Molly Malone

I end the album with a song virtually everybody knows. There are various theories about Molly, who she was, did she sell cockles and mussels, was she representing a type of person who was around at that time, did she even exist. Well, who knows – not allowing facts to get in the way of a good story, the Dublin Millennium Commission endorsed Molly in 1988 and June 13 was chosen to be “Molly Malone day” which was when she died (of a fev-er…and no-one could save-‘er) in 1699. No matter where I play this, no matter what people are doing, they pay attention and join in with the chorus –it is known the world over.

I play it as a happy wee song which tinkles along with the 12-string guitar capo’d high at the 7^th fret so I can play in G using the C shapes. I added the bass, banjo and wee touch of harmony to pick it up after the sad bit where she dies (of a fev-er… oh be quiet!).

Instruments: 12-string guitar, banjo, bass, vocals