You’re Not Irish

Lyrics

[Verse 1] When first I came to the USA with my guitar in hand I was told that I could get a job singing songs from Ireland So I headed up to Boston, I was sure it would be alright But the very first night I got on the stage, I was in for a big surprise They said: [Chorus] You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy" Or "Toora Loora Loora" or even "Irish Eyes" You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band" [Verse 2] To tell the truth I got quite a shock and I didn't know what to say So I sang a song in Gaeilge, I thought that might win the day But they looked at me suspiciously and I didn't know what was wrong Then all of a sudden they started to shout "Now sing a rеal Irish song" [Chorus] You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy" Or "Toora Loora Loora" or evеn "Irish Eyes" You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band" [Verse 3] The next day I was on my way, for Chicago I was bound I was ready to give it another try and not let it get me down From the stage they looked quite friendly but I'd hardly sung one word When a voice called out from the back of the room and what do you think I heard? [Chorus] You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy" Or "Toora Loora Loora" or even "Irish Eyes" You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band" [Verse 4] Now I've travelled all round the country, but it's always been the same From LA to Philadelphia, and from Washington to Maine But sometimes now I wonder if it's a secret society And it doesn't matter wherever I go, they'll be waiting there for me Saying: [Chorus] You're not Irish, you can't be Irish, you don't know "Danny Boy" Or "Toora Loora Loora" or even "Irish Eyes" You've got a hell of a nerve to say you came from Ireland So cut out all the nonsense and sing "McNamara's Band"