Grace

Album: Grace & Other Irish Love Songs (1996)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This Irish ballad, written in 1985 by Frank and Seán O'Meara, tells the tragic story of Grace Gifford, who married her fiancé, rebel leader Joseph Mary Plunkett, in Dublin's notorious Kilmainham Gaol. Seven hours after their 15-minute wedding ceremony at the gaol's austere chapel, Plunkett was executed by firing squad for his part in the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin.
  • The best known version of "Grace" was recorded by Irish musician Jim McCann, which featured in the Irish charts for 36 weeks. A member of the folk group the Dubliners from 1974 until 1979, McCann made several television specials in his native country and achieving success with albums such as From Tara to Here and Grace & Other Irish Love Songs.
  • Rod Stewart first heard "Grace" being sung by Celtic supporters at the Scottish Cup final and was deeply moved. It fed into his love of the Glasgow football club and he decided to record the song for his Blood Red Roses album.
  • Stewart accepts that recording the Irish republican ballad might be seen by some as a controversial choice. "If you mean it's an IRA song, it isn't," he told The Independent. "They were the Irish freedom fighters then, but more importantly it's a great love song."

Comments: 3

  • Patrick from NrisbaneA beautiful love song
  • Johnnyf from DublinRod Stewart killed that song. Poor oul' Jim would be turning in his grave.
  • Walter Crawford from MagherafeltBeautiful, song that "plucks" at the heartstrings, I found it very moving.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.