The song, originally written while Harkin was recovering from a night of revelry, showcased his unique ability to turn a simple, personal experience into a delightfully entertaining performance.
Harkin explained the origins of the track during the set, revealing that he penned it while hungover after a surfing trip. “I got in the car, still feeling rough from the night before, and I thought I was funnier than anyone else in the car,” he shared. “Everyone else fell asleep, so I wrote this song.” The story alone set the tone for a night full of laughter, as the audience could immediately relate to the playful, candid storytelling in the lyrics.
From the first note, giggles filled the hall. Harkin’s casual charm and witty delivery made the song’s narrative—struggling to remember a woman’s name after a wild night—comically relatable. Fans were quick to praise both his humor and musicality:
“This young man only gets better and better! I love Keith!”
“Keith Harkin has a great sense of humor… He can bring a smile to your face with a small remark.”
“This song makes me smile. Enjoying the craic he is having singing this song. JUST listening to Keith sing makes me feel good!”
The live performance combined Harkin’s bluesy, jazzy vocal style with playful non-lexical syllables and melodic improvisation, inviting the audience to sing along with the “nah nah nahs” and other catchy vocal riffs. Fans noted the infectious energy and genuine joy that Harkin brought to the stage:
“You can see he is having a great time singing this song!”
“Talented and down to earth, love him in live performance!”
“I absolutely love the ‘beet dah doh’s’!! His delivery of what I call the ‘non-word lyrics’ is priceless!!”
Beyond the laughter, Harkin’s performance demonstrated his effortless musicianship. Every note and gesture was controlled yet playful, proving that comedy and musical precision can coexist seamlessly on stage. Fans applauded the personal touch Harkin brought to the song, turning a humorous anecdote into a memorable live experience:
“Saw this at the Liverpool Phil. The most joyful thing I ever experienced. The sheer happiness coming off the stage left me in tears.”
“Keith, this were a fun song. But very good. Keith have a big sense of humor, that’s for sure.”
As Harkin continues to tour and share his solo work, performances like What’s Her Name? remind audiences of his versatility—not just as a powerhouse vocalist with Celtic Thunder, but as a songwriter capable of weaving humor, storytelling, and heart into his music. For fans, it’s a performance that leaves smiles lingering long after the final note.