The meaning of "Amerikay"

[ilikeenglish]

I came across the word "Amerikay" in a song's lyric.

Is this another way to say America?

Or does it refer to some other place, esp one in Ireland?

 

[Nunty]

It sounds like this is an intentional distortion of "America" for the sake of the song's rhyme or rhythm, a common device in folk English-language folk music.

 

[ilikeenglish]

Oh, I see. Thank you!

 

[maxiogee]

Irish folk songs from long ago often use "Amerikay" - for two reasons.
1 because it increased the potential for rhyme if one used "America" in one verse and "Amerikay" in another.
2 because it was how some Irish English-speakers pronounced America then.

 

[Nunty]

Thanks for the additional information, Tony!