An Irish Harvest Day Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords With Tin Whistle Notes
An Irish Harvest Day Folk Song lyrics and chords about harvest time in Ireland long ago. Recorded by John Hogan who later went on to record My Father's House Song Also sang by Irish country singer Farmer Dan and John Hogan. The sheet music is included. Words and music by Michael Maloney. The youtube video is by Roisin Crawley and friends. There's a key change in her version, it starts in the key of C Major and the final verse and chorus is played in D Major. This is an optional key change. Chords by Angela who also provided the tin whistle sheet music notes.
C / F – C – G / F – C
1. As (C) I walk round (F) London (C) city 'neath the (F) skies so dark and (C) grey,
I cannot (F) hear fa(C)miliar sounds; my (F) mind is (C) drifting a(G)way
A(C)cross the (F) deep blue (C) ocean and (F) down that old road(C)way
To see a(F)gain that (C) threshing mill on an (G) Irish (F) harvest (C) day.
It's An Irish (F) harvest (C) day now (F) long past a(C)way,
Beau(F)tiful (C) memories (F) will ne(C)ver de(G)cay.
And no (C) matter (F) where I (C)wander and no (F) matter where I (C) stray,
I tread a(F)gain my (C) footsteps on an (G) Irish (F) harvest (C) day.
C / F – C – G / F – C
I can see my (F) dear old (C) mother out(F)side our cabin (C)door
Singing (F) some old (C) Irish song I (F) long to (C) hear once (G) more,
And I (C) wonder (F) if she's (C)waiting with those (F) kind word she might (G) say.
God (C) bless you (F) all and (C) welcome home on this (G) Irish (F) harvest (C) day.
It's An Irish (F) harvest (C) day now (F) long past a(C)way,
Beau(F)tiful (C) memories (F) will ne(C)ver de(G)cay.
And no (C) matter (F) where I (C) wander and no (F) matter where I (C) stray,
I tread a(F)gain my (C) footsteps on an (G) Irish (F) harvest (C) day.
(D) Every(G)thing has (D) changed now; there's (G) no one there no (D) more.
The roses (G) they’re all (D) dead and gone a(G)round that (D) homestead (A) door.
The (D) young folks (G) are all (D) scattered and the (G) old ones passed a(D)way.
There's no one (G) left to (D) greet me on this (A) Irish (G) harvest (D) day.
It's An Irish (G) harvest (D) day now (G) long past a(D)way,
Beau(G)tiful (D) memories (G) will ne(D)ver de(A)cay.
And no (D) matter (G) where I (D)wander and no (G) matter where I (D) stray,
I tread a(G)gain my (D) footsteps on an (A) Irish (G) harvest (D) day
I tread a(G)gain my (D) footsteps on an (A) Irish (G) harvest (D) day
The original version is in a key that wasn't suitable for the whistle. I have included the letter notes below for those who don't read music. The notes in CAPITAL LETTERS are the ones up as far as middle B and the lower case letters are the higher ones. I have listened to a couple of version of this song and they all included a key change near the end, it's not necessary to change the key of most songs and it's usually only done to make the tune more interesting to listen to. The letter notes above are the same way I do it in The Tin Whistle Book that's for sale on the site.
Introduction:
Ireland, known for its lush green landscapes and temperate climate, has a long history of agriculture and farming. The country’s agricultural sector has played a vital role in its economy and culture for centuries. One of the most important days in the calendar of Irish farmers is the harvest day. This day marks the culmination of months of hard work and patience, as the farmers reap the fruits of their labor. In this thesis, we will explore the significance of an Irish harvest day, its traditions, and its impact on the country’s culture and economy.
The Importance of Agriculture in Ireland:
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Irish economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people. According to the Central Statistics Office, agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 5.2% of Ireland’s GDP in 2020. The country’s moderate climate, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall make it ideal for farming, and agriculture has been a way of life for many generations of Irish people.
The Harvest Season in Ireland:
The harvest season in Ireland typically begins in late summer and continues through early autumn. This period is crucial for farmers as it is when they gather the crops they have been nurturing for months. The crops are harvested in stages, starting with the early crops such as potatoes and peas, followed by the main crops like wheat, barley, and oats. The timing of the harvest is critical, as it can greatly affect the quality and quantity of the crops.
Preparations for Harvest Day:
Preparations for harvest day begin long before the actual day. Farmers start by assessing the quality and quantity of their crops, and they may also seek the help of neighboring farmers to assist in the harvesting process. It is a time of great anticipation and excitement, as the farmers eagerly wait for the day when they can finally reap the rewards of their hard work.
The Harvest Day Rituals:
On the day of the harvest, the farmers rise early, fueled by a mix of excitement and nervousness. The first task is to cut the crops, followed by gathering them into bundles to be transported back to the farm. Traditionally, the harvest was done by hand, but today, modern machinery has made the process more efficient and less labor-intensive. However, many farmers still prefer to do it the old-fashioned way, as it allows them to connect with their land and crops on a deeper level.
Celebrating the Harvest:
Once the crops are safely back at the farm, it is time to celebrate. In rural areas, it is common for the entire community to come together to help each other with the harvesting process. This tradition of community spirit and cooperation is deeply ingrained in Irish culture and is one of the reasons why harvest day holds such significance in the country. After a long day of hard work, the farmers and their families gather for a hearty meal, often consisting of traditional dishes made from the freshly harvested crops.
Impact on the Economy:
The success of the harvest has a significant impact on the country’s economy. A good harvest means an increase in the supply of crops, leading to lower prices for consumers. It also means a boost for the agriculture industry, as farmers can sell their produce at a higher price, resulting in increased profits. On the other hand, a poor harvest can have adverse effects, leading to a rise in food prices and a decrease in profits for farmers.
Cultural Significance:
Harvest day is not only important for the economy, but it also holds great cultural significance in Ireland. The traditions and rituals associated with this day have been passed down from generation to generation, making it an integral part of the country’s heritage. It is a time for farmers to celebrate their hard work and connect with their land and community. Harvest day is also a reminder of the importance of nature and the cycles of life, as well as the resilience and determination of the Irish people.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, an Irish harvest day is much more than just the gathering of crops. It is a culmination of months of hard work, a celebration of community spirit and cooperation, and a reminder of the deep connection between the Irish people and their land. This day not only has a significant impact on the country’s economy but also holds great cultural and historical value. As long as agriculture remains a vital part of Irish life, the harvest day will continue to be celebrated with great joy and pride.
Ireland, known for its lush green landscapes and temperate climate, has a long history of agriculture and farming. The country’s agricultural sector has played a vital role in its economy and culture for centuries. One of the most important days in the calendar of Irish farmers is the harvest day. This day marks the culmination of months of hard work and patience, as the farmers reap the fruits of their labor. In this thesis, we will explore the significance of an Irish harvest day, its traditions, and its impact on the country’s culture and economy.
The Importance of Agriculture in Ireland:
The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the Irish economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment opportunities for thousands of people. According to the Central Statistics Office, agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounted for 5.2% of Ireland’s GDP in 2020. The country’s moderate climate, fertile soil, and abundant rainfall make it ideal for farming, and agriculture has been a way of life for many generations of Irish people.
The Harvest Season in Ireland:
The harvest season in Ireland typically begins in late summer and continues through early autumn. This period is crucial for farmers as it is when they gather the crops they have been nurturing for months. The crops are harvested in stages, starting with the early crops such as potatoes and peas, followed by the main crops like wheat, barley, and oats. The timing of the harvest is critical, as it can greatly affect the quality and quantity of the crops.
Preparations for Harvest Day:
Preparations for harvest day begin long before the actual day. Farmers start by assessing the quality and quantity of their crops, and they may also seek the help of neighboring farmers to assist in the harvesting process. It is a time of great anticipation and excitement, as the farmers eagerly wait for the day when they can finally reap the rewards of their hard work.
The Harvest Day Rituals:
On the day of the harvest, the farmers rise early, fueled by a mix of excitement and nervousness. The first task is to cut the crops, followed by gathering them into bundles to be transported back to the farm. Traditionally, the harvest was done by hand, but today, modern machinery has made the process more efficient and less labor-intensive. However, many farmers still prefer to do it the old-fashioned way, as it allows them to connect with their land and crops on a deeper level.
Celebrating the Harvest:
Once the crops are safely back at the farm, it is time to celebrate. In rural areas, it is common for the entire community to come together to help each other with the harvesting process. This tradition of community spirit and cooperation is deeply ingrained in Irish culture and is one of the reasons why harvest day holds such significance in the country. After a long day of hard work, the farmers and their families gather for a hearty meal, often consisting of traditional dishes made from the freshly harvested crops.
Impact on the Economy:
The success of the harvest has a significant impact on the country’s economy. A good harvest means an increase in the supply of crops, leading to lower prices for consumers. It also means a boost for the agriculture industry, as farmers can sell their produce at a higher price, resulting in increased profits. On the other hand, a poor harvest can have adverse effects, leading to a rise in food prices and a decrease in profits for farmers.
Cultural Significance:
Harvest day is not only important for the economy, but it also holds great cultural significance in Ireland. The traditions and rituals associated with this day have been passed down from generation to generation, making it an integral part of the country’s heritage. It is a time for farmers to celebrate their hard work and connect with their land and community. Harvest day is also a reminder of the importance of nature and the cycles of life, as well as the resilience and determination of the Irish people.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, an Irish harvest day is much more than just the gathering of crops. It is a culmination of months of hard work, a celebration of community spirit and cooperation, and a reminder of the deep connection between the Irish people and their land. This day not only has a significant impact on the country’s economy but also holds great cultural and historical value. As long as agriculture remains a vital part of Irish life, the harvest day will continue to be celebrated with great joy and pride.
Country music in Ireland didn't start until the 1970s. This was well after it became popular in America and elsewhere. Country music in general is a spin-off from Folk music, that's why when you have a good listen to a country song and it's timing you'll notice that it's very close to the beat of a folk song. At times it's hard to distinguish between the two. Country music in Ireland has really taken off in the last 20 years. There are now more bands playing country songs than folk
Sheet Music For An Irish Harvest Day in the key of G Major.