An Poc An Buile lyrics and chords
Written by Donal O'Mullain and the singer is Liam Devally 1966 As Gaeilge Lyrics Chords. The sheet music notes for tin whistle are included, plus the piano sheet music with chords and the mandolin / tenor banjo tab.
As gaeilge song lyrics
Ar[D] mo ghabáil dom siar[G] chun Droichead Uí[D] Mhórdha,
Píce[D] i m' dhóid is mé ag dul i meitheal,
Cé[G] chasfaí orm i gcumar[D] ceoidh
Ach[A] pocán crón is é ar[D] buile,
[D]Alliliú[G] puilliliu, allil[D]iú tá an poc ar buile.
Do ritheamar trasna trí ruilleogach
Is do ghluais an comhrac ar fud na muinge,
Is treascairt dá bhfuair sé sna turtóga
Chuas ina ainneoin ar a dhroim le fuinneamh
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
Níor fhág sé carraig go raibh scó (scabhat) ann
Ná gur rith le fórsa chun mé a mhilleadh,
Is ea ansin do chaith sé an léim ba mhó
Le fána mhór na Faille Brice,
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
Bhí garda mór i mBaile an Róistigh
Is bhailigh fórsaí chun sinn a chlipeadh,
Do bhuail sé rop dá adhairc sa tóin air
Is dá bhríste nua do dhein sé giobail,
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
I nDaingean Uí Chúis le haghaidh an tráthnóna
Bí an sagart paróiste amach 'nár gcoinnibh,
Is é dúirt gurbh é an diabhal ba dhóigh leis
A ghaibh an treo ar phocán buile!
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile
Ar[D] mo ghabáil dom siar[G] chun Droichead Uí[D] Mhórdha,
Píce[D] i m' dhóid is mé ag dul i meitheal,
Cé[G] chasfaí orm i gcumar[D] ceoidh
Ach[A] pocán crón is é ar[D] buile,
[D]Alliliú[G] puilliliu, allil[D]iú tá an poc ar buile.
Do ritheamar trasna trí ruilleogach
Is do ghluais an comhrac ar fud na muinge,
Is treascairt dá bhfuair sé sna turtóga
Chuas ina ainneoin ar a dhroim le fuinneamh
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
Níor fhág sé carraig go raibh scó (scabhat) ann
Ná gur rith le fórsa chun mé a mhilleadh,
Is ea ansin do chaith sé an léim ba mhó
Le fána mhór na Faille Brice,
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
Bhí garda mór i mBaile an Róistigh
Is bhailigh fórsaí chun sinn a chlipeadh,
Do bhuail sé rop dá adhairc sa tóin air
Is dá bhríste nua do dhein sé giobail,
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
I nDaingean Uí Chúis le haghaidh an tráthnóna
Bí an sagart paróiste amach 'nár gcoinnibh,
Is é dúirt gurbh é an diabhal ba dhóigh leis
A ghaibh an treo ar phocán buile!
Alliliú puilliliu, alliliú tá an poc ar buile
🎸 Strumming Pattern (4/4 “Irish Gallop” Feel)
This song has a fast, driving 4/4, usually felt as:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
We’ll use a “Down–Down-Up–Up-Down-Up” pattern that keeps the energy flowing.
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↑↓↑
(count: 1 2& &3 4&)
This gives a rolling, dancing motion, perfect for the rhythm of Irish traditional music.
Example (D chord):
| D | D |
↓ ↓↑ ↑↓↑
1 2& &3 4&
Bass Alternation ideas:
D → alternate between open D (4th) and A (5th)
G → alternate between 6th (G) and 4th (D)
A → alternate between open A (5th) and E (6th)
Keep the first downstroke strong, like a bodhrán drum.
🎵 Fingerpicking Tab (First Verse)
We’ll use a steady alternating-bass fingerpicking pattern — the hallmark of Irish ballads in 4/4.
Pattern per measure:
Bass (1) → Treble (2) → Bass (3) → Treble (4)
Use:
Thumb (p) = bass strings (E, A, D)
Index (i) = G
Middle (m) = B
Ring (a) = high e
This keeps a marching but melodic flow.
First Verse Tab
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----------|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|
B|------3---3-------3---3--------|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|
G|----2-------2---2-------2------|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|
A|-------------------------------|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Ar mo ghabháil dom siar chun Droichead Uí Mhórdha,
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----------|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|
B|------3---3-------3---3--------|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|
G|----2-------2---2-------2------|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|
A|-------------------------------|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Píce i m’ dhóid is mé ag dul i meitheal,
G D A
e|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|--------0-----------0----------|
B|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|------2---2-------2---2--------|
G|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--2-----------2----------------|
A|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|0-------------------------------|
E|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Cé chasfaí orm i gcumar ceoidh, ach pocán crón is é ar buile,
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----|--------3-----------3----|--------2-----------2----|
B|------3---3-------3---3--|------0---0-------0---0--|------3---3-------3---3--|
G|----2-------2---2-------2|----0-------0---0-------0|----2-------2---2-------2|
D|--0-----------0----------|--0-----------0----------|--0-----------0----------|
A|--------------------------|----------------2--------|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|-3-----------------------|--------------------------|
Alliliú puilliliú, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
This song has a fast, driving 4/4, usually felt as:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
We’ll use a “Down–Down-Up–Up-Down-Up” pattern that keeps the energy flowing.
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↑↓↑
(count: 1 2& &3 4&)
This gives a rolling, dancing motion, perfect for the rhythm of Irish traditional music.
Example (D chord):
| D | D |
↓ ↓↑ ↑↓↑
1 2& &3 4&
Bass Alternation ideas:
D → alternate between open D (4th) and A (5th)
G → alternate between 6th (G) and 4th (D)
A → alternate between open A (5th) and E (6th)
Keep the first downstroke strong, like a bodhrán drum.
🎵 Fingerpicking Tab (First Verse)
We’ll use a steady alternating-bass fingerpicking pattern — the hallmark of Irish ballads in 4/4.
Pattern per measure:
Bass (1) → Treble (2) → Bass (3) → Treble (4)
Use:
Thumb (p) = bass strings (E, A, D)
Index (i) = G
Middle (m) = B
Ring (a) = high e
This keeps a marching but melodic flow.
First Verse Tab
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----------|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|
B|------3---3-------3---3--------|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|
G|----2-------2---2-------2------|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|
A|-------------------------------|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Ar mo ghabháil dom siar chun Droichead Uí Mhórdha,
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----------|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|
B|------3---3-------3---3--------|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|
G|----2-------2---2-------2------|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|
A|-------------------------------|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Píce i m’ dhóid is mé ag dul i meitheal,
G D A
e|--------3-----------3----------|--------2-----------2----------|--------0-----------0----------|
B|------0---0-------0---0--------|------3---3-------3---3--------|------2---2-------2---2--------|
G|----0-------0---0-------0------|----2-------2---2-------2------|----2-------2---2-------2------|
D|--0-----------0----------------|--0-----------0----------------|--2-----------2----------------|
A|----------------2---------------|-------------------------------|0-------------------------------|
E|-3------------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------|
Cé chasfaí orm i gcumar ceoidh, ach pocán crón is é ar buile,
D G D
e|--------2-----------2----|--------3-----------3----|--------2-----------2----|
B|------3---3-------3---3--|------0---0-------0---0--|------3---3-------3---3--|
G|----2-------2---2-------2|----0-------0---0-------0|----2-------2---2-------2|
D|--0-----------0----------|--0-----------0----------|--0-----------0----------|
A|--------------------------|----------------2--------|--------------------------|
E|--------------------------|-3-----------------------|--------------------------|
Alliliú puilliliú, alliliú tá an poc ar buile.
An poc ar buile piano sheet music with chords
The Tin Whistle Notes
An poc ar buile tin whistle tab in the key of F. Use your ''C'' whistle only to play this tab.
Mandolin / tenor banjo tab
An Poc Ar Buile sheet music for tin whistle
Introduction
Traditional Irish music has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the culture and identity of the Irish people. It is a form of expression that has been passed down for generations, carrying with it the stories, struggles, and joys of the Irish people. One particular song that has captured the hearts of many and has become a staple in traditional Irish music is the 'An poc ar buile' song. This thesis aims to explore the origins, meaning, and significance of this beloved song in Irish culture and music.
Origins of 'An poc ar buile' Song
The 'An poc ar buile' song is a traditional Irish song that was written by Donal O'Mullain . The title translates to 'The mad goat' in English,
Meaning and Lyrics of 'An poc ar buile' Song
The lyrics of 'An poc ar buile' depict the story of a wild and unruly goat that wreaks havoc in its village. The goat is a metaphor for the rebellious spirit of the Irish people who have a history of resisting British rule and fighting for their independence. The lyrics also portray the goat as a symbol of freedom and rebellion, as it refuses to be tamed or controlled by anyone.
The first verse of the song goes:
'An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
A's níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin'
This translates to: 'The mad goat, and his stick on two
The mad goat, and his stick on two
The mad goat, and his stick on two
And there's no hearth like your own hearth'
This verse highlights the rebellious nature of the goat, as it is depicted with its stick on two, symbolizing its strong and independent spirit. The last line also emphasizes the importance of having one's own home and hearth, which is a central aspect of Irish culture and identity.
Traditional Irish music has a rich history that is deeply rooted in the culture and identity of the Irish people. It is a form of expression that has been passed down for generations, carrying with it the stories, struggles, and joys of the Irish people. One particular song that has captured the hearts of many and has become a staple in traditional Irish music is the 'An poc ar buile' song. This thesis aims to explore the origins, meaning, and significance of this beloved song in Irish culture and music.
Origins of 'An poc ar buile' Song
The 'An poc ar buile' song is a traditional Irish song that was written by Donal O'Mullain . The title translates to 'The mad goat' in English,
Meaning and Lyrics of 'An poc ar buile' Song
The lyrics of 'An poc ar buile' depict the story of a wild and unruly goat that wreaks havoc in its village. The goat is a metaphor for the rebellious spirit of the Irish people who have a history of resisting British rule and fighting for their independence. The lyrics also portray the goat as a symbol of freedom and rebellion, as it refuses to be tamed or controlled by anyone.
The first verse of the song goes:
'An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
An poc ar buile, a's a' bhata faoi dhó
A's níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin'
This translates to: 'The mad goat, and his stick on two
The mad goat, and his stick on two
The mad goat, and his stick on two
And there's no hearth like your own hearth'
This verse highlights the rebellious nature of the goat, as it is depicted with its stick on two, symbolizing its strong and independent spirit. The last line also emphasizes the importance of having one's own home and hearth, which is a central aspect of Irish culture and identity.
