Irish folk quintet Some One’s Sons recently released the single “Paddy O.” The track follows an immigrant laborer’s fight against exploitation, solidarity, and perseverance. A sea-shanty pulse drives the arrangement, and the tone stays dry and sarcastic.
Daniel Allen and Greg Dunne wrote “Paddy O.” The story centers on an Irish worker under a foreman who withholds pay and profits from desperation. The refrain, “Keep the mixer going Paddy O,” works as call and response, rallying the crew while underscoring the irony of unpaid labor.
The plot advances as the workers organize and defy threats of immediate dismissal. A celebratory finale follows, with Paddy O raising a glass and resistance spreading across the land.
The song nods to “Poor Paddy” and “Paddy on the Road” and draws on the protest tradition associated with Pete Seeger.
The Mullingar five-piece have sold out headline shows in London, Liverpool, and Dublin.
Daniel Allen says, “ ‘Paddy O’ is a song about the struggles of an immigrant laborer, rising up against exploitation when unity is threatened. It’s a celebration of resilience and a call to keep going, no matter the odds.”
Some One’s Sons are an Irish folk group from Mullingar: Daniel Allen, Joe Monaghan, Ross Gavin, and brothers Greg and Ger Dunne. Original ballads sit alongside fresh takes on tradition.
Far across the sea is where he landed
Keep the mixer going Paddy O
The ganger man he said “here’s where you’re stranded”
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
He worked so hard his hands were bled and bandaged
Keep the mixer going Paddy O
You can’t stop now you’ll surely do us damage
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
He said “there’ll be no pay”
“Till there’s a building on the land”
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
Jobs were scarce aul ganger took advantage
Keep the mixer going Paddy O
A pay rise for himself he somehow managed
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
He said “there’ll be no pay”
“Till there’s a building on the land”
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
The workers all unionised and banded
Keep the mixer going Paddy O
“You keep this up your notice will be handed”
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
He said “there’ll be no pay”
“Till there’s a building on the land”
So won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O
(SOLO)
The workers won the wages they demanded
Keep the mixer going Paddy O
Our Paddy’s drinking whiskeys, gins, and brandies
And every young one in the land now drinks the same
Keep the mixer going, keep the mixer going
Won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O (Keep the mixer going!)
Keep the mixer going, keep the mixer going
Won’t you keep the mixer going Paddy O!
Author: World Music Central News Room
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