Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Southside Irish (1984)

Not familiar with this week's song? Hear it here.

 

1. This week's song was chosen because it's something of an anthem in Chicagoland around St. Patrick's Day. Can you name another song that makes you think of St. Patrick's Day or Ireland? "Danny Boy."

 

2. The Irish Choir sings that the "craic" is always best among the Windy City Irish. "Craic" is Irish for "fun" and "high spirits." Are you planning anything fun this weekend? I'm meeting my friend Elaine downtown for lunch Saturday. It happens to be the day of the Chicago St. Patrick's parade. Here's hoping that I get through the afternoon without any drunk teenagers puking green beer onto my shoes. (Really. You have nooooo idea what a party Saturday is gonna be.)

3. They tell us that their fathers came over from Mayo, Cork and Donegal. Where did your ancestors hail from? I know my favorite grandpa was born in Berne, Germany. It's a small town on a river. His parents sent him away to boarding school so he didn't spend much time in the family home. He dropped out of school and ran away and didn't stop until first Ellis Island and then Chicago.

4. The lyrics mention the rivalry between Chicago's two baseball teams. As Spring Training 2025 draws to a close, how do you feel about your baseball team's chances this season? I'm excited about the Cubs pitching staff, especially Shota Imanaga. Our defense looks very good, too. I mean, Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner! So we've got the glove side of things taken care of. Let's hope Kyle Tucker performs as promised and hits some dingers.

 

5. The Chicago River is dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. Does your community do anything to special for the holiday? As referenced in #2, though an unfortunate fluke in scheduling, I am unwisely going to be in Chicago's Loop Saturday afternoon. Yes, the River will be dyed green and that will be cool.

 

 

But the green river means the parade. To borrow from The Beatles, "it's been a long, cold lonely winter." The parade gives everybody a reason to finally emerge from their homes and release pent-up energy. There will be day drinking. Inhibitions will be shed. Teens and twenty- and thirtysomethings wearing shamrock headbands and cardboard shamrock glasses will move up and down the sidewalks like a friendly but intoxicated wave in search of green beer. I wish Elaine and I were meeting Sunday instead! PS Or maybe I'll adjust my attitude and surprise myself by getting in the spirit. We'll see.

 

6. While this week's song focuses on the Irish population of Chicago, it's not the U.S. city with the highest percentage of citizens of Irish ancestry. According to the 2020 census, Boston is #1. Have you ever been to Boston? Oh yes. I adore Boston. It's like a small Chicago, lots of neighborhoods, very walkable. And I love the old buildings. Except for the Water Tower, nothing here predates The Fire. Boston is filled with history.

7. On Monday, which is St. Patrick's Day, do you plan to wear green? Sure.

8. Clovers are a recognized symbol of St. Patrick's Day, and a four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck. Have you ever seen a four-leaf clover? Nope.

9. Black coffee with whiskey and whipped cream is Irish Coffee. What's your standard coffee order? I never order coffee.