There’s nothing better to get you through lockdown than music. That makes these lockdown songs even more special!
Almost 6 months ago, a global pandemic forced Ireland into lockdown with restrictions put in place most of us never imagined. With pubs quiet, shops shut, and streets abandoned, our country became a different world overnight.
But, as a nation of toe-tapping socialites, our beloved musicians quickly assured us we were not alone and graced us with an array of lockdown songs.
From haunting lyrics to prompt the tears to witty predictions of what the future might bring, we’ve gathered our top five lockdown songs produced by some of Ireland’s most gifted artists.
So, if COVID-19 has left you feeling blue, take a moment to close your eyes and drift away to your very own music session of lockdown songs. Sláinte!
5. Zero Fox Given – “Pints Are Gonna Happen Again”
It might be challenging to imagine how a deadly virus could be linked with the spoken word of a life-size fox, but Ireland’s very own satirical rapper, Zero Fox, has nailed it in his catchy rhyme “Pints Are Gonna Happen Again”.
Acknowledging the hardship of quarantine for the average D4 Joe, the candid lyrics paint a hilarious picture of stocking up on toilet paper, binging Netflix, and craving the “chats”.
But the main message we can take from this lockdown song, subtly mixed with the comforting quote from Leo, “we will get through this,” is that we will all get out for a pint and back into pub culture again at some stage.
4. Nathan Carter – “#StayAtHomeStayAlive”
For the ultimate pandemic, power ballad, check out Nathan Carter’s lockdown song #StayAtHomeStayAlive, featuring a line up of some of Ireland’s favourite musicians.
Nathan Carter, Brian Kennedy, Chloe Agnew, Sean Keane, Tommy Fleming, and Johnny Logan belt out the lockdown song from the comfort and safety of their living rooms, encouraging the nation to stay at home if we want to beat the virus.
With over 30,000 viewers, the single became a big hit with online fans, touching the hearts of many across the globe and uniting Irish people far and wide. At a time when we are told to stay apart, for a few minutes, it brings us together.
3. Daoirí Farrell – “The Parting Glass (The Lockdown)”
On March 12, 2020, the Irish government shut schools, colleges, and other facilities with full lockdown following quickly. Just ten days later, Irish trad-musician, Daoirí Farrell, reached out to a virtual audience of almost 1,200 with his first Corner Session from his family home in Dublin.
Since then he has streamed live every Sunday evening and has released his lockdown song. The soul-warming single features the haunting tune of “The Parting Glass” and is played in honour of all the people who have lost their lives to COVID-19.
2. Púca – “In The Future”
If you’ve ever tried buying the next round with Caramel Freddo bars or dreamt of Conor McGregor in tennis shorts, then the next lockdown song is for you.
Dublin-based group Púca’s satirical punk tune predicts the future after COVID-19, and it doesn’t sound too bad at all.
Lead singer, Robbie Dingle, claims the lyrics are a warning from the Gods. He told IB4UD, “I didn’t write it. I closed my eyes, and the Gods spoke to me about what’s going to come in the future.”
On a more human note, he described the lockdown song as “abstract and crude” but hopes it can “cheer some people up during these tough times.” We just hope it means he can write more great songs (and get to hug his Nan!)
This footage of “In the Future” was recorded by Just The One, a production team bringing original music back to the bars we all miss so much.
1. Fin Divilly – “No Touching”
This is a powerful song about how COVID-19 has taken so much from people by depriving them of human contact. It has left society still and at the mercy of political advice.
The lyrics are full of profound honesty, with the melancholic rift paying homage to the imagery of how lockdown has affected the most deprived, while the more privileged “just stand around.”
Fin Divilly’s raw talent in both guitar and vocals only lends itself to the powerful setting of the empty International Bar in Dublin. The song depicts how many people are feeling during the pandemic.
It certainly left us with a heavy heart but hopeful we will all meet again soon.
