MARGO BRINGS JOHNNY CASH CLASSIC “40 SHADES OF GREEN” TO LIFE ON THE LATE LATE SHOW COUNTRY SPECIAL
It was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Irish country music. On The Late Late Show Country Music Special, legendary singer Margo O’Donnell — known simply as Margo — delivered a heartfelt performance of “40 Shades of Green,” the Johnny Cash composition often regarded as an unofficial anthem for Ireland.
Written by Cash during a visit to Ireland in the early 1960s, 40 Shades of Green has long held a special place in the hearts of Irish audiences. Its evocative lyrics paint a picture of Ireland’s landscape, its valleys and meadows, with a tenderness that only deep affection can inspire. For decades, the song has been covered by countless artists, but Margo’s rendition on RTÉ’s special carried a particularly profound weight.
Dressed with her trademark elegance and backed by a live band steeped in traditional country tones, Margo sang with clarity and warmth, her voice carrying both nostalgia and pride. Each verse felt personal, as though she were not only honoring Cash’s original but also giving voice to her own Donegal roots. The audience in the studio responded immediately, many singing quietly along, while social media lit up with praise for her timeless performance.
For Margo, who has been a central figure in Irish country music for over five decades, the choice of song felt symbolic. As one of the pioneering female voices of the genre in Ireland, she has spent her career bridging American country traditions with Irish culture. By performing a song written by one of America’s greatest icons yet inspired by Ireland itself, she brought both legacies together in one unforgettable moment.
The Late Late Show Country Music Special was filled with standout performances, but Margo’s tribute stood out for its simplicity and sincerity. Rather than reinvent the song, she leaned into its classic melody and let the words speak for themselves. The result was a performance that felt less like a cover and more like a homecoming — Johnny Cash’s love letter to Ireland, sung by one of Ireland’s own most beloved voices.
As the final notes faded, the applause was thunderous, confirming once again why Margo continues to hold a cherished place in Irish music. Her rendition of 40 Shades of Green was not just a performance; it was a reminder of the enduring ties between Ireland, its music, and the artists who keep those traditions alive.