Mick Ryan's Lament

Mick Ryan a song about written by Tim O'Brien. Michael was a man who emigrated to America in search of a better life, but this wasn't to be. When he got to America, he was put into the U.S. cavalry ,led at the time by General Custer, fighting the native Americans which ironically he himself had left his country because of oppresion an had ended up becoming an opresser.

The song itself is about Michael Ryan and his thoughts as he laying dying at the battle of the Little Big Horn wishing he was back at home.

The song takes it's air from the Gary Owen Jig, an old irish tune that one of Custer's irish footsoldiers was constantly whistling, so he thought it would suit his calvalry marching into battle.

This is sung by Mick Quirke from a An Emigrants Tale http://www.anemigrantstale.net/

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Mick
• Quirke
• Michael
• Ryan
• general
• Custer
• American
• Civil
• and
• native
• american
• war

[MartinNyberg]

So, it was written by Robert Dunlap. But who's the gent in the photo? It's not clear.

[richiem95]

@MartinNyberg Mick Quirke.. He's unreal.. His from a town near carrick-on-suir Co.Tipperary i work with him in the summer in an emigrants tale.

[adrienrain]

Robert Emmet Dunlap and Ken O'Malley are both good friends of mine, and performed together before Bob moved back to his hometown of Boston. Ken O'Malley's version is far the best. Available on "Ceiltis" @ CD BABY

[richiem95]

@adrienrain Sorry but hes a growler.. and hes not even irish

[09findhorn]

According to what I can find, this song was written by Robert Emmett Dunlap, not Tim O'Brien, although O'Brien's version is excellent. Check out Ken O'Malley's version on YouTube for another brilliant rendition.

[dtanita]

We saw you guys when we lived in Waterford. Loved you guys. Wish you would tour in the States. This was my favorite song you guys played.

[thecathancegroup]

Doesn't matter who he is. It's a great picture for this song.

[katieq08]

Thats my dad!!! :)x

[synth77]

Great song... emm i think the song is origionally written by robert dunlap but this version is O'brien's..

[xxAHIPPIExx]

dude.... holy shit. My name is Mick Ryan. I am sooo fucking happy to find this :D