The song "Hills of Connemara" by Gaelic Storm tells the story of a group of people in the hills of Connemara who are trying to evade the excise men, who are searching for illegal moonshine called mountain tea. They gather up their supplies and run, trying to keep the smoke from rising.

Meaning of "Hills Of Connemara" by Gaelic Storm

The lyrics of "Hills of Connemara" reflect the historical context of Ireland's struggle against British control and the illicit activities that often arose as a result. The song portrays a community that relies on moonshining as a means of survival and resistance. The characters in the song are gathering and hiding their pots, cans, and ingredients, all with the aim of avoiding the excise men. The excise men, representing the British authority, are portrayed as a formidable force to be reckoned with, capable of dancing all night and consuming everything in their path. The lyrics also mention distributing the moonshine to the butcher, the local priest, and the poor, suggesting a sense of solidarity and shared defiance against oppressive forces. The repeated refrain of "keep the smoke from rising" emphasizes the covert and clandestine nature of their activities, as the smoke would alert the excise men to their location. Overall, the song captures the resilience, resourcefulness, and camaraderie of a community facing adversity, using moonshining as a symbol of resistance in the hills of Connemara.