Spancil Hill

This article is about the song. For the place, see Spancill Hill, County Clare.

Spancil Hill is a song written in a traditional Irish folk style by Michael Considine. It bemoans the plight of the Irish immigrants who so longed for home from their new lives in America, many of whom went to California with the Gold Rush. This song is sung by a man who longs for his home in Spancill Hill, County Clare, his friends and the love he left there. All the characters and places in this song are real.

Recordings

Spancil Hil has been recorded by:

• Patrick Clifford
• The Corrs
• Cruachan
• Darby O'Gill
• Dropkick Murphys (as "Fairmount Hill," with lyrical changes setting the song in Massachusetts)
• The Dubliners
• Mary Duff
• Geasa
• Jim McCann
• Johnny McEvoy
• Christy Moore
• The Prodigals
• Paddy Reilly
• The Wolfe Tones

See also

• List of Irish ballads
• Music of Ireland

External links

• Robbie McMahon's story behind "Spancil Hill" as told by Frank McGrath
• The Original Lyrics as handed down by Robbie McMahon
• Séamus Mac Mathúna is confirming "Robbie's" Version
• Story and Lyrics
• The tune (notes) and further details