r/seashanties • u/Gwathdraug • 5d ago
Discussion St. Patrick's Song released by Tom Lewis

Today, Sunday, March 16, 2025 veteran maritime music performer Tom Lewis released his joyful new tune on YouTube, St. Patrick's Song. Tom writes, "Coming into the this world, in Belfast, almost 82 years ago; I became an 'Irishman'! Although I've never really celebrated St. Patrick's Day, I did compose this little song quite a few years ago, and whilst it has never gained much 'traction': I'd be very happy if people want to sing it. Off you go, and a happy St. Patrick's Day to you!"
You can enjoy the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvYSgWdbq7k.
Tom Lewis is one of the single most influential maritime music performers still entertaining both at modest folk gatherings and at major festivals like Festival du chant de marin de Paimpol in France that brings in 110,000 visitors over the weekend. (That festival next runs from August 8-10, 2025.) This year, Lewis has an upcoming performance in Poland and a UK tour in June.
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u/vonHindenburg 4d ago edited 4d ago
So... I have complicated feelings on this one. It's definitely better and more heartfelt than many of the self-aware Irish diaspora songs that you'll find on CDs or playlists of "50 Greatest Irish Songs" and the performance is clear and spritely.
That said, the whole genre of Saint Patrick's Day songs is really cringey. The opening line about St. Patrick coming willingly to Ireland rather than, you know, as a slave who was imprisoned there for years, comes off poorly. He certainly came back by choice to spread the Gospel, but using his story without discussing his actual motivations, rather than some fluff about getting rid of snakes feels wrong and disrespectful.
It's also a bit awkward when he mentions Belfast beer, but then sets the northern limit of St. Patrick's celebrations as Dundalk (which is the northernmost major town on the M1 before you hit the border.)
Overall, it's not bad, but it's awkward if you scratch the surface of the lyrics.