This is a story about different names.
One time at band camp… No, jig school…
It was early in our Irish music education when we learned that jigs, reels and other tunes have different names, meanings and lyrics in different parts of Ireland. This phenomenon doesn’t even happen county to county; tunes subtly change from town-to-town.
Recently, we learned from people much smarter than us that the Frieze Britches is not about what we thought. The delightful name of this fine tune has been taken in other directions, the most famous of which is the direction of bawdiness. Frieze Britches became the Friar’s Breeches, the Priest’s Pantaloons and the Vicar’s Knickers.
In truth, the origin of the song’s name is actually pretty boring. It’s named after the fabric from which certain Irish pants are made. Checking the historical record, Frieze Britches were actually pants made from specifically woven fabric.
It’s also a story about different audiences
One time at the pub… Yes, definitely the pub
It was early in our education in Irish audiences when we learned that certain jokes have a time and a place, and that certain lyrics only go with certain audiences. Most pub tunes have a polite version for when the kids are still in the room, or for when the Stern Ladies From Church haven’t yet left for somewhere else. Most pub tunes also have an impolite version for when it’s all good company and good craic.
Over the years, we’ve learned some past-bedtime lyrics from our fans.
Special mention to Carol and Sandy in Bradenton, who have, to my view, permanently improved Seven Drunken Nights.
We’ve also got our eyes on you, Mr. McInnes – Finnegan’s What!?!?
It’s mostly a story about our new single: Cunla
Our newest album Among Your Friends comes out this March, and it’s almost ready to go! The album’s first single, Cunla, is a traditional song that we have paired with a tune called the Frieze Britches. We wrote about it in the above blog.
Please listen, like and share.
Watch the YouTube video here.
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We do hope you get a chance to hear the single and to watch our new video. This is not a car tripping video. This is authentic film making done in the style of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and the great goofy four: the Monkees.
See you at the pub.
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