Bing Crosby

Lyrics

3 ContributorsMacNamara’s Band LyricsOh, me name is MacNamara, I'm the leader of the band
Although we're few in numbers, we're the finest in the land
We play at wakes and weddings and at every fancy ball
And when we play the funerals, we play the March from Saul

Oh, the drums go bang and the cymbals clang and the horns they blaze away
McCarthy pumps the old bassoon while I the pipes do play
And Henessee Tennessee tootles the flute and the music is somethin' grand
A credit to old Ireland is MacNamara's band

Right now we are rehearsin' for a very swell affair
The annual celebration, all the gentry will be there
When General Grant to Ireland came he took me by the hand
Says he, "I never saw the likes of MacNamara's Band"

Oh, the drums go bang and the cymbals clang and the horns they blaze away
McCarthy pumps the old bassoon while I the pipes do play
And Henessee Tennessee tootles the flute and the music is somethin' grand
A credit to old Ireland is MacNamara's band

Oh, my name is Uncle Julius and from Sweden I did come
To play with MacNamara's Band and beat the big bass drum
And when I march along the street the ladies think I'm grand
They shout, "There's Uncle Julius playin' with an Irish band!"

Oh, I wear a bunch of shamrocks and a uniform of green
And I'm the funniest lookin' Swede that you have ever seen
There is O'Brians, O'Ryans, O'Sheehans and Meehans, they come from Ireland
But, by yimminy, I'm the only Swede in MacNamara's Band
You might also likeOh, the drums go bang and the cymbals clang and the horns they blaze away
McCarthy pumps the old bassoon while I the pipes do play
And Henessee Tennessee tootles the flute and the music is somethin' grand
A credit to old Ireland is MacNamara's band

That's MacNamaraEmbed

MacNamara’s Band is a classic song that was first recorded in 1944 by the iconic crooner Bing Crosby. It is a joyful tune and is widely considered to be one of Crosby’s most popular songs. Written by O'Connor, Stanford, and Stamford, the song is a lively celebration of an Irish band led by a colorful character named MacNamara. The song became an instant hit and has remained popular for more than seven decades, making it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by music lovers of all ages.

About MacNamara’s Band

The song is set in Ireland, where we see a character named MacNamara leading a band with great enthusiasm. The lyrics are optimistic and energetic, extolling the virtues of the band and its leader. They sing, “They come from Athlone, Ballymahon and from Mullingar/MacNamara's band from the County Clare". The song is a tribute to the Irish roots, and it remains a popular pub song played in Irish cultural events.

The upbeat tune is punctuated by Crosby's distinctive singing style and the accompaniment of his band in a marvelous jazz-tinged orchestration. The song opens with the sound of a drumroll before Crosby's mellow voice comes in, backed by instruments such as the piano, drums, and brass band. Each instrument in the band takes center stage for their brief solos, giving the song a playful and lively feel.

MacNamara’s Band gained significant popularity during its time and beyond, a reason why Bing Crosby recorded it three more times in his career. It is no surprise that the band became one of the most loved and recognizable Irish songs of all time, even out of Ireland. The song's appeal is universal, and it did particularly well in America around the time of its release and during the World War II years. It was a favorite among US servicemen stationed in the UK; They sang and danced to it whenever it played on the radio or during social events.

MacNamara’s Band has been covered many times, with musicians performing it in various styles. The song has received honours from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for being one of the most-played and most-recorded Irish songs in history. The song has been recorded in pop, folk, and country iterations by artists ranging from the Beatles to Daniel O'Donnell.

The Legacy of MacNamara’s Band

MacNamara’s Band has achieved cultural significance beyond its Irish roots, holding a special place in the hearts of Bing Crosby's fans and fans of Irish music. It continues to be a fixture of St. Patrick's Day celebrations and a popular ditty in traditional Irish pubs. Moreover, every time it plays on the radio, it takes its listeners on a journey through Irish culture, traditions, joy, and laughter.

The remarkable thing about MacNamara’s Band is that it has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved song among different age groups. It has transcended several generations and crossed musical boundaries, making it a true classic that continues to be enjoyed around the world. It is a testament to Bing Crosby's enduring legacy that MacNamara’s Band remains a significant and timeless song.

MacNamara's Band is a bouncy, upbeat, and happy Irish song. Its infectious energy and joyous spirit have made it a timeless classic that continues to delight and entertain music lovers of all ages and backgrounds. With Bing Crosby's unique singing style, blended with the brass band accompaniment, the song's lasting appeal is anchored in its simplicity, heartiness, and lively spirit. It is a song that will make you want to dance, sing along, and smile no matter the occasion or how you're feeling.

• Release Date: None
• Artist: Bing Crosby