Donegal Express Question

[JamesM]

Does 'kahaya' mean anything?

[philipchevron]

Does 'kahaya' mean anything?

Indeed, yes, it means kahaya.

[JamesM]

Does 'kahaya' mean anything?

Indeed, yes, it means kahaya.

My frankly exhaustive Google research shows it's an Arabic term meaning

Figure like that of ’ ( a bird )

and a city in Indonesia. So, I'm going to posit the thesis that Shane was calling out the Kahayans for being a collective group of fucks with adulterous wives, but whose daughters' honours remain unchallenged.

[philipchevron]

Does 'kahaya' mean anything?

Indeed, yes, it means kahaya.

My frankly exhaustive Google research shows it's an Arabic term meaning

Figure like that of ’ ( a bird )

and a city in Indonesia. So, I'm going to posit the thesis that Shane was calling out the Kahayans for being a collective group of fucks with adulterous wives, but whose daughters' honours remain unchallenged.

Nah, it means kahaya.

[JamesM]

Pseudo-Dylanologist-esque bullshitting aside, this is a really fun song. Generally, I like the busier, more historically poignant MacGowan lyrics but as a piece where Shane doesn't seem to be trying too hard and the narrator is just enjoying a guilt-free party amongst the hills and valleys of Irish towns, it's good for getting you up for an adventure.

It's a shame the Pogues version didn't have the precision that you'd expect from that band (understandable, under the circumstances), and that the slightly more focused Popes vocal retake is hampered by the self-conscious Rock production that's all over The Snake.