"Feed My Doggie"
An Irish song and dance blog by Ms. Marilee
Fáilte! That is Gaelic for “Welcome” and is pronounced “FAHL-cheh!” I’m Ms. Marilee and I started attending The Music Class as a mom with my two kids before becoming a Music Class teacher. The first time I heard “Feed My Doggie” from The Dinosaur Collection I knew it would be a favorite for our family. My grandfather emigrated from County Sligo, Ireland to Detroit in 1949 so I grew up surrounded by Irish music, dance, and sport. I immediately recognized the Irish bodhrán drum featured on “Feed My Doggie.” It is a frame drum with a stick called a tipper.
Have you ever been out around St. Patrick’s Day and heard some Irish music playing and just couldn’t help but clap along? The bodhrán in “Feed My Doggie” makes it that kind of song for me. It’s based on the melody from a song in Gaelic called “An Maidrín Rua.” The English translation is about a little red fox who steals a goose to eat. This performance includes some of the original Gaelic and the English translation.
All over Ireland, every week, local musicians gather in pubs to play in a “session.” A session is just where Irish musicians come together and play! These sessions often include a fiddle, guitar, tin whistle, and a bodhrán. They might also include someone playing a pair of spoons! Yes! Spoons!
If you’re really lucky, you might also get someone who steps up to step dance at a session. I have never played an instrument in a session, but I have danced in many. Feeling the beat and creating rhythm with my feet is one of my favorite things. The dancers and bodhrán player in this video work so well together to make a fun sound that, like on any other St. Patrick’s Day, you can’t help but clap along.
Even now, many years since my Irish dance career ended, you’ll see me tapping out some beats whenever “Feed My Doggie” comes on. Ms. Raina convinced me to break out my old dance shoes to film a video for you guys. :)
Whether it is a jig or a hornpipe like the Irish music mentioned here or any other kind of song…let the music move you! Tap along and feel that beat every time you can. Oh, and if you want to check out an Irish session in the Atlanta area, check out this listing!
🎶See you next time at music class🎶
-Ms. Marilee