub Songs & Stories
SEP 14: Bandcamp Internet Concert @ 7:30 PM
SEP 16: Pontoon Brewing Company, Sandy Springs, GA @ 2-5 PM
SEP 23: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 5:30-8:30 PM
7:36 - As featured on the latest Irish & Celtic Music Podcast:
Wakefire “Storm Warning” from Meaning of Life
Thurs: Centennial
Friday: Concourse
Saturday: Concourse
11:03 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla A, Triskele, Ayden
If you can’t support us financially, you can leave a review for free.
11:57 - BARDS AT DRAGON CON 2023
14:59 - Brobdingnagian Bards “I Will Not Sing Along” from I Will Not Sing Along
20:02 - THE STORY - MUSICAL PINS
25:27 - Mikey Mason “Shades of Gray” from Shades of Gray
Friday: Concourse
Friday: Hyatt Hanover
Saturday: Concourse
Sunday: Hyatt Hanover
32:17 - OUTRO
OUTRO MUSIC: Marc Gunn & Sam Gillogly “Hobbit Polka” from Dancing With Hobbits
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Sign up for new podcasts, videos, and songs every month. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can follow and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.
#pubstories #dragoncon2023 #dragonCon
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This pub is not a real Irish pub, but it’s the most-authentic Irish pub that is not in Ireland. Enjoy music from Kinnfolk and Fire in the Glen. Learn when Coffee with The Celtfather returns and what the future holds for this fall.
This is Pub Songs & Stories #272.
0:19 - Kinnfolk “Siúil a Rún” from Kinnfolk
3:34 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk Celtic musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. This episode kicks off the fall season of Pub Songs & Stories. I’m gonna talk about what I have in store for the fall. I’m also gonna share with you a live concert from the Maggie McGuinness Pub. The most-Irish of Irish pubs that are NOT in Ireland.
The first band was Kinnfolk. They are a wife and husband duo out of Virginia. They hosted show #609 of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. Where they talked about Irish sessions they performed at during their recent honeymoon in Ireland.
That song is from the CD…
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@celtfather .
You will get an auto responder to download the month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, well album, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
5:10 - UPCOMING SHOWS
AUG 19: Fiddler's Green Coffeehouse Concert series at First Existentialist Congregation of Atlanta. 470 Candler Park Dr. NE / Atlanta GA 30307. 404-378-5570. Presented by Atlanta Area Friends of Folk Music (AAFFM). Tickets $10 AUG 24: Marc Gunn Livestreaming Concert on Bandcamp AUG 26: Pepper Place Farmer’s Market, Birmingham, AL AUG 23: Coffee with The Celtfather Returns AUG 31-SEP 4: Dragon Con with Brobdingnagian Bards6:36 - WHAT’S COMING THIS FALL
I tried a lot of new things out in the spring. I tried 2 or 3 different show names. I bounced the format around. I did an interview. I shared tips for visiting County Mayo, Ireland. I linked the podcast more tightly to my newsletter. I even shared a Countdown of Celtic music favorites from 2022.
It felt to me like I didn’t have a direction. And to a large degree, I didn’t. As always, I love having this podcast and opportunity to talk about what’s new and promote what’s coming up. I love sharing stories about sustainability and how to protect our planet. I love sharing stories from my travels. I enjoyed interviewing people.
I also know that I don’t have a ton of time for this podcast, especially because I have the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. That’s my main show. It’s the one I promote. It’s tough promoting multiple shows.
But this podcast serves a very special audience, you, the Gunn Runners who enjoy my music. So the show will continue in a very similar fashion… without the constant show name changes. Whether Pub Songs & Stories is a misnomer or a reflection of my love and appreciation of public house music… folk music for people, it’s gonna continue in a similar fashion.
I have a list of about 40 things I’d love to talk about. They include shows about sustainability and climate change, stories from my recent trip to Ireland, making better choices for your community, staying healthy with exercise, looking to the future to make things better, and of course, I’ll share the stories behind each of the songs I write or have written. Plus, I still want to highlight my fellow musicians, Celtic or otherwise. Because that’s just what I do.
So we’re gonna do that right now with a funny track from the band Fire in the Glen.
Rod hosted show #611 of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and shared a story for Star of the County Down in this podcast.
10:52 - Fire in the Glen “From Amish to Irish” from Cutting Backen
14:23 - JOIN THE GUNN RUNNERS CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You will access scores of podcasts, download dozens of songs and sheet music. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Those shows return on Wednesday August 23 at 11 AM Eastern. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: DWS, Melissa Randall, A. Lynch, Traci Girard-Turner, Michelle Hahn, Lisa, David Willer, Jo Navarre, Tracy O'Shea, Antoinette Brenion, John Dowling, Kate Smith15:32 - LIVE SHOW FROM MAGGIE MCGUINNESS PUB
16:36 - “Slainte Mhaith”
20:37 - “Kilted”
23:38 - “Mingulay Boat Song”
29:41 - “Reaver’s Lullaby”
34:44 - “Bright Side of Everything”
41:41 - “Shiny”
46:39 - “Breathing”
52:13 - “Mingulay Cat Song”
58:57 - “Black Velvet Band”
1:02:39 - “Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits”
1:06:45 - “Wild Mountain Thyme”
1:11:04 - “Come Adventure With Me”
1:16:55 - “Johnny Jump Up”
1:22:03 - NEXT TIME
I’m gonna share some stories from my Celtic Invasion of County Mayo. So make sure you subscribe.
And also please consider posting a review on Apple Podcasts. I’m still hoping to get those 10 new reviews. I’m still about 8 shy.
Seriously, it means a lot to me when you post a review of the show. It also helps others know if they should subscribe as well. And if you can’t support me financially, you can always leave a review for free.
1:22:44 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll save 25% off all the merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #irishpubsongs #irishdrinkingsongs
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Greetings Gunn Runners,
The Fall 2023 season of Pub Songs & Stories will be back on Mon Aug 14 at 6 PM Eastern. So mark your calendar and of course subscribe if you haven't done so already. You can do that at PubSong.net
You will enjoy a live concert, some stories from my Celtic Invasion of County Mayo, Ireland. I will continue my series talking about sustainability in the music industry and what you can do to fight climate change. You'll hear music from musicians I find on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast and beyond. We will look to the future to make things better. And of course, I will tell you the stories behind the songs I write and perform.
It's all on Pub Songs & Stories starting August 14.
Oh! And if you want to support the new Kickstarter for the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. You'll find a link to that and more at pubsong.net.
MUSIC IN THE PUB THIS WEEK
"Bright Side of Everything" by Marc Gunn from Selcouth
"Hero of Canton" by Marc Gunn from As Long As I'm Flyin'
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The first Friday of May is no pants day. Learn about the origins of this hilarious holiday, and if it was actually invented by a Scotsman in Glasgow in the early 1800s. I talk about a man who wears a kilt every day. You will also learn about some sustainable green bath products.
Listen to music by Marc Gunn, Vicki Swan and Johnny Dyer, Niamh Dunne, and Brobdingnagian Bards
This is Pub Songs & Stories #270.
0:25 - Brobdingnagian Bards “Seven Drunken Nights in Hobbiton” from I Will Not Sing Along
4:49 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES
This is the audio edition of my newsletter. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk Celtic musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com/free or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email.
You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
6:04 - WHAT’S NEW STORY
7:40 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAY 17: Coffee with The Celtfather on YouTube @ 10:30 AM Eastern JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland JUN 24: The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA @ TBD JUL 22: Burnt Hickory Brewery, Kennesaw, GA @ 6:30 - 9:30 PM8:50 - GUEST SONG: Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer "1924"
Hear the story behind the song in show #603 Celtic Tides of the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast.
14:44 - STORY OF NO PANTS DAY
In 2000, the Knighthood of Buh, a student organization at the University of Texas at Austin, held their first annual No Pants Day celebration on the first Friday of May. Andrew and I were practicing daily on the South Mall of the university as the Brobdingnagian Bards. So we were there as a bunch of students ran through the school shouting and waving signs about the oppression of pants.
The event resonated with me because, well, we wore kilts at all of our shows. We were “pantless” too.
The event spread to other locations around the nation and eventually the world. But it took me four years before I wrote “A Man Who Wears A Kilt Every Day”, a parody of the traditional Scottish song “Jock Stuart”.
Instead of “a man you don’t meet every day”, my song was about a man who loved wearing kilts, like I did.
I didn’t stop there. Again, I felt like No Pants Day was a Scottish holiday. So I decided to create a backstory for my song. I wanted people to think that the origins of No Pants Day was actually a Scottish holiday called No Troosers Day.
I researched Scottish history and learned about the Proscription Act of 1746. This act banned the Scots from wearing “highland clothing”. The goal of course was to assimilate the Scots into Great Britain, just like the Disarming Act banned the Scottish from wearing weapons.
From that base, I wrote a fictional history of an uprising in Glasgow where the Scots removed their trousers and donned their kilts and rewrote “Jock Stuart” to celebrate their love of the kilt and their culture.
The best thing about this fictional history was that a few years later, a newspaper in Canada quoted the blog where I shared this fake history saying that this was ACTUALLY the origins of No Pants Day.
This should serve as a reminder to all of us. Check your sources!
I finally recorded this song in 2009 for my CD, Kilted For Her Pleasure.
“Jock Stuart (A Man Who Wears A Kilt Every Day)”lyrics by Marc Gunn, May 6, 2004, music traditional
Oh my name is Jock Stuart, I´m a trooser-less man
And my roving young fellows move freely* So be easy and free in nae boxers or briefs
I´m a man who wears a kilt every day.I’m Highlander made and a piper to trade
And the tartan is me flag that I wear.I go out with my gun and my dog for to hunt
Try to make me wear troosers, and you'll pay.I’ve got acres of land, I’ve got ships to command
So burn your pants on No Troosers DaySo come fill up my glass with whiskey or rum
Then send o'er your lass and you'll see.It's better easy and free in nae boxers or briefs
I’m a man who wears a kilt every day.20:52 - Marc Gunn “A Man Who Wears A Kilt Every Day” from Kilted For Her Pleasure
23:40 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Don S, Melissa Randall, A. Lynch, Traci Girard-Turner, Michelle Hahn, Lisa M, David Willer, Jo Navarre, Tracy O'Shea, Antoinette Brenion, John Dowling26:59 - Niamh Dunne "Tides w/ Karan Casey" from Tides
30:25 - GREEN PRODUCTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
I’m actively trying to buy fewer items that are packaged in plastic because plastic is made from chemicals from fossil fuel production.
It also lasts pretty much forever. It is virtually impossible to remove it entirely from what I buy. But I have found a few items that I enjoy that are not that I thought I’d share.
Did you know you can buy shampoo and conditioner in bar form?
This was one of those weird rabbit holes I went down. Once upon a time, we didn’t have liquid shampoo and conditioner. It certainly wasn’t in a big plastic bottle.
A day after I started researching this a few months back, Gwen came home with a Love Beauty and Planet shampoo conditioner bar from Target. I immediately tried it out and loved it.
You can see a list of Shampoo and Conditioner bars here.
My favorite body soap is the Dr Bronner’s Lavender soap. I was starting to lament losing that when I just saw they have bar soap also. And of course, all of those are wrapped in paper and I can get it at my local Publix.
34:58 - Marc Gunn “Kilty Pleasure” from Selcouth
38:59 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll also save 25% off all the merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories
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My goal is to get someone to share what I make. Highlight a new theme each week.
Your mom is calling! Or is it? It might be a scammer. But I can help you protect yourself. Can we make the music business more sustainable? I have an interview with Kyle Carey.
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #269.
0:16 - Marc Gunn “Romulan Ale” from Sci Fi Drinking Songs
3:23 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES
This is the audio edition of my newsletter. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Rhythm & Folk Celtic musician in Atlanta. I play traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs, but I am also a songwriter. I write songs Celtic culture and fuse them pop culture, things like Lord of the Rings, Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and more.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that at PubSong.com. Or even better send me an email to pubsong@ celtfather. You can not only subscribe, but you can also download all of my songs in this show. You will get an email with a link to download this month’s songs. It’s quick and easy.
Oh! And let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
And as you hopefully heard in the last episode when I say I have CDs. Your job is to shout, “You have CDs!”
5:01 - UPCOMING SHOWS
APR 6: Dragon Con Filk Music Concert with Brobdingnagian Bards @ 7 PM CST APR 8-9: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 20: Cat Drinking Songs on Bandcamp @ 7 PM EST APR 21-23: Jordan Con, Atlanta, GA APR 29. The Lost Druid Earth Day Biking Concert, Avondale Estates @ 6:30-9:30 PM JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland5:43 - Marc Gunn “A Well-Dressed Hobbit” from Don’t Go Drinking With Hobbits
8:02 - KYLE CAREY IS MAKING MUSIC MORE SUSTAINABLE
Kyle Carey plays Gaelic Americana music. She’s originally from New Hampshire and sings songs in Irish and Scots Gaelic. Her songwriting is inspired by American and Celtic folklore.
She has a brand new Kickstarter currently running for her album, The Last Bough.
23:59 - Kyle Carey “June Day” from North Star
27:50 - SUPPORT THE THINGS YOU LOVE
If you enjoy this show and want to keep it going, join over 150 other Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts and discounts on merch. Sign up for as little as $5 per month. You can also save 15% with an annual membership. I make music and podcasts because of your generosity so please join the Club today!
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla A, Triskele, Ayden B
28:49 - DEFENDING YOURSELF FROM AI DEEP FAKES
One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is called Akimbo. It’s by Seth Godin, a brilliant marketer and thought leader. He constantly challenges his listeners to “make things better by making better things.” That resonates with me.
One of my early Irish & Celtic Music Podcast slogans was “changing the way you hear Celtic music.” That was about improving the culture, embracing change, recognizing that our past is important but so is our future. That’s what podcasting is all about. Or it can be.
This week, Seth didn’t something intriguing. He asked ChatGPT to evaluate the functions, the future, and the problems of artificial intelligence like ChatGPT. He recorded the responses…
Well, sort of.
It turned out the entire recording, except the intro, was an AI voice manipulator that sounded almost exactly like Seth Godin. There was one moment in the recording that I thought, this is kind of dry sounding. I chalked it up to ChatGPT. Little did I know, it wasn’t Seth speaking.
My mom just shared an AI scam that’s happening. I have an idea on how to fix. Thank you Harry Potter!
The scam is that an AI simulator will call you on the phone and have the same voice as someone you know. They say that they are in financial trouble. They ask for your help.
What do you do?
At some point, the simulator will be good enough to fool you. Just like Seth Godin’s podcast fooled me. We’re already there. But I immediately came up with a defense. It’s from the final books of Harry Potter.
I’ll let ChatGPT explain:
“In the final books of the Harry Potter series, Remus Lupin asked Harry Potter a question to prove that he was not an imposter. The question was: "What is the secret of the Marauder's Map?" This was a question that only the true creators of the map - Lupin, James Potter, Sirius Black, and Peter Pettigrew - would know the answer to.
Harry correctly answered that the map was activated by tapping it with one's wand and saying "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," and that it could be closed by tapping it again and saying "Mischief managed." This answer convinced Lupin that Harry was indeed who he claimed to be.”
Yeah. I was talking about it with my mom and realized this is the way we need to protect ourselves from THIS AI scam.
We ask a question that only the person we’re talking with would know the answer to.
Seems simple. But it’s a good lesson to pass on. So please please share this idea. Because at some point, you won’t be able to tell who’s real and who’s not.
Mind you, that’s not to scare you. As I said at the beginning, change is inevitable. We need to work with this bizarre new paradigm. As Seth Godin’s podcast points out, it can be beneficial or it can be hurtful. We have the power to choose and to make change. So let’s do something for the better.
Oh and if you want some more thoughts on ChatGPT by Andrew McKee and me. We did a great podcast on it on the Brobdingnagian Bards Podcast.
37:47 - Marc Gunn “The Long Arm” from As Long As I’m Flyin’
39:33 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing. And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #kylecarey #ecofriendlymusicians
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What happens when a traditional Irish song is rewritten about zombies? And I have CDs!!!! If you didn’t say, “You have Cds…”, you’ll find out why it’s important. It’s kind of funny.
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #268.
0:16 - “Isn’t It Grand Boys” from Happy Songs of Death
4:09 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES
This is the audio edition of my newsletter. I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk Celtic musician living in Atlanta, Georgia. I play traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs. I’m also a songwriter. I write songs inspired by Celtic culture as well as pop culture, things like Lord of the Rings, Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and more.
If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com/free or even better or you can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@ celtfather
You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s songs. You will also get that subscribe link. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
We kicked off the show…
5:04 - WHAT’S NEW STORY
I really should talk more about the stuff I sell in my store. But it feels uncomfortable to do so. That’s one of the reasons if you go to any of my live shows, and I say, “I have Cds”. Audience members will shout “you have Cdddsss?!”
It’s a little gimmick I use to draw attention to my merch. And it’s really catchy.
I was listening to the last episode of the podcast about writing drinking songs. While I talked about my song “The Cat Came Back… the Cat’s Perspective,”. It’s from my C-D… And then I paused, just like I do at live shows.
When I listened to the episode, I responded, “You have CDs…”
It got me thinking. Could we do that same thing through a podcast?
I don’t know. But we’re gonna try. We’re gonna make this podcast into a sort of an interactive drinking game.
Each time I mention CDs, your job is to audibly respond, “you have CDs…”
6:25 - UPCOMING SHOWS
APR 1-9: Sherwood Forest Faire, Paige, TX APR 6: Dragon Con Filk Music Concert with Brobdingnagian Bards @ 7 PM CST APR 20: Cat Drinking Songs on Bandcamp @ 7 PM EAST APR 21-23: Jordan Con, Atlanta, GA APR 29. The Lost Druid Earth Day Biking Concert, Avondale Estates, Ga @ 6:30-9:30 PM JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland9:24 - The Celtic Kitchen Party “Covid-19 Shanty” from Last Call
11:11 - COMMENTS
I don’t get a ton of feedback for this show. But if you send an email to pubsong@celtfather with a short comment about the show… or just mentioning CDs that you love, that’s a great way for us to interact and have more of a conversation.
In fact, if you need a starter, I’d love it if you would grab your phone. Go to your voice recorder app. Say, “You have Cds”. Then email it to me.
Marisa Halvorson emailed: "Hello Marc! I have been listening to your songs practically nonstop this St. Paddy's season (I'm in NOLA and work on Magazine street so season it is) I had to work on the day the Irish Channel parade rolled and definitely enjoyed it more with your songs keeping me company while locked in my building by parade goers. Thank you for always keeping me company and my spirits up with your music."
Kennedy Johnson emailed: "Happy St Patricks Day to you Marc. I hope you and your family are well on this day of Green & Orange 🇮🇪 I love your podcasts!! I have today’s show cued up and ready to play. Always a tradition foe me to list to your music podcast on this day!!"
13:50 - JOIN THE CLUB
As always, this show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It might be a podcast, a song, sheet music, a blog, or a photo. And of course you will get videos, including my weekly Coffee with The Celtfather video concert series. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla A, Triskele, Ayden B14:34 - Marc Gunn “The Maid Went to the Mill” from Kilted For Her Pleasure
16:49 - THE STORY ISN’T IT GRAND, BOYS, TO BE WALKING UNDEAD
What happens when a traditional Irish song is rewritten about zombies?
One of the cool things about drinking songs is when the audience gets involved to make the song their own. I don’t know if that is the origins of the “dead, dead, dead” line in “Isn’t It Grand, Boys”. But it seems likely.
It also seems like a great inspiration for a geek to turn it into a song about zombies. My friend Cathy Dailey did that and wrote “Isn’t It Grand, Boys, to Be Walking Undead.” It features all sorts of undead tropes like BRAINS, crushed flowers, and hunting undead, which totally takes my brain to Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.
The “Brains” line is my favorite because it replaces the “dead, dead, dead” with “brains, brains, brains” in the most-zombie-like style.
The chorus is also fun because it includes the “Wilhelm Scream”. That’s the term used for that death yell I make at the end of “Just time for one bloody last cry”.
Oh! Check this out from Wikipedia:
“The sound is named after Private Wilhelm, a character in The Charge at Feather River, a 1953 Western in which the character gets shot in the thigh with an arrow. This was its first use following its inclusion in the Warner Bros. stock sound library, although The Charge at Feather River is the third film to use the effect. The scream is believed to be voiced by actor Sheb Wooley.”
Sheb Wooley is best known for his song “Purple People Eater”.
But the trope of all tropes that makes the song for me is “Up come the hands of another undead”. It’s creepy, very visual, and just perfect.
The song features Nathan Deese on guitar, whistle, bass and “Brains” comments.
20:34 - Marc Gunn “Isn’t It Grand, Boys, To Be Walking Undead” from Sci Fi Drinking Songs
23:47 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll also save 25% off all the merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #theceltickitchenparty #walkingundead
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St Patrick’s Day isn’t just about drinking. But I will tell you the story of how I learned to write drinking songs so you can write your own… just sing along a little more easily. I share 17 amazing Celtic Bands you should check out for St Patrick’s Day. Learn a green idea for investing in our climate.
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #267.
0:22 - Kilted Kings “Ride On” from Flower of Scotland
4:42 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES
Happy St Patrick’s Day! I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk Celtic musician living in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the audio edition of my weekly newsletter.
I play traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs. I also write songs inspired by pop culture, things like Lord of the Rings, Firefly, and Doctor Who. That’s why this is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. But this week, I’m mostly focusing on St Patrick’s Day fun.
5:17 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 17: Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, Ga @ 7:00-7:30 PM, St Patrick’s Day Show with my Family MAR 18: Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs, GA @ 12-3 PM MAR 18: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 7-10 PM APR 29: The Lost Druid, Avondale Estates, Ga JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland8:15 - WHAT’S NEW STORY
Studio Days NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance of “Blink”15:53 - Marc Gunn & Jamie Haeuser “Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye” from How America Saved Irish Music
19:47 - FEEDBACK
Mitchell Petersen responded to my last newsletter about “Saying No Even If It’s Included”. I said “When I choose fruit and vegetables, I pick the ones that aren’t in plastic bags. I get a little grossed out by putting them on the scanner. But then I wash them when I get home.”
He responded: “FYI, we have these bags for fruits and veggies at the grocery store and they are awesome and you don't need to use the plastic bags OR have to put your stuff straight in the basket”
21:08 - One of the best things about Dragon Con…
21:55 - DOWNLOAD MY FREE EP
You can download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@ celtfather
You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s album. You can also subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already subscribed. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
24:08 - Jiggy “King of the Faeries” from Translate
New video: “Fiery Arrow”
27:21 - STORY OF THE CAT CAME BACK… THE CAT’S PERSPECTIVE
I learned how to write a drinking song thanks to “The Cat Came Back… The Cat’s POV”.
First, let me point out, a drinking song isn’t about alcohol. It’s a song with a fun, easy-to-sing chorus. Sometimes it’s interactive.
“Wild Rover” has claps in the chorus. “Rattlin’ Bog” and “The Unicorn Song” have a whole bunch of motions that act out the lyrics. “Seven Drunken Nights” and “Big Strong Man” have phrases that the audience shouts back at the singer. These were the songs I was thinking of when I wrote the cat’s perspective of a famous folk song.
I never liked “The Cat Came Back.” It was cruel and I love cats. So I decided to rewrite the song using the melody of “The Moonshiner”. But I wanted to make it a call-and-response song. So I added “Ka-Boom”, “Gurgle” and more to the end of the verses. But when I finally decided to play it live, I had NO idea how to get the audience to interact with the song.
Eventually, I taught the audience the 5 different responses (five, really? What was I thinking?). I introduce each exclamation before the verse. But it’s still difficult to get them involved.
If you want to write a drinking song, keep it simple. One call and response throughout is best. Teach it at the beginning of the song. “Slainte Mhaith” is a great drinking song. It has an easy-to-sing chorus. But it also has a super easy call-and-response.
“When I sing slainte mhaith, you shout it back to me. Slainte mhaith! [Slainte mhaith]”.
Sometimes you learn to do something the easy way. With this song, I learned what not to do. Ah well. Live and learn.
Here’s the lyrics to “The Cat Came Back… The Cat’s Perspective”:
I was a crazy cat for many a year,
My years are advancing. Now I sleep in my chair.
But old Mr. Johnson still wants me to play
If I don’t get active, he’ll send me away.I’m a yellow tabby, kinda flabby. And I’m coming home.
And if you don’t like me, then leave me alone!
I’ll eat when I’m hungry. I’ll sleep when I’m tired.
And if you try to wake me, you’ll wish you had died.His neighbor ambushed me with shotgun and dynamite.
My cat senses warned me. So I put up a fight.
I clawed at his cigarette. It fell to the floor.
It lit the dynamite as I ran out the door.
KA-BOOM!He gave me to a boy with a dollar and a note
To drown me in the river when we were afloat.
I saw the rope come towards me and let out a yowl.
The boat tipped on over. The poor boy was drowned.
GURGLE!He gave me to a man going up in a balloon.
I clung to his head. I am no buffoon.
The man tried to free me, but then lost control.
I stole his parachute as he crashed ‘gainst a knoll.
KER-SPLAT!He took me to the mill where the meat was ground.
He left off the lights, so I wouldn’t look around.
But I saw that food processor come closer to me,
I jumped to the floor. He tripped bloodily.
CRUNCH!Mr. Johnson, Mr. Johnson, I know you hate me,
But I have nine lives and you haven’t even three.
Blessed are the cat lovers. Blessed are all kitties
So love me or leave me alone for to sleep.
PURR32:22 - Marc Gunn “The Cat Came Back… The Cat’s Perspective” from Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers
35:34 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla A, Triskele, Ayden B36:07 - 17 CELTIC BANDS FOR ST PATRICK’S DAY
Whether you’re a die-hard Celtic music fan or your interest tends to heat up more around St. Patrick’s Day, we have a band for you! We’ve assembled 17 of them here for you to add to your holiday playlist, or to check out in your spare time. Each of them has earned a spot on the list because they have something special to offer, so take a listen—and enjoy!
Read the blog.
44:16 - CLIP: Poitin “Dirty Old Town” from One For the Road
45:13 - Poitin “The Knife in the Bread” from One For the Road
49:17 - INVESTING IN A GREEN ST PATRICK’S DAY
It’s fascinating how creative people are when it comes to finding innovative new ways to combat climate change. One of the more creative is through banking.
The fossil fuel industry is funded by investors. What happens if investors refuse to invest in them because they don’t want to support the fossil fuel industry? We will see greener energy.
There’s a campaign in the U.K. asking people to green their investments. Thinking about that I just migrated to a new Mutual Fund so that my money no longer supports Fossil Fuels.
Yeah. My small mutual fund will not make a huge difference. But imagine if just you and I made this change and we had the exact same amount in our pension?
What if 10 other people on my mailing list did the same? Or 30? Multiply your pension times 30 and we start to make a real impact.
That’s really what it takes. It takes each of us being aware and making small changes to force banks to stop investing in fossil fuels and start investing in the health of our planet.
52:34 - Marc Gunn “St Patrick Never Drank” from Kilted For Her Pleasure
54:50 - ALBUM GIVEAWAY CONT…
56:47 - Marc Gunn “Wild Mountain Thyme” from The Bridge
1:01:29 – CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll also save 25% off all my merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #jiggy #poitin
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The departure of the Irish from Ireland in the 1800s had some tragic consequences. Jamie Haeuser’s songs “Men of New Basin Canal” and “Bridget’s Prayer” dig into that. So we’re gonna dig into the songs and the album How America Saved Irish Music. Great news about my next album, Come Adventure With Me. Bandcamp now playlists. And learning to say no.
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #266.
0:30 - Marc Gunn “Old Dun Cow” from St Patrick’s Day
4:35 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES
This is the audio edition of my newsletter as well as the liner notes for the songs I record so that you can enjoy my music even more! And who am I?
I am Marc Gunn. I’m a rhythm and folk Celtic musician living in Atlanta, Georgia. I play traditional Irish and Scottish drinking songs. But I’m also a songwriter. I write songs inspired by Celtic culture as well as songs inspired by pop culture, things like Lord of the Rings, Firefly, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and more. That’s the reason one brewery I play called my music Sci F’Irish music. It’s also why this is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories.
WHAT’S NEW
St Patrick’s Day music on Irish & Celtic Music Podcast6:08 - UPCOMING SHOWS
MAR 10: Tucker Brewing Company, Tucker, Ga @ 6:30-9:30 PM MAR 11: Pontoon Brewing, Tucker, Ga @ 3-6 PM MAR 15: St Patrick’s Day Concert on Bandcamp @ 7 PM EST MAR 18: Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs, GA @ 12-3 PM MAR 18: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 7-10 PM JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland9:34 - Lauren Oxford “What Rings True” from Lauren Oxford
14:40 - IF YOU’RE WAITING TO COME ADVENTURE WITH ME…Then you don’t have too much longer to wait. Well, assuming you were part of the Kickstarter.
My engineer, Mitchell, sent me three songs last week. I listened to each of them while I was getting my car emissions tested. We spent the rest of the morning emailing and forth with mixes and edits. I love the result, and those are the final tracks for the album.
I should have a track listing soon. I want to make sure we nail down the last of those songs. But I greenlighted Mitchell to start creating a song order so I could start listening.
The other thing I finally did was come up with a couple Album Pin designs thanks to Miranda. I ran a poll on Patreon between two different designs: one a dragon and one a compass. It was a tight poll. They both are pretty fantastic.
But as they say in Highlander: there can be only one!
That’s actually not at all true. I can do more. But for the Kickstarter, I went with the Compass design that reads: “Never Stop Adventuring”.
I’ll send that to the printers as soon as I have a track listing.
Finally, I’m still on target for sending out the digital album to everyone on Kickstarter on March 17. Here’s hoping!
21:10 - Marc Gunn “Whiskey in the Jar feat. Andrew McKee, The Irish Bard” from St Patrick’s Day
24:26 - DOWNLOAD MY FREE EP
You can download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@celtfather
You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s album. You can also subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already subscribed. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
25:00 - STORY OF MEN OF NEW BASIN CANAL
I was living in New Orleans in 2009 when I got a phone call from Jamie Haeuser. She was driving back from an Irish session in NOLA to her home in Robert, Louisiana across the causeway. She told me she had written lyrics for two songs. She asked if I’d set them to music.
Of course, without hesitation, I said, “Yes! What are they about?”
She then told me how the Causeway she was driving across had once been the New Basin Canal. It was a shipping canal from Lake Pontchartrain through swamp to booming uptown part of New Orleans.
Work on the canal began in 1832. Almost immediately, they ran to problems. Yellow fever ravaged the workers. It was deemed too costly to use slaves to build the canal. So instead, the Irish immigrants were hired to build it.
Many people don’t realize that New Orleans was one of the top immigration points for the Irish behind New York and Boston.
As a result, it’s estimated that between 500-30,000 Irishmen died digging the New Basin Canal. No one knows for sure the exact number. Wikipedia suggests 8000 might be a more accurate number. But holy crap! But even a popular number of 8000 people dying to dig this canal is insane?
So Jamie decided to write a song called “Men of New Basin Canal” to share their story.
26:43 - Marc Gunn & Jamie Haeuser “Men of New Basin Canal” from How America Saved Irish Music
Here, we came to find a bit of land
Land our fathers never had
No land we found but only death
From fever, the yellow jackThe yellow jack, one day you’re up
The next you’re in the grave
A grave they call New Basin Canal
For us six miles of pain* Heave ho, boyo, it’s dig and death
Heave ho, God help us allO‘Hanlan was the first to fall
Then down went Mike O’Shea
The boss called up and down the line
For men to bear awayThe men who fell, hundreds a day
Shook like a Mayo gale
Too few there were to dig the trench
Too few to bear away.Why is it Erin’s sons are called
When slaves they cannot spare
When earth and water must be moved
To make the rich man’s shareFrom lake to river to move the goods
That make the rich men more
Down we fall time and again
And none to hear our prayerBut we will rise, somehow, sometime
To rule those who rule us
We’ll fight to o’ercome the loss
Of thousands of Ireland’s bestWe will be known as men who died
Will live to make our mark
The men of New Basin Canal
Known as New Orleans ownIt’s a powerful story. It had me mesmerized imagining the almost shanty style of work to dig the canal. So when I came up with the melody and chorus, that’s the rhythm that I picked. Especially with her “Heave ho, boy”. It just screamed sea shanty.
Later, Jamie and I recorded the song for our CD, How America Saved Irish Music. The one little thing I had to add to it was a crash symbol.
You see, I have long thought this was a great sing and interact along. In particular, I always imagined clapping like this.
Heave ho, boyo, it’s dig and death [clap, clap]
Heave ho, God help us allIt gives it a great energy. But for the recording, I didn’t want clapping. I wanted that crash symbol much like the one used in the song “Zombie” by The Cranberries.
Jamie didn’t stop at one song though. She also wrote “Bridget’s Prayer.” It’s basically the same story but it’s from the perspective of women who watched their men die digging the canal. The ones buried them.
It’s another great song.
Oh, Michael, please don’t go today
You’re shakin’ like a leaf
We will make do, o stor, maron
We will make do somehowI’ve washing in, I can do more
Just don’t go back, I pray
It’s death my darlin’ one, I know
It’s death in that new canalI pray, in holy Bridget’s name
I pray, God help us allMy babies need their father here
My babies need you so
Please don’t go back, I know that you
Will fall if go you doI can find work, I’ll sew and wash
‘Till bloody my fingers are
Just don’t go back, oh, stor maron
It’s death in that new canalOh, Michael love, I cannot live
Without you, dearest heart
Find other work, I care not what
Find anything but thatI cannot stand to see you fall
Like our friends before have done
Too many widows made too young
It’s death in that new canalA big thanks to TJ Barrens, our sound engineer, Doctor Sick, who provided fiddle and mandolin, and Katie Haeuser who shared some amazing background vocals for the album.
29:52 - INTERVIEW WITH JAMIE HAEUSER
49:27 - Marc Gunn & Jamie Haeuser “Bridget’s Prayer” from How America Saved Irish Music
51:31 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla Ad, Triskele, Ayden B52:25 - SAYING NO, EVEN IF IT’S INCLUDED
Inara asked me to fill her juice bottle up to a certain line. No higher!
I asked her why. She said it was because if she drinks more than that, then she’ll get filled up and not be hungry for breakfast.
I was blown away that at age 8, she already knows her limits. I might’ve learned that by 48…
She also knew that it was too tempting if I gave her more than her limit. She might end up drinking it.
Seth Godin wrote a blog recently about saying no, even if it’s included. He concludes that “No might be better than free.”
I’ve come to appreciate saying, “No,” a little bit more recently. I do it on those rare times I go eat fast food. “Do you want the meal?”. No. Not really. Thanks.
But I’m also thinking of it in terms of environmentalism. The Album Pin printer I use, GS-JJ, automatically put each album pin in plastic when it is shipped. I really don’t want those little pieces of plastic that encase each pin. It just occurred to me today, I can say, no. I can ask them to not put them in there.
I bring canvas tote bags to the grocery store so I can bag the groceries myself and not take another plastic bag home with me.
When I choose fruit and vegetables, I pick the ones that aren’t in plastic bags. I get a little grossed out by putting them on the scanner. But then I wash them when I get home.
I don’t need more stuff in my life. If I buy it, it needs a reason to stick around. Sometimes that can be for pure enjoyment. Sometimes it’s like you want to archive something you love, like many of you do with CDs or USBs. But most of the time it’s gotta be something practical.
So I do my best to say no. Obviously, I'm. not perfect. I don't do all of these things every time. But as long as I'm learning to say no to excess more than I say yes, I'll call that a win!
What about you? What do you say “no” to?
1:00:57 - Brobdingnagian Bards “The Orange and The Green” from Brobdingnagian Fairy Tales
We talk about AI on the next Brobdingnagian Bards Podcast.
1:03:22 - BANDCAMP APP NOW HAS PLAYLISTS
One of the big reasons I started selling my music through Bandcamp was because of their app. Yes. You can download music as MP3s or whatever lossless format you prefer, but you can also stream the music through their app.
But up until now, I could only listen to one album at a time from one artist at a time. No longer! You can now create your own playlists with music that you own.
So if you’ve been buying my music on Bandcamp these past few years, head on over. Make your own playlist.
Buy some merch while you’re there. The full store opens up on Wednesday. And this Friday, March 3 is Bandcamp Friday, Bandcamp waives all of their fees. So I earn a little bit more from each purchase.
It’s prolly a good time to pick up some USBs to archive your music! Or get a ticket to my St Patrick’s Day concert.
If you love this episode, then take a screenshot on your phone. Post it on social media. And tag @celtfather. Tell me what you like about this episode and what you’d like to hear in the future.
1:06:02 - Marc Gunn “Tae the Begging” from St Patrick’s Day
1:10:20 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll also save 25% off all my merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #stpatricksday #irishdisaspora
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Happy Valentine’s Day! I have a love song story to share with you from my newest CD, Selcouth. Find how my next album, Come Adventure With Me, is progressing. I added another February gig to my calendar. I share things no one ever told me about running. And is Arbor Day in February?
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #265
0:24 - “Galway Shawl (live)” by Marc Gunn from Camping Trip 2022
6:13 - WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIES
I am Marc Gunn. This is the audio edition of my newsletter as well as the liner notes for the songs I record. You can follow this show at PubSong.net or send an email to pubsong@celtfather to sign up and get the MP3s for my songs featured in this episode.
7:19 - UPCOMING SHOWS
FEB 17: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 7-10 PM MAR 10: Tucker Brewing Company, Tucker, Ga @ 6:30-9:30 PM MAR 15: St Patrick’s Day Concert on Bandcamp @ 7 PM EST MAR 18: Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs, GA @ 1-4 PM MAR 18: Ironshield Brewing, Lawrenceville, GA @ 7-10 PM JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, IrelandWHAT’S NEW?
Thanks to everyone on Patreon who voted for the next Internet Concert theme. Next month’s theme is Irish music for St Patrick’s Day. In April, we’ll sing Irish Drinking Songs for Cat Lovers.
Read the Daily Journal from my Celtic Invasion of Loch Lomond.
Oh! Make sure you subscribe to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. I’m sharing songs I recorded on a camping trip last fall. They’re kinda romantic too!
8:47 - COME ADVENTURE WITH ME…
Is the title of my next album. I did a Kickstarter for it about this time last year. It was a huge success, fully funded a few days into the campaign. I gave myself until July to actually release the album to supporters. But that’s not good enough. I’m gonna try to release the digital music to supporters by my birthday, March 17.
Will that happen? We shall see.
Right now, I have 8 songs fully completed. I have four more that are being edited. So I’m well on the way to completing it by that date. There are several other tracks. I still haven’t come up with a good album pin idea. But I’m hopeful I can figure that out in the next few weeks.
But I am super excited that the project is almost done. Because I have three other albums to work on: Dancing With Hobbits, Another Faire to Remember by Brobdingnagian Bards, and whatever the next album will be… I have an idea or two…
12:07 - “Wherever I May Roam (live)” by Marc Gunn from Selcouth
14:55 - DOWNLOAD MY FREE EP
You can download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email. pubsong@ celtfather You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s album. You can also subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already subscribed. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
15:06 - WHEN SHE HELD ME IN HER ARMS
In 2001, the Brobdingnagian Bards were performing at a lot of faires. Kansas City Renaissance Festival was one of the biggest and the coolest gig we had booked to that date. They paid us to fly to KC from Austin, Texas for several weekends. They put us up in a hotel. We hung out with 3 Pints Gone. We made a lot of new fans. We were even hired to perform at a wedding.
I don’t remember all of the details surrounding the writing of “When She Held Me In Her Arms”. But that festival stands out in my mind. I remember writing the song in the hotel after a long day at faire. It flowed out of me, filled with so much hope, love, and romance about finding true love and never turning back.
Andrew and I recorded it shortly after that. We went into the studio. The Bards recording was decent enough, but the performance was way too fast. So it did not end up on A Faire to Remember or Songs of Ireland. But when I was trying to put together a compilation of music so we could book some wedding gigs, I added that song to A Celtic Renaissance Wedding. But I was never really happy with it as a recording.
Nevertheless, I continued to sing the song over the years. When I met Gwen in 2009, I sang it to her at MileHiCon in Denver. She was living in Virginia at the time. But she flew to Colorado to be with me for that con.
It took another five years before I recorded it again, and some years after that before I dug up the recording and the guitar additions by Daniel I Briggs before I finally sent it to Sam Gillogly to add fiddle. That was when I knew the song was finally done. I love the result.
Best part about it for me is when I come to that line about “twenty years later I’ve not regretted a day.” Then I realize that Gwen and I are now on 13 years of marriage. Wow! Mind blown! And yup, no regrets!
Here’s the lyrics: When She Held Me In Her Arms
Lyrics and music Marc Gunn
Through a market, I wandered and prayed
That I'd find me a woman I might marry some day.
Well, I never dreamed when I prayed that prayer
That the woman I longed for was standing there.When she held me in her arms that night,
I held her close, and I held her tight.
And I swore that day forth, I'd love her all of me life.
When she held me in her arms that night.She smelled of the sweetest lilac skin.
And I admit it now it drew me in
Oh, her voice cast a spell I could not disobey.
Every word was a river that swept me away.Oh, the market became a more beautiful place:
The flowers more fragrant, and the clothing all lace.
And her eyes, oh, her eyes! They begged me to stay
And twenty years later, I've not regretted a day.20:15 - “When She Held Me In Her Arms” by Marc Gunn from Selcouth
23:01 - JOIN THE CLUB
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Alice M, Karla A23:55 - THINGS NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT RUNNING
I started running right before the pandemic closed everything down in 2000. It made a huge impact on my life. But I also realized that most everything I knew about running was wrong!
You don’t have to warm up before running. I know. This sounds like sacrilege. But I don’t like flexing and stretching before I run. Instead, I just start walking. That’s all the warm up I need. You don’t have to run constantly. Just because you say you’re going for a run doesn’t mean you are running non-stop. It’s tiring. So I walk. Some days I walk a LOT. Other days a rarely stop. But almost always walk on my “run”. Run up hills for an extra workout. One of my running mates set this idea in my head. You can’t walk up a hill. You have to run up it. Hills are now my favorite part of my run. Shoes don’t need to be tight. I spent the first year trying to get my shoes to fit “right”. I tightened them, cut off the circulation. It was miserable. Now, they are fairly snug. But not tight. Get good running shoes. That really helps a lot, especially if you’re running on pavement, which is the easiest, most-accessible way to run. You’ll also need to replace them at least once a year depending on how much you run. Listen to podcasts to stay entertained while running. My biggest challenge with running before I got AirPods was staying entertained. Podcasts make a huge difference. Most days, I enjoy the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast. But many days, I use it as a time to catch up on whatever my podcast of the moment is. Some days it’s okay just to walk. Going back to not running constantly. If you’re tired or just uninspired. It’s okay to walk. Take it easy. Stroll. You’ll get back to it soon enough. Running is the best way to lose weight. I’ve never been overweight. But when I finally started running, the aerobic activity is what finally got me in control of how much I weighed. Wireless Headphones are the best. One of my excuses for not exercising years ago was those dang dangly headphone wires. When I finally got wireless headphones, my world was changed. Humidity matters for temperature. This morning the temperature was 39 degrees. But with 78% humidity, it felt like 31 degrees. What a big difference whether you’re hot or cold. How should you dress? Again humidity matters. But here’s a rough guide for cold weather. Wear short sleeves and shorts when the temperature is in the 60s. Long sleeve and shorts in the 50s. Long sleeve and long pants in the 40s. And of course, make sure your head is covered and maybe an extra shirt in the 30s.You can read more of my thoughts on it in my blog.
35:35 - “Naked” by Marc Gunn from Camping Trip 2022
38:27 - ARBOR DAY IN FEBRUARY?
National Arbor Day is celebrated in April. What you may not know is that each state celebrates Arbor Day from January to May depending on the regional season for planting trees.
The State of Georgia celebrates its Arbor Day on the third Friday in February.
It is a day to reflect on the importance of trees in our state and across our nation. Scientific research is increasingly adding to the evidence that trees are essential to global environmental health. So go plant a tree, play outside, enjoy the beauty of trees, create art inspired by trees, or honor trees in any way that pleases you!
That's all according to Trees Atlanta. When is your state's Arbor Day?
Oh! Mark your calendar for April 29. I’m going back to The Lost Druid. But I’m not doing it the regular way. I’m biking there. If you’re able to bike there or carpool or reduce your own environmental impact that day, as well, that’d be brilliant. Come join us!
If you love this episode, then share it with a friend. You can send one of the MP3s from your EP of the Month or just ask them to listen to the show. Maybe tell them one thing that really inspired you. Just spread the word.
42:00 - “When She Held Me In Her Arms” by Brobdingnagian Bards from A Celtic Renaissance Wedding
44:27 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you get a new podcast or song or video or concert. You’ll also save 25% off all my merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
You can subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and find out where I’m performing.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #runningtips #valentinesday
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The itinerary for my Celtic Invasion of Westport, Ireland is now online. Find out what my Firefly song, “Blue Sun”, has to do with Monopoly and Walmart. Get an Atlanta Food Recommendation. Then go out to eat with your own Celtery.
This is Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories #264.
0:20 - Kilted Kings “Blue Sun” from Flower of Scotland
WELCOME TO SCI FI PUB SONGS & STORIESI am Marc Gunn. This is the audio edition of my newsletter as well as the liner notes for the songs I record. You can follow this show at PubSong.net or send an email to pubsong@celtfather to sign up and get the MP3s for my songs featured in this episode.
3:10 - WHAT’S NEW: A NEW SHOW NAME
One of my weaknesses is sometimes I have to try something before I can see how effective it is. The past two episodes were called Atlanta Pub Songs & Stories because I wanted and still want to highlight things around Atlanta, where I currently live. The problem is I wasn’t sure what to do. Yes. I have a food recommendation coming up. But when I put myself in the shoes of potential listeners, like you, I just don’t see the Atlanta part as being useful for reaching an audience. More than likely, you’re interested in Sci Fi, fantasy, Celtic music and culture, or pop culture because that is what I do. Atlanta is not as essential to the music story even though most of my shows are located in this city.
And so, I’m pleased to introduce Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories.
5:15 - UPCOMING SHOWS
FEB 9: Drinking Songs Concert on Bandcamp @ 7 PM ET FEB 11: Pontoon Brewing, Sandy Springs, GA @ 12-3 PM JUN 3-10: Celtic Invasion Vacations, County Mayo, Ireland6:25 - CELTIC INVASION OF WESTPORT, IRELAND
This June, I’m bringing a small group of people to Westport, Ireland. I’d like you to join me.
Westport is part of the Wild Atlantic Way. That’s a spectacular, scenic route from Irishowen in County Donegal all the way down the west coast of Ireland to Kinsale in County Cork. It’s broken up into 14 stages, two of which are in the area we are staying, Achill Island and Clew Bay, and Westport to Clifden.
5 Things You Should Do in County Mayo, Ireland
Go to Matt Malloy’s Pub in Westport. Visit Westport House and take a train around town to get to know the history behind the Irish of County Mayo Hike up Croagh Patrick, This pilgrimage area has a story that St. Patrick himself scaled this mountain and fasted atop it for 40 days way back in 441 AD. It’s definitely a revered site in this area of the country, and can make for a great stop on any trip to the region. Take a boat out to Clare Island to visit O’Malley Castle, one of the castles owned by the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley. Take pictures all along the Wild Atlantic Way.I completed the itinerary for the trip and already I think I scheduled way too much. There are so many fine castles, cliffs, and amazing things to see, not to mention the time I hope to spend in Matt Malloy’s listening to music. It’s gonna be an incredible trip.
I still have space for just two more people. If you’d like to join me in Ireland, hear me perform live in your living room, you won’t be sorry. It’s gonna be spectacular.
Check out the itinerary for the Celtic Invasion Vacations of Ireland 2023 and drop me an email to let me know that you want to go!
10:35 - Marc Gunn & Jamie Haeuser “Gypsy Rover” from How America Saved Irish Music
13:50 - DOWNLOAD MY FREE EP
You can download all of my songs in this show. Just send me an email to pubsong@ celtfather. You will get an auto responder with a link to download this month’s album. You can also subscribe to the podcast if you’re not already subscribed. It’s quick and easy.
While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know what you’re doing while listening to this episode.
14:35 - STAND AGAINST BLUE SUN CORPORATION AND GET LOCAL
I loved Monopoly as a kid. I taught Kenzie it. After just two games, I was kinda done. The game drags on just way too long. Unfortunately, Kenzie is not done with it. She loves it and makes us play as often as we will let her.
So I finally figured out how to endure the game. It’s a quick win or lose strategy. If you’re lucky enough to buy all the property as soon as possible, then demolish and win. If you’re not, do your best to lose and get out of the game as soon as possible.
Kind of sad. But that’s what a monopoly is. If you learned about early 20th century monopolies, it wasn’t much better. In fact, the woman who created the game was trying to teach people the evils of monopolies. Yet, we haven’t learned.
The government allowed Live Nation to create a monopoly of concert venues. Ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s summer tour busted their online system. Well, actually, it was already busted thanks to bootleggers.
Monopolies are one of the reasons I finished “Blue Sun”. But the song actually goes back before that, all the way back to the writing of “Monahan’s Mudder’s Milk”. That’s when I wrote the chorus.
Blue Sun. Blue Sun
Another corporation with their hand on the gun
Blue Sun. Blue Sun.
Free yourself to run from Blue Sun.Blue Sun is the corporation in the TV show Firefly with a seemingly nefarious background. You see their imagery on Jayne’s shirt, on the docks of Persephone, and other places.
The blue color makes me think of the Two by Two, Hands of Blue from the episode Ariel. I can’t help but wonder if a connection is there. It feels to me like Blue Sun is a monopoly that largely is in control or at least has a big blue hand in their Alliance government.
And because they have a monopoly, they can do what they want. They can also destroy what they want all in the name of profit for their investors.
I did my best to come up with what a bully corporation would do. That's what the first two verses are all about. It’s about subjugating the people they are supposed to “serve”.
They terraformed the lands of many fine worlds
Then bloodied our hands with our boys and our girls
They offered us cans of food that curdled
And piled on chains by the ton.You see their emblem emblazoned on crates
On walls, on wombs, even on your dates
You may fall victim to their seductive gaze
So raise up your hands to shunNow we come to the final idea that motivated writing this song. My family is from a small town in East Texas. It was never a super vibrant town. As a kid, it looked like they stopped growing as a community in prolly the 40s or 50s. But they did have a downtown area.
That downtown area disappeared when Walmart moved in. Walmart’s strategy was to build a big store on the edge of town. It offered low, low prices, on everything. We were all thrilled. That’s where I first experienced the store. I loved it.
Before long, the downtown of our local community was closed down.
You’ve prolly heard the term “Buy Local”. It took a while for me to understand that idea.
The fact is that we need to support our local community if we want to see it thrive and grow.
Much like “Monahan’s”, this song turns into a Woody Guthrie style protest song against corporations.
Their manacles we'll cast off our tired wrists.
Their suits we'll pummel with our bloodied fists
Cut through the red tape and expunge the vile cyst
That cripples our will to runSo raise up your voice and shout to the firm
Let those who control know what it feels like to squirm
Their products we won't buy, but oh they shall burn
For this is their will undoneI love the imagery in these verses. It is very down-to-earth. And fierce. Complete with burning their products in protest.
I made two recordings of this song. The Kilted Kings version features Randy Wothke on percussion. The As Long As I’m Flyin’ version has
Lyrics and music Marc Gunn
Marc Gunn: autoharp, vocals
Daniel Briggs: bass, mandolin, octave mandolin, vocals
LT Panzarella: dumbekSo I wrote, this song, not just as a stance against corporations but also as a stance FOR small businesses, local organizations and companies and individuals and bands
24:25 - Marc Gunn “Blue Sun” from As Long As I’m Flyin’
26:50 - THANK YOU GUNN RUNNERS!
The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. Every week, you get bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, or blogs. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month and save 15% with an annual membership.
Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon: Emil Volcheck, Bob Harford, Marguerite Kearns, Matt Van Zandt, Chrys Barnette, Eric Eller, Kain Thrace, Jan Czenkusch28:01 - ATLANTA THAI FOOD RECOMMENDATION
My wife and friends tried going to a Trivia night with friends last Sunday. The one that looked most promising was in Sandy Springs. So we drove 30 minutes over there only to find the place was very smoky. Something I’m not big on.
Happily, we were close to Pontoon Brewing Company. We stopped and had a drink while we picked a place to have dinner.
We were all tired from the day. One of the closest places that sounded interesting was a Thai food restaurant. We drove over to Sweet Chili Thai Cuisine.
I love Thai but never have I loved it as much as I loved it here. There were four of us. We had four appetizers, three meals and two desserts. Every, single, dish, was, AMAZING!
The coconut soup was so creamy and delicious. They recommended Curry Puffs and WOW! The Basil Rolls were so fresh. The Nom Sod was delicious. Drunken Noodles, Spicy Green Beans, and Chef’s Catfish special. Omg!
They apparently just opened six months ago. So now is the time to go. Because this food was incredible. Oh! And the price was very reasonable for Thai food.
Go check out Sweet Chili Thai Cuisine.
31:26 - Marc Gunn “Botany Bay” from Going for Brogue
34:36 - ARE YOU CARRYING YOUR OWN CELTLERY?
You heard that right—Celtlery.
I’m looking for more eco-friendly merch that I can create and sell at shows. I finally packaged up one such item-Travel Celtlery.
How many times do you go to a lower-end restaurant where they give you a small plastic bag filled with plastic cutlery and a napkin that smells like pepper. You know what I’m talking about.
I find this so frustrating because no matter how many times I order out and I tell them no silverware is needed, they bring it.
What do we do with that stuff. You open it up. The plastic bag is not easily recycled. The plasticware usually goes straight into the trash.
One of the things I’m trying to teach myself to do is to bring my own cup and cutlery so I don’t have to use more plastic than I have to.
That’s why I’m trying out selling Travel Celtlery. This is a small bag to hold bambooware that you can take with you so you too don’t have to add to the plastic problem that is destroying our planet.
Right now, I have a small handful of Celtlery Bags in my store. What do you think of the idea? Want your own?
Shop for Celtlery now!
Oh! Shortly after writing this, I found a downloadable guide from Beyond Plastics about how to reduce plastic use at restaurants.
If you love this episode, then take a screenshot on your phone. Post it on social media. And tag @celtfather. Tell me what you like about this episode and what you’d like to hear in the future.
38:08 - Marc Gunn with Mikey Mason “Tough Times” from Selcouth
Listen to the Tough Times episode.
42:05 - CREDITS
Thanks for listening to Sci Fi Pub Songs & Stories. The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Every week, you’ll get a new podcast or song or video or video concert. You’ll also save 25% off on all my merch in my store. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.
Subscribe and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to read the show notes for this episode and get notified when I’m next performing near you.
And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.
Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!
#pubstories #fireflytvshow #irelandtravel
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