Rocky Road To Dublin

The Rocky Road to Dublin is one of the most famous Irish folk songs, celebrated for its fast-paced, tongue-twisting lyrics and energetic melody. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century, when it was written by D.K. Gavan, also known as “The Galway Poet.” Gavan penned the song specifically for the Irish singer Harry Clifton, who popularized it in the mid-1800s during his performances across Britain and Ireland.

.

The lyrics tell the story of a young man from Tuam, County Galway, who sets out on a journey to Dublin in search of adventure. Along the way, he faces a series of misfortunes, including being robbed, shipwrecked, and mocked. The story takes a humorous and lighthearted approach, capturing the spirit of resilience and wit that characterizes much of Irish traditional music.

.

The melody of Rocky Road to Dublin is based on an old slip jig, a traditional Irish dance tune in 9/8 time, which adds to its distinctive, driving rhythm. The combination of the song’s playful narrative and its challenging, fast-paced delivery has made it a favorite in Irish sessions, where musicians showcase their skill by keeping up with the brisk tempo.

.

Over the years, Rocky Road to Dublin has been recorded and performed by numerous artists, including The Dubliners, The Pogues, and Dropkick Murphys, cementing its place as a cornerstone of Irish folk music. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to captivate audiences with its humor, energy, and technical brilliance.

Well, in the merry month of June now from me home I started Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother Then off to reap the corn and leave where I was born Cut a stout blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins A brand new pair of brogues to rattle over the bogs And frighten all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin

.

[Chorus] One, two, three four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, whack follol de dah

.

In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary Started by daylight next morning light and early Took a drop of the pure to keep me heart from shrinkin’ Thats the Paddy’s cure whene’er he’s on for drinkin’ To hear the lassies smile, laughin’ all the while At me curious style, ‘twould set your heart a bubblin’ They asked me was I hired and wages I required Till I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin

.

[Chorus] One, two, three four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, whack follol de dah

.

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city Then I took a stroll, all among the quality Bundle it was stole, well in a neat locality Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin’ Enquiring after the rogue, said me Connacht brogue It wasn’t much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin

.

[Chorus] One, two, three four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, whack follol de dah

.

From there I got away, me spirits never failing Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing Captain at me roared, said that no room had he When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy Down among the pigs, did some hearty rigs I played some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling When off Holyhead I wished meself was dead Or better far instead on the rocky road to Dublin

.

[Chorus] One, two, three four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, whack follol de dah

.

The boys of Liverpool, well when we safely landed Called meself the fool, I could no longer stand it Blood began to boil, temper I was losing Poor old Erin’s Isle they began abusing “Hurrah me soul” says I, me shillelagh I let fly Galway boys were by and saw I was a hobblin’ With a low a’ “hurray!” they joined in the affray Quickly clear the way for the rocky road to Dublin

.

[Chorus] One, two, three four, five Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, whack follol de dah