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Beyond the Song: "American Wake"

American Wake

During the Great Hunger in the 1840s in Ireland, the population declined because of death and disease, but also because people emigrated to other countries in search of a better life. These journeys were long and difficult. People who survived never looked back. The song, “American Wake,” is about those who left and never came back.

These American Wake parties were happy and joyous yet infused with sadness and grief. It marked the end of one way of life to start a new way of life in a new place. People fled because they knew their future in Ireland was marked with poverty, disease, and oppression by the British. They viewed the United States as a land of dreams and golden opportunities.

Several of those who emigrated fled to the United States. People who fled Ireland rarely came back to Ireland. The night before their departure, friends and family members of the person emigrating held a goodbye party that was known as their American Wake.

It was rare that people who emigrated would see their friends and family in Ireland again. There was a chance they would not survive the 11-week journey to America, and if they did, they were unlikely to go back.

The ships they used to emigrate were so crowded, and the conditions were so awful that the ships were referred to as “Coffin Ships.” Ironically, many people died on their journeys to look for a better life.

Those who emigrated would send letters home, urging others to join them. The letters were read at social events to encourage young people to join them in the new land and seek a better life with those who went before.

The song “American Wake” was written by Kansas City-based Celtic Rock band, The Elders. It is featured on the band’s third album, which is also called “American Wake,” which was released in 2004. It was written by Brent Hoad, Stephen Phillips, Ian Byrne, and Norman Dahlor, and the lyrics were written by Brent Hoad.


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