The Leprechaun, Building Sherwood Forest Faire Castle #286

The Leprechaun, Building Sherwood Forest Faire Castle #286

Author: Marc Gunn, Celtic & Folk musician June 18, 2024 Duration: 1:02:32

The modern image of the leprechaun is very different from the leprechaun of Irish legends. But times change and not everyone adapts as easily. That doesn't mean we shouldn't celebrate both the new and the old as we explore the origins of my song "The Leprechaun."

Ever dream of building your own castle and starting your own Renaissance festival? Dreams can come true. They did for George Appling of Sherwood Forest Faire.

This is Pub Songs & Stories #286

0:24 - Marc Gunn "Parting Glass" from Soul of Harper

3:45 - 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.

6:01 - CELTIC INVASION VACATIONS

Every year, I take a small group of Celtic music fans on the relaxing adventure of a lifetime. We don't see everything. Instead, we stay in one area. We get to know the region through its culture, history, and legends.

That is usually how it rolls. But at the end of September, we're invading Scotland's Whisky distilleries in between hiking throughout the country. It's gonna be epic.

You can join us with an auditory and visual adventure through podcasts and videos. Learn more about the invasion at http://celticinvasion.com/

6:29 - MY FAVORITES OF CELTIC TOP 20

Every week, the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast asks fans of the show to vote for your favorite songs in the podcast. Those votes are compiled at the end of the year to create the Celtic Top 20, your pick of the best music of the year.

I don't just make the podcast, I'm a fan of it too. So here is another favorite from recent episodes.

7:04 - The Dustbunnies "Gillingham Ramshire" from What Goes Around

11:37 - THE STORY OF THE LEPRECHAUN

  • "La Ta Tee Da" by Brendan O'Loughlin
  • Driving to Dallas for gig with Bards
  • Rewriting the song with Inara
  • Lucky Charms breakfast cereal

The Leprechaun

lyrics and music by Marc Gunn

There's a Leprechaun in me head, and I wish that I were dead
For I don't think he'll e'er let me be.
Oh, he tempts me with his gold, and if I were e'er so bold,
I'd strangle him and leave him in the street.

* Well, he says to me, "Ah, you're no Irish Laddie!
And ye call that thing a harp?"
But each time I share the lore that I am learning.
He hides in shame while my friends they chant.

* La ta tee, da diddley dee, la ta tee ta tee da
La ta tee, da diddley diddley dai
La ta tee, da diddley dee, la ta tee ta tee da
La ta tee, da diddley diddley dai

There's a leprechaun in my room. He swats me with a broom.
That's the reason I forget the words of this song.
Well, he shows me a four-leaf clover, and before me song is over,
It's buried in a bowl of Lucky Charms.

There's a leprechaun on the floor, and he says that I'm a bore.
He yawns aloud as I sing my song.
He feigns one last breathe stolen, but I see his eyes are open.
And he's watching me with envy deep inside.

There's a leprechaun on a hill, and his gold is buried there.
So I grab him by the neck 'fore he gets away.
The pot's too heavy, he giggles, so I pinch me just a little,
And he thinks he's fooled me as I run away.

21:29 - Marc Gunn "The Leprechaun" from Soul of Harper

25:31 - SUPPORT 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. You get it all ad-free when you listen and on Patreon. 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: James Liang, Carol Donahue

26:13 - CASTLE BUILDING AT SHERWOOD FOREST FAIRE

Ever since I started performing at Renaissance festivals in 1999, I've dreamed about starting my own faire. I think most Rennies have. How exciting that would be! George Appling, or King George as he's known at the Sherwood Forest Faire, not only dreamed of it, he made his dream a reality.

How did it happen? Where did this inspiration come from? Where has he seen his greatest successes and challenges over the years?

56:33 - Patsy O'Brien "Jack 'Brien" from Onward

1:01:32 - CREDITS

Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen.

You can follow and listen to the show on 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. Refuse, 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

 


Grab a pint and pull up a stool. PUB SONGS & STORIES is a warm, welcoming corner of the audio world hosted by Celtic & Folk musician Marc Gunn, known to many as The Celtfather. This podcast isn't just a curated playlist; it's an intimate journey into the heart of the music. Each episode feels like a late-night conversation in a cozy pub, where every traditional tune, modern ballad, and rousing drinking song comes with a rich history. Marc explores the narratives woven into the fabric of Celtic and folk music, sharing the tales of the songwriters and the cultural moments that inspired them. You'll hear the music itself, of course, but more importantly, you'll understand the passion and the stories behind each melody and lyric. It's a celebration of musical heritage, a personal journal from the front lines of the folk scene, and a testament to the living culture that thrives in song. Listen to this podcast for a genuine connection to the artists and the timeless tradition of sharing stories through music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

PUB SONGS & STORIES (Atlanta, Georgia)
Podcast Episodes
Irish Songs for St. Patrick's Day #297 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
St Patrick's Day is a week away. Listen to a fun concert of St Patrick's Day music. Irish songs with my own unique twist. This is Folk Songs & Stories #297 WELCOME TO FOLK SONGS & STORIES I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic and…
St. Paddy's Day or St. Patty's Day? #296 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:24
St. Patrick's Day is almost here. So it's time to definitively answer the old question. Is it Saint Paddy's day or Saint Patty's day? Plus, I'll give you 17 amazing Celtic bands that you should listen to for St. Patrick'…
17 Things To See & Do in Wicklow, Ireland #295 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:28
Today, you'll learn about 17 things you can see and do in Wicklow, Ireland. Plus you'll hear music from Eimear Arkins, The Ciderhouse Rebellion and Kyle Carey. This is Folk Songs & Stories #295 0:14 - Eimear Arkins "Téir…
17 Things to See and Do in Wexford, Ireland [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:14
Today, you'll learn about 17 things to see and do in Wexford, Ireland. Just in time for my Celtic Invasion of Wexford that happens in June. I share one of the best ways to make effective climate change happen along with…
Top Celtic Folk Bands of 2025 to Watch #293 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:46
Today, I'm talking about… 9 Celtic Folk bands you want to watch in 2025. We also talk about simple actions we can take to combat climate change and improve our local community. This is Folk Songs & Stories #293 0:17 - WE…
Live Pub Songs from Dragon Con 2024 #292 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:57
Here's a holiday gift. It's a live concert from Dragon Con 2024. This is Pub Songs & Stories #292 0:09 - Marc Gunn & Mikey Mason "Hero of Christmas" from Browncoat Christmas 2:26 - WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES I am Mar…
Can Album Pins Save the Music Business? #291 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:56
Can album pins save the music business? I'll tell you what they're all about, why all musicians should be selling them, and how to get started with them. This is Pub Songs & Stories #291 0:13 - Marc Gunn "Blink" from Com…
17 Things to Do on the Isle of Man #290 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:18
So you want to go to the Isle of Man? Can you spend a full week there and find enough to do? I'll share with you 17 things you will enjoy on the Isle of Man. Plus, you'll get some music from Ruth Keggin & Rachel Hair. Th…
Happy Birthday from Ireland, Laughter Yoga #289 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:34
Is there an Irish birthday song? There is now. It's by Marc Gunn with the song "Happy Birthday From Ireland". Cedric of the Bedlam Bards hypnotizes with wit and charm. Then he shares how laughter is the best medicine, es…
Princess Bride's Big Adventure #288 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:05
True love lost at sea. I share the story behind "Buttercup's Lament" inspired by Princess Bride. You'll learn why you should watch out for wild boar in Italy, see what happens when a juggler's props don't arrive, and lea…