Sean Mckenna (formerly of the Mary Wallopers) sings about landlords in Dublin, Ireland
I was in Dublin hanging out with the Dug band fellas the other day. In between a string of shows with those lads, an old friend drove down from sunny Dundalk to play some tunes, in his BMW super whip. That gentleman is Sean Mckenna, formerly of the Mary Wallopers. We had a couple pints, drove around avoiding the protests and counter protests of the day, and found a quiet little alleyway to play a quick one.
This song is, if I can translate the Irish slang for our American folks and beyond, about landlords. Isn’t it funny that we keep voting in politicians who are landlords and property owners, while expecting some sort of material change to our own predicaments as working class folks? Yes, a common occurrence in this wonderful world, highlighted in a clever song by a good dude. As for why he left the Wallopers, I can only sum up what he said to me. Broadly, he didn’t get on with the relentless touring and sacrifices one makes playing songs you love to huge crowds all over everywhere outside your home town. Can’t play a lad for that.
Sean is sean_mckenna_dlk on insta if you want to keep up with him. He is busy keeping it real, playing where he wants and living life outside the music business.
Consider becoming a Patreon contributor to help sustain this project. For the price of a cup of coffee every month, you let us continue finding and filming amazing artists.
https://www.patreon.com/gemsonvhs
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
We’re on instagram (@gemsonvhs or @anthonysimpkins)
Like us on FB too! (http://www.facebook.com/gemsonvhs)
www.gemsonvhs.com
Comments
Latest news
@GemsOnVHS
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
If you're into this field recording style, support us on Patreon for the price of a cup of joe. It's the only way we get to continue, and goes a huge way towards being able to promote musicians who are real, non-ai, non sponsored, broke ahh head ahh. patreon.com/gemsonvhs
@wonkycircle
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
This song is still so good 12 months later! Maith an Feir!
@OMARANT100
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Does anyone know if he has any solo band recordings?
@jameshummeldorf805
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
I first discovered Arlo through this channel almost a decade ago, then learned I live near enough to run into him at a local bar, and I’ve been a fan ever since.
That said, I haven’t listened in a while, and I must say his voice has gotten so rich, developed, and refined. Easy to say he is a breath of fresh air in the current ai driven entertainment industry.
Always has been, and will always be, a gem.
@ingmar4ty
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
I acknowledge e39 with first very frames. love these cars
@darrensheehan4436
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Big Sean McKenna . UptheRa ❤
@wonkycircle
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Thanks Seán! Love you dude <3
@Boruc123
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
fair play Sean, great lyrics☘☘☘☘
@Michael-xz6jg
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Being called a dirty lout by the audience every night finally got to him
@ianmcginlay9002
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Another great song 👍
@asbshhbe
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
A few degrees more Ronnie Drew in his solo style! A worthy disciple.
@gregglong820
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
A joy to see him making his own way. Bittersweet that we won't see him with the Wallopers but Sean has incredible talent and charisma and I can't wait to see what he gets up to in the years to come.
@unthoughtof583
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
I missed Sean, glad to see he's doing well and setting his own course!
@jimthepigeonrules
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
I have had this on a loop now since it came out, absolutely love it. G'man Sean! Lads is there any chance of more stuff ye recorded and or a project from Mr McKenna in the pipeline?
@garyhynes
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Nice. A third of our politicians are landlords and the rest are crooks.
@TheBullshitMatador
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Yup McKenna. Great video
@Aphantalis
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Toss a coin for your picker
@TYPHON1327
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
That was great!
@1Hannigan1
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Top class all the way.
@lew-e
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
I didn't realize he left the Wallopers
@Baz-ro1gz
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Delighted he's back gigging and making music since leaving the wallopers. Saw him last night up in Dundalk playing a gig and it was great. Hopefully be releasing a record before too long.
@Fin_Ale
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
[Verse 1]
Oh, like coins in a wishin' well every four years
Into the Dáil we throw shiny TDs
As they sink 'neath the surface, you'll find over time
That their polished appearance starts losing its shine
[Verse 2]
Then four years later we open the purse
Sure another few shillin's can't wish us much worse
As they sink 'neath the water, they sink with a plop
But the thickest of scum always floats to the top
[Verse 3]
Now the scum in the well it affects all around
It stagnates the water, it pollutes the ground
We should cast these old coppers straight back to the mint
For this hand full of shrapnel has left Ireland skint
[Verse 4]
How many coins must I cast in this well
Before I can wish meself out of this hell
Four fifths of me wages are just gone on rent
And me very last shillin' on wishin' was spent
[Verse 5]
Wishin' for that and then wishin' for this
Wishin' the coins that I cast didn't miss
Well, if I had another I'd keep it and save
And not condemn it to this watery grave
[Verse 6]
So this superstition I'll heed no more
For the future of Ireland has better in store
If you're votin' in landlords, well don't think it strange
That just like the wishing well they won't give you change
@D.L91
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
Great tune that. An original?
@scottkidwell3601
August 2, 2026 at 4:45 am
🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘🔥🤘
Nothing quite like an Irishman to tell you the truths about life.
Nicely done! Great song, and another wonderful video.
Thanks, y'all 🙏🤍