An Irish Lullaby Guitar Chords And Lyrics

​"An Irish Lullaby" (also known as "Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral") is a well-known traditional-style Irish-American lullaby written in 1913 by James Royce Shannon. The song gained widespread popularity when it was performed by Bing Crosby in the movie Going My Way (1944). Though it was composed in America, the song evokes a strong sense of Irish nostalgia and cultural identity.

Song Meaning and Themes

1. Nostalgia for Ireland:
   The song is filled with sentimental imagery of a mother singing to her child, evoking the beauty and simplicity of Irish family life. The song captures the longing for home and a deep connection to Irish roots, which resonated strongly with the Irish diaspora.
   
2. Comfort and Reassurance:
   As with many lullabies, the song’s soothing melody and gentle lyrics are designed to provide comfort and security to a child. The repeated refrain “Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral” mimics the gentle cooing sounds a parent might make to calm a baby.
   
3. Cultural Pride:
   Although the song was written in the United States, it reflects the Irish-American immigrant experience. It plays into the idea of preserving cultural traditions, particularly through music and storytelling.
   
4. Timelessness and Universality:
   The theme of a mother singing a lullaby to her child is universal across cultures, making the song relatable to a wide audience beyond just those of Irish descent.
   

Notable Lyrics"Over in Killarney,
Many years ago,
My mother sang a song to me
In tones so sweet and low."
These opening lines immediately set a tender and nostalgic tone, painting a picture of an idealized, peaceful childhood in Ireland.

Legacy

• Bing Crosby’s performance in Going My Way helped cement the song as a timeless classic, especially in Irish-American households.
• "An Irish Lullaby" is often performed at Irish celebrations and St. Patrick’s Day events, and it remains a beloved piece of cultural heritage.

An Irish lullaby tin whistle sheet music notes now included plus the tenor guitar tab in CGDA, The youtube video is by The Irish Tenors. Chords in the chordpro system. Included is the 5 string banjo chords .Written in 1914 by songwriter James Shannon but the tune is much older. Made popular by Bing Crosby, and it was Bing who also made the Galway Bay Song popular all those years ago, also recorded by Bob McGrath, Kate Smith, Sarah Moore, Emmet Cahall and John Gary and they're the one's who have had the most hits on Youtube with the song. The guitar / ukulele chords here can be used on the mandolin. This song is more popular in America than Ireland, in fact the only Irish singer I heard singing it was Daniel O'Donnell. The music time signature is 3/4 The sheet music notes are included. Also recorded by The Irish Tenors, Kate Smith, John Garry and Bridgette O'Halloran.

Brigitte O'Halloran An Irish Lullaby Song

​An Irish lullaby tenor guitar tab in CGDA below

Ukulele chords guide.

Below are the 4 chords to be played on the 5 string banjo. Standard tuning.

An Irish Lullaby piano sheet music in Solfege do re mi format notes