The Ships Are Sailing

'The Ships Are Sailing' is a well-known Irish tune that appears frequently in traditional music sessions. It is generally played as a double reel, although some musicians play it as a single reel to reduce repetition.

Origins and History:

• The tune appears in several collections of Irish music, including O’Neill's and Johnny O’Leary's book.
• It was reportedly learned by Jim Coogan, who lived in New York, and played the tune on the accordion approximately 35 years ago. He is the father of Mary Coogan, a member of Cherish the Ladies.
• A version of the tune was heard from Martin Hayes, John Williams, and Eoin O’Neill on a recording supporting the Doolin Coastguards.

Musical Details:

• The tune has multiple versions and settings. One setting is notated as a mixed-mode tune, initially appearing in the key of A minor but with sharped F notes which are simplified to Dorian.
• A specific, sometimes debated, fingering pattern is used in the B part by some players, involving a rapid sequence of notes. Other players feel this can clash with the melody.
• There is a version transcribed as a jig, not a reel, and it can be played before the reel version, or linked with tunes like "Cliffs of Moher" and "Out on the Ocean".
• The fourth setting, in particular, is often mentioned.
• The second part of the tune shares an identical melody with another tune that also circulates in session collections.
• The A part has a note that is normally adjusted to a standard low A.
• It is often paired with "Dash to Portabello".
• It is not the same tune as a Shetland tune called "A' da Ships ir Sailin".

Instrumentation:

The tune is suitable for a range of instruments including whistles, accordions, bouzoukis, concertinas, and other instruments commonly used in traditional Irish music. Franck Medrano has recorded a version played on a C whistle.