Donnie Iris - Ah! Leah! Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who wrote the song 'Ah! Leah!'?

   'Ah! Leah!' was written by Donnie Iris, whose real name is Dominic Ierace, and Mark Avsec. Both artists were involved in the creative process of composing the music and lyrics for this iconic track.

2. What inspired the title 'Ah! Leah!'?

   The title 'Ah! Leah!' originated from a chant-like idea that Mark Avsec had during the songwriting process. Initially intended as part of an anti-war song, it evolved into a love song after they decided to use 'Leah' as a girl's name, inspired by a woman named Leah who had previously dated a band member.

3. How did 'Ah! Leah!' perform commercially?

   'Ah! Leah!' achieved significant commercial success upon its release. It became one of Donnie Iris's most popular songs, frequently played on radio stations and has since been regarded as his signature song.

4. Has 'Ah! Leah!' faced any legal issues?

   Yes, in 1981, songwriter Mark Alton claimed that the chorus of 'Ah! Leah!' was nearly identical to his song 'Here I Go Again,' leading to a $2 million lawsuit for copyright infringement. However, Donnie Iris and Mark Avsec were cleared of any wrongdoing after a jury trial.

5. What role does Pittsburgh play in the legacy of 'Ah! Leah!'?

   'Ah! Leah!' is considered an unofficial anthem of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. The song remains popular in local culture and is frequently played at sports events involving teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and during NBC broadcasts of Pittsburgh Steelers games.