The Night Paddy Murphy Died
"The Night Paddy Murphy Died" is a popular Newfoundland folk song regarding the death of a man and the antics of his friends as they engage in a traditional Irish wake. It is often attributed to Johnny Burke (1851–1930), a popular St. John's balladeer, however, there is no record of Johnny Burke having written this song. It is likely an Irish American parlour ballad from the late 1800s; it does not appear in any Johnny Burke songbook.
The song has been recorded by numerous artists, including Ryan's Fancy on their 1973 album Newfoundland Drinking Songs, The Irish Brigade on their 1991 album Are You Ready For This?, Darby O'Gill on their 2002 album Waitin' for a Ride, Drunk & Disorderly on their album Home By Way of the Gutter, Great Big Sea on their 1997 and 2000 albums Play and Road Rage, Fiddler's Green on their 2007 album Drive Me Mad!, by the Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra on their 2011 album Since Maggie Dooley Learned the Hooley Hooley and by Paddy Murphy (Austria) on the 2012 Album Dog's Dinner.
The Great Big Sea version of the song is sung by Russell Crowe in the 2009 movie State of Play.
The song was also covered by The Mudmen on their 2012 album Donegal Danny.