THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

274-Charles Trenet-La Mer.

1946-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.28. ‘La Mer’ has been recorded in several different languages, in Italy it is ‘II Mare,’ while in Belgium it is ‘De Zee.’ German speaking countries call it ‘Das Meer,’ in Russia it is known as ‘Volna,’ and in English speaking countries it is called ‘Beyond The Sea.’

‘La Mer’ (in English the sea) was written by the French singer/songwriter Charles Trenet, who was born Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet on May 18th, 1913, in Narbonne, Occitanie, France, he died after suffering a second stroke on February 19th, 2001, at the age of 87. Trenet is one of France’s most celebrated artists, who wrote nearly 1000 songs, his other most notable compositions include ‘Boum!’ from 1938, and ‘Que reste-t-il de nos amours?’ from 1942. Several of his songs had unconventional subject matter, with whimsical imagery bordering on the surreal, for example ‘Y’a d’la joie’ (1937) evokes joy through a series of disconnected images, including that of a subway car shooting out of its tunnel into the air, the Eiffel Tower crossing the street, and a baker making excellent bread. Many of his hits from the 1930’s and 1940’s combine the melodic and verbal nuances of French song with American swing rhythms. At the start of World War II, Charles Trenet was called up. Like many other artistes of the time, he chose to entertain the occupying forces rather than sacrifice his career. He agreed, when asked by the Germans, to sing for French prisoners of war in Germany. During the Épuration légale (‘legal purge’), the wave of official trials that followed the Liberation of France and the fall of the Vichy Regime, a court examined whether Trenet was guilty of collaboration. The inquiry resulted in a reprimand, without any other consequences. After the end of World War II Trenet moved to the United States where he lived for a few years, and where he quickly became a success. After a few concerts at the ‘Bagdad’ in New York City, he became a big star and was approached by Hollywood. He met Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) and began a long lasting friendship with Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) (see also best songs 327.) Charles Trenet received four of France’s most prestigious honours and awards, including the highest, the ‘National Order of the Legion of Honour,’ (French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur [ɔʁdʁ nɑsjɔnal də la leʒjɔ̃ dɔnœʁ] in 1998. In 2017, a service centre on the A9 autoroute between Narbonne and Béziers was renamed in his honour. It contains an exhibition evoking his life and work, and sculptures by Pascale, and Thierry Delorme.

Charles Trenet said that he wrote the lyrics in the form of a poem to ‘La Mer’ in 1929 at the age of 16, but didn’t come up with the melody until 1943 when he was travelling by train between Montpellier and Perpignan His inspiration came as he was gazing out the window at the ‘Etang de Thau, a lagoon in the South of France. Trenet took his ideas to Leo Chauliac (1913-1977) a Jazz pianist who Trenet was working with at that time, and further input was provided by Albert Lasry (1903-1975) who also produced Trenet’s own recording of the song in 1946.

Charles Trenet wrote ‘La Mer’ as an ode to the sea, but the English language lyrics which were written by Jack Laurence are about a couple who are separated by the sea, and the narrator lives in hope that one day they will be reunited. Jack Laurence was born Jacob Louis Schwartz on April 7th, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died after a fall at his home on March 16th, 2009, at the age of 96. Other notable songs written by Laurence include ‘If I Didn’t Care,’ (see also best songs 266) recorded by the Ink Spots, and ‘Linda,’ a 1947 Billboard Number 1 for Ray Noble & Buddy Clark. Jack Laurence wrote ‘Linda’ in 1942, taking the name from the then one year old daughter of his attorney, Lee Eastman (1910-1991.) The Linda in question would grow up to be the future wife of Paul McCartney, Linda Eastman (1941-1998) (see also best songs 646 and 107.)

‘La Mer’ is a ‘Chanson,’ which is generally any lyric-driven French song. It was first recorded by Roland Gerbeau (1919-2012) with Jo Bouillon (1908-1984) and His Orchestra in 1945, Charles Trenet made his first recording of the song a year later. Over the years the song has become a Chanson, and Jazz standard, and has been recorded hundreds of times. The most famous and successful English language version is the recording by Bobby Darin. (1936-1973) (see also best songs 43.) The English version is known as ‘Beyond the Sea,’ and became Darin’s signature song after reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 8 in the UK in 1960. Prior to Bobby Darin charting with the song it had been a hit twice before in instrumental form, for Benny Goodman (1909-1986) in 1948, and for Roger Williams (1924-2011) in 1956, when reaching Number 37 on Billboard. It is reckoned that ‘La Mer’ has more than 4,000 different recordings of it, with over 70 million copies sold in total. The song is considered to be France’s best selling song, together with Édith Piaf’s (1915-1963) (see also best songs) (see also best songs 178) ‘La Vie en rose.’

‘La mer qu’on voit danser le long des golfes clairs a des reflets d’argent.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

275-Coldplay-Yellow.

2000-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. Chris Martin is very well known for being coy, and for also teasing interviewers when it comes to explaining his songs meanings, but it is probably safe to say this ones not about The Simpsons.

Coldplay were formed in London, England, in 1996 by Chris Martin, (vocals and piano) Jonny Buckland, (guitar) Guy Berryman, (bass) and Will Champion, (drums) the bands former manager, and creative director Phil Harvey is considered a fifth group member. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland first met each other in September 1996 while studying at University College London, where using the name ‘Big Fat Noises’ they began to write songs together. It was in 1998 that Guy Berryman, and then Will Champion, who were also students at University College London would join forces with Martin and Buckland, and perform as a quartet, this time using the name ‘Starfish.’ Prior to releasing their first EP (extended play) called ‘Safety’ which had been financed by Phil Harvey in May 1998, the band finally settled on the name ‘Coldplay,’ which was suggested to them by another student called Tim Crompton, who had been contemplating using the name for a group of his own. The name was taken from the book ‘Child’s Reflections, Cold Play,’ by the author Philip Horky. With sales in excess of 100 million Albums, Coldplay are the best selling act of the 21st Century worldwide, and amongst the best selling artists of all time. They are also the first group in ‘Spotify’ history to reach 90 million monthly listeners. In the UK they have three of the 50 best selling Albums, and the distinction of being the most played group of the 21st Century on British media. The band have received numerous accolades throughout their career, becoming the most awarded and nominated group of all time at the ‘Brit Awards,’ with nine victories from their 32 nominations, they have also won seven ‘Grammy Awards,’ from 39 nominations.

The discography of Coldplay includes 10 studio Albums released between 2000-2024, and 43 singles released between 1999-2024, there are also 18 extended plays, (EP’s) 12 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK all 10 of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 29 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘Paradise,’ (2011) both making Number 1. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, five of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 15 of their singles have made the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘My Universe’ featuring the South Korean ‘K-Pop’ boy band ‘BTS,’ (2021) both reaching Number 1.

‘Yellow’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Parachutes,’ the debut studio Album from Coldplay, from July 2000. The song was co-written by all four members of Coldplay, with the production credited to Coldplay and Ken Nelson, who was born on February 6th, 1959, in Liverpool, England. Nelson’s first major success was working on the debut studio Album ‘Bring It On,’ by the English Indie Rock group Gomez in 1998, he has also worked on three studio Albums by Coldplay, as well as engineering or producing for others including Badly Drawn Boy, Feeder, and Paolo Nutini. He has won three ‘Grammy Awards,’ two ‘Mercury Music Prizes,’ and was ‘Music Week’ magazine’s ‘Producer of the Year’ in 2003.

Chris Martin was born Christopher Anthony John Martin, on March 2nd, 1977, in Exeter, Devon, England. Away from Coldplay, Chris Martin has written or co-written for other artists including ‘Gravity’ for Embrace, (2004-UK Number 7) ‘See It in a Boy’s Eyes’ for Jamelia, (2004-UK Number 5) ‘All Good Things (Come to an End’) for Nelly Furtado, (2006-UK Number 4) and also for many others. In 2012 Chris Martin revealed that he had been suffering from tinnitus since his early adult years, as a result, he wears specially filtered earplugs or customised in-ear monitors while performing, and has encouraged his fellow band members to do the same as a preventive measure. Coldplay donate 10% from all of their profits to charity. The fund is held in a bank account that none of the band members can access. They have endorsed over 30 organisations over the years, including ‘Amnesty International,’ ‘Migrant Offshore Aid Station,’ and ‘Global Citizen Festival.’

Probably being bored with being asked the same question every time when interviewed, Chris Martin has admitted to giving several different explanations as to what ‘Yellow’ means. He told one interviewer that he got the idea from the book that happened to be nearest him when writing the song, it was the UK telephone directory, which is named ‘Yellow Pages,’ Martin has also said that the lyrics are about being devoted to someone, wanting to do anything for them. ‘Writing a song for them, swimming across the sea for them. It’s not necessarily a romantic devotion, but could be about someone that you look up to and would do anything for, a brotherly love.’

‘Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow. I came along, I wrote a song for you and all the things you do, and it was called yellow.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

276-Rupert Holmes-Escape (The Piña Colada Song.)

1979-Number 23 single.

Best Bit-At 2.32. They have both just found out that their partner has been cheating on them, so what do they do? They laugh for a moment and say,’ I never knew that you liked Pina Colada.’

Rupert Holmes was born David Goldstein on February 24th, 1947, in Northwich, Cheshire, England, at the age of six he emigrated with his family to Nanuet, New York, United States. He took his stage name from the English poet Rupert Brooke, (1887-1915) and ‘Holmes’ was a nod to the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, created by the British author Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930.) Rupert Holmes is a composer, singer/songwriter, playwright, and an author, he also plays keyboards, saxophone, and is a vocalist. His songs have been recorded by many of the worlds top artists including Barbra Streisand, (see also best songs 699 and 145) and Dolly Parton, (see also best songs 704) and as a music producer he has worked with artists including Sparks, (see also best songs 840) producing their 1976 Album ‘Big Beat.’ Holmes is also a playwright, he made his professional debut as a playwright in 1985 with the musical ‘The Mystery of Edwin Drood,’ in total he has worked on 18 musicals. Rupert Holmes has also written for film and television, most famously the American comedy drama series ‘Remember WENN,’ writing all 56 episodes, he has also written three books. Holmes has said of his varied career, ‘I have a feeling that if I saved an entire orphanage from a fire and carried the last child out on my shoulders, as I stood there charred and smoking, they’d say,’Aren’t you the guy who wrote the pina colada song?’

The discography of Rupert Holmes includes 16 Albums released between 1974-2012, and 18 singles released between 1974-1983. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) peaking the highest at Number 1, while in the UK, he has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) reaching Number 23 in 1979, and it;s follow up ‘Him,’ making Number 31 in 1980.

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) was the first of three singles released from ‘Partners in Crime,’ the fifth studio Album by Rupert Holmes, from August 1979, the song was written by Rupert Holmes, with the production being by Holmes, and Jim Boyer (1951-2022.) Jim Boyer was born James Boyer on May 19th, 1951, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on June 15th, 2022, at the age of 71. Jim Boyer who was a music producer and audio engineer, got his first job at Phil Ramone’s (1934-2013) ‘A&R Recording Studios,’ where he was hired by Don Frey as an assistant engineer, with his first credit with Ramone being on the 1976 film ‘A Star is Born’ with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson (1936-2024) (see also best songs 341.) Jim Boyer worked as an engineer or producer for many of the worlds top artists, including on eight of Billy Joel’s (see also best songs 810 and 215) studio Albums between 1977-1987.

Rupert Holmes got the initial idea for ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) after seeing the personal columns in the American news and culture publication ‘The Village Voice’. He got to thinking what it would be like to arrange a meeting with a complete stranger, and then he let his imagination run wild, what if the stranger turned out to be his partner. It had been a last minute decision to introduce pina colada into the song. The original lyrics written by Holmes were ‘If you like Humphrey Bogart and getting caught in the rain’, but Holmes felt that someone yearning escapism would want something more exotic sounding, and also more modern. Holmes thoughts turned to escaping to a vacation on a beach where you may order a pina colada, he has acknowledged that the last minute decision to change the lyrics changed his life.

‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) is the tale of a man who reads the personal advertisements in the newspaper and spots an ad that catches his attention, a woman seeking a man who among other things enjoys pina colada’s. He replies to her ad, and they arrange to meet, where on meeting they are both shocked to realise that they are each others partners. The morale of the story is give your relationship every chance to blossom, before looking elsewhere. The song was the last Number 1 on the American Billboard Hot 100 chart for the 1970’s, and after being knocked off the top spot the following week, regained the Number 1 spot again for the second week of 1980. At the time of writing the song is the 357th best selling song on Billboard since it’s inception in 1958. Rupert Holmes has said about ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song’) ‘It’s tough when you have this one thing that pulls focus from all these other things that you’ve done, yet every songwriter lives to have a song that most everybody knows.’

‘So I waited with high hopes, then she walked in the place. I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face. It was my own lovely lady, and she said, ‘Oh it’s you,’ and we laughed for a moment, and I said ‘I never knew.”

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

277-Nina Simone-My Baby Just Cares for Me.

1958-It did not chart in the UK until 1987, when it reached Number 5.

Best Bit-At 1.12. It is said that Sybil Burton (1929-2013) the ex wife of the actor Richard Burton (1925-1984) became incensed when she heard this song, having heard the lyric ‘Liz Taylor is not his style.’ Sybil and Richard had recently divorced, after Richard had left her for Liz Taylor.

‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ is considered a ‘Jazz Standard.’ A Jazz Standard is a song that is widely known, and performed often by many Jazz musicians. The song was written for the 1928 American Musical Comedy ‘Whoopee!’ which starred the American actor/dancer/singer/songwriter Eddie Cantor, (1892-1964) who first introduced the song in the film, and it went onto become one of his signature tunes. ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ was co-written by Walter Donaldson, (1893-1947) who provided the lyrics, and Gus Khan, (1886-1941) who wrote the melody, both had been commissioned to write the soundtrack for ‘Whoopee!’ which also included the other notable song ‘Makin’ Whoopee,’ also introduced by Cantor.

Walter Donaldson was born on February 15th, 1893, in New York City, United States, he died on July 15th, 1947, after being ill for a year with kidney problems, at the age of 54. Donaldson who was primarily known as a composer, rather than as a lyricist, and published in excess of 600 songs, first began working with Gus Khan in 1915. At the end of the 1920s, Donaldson moved to Hollywood, California, and worked composing and arranging music for motion pictures. His film credits include work on such pictures as ‘Glorifying the American Girl,’ (1929) ‘Suzy,’ (1936) and ‘The Great Ziegfeld,’ (1936.) Gus Khan was born Gustav Gerson Kahn on November 6th, 1886, in Bruschied, in the Rhine Province of the Kingdom of Prussia, which was part of the German Empire, he died on October 8th, 1941, of a heart attack, at the age of 54. By 1933, Kahn had become a full-time motion picture songwriter, contributing to movies such as ‘Flying Down to Rio,’ (1933) ‘A Day at the Races,’ (1937) and ‘Ziegfeld Girl’ (1941.)

In 1957 Nina Simone recorded ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ for her debut studio Album ‘Little Girl Blue,’ (also known as ‘Jazz As Played in an Exclusive Side Street Club,’) it was released on the ‘Bethlehem Records’ label in February 1959. Simone only recorded the Album as a way to financing her true love which was to become a Classical concert pianist, so she immediately sold the rights for the Album to ‘Bethleham Records’ for $3,000 (around 28,000 in 2020.) ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ remained relatively obscure until it was used in a 1987 television commercial for ‘Chanel No. 5’ perfume. To follow up the exposure the song was receiving, record companies fought over the rights to release the song as a single, with ‘Charly Records’ winning the battle. Nina Simone who had sold her rights to the song many years earlier, and had always had a tenuous relationship with record labels was outraged, claiming she didn’t receive any royalties.’They went behind my back and stole from each other like I was a slave. They took me and sold me, from one record company to another, because they couldn’t deal with me openly.’ It is probably the case that Nina Simone selling the rights to the song cost her well over $1,000,000.

Nina Simone was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon on February 21st, 1933, in Tryon, North Carolina, United States, she had suffered from breast cancer for several years, before she died in her sleep on April 21st, 2003, at the age of 70. In 1954 in order to make a living she played piano in a nightclub in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and because her parents didn’t approve of her playing the ‘devils music’ she changed her name to ‘Nina Simone,’ ‘nina’ was a nickname given to her by a boyfriend, and ‘Simone’ was taken from the French actress ‘Simone Signoret,’ (1921-1985) whom she had seen in the 1952 movie ‘Casque d’Or.’ Nina Simone was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the late 1980’s. She was known for her temper, and outbursts of aggression, and after an incident in 1995, when she shot and wounded her neighbour’s son with an air gun, she was sentenced to eight month in prison, which was suspended pending a psychiatric evaluation, and treatment. In the 1960’s Simone was a prominent public figure as a civil rights activist for ‘The American Civil Rights Movement,’ with her own composition ‘Mississippi Goddam,’ from 1964 becoming a well known song during the civil rights years. Another of Nina Simone’s best known songs is ‘To Be Young, Gifted and Black,’ which has famously been recorded by Aretha Franklin in 1972, and was a 1970 UK Number 5 hit for the Reggae duo of Bob and Marcia. Among the many awards accrued by Nina Simone, include being posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ by fellow R&B artist Mary J. Blige (see also best songs 359) in 2018.

The discography of Nina Simone includes 19 studio Albums released between 1959-1993, and 71 singles released between 1959-2003, there are also 83 official compilation Albums, of which 14 of them are live recordings, issued between between 1960-2022. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 her only chart entry is her debut single ‘I Love You, Porgy,’ which made Number 18 in 1959, while in the UK, she has had seven top 40 hit singles, with ‘Ain’t Got No, I Got Life,’ (1968) and ‘Do What You Gotta Do,’ (1968) both peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘My baby don’t care for shows,my baby don’t care for clothes, my baby just cares for me. My baby don’t care for cars and races, my baby don’t care for high-tone places.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

278-N-Trance-Set You Free.

1994-Number 39 single. When it was re-issued in 1995 it peaked at Number 2. In 2001 it was again re-issued with new remixes, and this time reached Number 4.

Best Bit-At 4.23. Because they made one of the best Dance songs of the 1990’s, I think we should forgive them for some horrendous cover versions.

N-Trance were formed in Oldham, England, in 1990 by the Electronic music producers Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth. The pair met at Oldham College in Greater Manchester, where they were both studying sound engineering. They were initially signed to ‘380 Records’ which was a subsidiary of the ‘PWL’ label which at that time was owned by Pete Waterman, (see also best songs 627) but they were not happy with that labels marketing, so they moved to the ‘All Around he World’ label in September 1993. At the time of writing N-Trance remain active with Kevin O’Toole now being the only constant, as Dale Longworth split from the group in 1999. Since 1991 Lee Limer, also from Oldham, has worked as a dancer for the group, but is not an official group member.

The discography of N-Trance includes three studio Albums released between 1995-2009, and 19 singles released between 1993-2009, there is also one official compilation Album ‘The Best of N-Trance 1992–2002,’ which was released in 2001. N-Trance have achieved 13 top 40 singles in the UK, which includes three different versions of ‘Set You Free,’ they have also had four hit singles which are cover versions, including ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ (see also best songs 211) (originally by the Bee Gees) ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? featuring Rod Stewart, (originally by Rod Stewart) and ‘Paradise City,’ (see also best songs 8) originally recorded by Guns N’ Roses.’ Both ‘Set You Free’ featuring Kelly Llorenna, (1995) and ‘Stayin’ Alive’ featuring Ricardo da Force, (1995) (see also best songs 329) have peaked the highest on the UK top 40 at Number 2. In 2004 Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth formed the side project ‘Freeloaders,’ releasing one studio Album called ‘Freshly Squeezed’ in 2006, and two singles, of which the first ‘So Much Love to Give’ in 2005, reached Number 9 in the UK, the project was brought to an end in 2006.

‘Set You Free’ was the first of five singles either released or added to ‘Electronic Pleasure,’ which was the debut studio Album by N-Trance, from November 1995, the song was co-written and co-produced by Kevin O’Toole, and Dale Longworth. The unaccredited vocals on ‘Set You Free’ were provided by a then 16 year old Kelly Llorenna, who was born in Slough, Berkshire, England, on May 1st, 1975, but raised in Oldham. Kelly Llorenna has explained how she first met ‘N-Trance, ‘They came to my college and asked if anyone sung, and everyone replied ‘Kelly sings!’ They then recorded Llorenna’s vocals for a demo of ‘Set You Free,’ and she joined N-Trance to perform live. Kelly Llorenna has said, ‘It was just me and five lads in a transit van going up to Belfast or Glasgow every week, playing the song for petrol money.’ She claims that when people hear the opening of ‘Set You Free’, which features thunder, lightning and rain, ‘Their faces light up, and they’re transported back to where they were.’

Kelly Llorenna would go on to provide vocals for other N-Trance songs, notably ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy,’ featuring Rod Stewart, which reached Number 7 in the UK in 1997. She has also had a successful solo career, releasing one Album ‘All Clubbed Up – The Best of Kelly Llorenna,’ in 2002, and 12 singles as the lead artist, and a further eight as a featured artist between 1995-2009. In the UK, Kelly Llorenna has had four solo hit singles, with ‘Forever,’ from 2003, peaking the highest at Number 6. As a featured artist away from N-Trance, her biggest commercial success is providing the vocals on the track ‘True Love Never Dies,’ for the English Electronic Dance Music duo ‘Flip & Fill,’ which made Number 7 in 2002.

‘Set You Free’ has stood the test of time, and is still one of the most popular songs to fill the dance floor when playing ‘1990’s classic Dance tracks.’ The song was the 17th best selling single in the UK in 1995, but due to it’s longevity, it has now sold in excess of 1,200,000 copies in the UK, making it one of the best selling singles of all time in that country. ‘Set You Free’ was inspired by a night out in the ‘Haçienda’ club in Manchester, England, that N-Trance’s Kevin O’Toole had in 1989 after a woman came up and hugged him tightly. He has said, ‘They used to pass round pints of water, and a woman came up to me and I felt her heartbeat through her top, the songs created a diary of what was happening at the time.’ It was the hug which inspired the songs opening line, ‘When I hold you baby, feel your heart beat close to me. Wanna stay in your arms forever, only love can set you free.’ Initially only 500 12 inch vinyl copies were made for promotional use in 1992, but slowly the record grew in popularity, and was pushed to even greater success by several remixes.

‘When we touch each other in a state of ecstasy, want this night to last forever, only love can set you free.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

279- Pérez Prado-Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White.

1955-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.01. Perez Prado may have written ‘Mambo No 5,’ but this was definitely Mambo’s Number 1 song.

Pérez Prado was born Dámaso Pérez Prado on December 11th, 1916, in Matanzas, Cuba, he died of complications from a stroke after being in ill health for the previous two years on September 14th, 1989, at the age of 72. In 1949 Prado moved to Mexico where he formed his own band after signing with ‘RCA Victor’ records in Mexico City. Prado had 23 Albums released by that label between 1951-1976, he also provided the soundtrack to eight films in the 1950’s. His most well known compositions and covers include his 1958 American Billboard Hot 100 Number 2 and UK Number 8 single ‘Patricia,’ his 1958 cover of ‘Guaglione,’ which reached Number 2 in the UK in 1995 after it was used for a ‘Guinness’ advert, and also ‘Mambo No 5,’ from 1949. In 1999 ‘Mambo No 5’ was sampled by the German singer Lou Bega for his worldwide hit ‘Mambo No 5 (A Little Bit’) In 2001 the song once again topped the UK chart, when a novelty version by ‘Bob the Builder,’ from the BBC children’s television show, was sung by the British actor Neil Morrissey. Perez Prado who became affectionately known as the ‘King of the Mambo’ performed for the last time in 1987, but his son Perez Jr. continues to direct the Perez Prado Orchestra in Mexico City. In 1999, Pérez Prado was posthumously inducted into the ‘International Latin Music Hall of Fame.’

‘Mambo’ is a genre of Cuban dance music that was developed by the Cuban multi-instrumentalist Orestes Lopez, (1908-1991) his brother Israel ‘Cachao’ Lopez, (1918-2008) and the Cuban flautist Antonio Arcario (1911-1994) in the late 1930’s. By the late 1940’s Mambo had become a dance craze in the United States, with bandleaders such as Perez Prado refining the genre. Prado adapted the fast Mambo rhythm to the American style Big Bands of the 1940’s, distancing the style away from it’s more traditional quieter Cuban roots.

‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ is the English version of ‘Cerisiers Roses et Pommiers Blancs’ with the music written by Louis ‘Louiguy’ Guglielmi, (1916-1991) his other most notable composition is ‘La Vie en Rose,’ which became the signature song of Edith Piaf (1915-1963) (see also best songs 178.) The French lyrics to ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ were written by Jacques Larue, (1906-1961) while the English lyrics were written by Mack David, (1912-1993) the older brother of Hal David (1921-2012) (see also best songs 902-832-815-740-644-376 and 224.)

Mack David was born on July 5th, 1912, in New York City, United States, he died on December 30th, 1993, at the age of 81. Mack David is credited with writing lyrics or music or both for over 1000 songs. He is best remembered for his work on the ‘Disney’ films Cinderella, (1950) and Alice in Wonderland, (1951) and for his translation of song lyrics into English. Although Mack David did not write an English translation of Édith Piaf’s lyrics to what would become her signature tune ‘La Vie en rose,’ his words captured the spirit of the song. ‘La Vie en rose’ was recorded by over 80 international singers and musicians, and has been featured in several dozen motion pictures as well. Between 1950-1966, eight of Mack David’s songs received nominations for an ‘Acadamy Award,’ including Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,’ with Jerry Livingston (1909-1987) and Al Hoffman, (1902-1960) from ‘Cinderella,’ (1950) ‘Walk on the Wild Side,’ with Elmer Bernstein, (1922-2004) from ‘Walk on the Wild Side,’ (1962) and ‘Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte,’ with Frank De Vol, (1911-1999) from ‘Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte’ (1964.) Mack David also had his songs cross over into the ‘Pop’ charts, including ‘I Don’t Care If The Sun Don’t Shine,’ a hit for Patti Page, (1927-2013) (see also best songs 1050) (1950-Billboard Number 8) it was later covered by Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) as a Rockabilly-styled tune in 1954. Mack David also co-wrote the lyrics for ‘Baby It’s You,’ which has been a hit for the Shirelles, (1961-Billboard Number 8) and the band ‘Smith,’ (1969-Billboard Number 5) and was covered by the Beatles (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) on their debut studio Album ‘Please Please Me’ in 1963.

Pérez Prado’s instrumental with his orchestra, of ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White’ which features the very distinctive trumpet playing of Billy Regis, was first recorded for the 1955 movie ‘Underwater!’ where Jane Russell (1921-2011) can be seen dancing to the song. When released as a single it topped the American chart, and went onto be the best selling single of 1955. The most successful vocal version in America was by Alan Dale, (1925-2002) whose recording made Number 14, also in 1955. In the UK the Perez Prado version spent two weeks at Number 1, while a competing instrumental recording by the British trumpeter Eddie Calvert (1922-1978) also made Number 1, but for four weeks. The song also charted in the UK in 1982 for the British Pop/Salsa group ‘Modern Romance,’ whose vocal version peaked at Number 15.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

280-Pink Floyd-Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2.)

1979-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.18. And they say that school days are meant to be the best days of your life.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) was the first single released by Pink Floyd (see also best songs 992) in 11 years. The band felt that the single format didn’t suit their music, as all their songs were parts of concept Albums. It was the groups producer Bob Ezrin who talked the band around to the idea of a single release, even coming up with the idea of giving the song a ‘Disco’ beat, which to a Progressive Rock group would have probably seemed abhorrent at the time. ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) went on to top the chart in both America and the UK, and has sold in excess of four million copies. In the UK it was the Christmas Number 1 single of 1979, and also the last Number 1 single of the 1970’s.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) was the first of three singles released from ‘The Wall,’ which was the 11th studio Album by Pink Floyd, from November 1979, the song was written by Roger Waters, who also wrote the majority of the other tracks on the Album, with the production being by Roger Waters, Bob Ezrin, David Gilmour, and James Guthrie. ‘The Wall’ is a concept Album, and loosely deals with Roger Waters life as an adolescent growing up after World War II. In 1982 ‘The Wall’ was made into a musical psychological drama film called ‘Pink Floyd – The Wall,’ the screenplay was written by Roger Waters, with Bob Geldof (see also best songs 632 and 455) starring as the Rock Star character ‘Pink.’ The character ‘Pink’ was based on Waters himself, and also his ex-Pink Floyd band mate Syd Barrett (1946-2006.) ‘The Wall’ is one of the best selling Albums of all time, with sales in excess of 30 million copies. The Album is Pink Floyd’s second biggest seller behind their 1973 eighth studio Album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ which has estimated sales of 45 million. ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) appears on ‘The Wall’ Album in a slightly different format to the songs single release. On ‘The Wall’ it follows on continuously from ‘Another Brick in the Wall Part 1, and ‘The Happiest Days of Our Lives,’ both of those songs were also written by Waters.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2′) is a protest song, with Roger Waters relaying the torrid time he had as child at school, where not only was he bullied by other children, but also by his school teachers. Waters has explained,’ You couldn’t find anybody in the world more pro-education than me, but the education I went through in a boys’ grammar school in the 50’s was very controlling and demanded rebellion. The song is meant to be a rebellion against people who have power over you, who are wrong.’ The lyrics attracted controversy, with the ‘Inner London Education Authority’ describing the song as ‘Scandalous,’ and it was also rumoured that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1925-2013) ‘hated it.’

Roger Waters was born George Roger Waters on September 6th, 1943, in Great Bookham, Surrey, England, and was the co-founder of Pink Floyd, following the departure of Syd Barrett (1946-2006) in 1968, he took over as the bands main lyricist. Pink Floyd were formed in London, England in 1965, and are one of the worlds best ever selling artists, with sales in excess of 250 million Albums. It was Syd Barrett who chose the bands name, using the names of his favourite ‘Blues’ artists Pink Anderson, (1900-1974) and Floyd Council (1911-1976.) Waters left Pink Floyd in 1984, and has since released four solo studio Albums between 1984-2018.

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) and it’s parent Album ‘The Wall’ was co-produced by Bob Ezrin, who was born Robert Alan Ezrin on March 25th, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, he is a music producer, musician and vocalist. Bob Ezrin has produced for many of the world’s top artists, including three studio Albums by Pink Floyd, 15 Albums by Alice Cooper, and Albums by Lou Reed, (1942-2013) Rod Stewart, and many more. Bob Ezrin has been described by Alice Cooper as ‘Our George Martin.’ and was the producer of the Alice Cooper classic track ‘School’s Out,’ (1972-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 1) so both of Bob Ezrin’s most commercially successful ‘singles’ productions, have had the theme of being at school as their basis. Ezrin was inducted into the ‘Canadian Music Hall of Fame’ in April 2004, and the ‘Canadian Music Industry Hall of Fame’ in March 2006, and in 2022 he was named an ‘Officer of the Order of Canada,’ ‘For his ongoing contributions to music and entertainment production, and for his sustained advocacy of musical education, journalism and environmental justice.’ It was Bob Ezrin who instructed another of this songs co-producers Nick Griffiths to record a children’s choir singing on the track. The children were from ‘Islington Green School,’ Greater London, close to Pink Floyd’s recording studio. The children’s choir in the recording featured 23 students, who practised for about a week to prepare. According to Ezrin, when he played the children’s vocals to Roger Waters, ‘There was a total softening of his face, and you just knew that he knew it was going to be an important record.’ Waters said, ‘It was great, exactly the thing I expected from a collaborator.’

‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2’) is about Roger Waters schooldays, but the Album ‘The Wall’ explores his life growing up, including his Rock Star career, and the death of his father. Each event, and the problems that occur in his life, are ‘another brick in the wall.’

‘We don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control. No dark sarcasm in the classroom, teachers leave those kids alone.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

281-Anne Shelton-Blues in the Night.

1942-It has never charted in the UK, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.12. Another of the classic songs from the ‘Great American Songbook.’

The ‘Great American Songbook’ is an imaginary list of songs written and recorded between 1920-1960, often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of American music. The genre is created from songs that were popular in Hollywood Musical film, musical theatre, and Broadway theatre. To read about the other 30 songs from the ‘Great American Songbook’ in this countdown see the list at the end of this article.

‘Blues in the Night’ was co-written by the legendary song writing team of Harold Arden, (1905-1986) (see also best songs 934-634 and 68) who wrote the music, and Johnny Mercer, (1909-1976) (see also best songs 45) who wrote the lyrics. Harold Arden and Johnny Mercer had been commissioned to write the entire score for the 1941 American Musical film provisionally called ‘Hot Nocturne,’ based on a play of the same name, but after the success of the song ‘Blues in the Night,’ the film was renamed after the song. Arden and Mercer had been told that the main requirement was to write a ‘Blues’ song which was to be sung in a jail cell, as usual with the way Johnny Mercer worked, he would have the music presented to him, and from there he would write the lyrics. In the film the song is performed by the African/American baritone William Gillespie, (1908-1968) whose appearance at that time was not credited, he later went on to serve in the army in World War II.

‘Blues in the Night’ is considered by some music critics to be a ground breaking moment. The American composer and author Alec Wilder (1907-1980) has said of the song, ‘Blues in the Night’ is certainly a landmark in the evolution of American popular music, lyrically as well as musically.’ The title ‘Blues in the Night’ describe the narrator’s romantic loneliness and frustration, recalling his mother’s warning from childhood, ‘A woman’s a two-face, a worrisome thing, who’ll leave you to sing the blues in the night.’ Harold Arlen has said, ‘The whole thing just poured out. And I knew in my guts, without even thinking what Johnny would write for a lyric, that this was strong, strong, strong! When Mercer wrote Blues in the Night I went over his lyric and I started to hum it over his desk. It sounded marvellous once I got to the second stanza but that first twelve was weak tea. On the third or fourth page of his work sheets I saw some lines, one of them was ‘My momma done tol’ me, when I was in knee pants.’ I said, ‘Why don’t you try that?’ It was one of the very few times I’ve ever suggested anything like that to John. Legend has it that once the song was finished Johnny Mercer called a friend, the singer Margaret Whiting, (1924-2011) and asked if they could come over and play it for her. She suggested they come later because she had dinner guests, Mickey Rooney, (1920-2014) Judy Garland, (1922-1969) (see also best songs 68) Mel Tormé, (1925-1999) and Martha Raye (1916-1994.) Instead, Arlen and Mercer went right over. Margaret Whiting remembered what happened then. ‘They came in the back door, sat down at the piano and played the score of ‘Blues in the Night.’ I remember forever the reaction. Mel got up and said, ‘I can’t believe it.’ Martha couldn’t say a word. Mickey Rooney said, ‘That’s the greatest thing I’ve ever heard.’ Judy Garland said, ‘Play it again.’ We had them play it seven times. Judy and I ran to the piano to see who was going to learn it first. It was a lovely night.’

‘Blues in the Night’ has been recorded on numerous occasions down the years, and was a hit on ‘Billboard Magazine’ five times in 1942, for Woody Herman, (Number 1) Dinah Shore, (Number 4) Jimmy Lunceford, (Number 4) Cab Calloway, (Number 8 and Artie Shaw (Number 10.) The other hit version was in 1952 for Rosemary Clooney, which reached Number 29, the song has never charted in the UK. The version of the song I have chosen is the 1942 recording by Anne Shelton OBE. Anne Shelton was born Patricia Jacqueline Sibley on November 10th, 1923, in Dulwich, London, England, she died of a heart attack on July 31st, 1994, at the age of 70. Anne Shelton is remembered for providing inspirational songs for soldiers, in radio broadcasts, and also for making personal appearances at British military bases during World War II. In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the ‘Not Forgotten Association,’ a charitable organisation for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton got her breakthrough in 1940 at the age of 16, when appearing on the BBC talent radio show ‘Monday Night at Eight.’ The Polish dance-band leader Bert Ambrose (1896-1971) heard her performance, and signed her to sing with his prestigious and popular ‘Ambrose Orchestra.’ She made her first broadcast with Ambrose in June 1940, and then soon after she recorded her first solo record for ‘Rex Records,’ called ‘I Can’t Love You Any More,’ In January 1941 she commenced weekly radio broadcasts with Jack Payne (1899-1969) and his Orchestra. As well as singing and recording, Anne Shelton appeared in several films, including ‘Miss London Ltd.’ (1943), ‘King Arthur Was a Gentleman,’ (1942) and ‘Bees in Paradise’ (1943.) From 1958–1959 she starred in ‘The Anne Shelton Show,’ on ATV, for 11 episodes, and this was followed in 1961 by Ask Anne,’ for BBC TV, which also ran for 11 episodes. The discography of Anne Shelton includes numerous compilation Albums. She has also had two hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, ‘Be Mine,’ (1949-Number 25) and ‘Galway Bay,’ (1949-Number 25) while in the UK, five of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Lay Down Your Arms’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1956.

‘My mama done told me, when I was in pigtails. My mama done told me, uuhm. A man’s gonna sweet talk and give you the big eye, but when the sweet talkin”s done, a man is a two face, a worrisome thing, who’ll leave you to sing the blues in the night.’

Here is the list of all 31 songs from the ‘Great American Songbook’ in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list. (see also best songs 944-934-887-842-808-775-706-687-651-634-567-457-396-385-370-343-321-295-286-277-259-252-231-226-185-100-82-68-73-68 and 45.)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

282-Mary Mary-Shackles (Praise You.)

2000-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 2.34. So good they named them twice.

‘Mary Mary’ are the female American ‘Urban Contemporary Gospel’ duo composed of the sisters Erica Campbell, who was born Erica Monique Atkins, on April 29th, 1972, in Inglewood, California, United States, and Tina Campbell, who was born Trecina Evette Atkins, on May 1st, 1974, also in Inglewood, California, They both married men called Campbell, (who are unrelated) which is why they both have the same surname. The Atkin sisters grew up in a family of eight children, and were brought up by very religious parents, their mother, Thomasina is an Evangelist, and choir director, and their father, Eddie, who died in 2013, was a member of the ‘Church of God in Christ’. On signing their contract to ‘Columbia Records’ in 1999, the sisters decided to perform as ‘Mary Mary,’ taking their name from two famous Mary’s from the Bible, ‘Mary mother of Jesus,’ and ‘Mary Magdalene,’ a follower of Jesus.

The discography of Mary Mary includes five studio Albums released between 2000-2011, and 24 singles released as the lead artist, and a further five singles released as a featured artist between 1998-2016, there is also one official compilation Album, and one ‘Holiday (Christmas) Album available. In America on the Billboard 200 Album chart, there final four studio Albums to date have all reached the top 20, with their fourth ‘The Sound,’ peaking the highest at Number 7 in 2008, while as the lead artist ‘Shackles,’ which reached Number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, remains as their only hit single to date, although they have also appeared on the charity single ‘We Are the World 25 for Haiti,’ released in 2010, which made Number 2. Mary Mary have had great success on the Billboard ‘Hot Gospel Songs’ chart, with 18 of the singles they have appeared on making that charts top 40, with six of those tracks including ‘Shackles’ all reaching Number 1. In the UK, Mary Mary have charted twice within the top 40 singles chart, with ‘Shackles,’ (2000-Number 5) and the follow up ‘I Sings’ (2000-Number 32.) Erica Campbell and Trecina Campbell have both also released solo material. Erica has released three studio Albums between 2014-2023, and Trecina has released two studio Albums between 2015-2017.

‘Shackles’ was the debut singles, and the first of two singles released from ‘Thankful,’ the debut studio Album by Mary Mary, from May 2000, the song was co-written by Erica Atkins, and Trecina Atkins, along with the songs producer Warryn Campbell, who married Erica in 2001. ‘Shackles’ samples the much sampled 1984 track ‘Don’t Look Any Further,’ (1984-Billboard Number 72 & UK Number 45) by Dennis Edwards (1943-2018) (see also best songs 1001-777 and 569) featuring Siedah Garrett, and therefore that songs writers Dennis Lambert, (see also best songs 197) Franne Golde, and Duane Hitchings, also receive writing credits.

‘Shackles’ was produced by Warryn Campbell, who was born Warryn Stafford Campbell, Jr. on August 21st, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, United States, he has worked with a number of ‘Gospel,’ ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘R&B’ artists, including Kanye West, (see also best songs 1049-636-477 and 267) Missy Elliott, (see also best songs 691) and Alicia Keys. Warryn Campbell who is the winner of nine ‘Grammy Awards’ for his production work, including for the Mary Mary Album ‘Thankful,’ played all the instruments on ‘Shackles,’ as well as co-writing and producing the song. He married Erica Atkins in 2001, and they have three children. Campbell is currently the Pastor of California Worship Center, of San Fernando, CA.

‘Shackles’ is an ‘Urban Contemporary Gospel’ song, the genre is also known as ‘Urban Gospel Music,’ ‘Urban Gospel Pop,’ or just simply ‘Urban Gospel,’ and is a modern sub-genre of Gospel music. It is Protestant hymns and African-American spirituals that make up the basic source material for traditional black Gospel music, which in turn is the most significant source of Urban/Contemporary Gospel. Urban/Contemporary Gospel has kept the spiritual focus of the traditional black Gospel music, but uses modern musical forms. ‘Shackles (Praise You’) can be considered a ‘boundary breaking’ song. It’s message is from the ‘Gospel’ genre, but it became a crossover hit because of it’s R&B melody. The song is one of only a few that has received extensive exposure on ‘MTV,’ and significant airplay on many ‘Contemporary Christian Music’ radio stations across America. As with many other contemporary Gospel songs ‘Shackles (Praise You’) received a lot of criticism, with many citing the song as too modern, and not staying true to it’s Gospel roots. ‘Mary Mary’ have hit back by saying, ‘It’s music that everybody in any style of music can relate to. It’s universal, but the lyrics are undeniably Gospel.’

‘Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance, I just want to praise you. You broke the chains now I can lift my hands, and I’m gonna praise you, I’m gonna praise you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

283-The Dubliners with The Pogues-The Irish Rover.

1987-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 3.30. The songs narrator appears to embellish the facts, perhaps he has had one or two many Guinness’.

The Dubliners were an Irish Folk band formed in 1962, in Dublin, Ireland, they were initially called ‘The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group,’ and remained active until 2012. The group was founded by Ronnie Drew, (1934-2008) (vocals, and guitar) Luke Kelly, (1940-1984) (vocals, and banjo) Barney McKenna, (1939-2012) (Irish tenor banjo, mandolin, melodeon, and vocals) and Ciaran Bourke, (1935-1988) (vocals, guitar, and tin whistle) they were joined by John Sheahan in 1964, (fiddle, mandolin, tin whistle, and concertina) and soon after they became ‘The Dubliners.’ In total there were 11 different members come and go during the bands 50 year career, with those five considered the classic line-up. It was after the death of Barney McKenna in 2012 that after 50 years of recording and touring The Dubliners finally disbanded. The Dubliners were by far the leading force in popularising Irish Folk music in Europe, influencing generations of Irish bands such as The Pogues, (see also best songs 35) and the Dropkick Murphys. They are held in the highest regard in Ireland, where their covers of traditional Irish ballads are regarded as the definitive versions.

The discography of The Dubliners includes 17 studio Albums released between 1967-1996, and 23 singles released between 1964-2013, there are also 26 official compilation Albums, and 13 live Albums available. In Ireland on the Republic of Ireland’s ‘Irish Singles Chart,’ The Dubliners have had 17 top 40 hits with four of those tracks including ‘The Irish Rover’ make the Number 1 position, while in the UK, three of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Seven Drunken Nights,’ (1967-Number 7 ) and ‘Black Velvet Band’ (1967-Number 15.) charting 20 years before their final chart entry ‘The Irish Rover.’ Despite their success in Europe, The Dubliners never managed to achieve commercial success in the United States.

‘The Irish Rover’ was the first of three singles released from The Dubliners 14th studio Album ’25 Years Celebration,’ from 1987, and was produced by Eamonn Campbell, (1946-2017) who was also a member of The Dubliners at that time. ’25 Years Celebration,’ has 30 tracks, of which two are collaborations with The Pogues, the other track they recorded together is the traditional Irish Folk song ‘Mountain Dew.’ ‘The Irish Rover’ is also a traditional Irish Folk song, dating back to around the early 1800’s, the authorship is uncertain, but it has been attributed to J.M. Crofts. Others have come to the conclusion that it was probably written by a sailor, as there are nautical references.

The lead vocals on ‘The Irish Rover’ were shared between Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners, and Shane MacGowan (1957-2023) of The Pogues. Ronnie Drew was born Joseph Ronald Drew on September 16th, 1934, in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin, Ireland, he died of throat cancer on August 16th, 2008, at the age of 73. Nathan Joseph (1939-2005) who was the founder of ‘Transatlantic Records,’ and Folkways Records,’ described Ronald Drew’s voice as being ‘like the sound of coke being crushed under a door.’ Ronnie Drew who was a founding member of The Dubliners left the group in 1974, then rejoined in 1979, but left for good in 1995, though he did reunite with the group in 2002 for a 40th anniversary celebration. From 1995 onwards Ronald Drew pursued a solo career, and also performed live as a solo artist. In total as a solo artist he released 13 Albums between 1975-2008, and three singles within the same time period. His 1995 Album ‘Dirty Rotten Shame’ reached Number 1 in Ireland, and his 1994 single ‘Spanish Lady’ feat Dustin, The Saw Doctors, made Number 1 on the Irish singles chart.

‘The Irish Rover’ is an Irish ‘traditional music’ song, which is also known as ‘Irish trad,’ or ‘Irish folk’ music, it is a genre of folk music that developed in Ireland. Like all traditional music, Irish folk music has changed slowly, with most folk songs being less than 200 years old. One measure of a songs age is the language used, with most modern Irish songs having being written in English and Irish, whilst most of the oldest songs and tunes are rural in origin, and come from the older Irish language tradition. The lyrics to ‘The Irish Rover’ describe an unrealistically large 27 masted ship carrying a very colourful crew, and various types of cargo in impossible enormous amounts. The probability is that the amount of cargo carried has been exaggerated more and more down the years, for example ‘The Irish Rover’ carries ‘one million bags of the best Sligo rags,’ and travels with ‘five million hogs,’ and six million dogs,’ which I think even ‘Noah’s Ark’ would have been jealous of. After seven years the voyage ends disastrously, when the crew contract measles, the ship loses it’s way in the fog, strikes a rock, and leaves the songs narrator as the only survivor, so there is no one else alive to contradict his tale.

‘On the fourth of July eighteen hundred and six we set sail from the sweet cove of Cork. We were sailing away with a cargo of bricks for the Grand City Hall in New York.’