I had a dream one night this summer that I was in my car driving down the road when an Irish folk punk band came on the radio and started singing a song about a venue I’ve come to know and love, McCarthy’s Pub in Cazenovia. I woke up with the song in my head that morning and wrote it that afternoon.
McCarthy’s is a wonderful, magical place where all kinds of people/friends/families/strangers gather to have a good time and a great Guinness. They love music there. It’s an intimate, enchanted pub. The spirit is palpable. All are welcome, and every night is different.
This song paints a picture of exaggerated debauchery and lore that you might love to sing along to at the bar, but rarely actually live. McCarthy’s’ willingness to continually support original art and expression has created a spirit of joy and imagination that I think animates this song. The characters and scenes may be fictional, but like the pub, the song has a life of its own.
The other night, I got to sing it at McCarthy’s while the crowd listened and sang along.
I’m grateful for McCarthy’s Pub, and all the people who make that place what it is.
Here’s “Good Ol’ McCarthy’s (Hey Hey Hey)” live at McCarthy’s Pub, Oct 12, 2024 🍻✨ (YouTube)