The Teetotaller's

"The Teetotaller's" is a traditional Irish tune commonly played at music sessions. It is a fast reel, often played in the key of D.

Origins and Name:

The name "The Teetotaller's" refers to the temperance movement, which advocated for abstinence from alcohol. The exact origin of the word "teetotaler" is debated. One story claims it arose from a speech impediment during a 19th-century British parliamentary debate, but this is likely a false story. It is more likely the "T-" prefix was simply used for emphasis. Records indicate the term was used in a speech by Richard Turner in 1833 to a temperance society, encouraging complete abstinence. The word was also used in other writing before that time to mean “absolutely, totally.”

Musical Characteristics:

The tune shares its opening phrase with another tune called “The Sally Gardens.” Because of this similarity, it is generally advised that these two tunes are not played together. The tune begins and ends with a long G note, which can be ornamented with a roll.

Alternate Names & Connections:

The tune is known by several different names. It has been recorded as “Casey at the Party” and “The Bowl of Coffee” by accordion player Frank Quinn. Some believe it may be related to the tune “Paddy on the Turnpike,” although some versions of “Paddy on the Turnpike” sound different. There is speculation it may also be known as “Temperance Reel” or “Devil in Georgia,” but confirmation of this is lacking.

Popularity and Performance:

"The Teetotaller's" is frequently played by Irish musicians and bands. It appears in the Comhaltas "Fionn Seisiun" book, a resource for traditional Irish music. You can find recordings of it by artists such as Aly Bain, Dylan Foley, Fr. Charlie Coen, The Dubliners, and De Danann.

Note: Some transcriptions of the tune have minor discrepancies, with some suggesting an extra note or the possibility of triplets.