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Big Tom Song Lyrics And Chords

Big Tom And The Mainliners Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords. Back To Castleblayney lyrics and chords. Big Tom McBride. Castleblaney County Monaghan is where Big Tom comes from.18 September 1936 – 17 April 2018. R.I.P. More Irish Country Songs here with the guitar chords.
​Big Tom, born Thomas McBride, was a renowned Irish country music singer, known for his deep baritone voice and his contribution to the Irish music scene. His career spanned over five decades, and he became a household name not only in Ireland but also in the United Kingdom and the United States. With his unique blend of traditional Irish music and American country, Big Tom left a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to be remembered fondly by fans and fellow musicians alike. This thesis will explore the life and legacy of Big Tom, examining his early beginnings, his musical career, and his lasting impact on Irish music.

Thomas McBride was born on September 18, 1936, in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland. He grew up in a small, rural community, and from a young age, he was exposed to traditional Irish music. His father was a fiddle player, and his mother was a singer, and they often played music together at local gatherings. This early exposure to music had a profound impact on Tom, and he developed a love for music that would shape his future.

At the age of 18, Tom moved to Dublin, where he worked as a carpenter. However, his true passion was music, and he often played in local pubs and clubs in the evenings. His big break came in 1966 when he joined the band, The Mainliners, as their lead singer. The band was formed by Tom's childhood friend, Paddy Cole, and they quickly gained popularity, playing at dance halls and venues across Ireland. The Mainliners had a unique sound, blending traditional Irish music with American country, and Tom's deep, rich voice was the perfect fit for their style.

In 1968, The Mainliners signed a record deal with Polydor Records, and they released their first single, 'Gentle Mother,' which became an instant hit. This was followed by their debut album, 'Gentle Mother,' which also topped the charts. The success of the album catapulted Big Tom and The Mainliners to stardom, and they became one of the most sought-after bands in Ireland. Over the next two decades, they released numerous hit albums and singles, including 'The Sunset Years of Life,' 'Four Country Roads,' and 'Back to Castleblayney.' Their music resonated with audiences not only in Ireland but also in the UK and the US, where they toured extensively.

Big Tom's music was a reflection of his life and his roots. He often sang about the struggles of rural life and the beauty of the Irish countryside. His songs were filled with nostalgia, and they captured the hearts of his listeners, who could relate to the themes of love, family, and home. His music also had a strong sense of community, and he often collaborated with other Irish musicians, such as Daniel O'Donnell and Philomena Begley. Together, they created a unique blend of traditional Irish music and American country, which became known as 'Irish country' music.

In addition to his successful music career, Big Tom was also a devoted family man. He married his wife Rose in 1966, and they had four children together. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his family, and he often brought them on tour with him. He was a beloved figure in his community, known for his down-to-earth nature and his generosity. He was also a strong advocate for Irish music and culture, and he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland in recognition of his contributions.

Big Tom retired from the music industry in 2016, after more than 50 years on the road. He passed away on April 17, 2018, at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich musical legacy. He was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, and his funeral was attended by thousands of people, a testament to the impact he had on Irish music and culture.

In conclusion, Big Tom was more than just a singer; he was a cultural icon and a trailblazer in the Irish music scene. He brought Irish country music to a global audience, and his music continues to be cherished and celebrated by generations. His legacy lives on through his songs, which evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in Irish identity. Big Tom's contribution to Irish music will forever be remembered, and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of his fans and the Irish community.
Tubbercurry  Song Lyrics And Chords. Recorded by Big Tom. There were a couple of words in the Big Tom version that I couldn't make out. If you know what they are will you please let me know.


[D]Tubbercurry you were[G] mine when I was young.
[D]Tubbercurry you'll be [A]mine the day is done
[D]Though it's far away you roam,[G] there's still no place like[D] home
Tubber[A]curry my old friend[D].

May you still recall recall the day and [G]all the happy times
We[D] shared with you in Sligo long a[A]go,
The Ok[D] Mountains we would climb in the [A]good old summer time
And ad[D]mire your sweeping beauty down below.

[D]Those carefree days we spent in [G]dreams of sweet con[D]tent
You sheltered us through all our growing [A]years
But there [D]came a time to part and it[A] nearly broke my heart
But[D] tonight I'll picture you through all my tears.

Tubbercurry you were [G]mine when I [D]was young.
Tubbercurry you'll be mine the day is [A]done
Though it's far away you [D]roam, there's [G]still no place like[D] home
Tubber[A]curry my old [D]friend.

I'd love to wander down to Ballymoate and Charlestown
           by for a while
To the fields where I once ran,,,,
And it's there I know they treat me with smile.
[ If you know the missing lyrics above let me know please ]

Your whispering tonight like you did in the pale moon light
Long ago when you were young and in your prime
I'll be home by day-break but tonight for old time sake
Will you sing that old song one more time.

Tubbercurry you were mine when I was young.
Tubbercurry you'll be mine the day is done
Though it's far away you roam, there's still no place like home
Tubbercurry my old friend.
Intro, [G] [D] [A] [D]
I [D]said farewell to [G]dear old dad and kissed my mother good[D]bye
Then [G]turned away be[D]fore did see the [Em]tears form in my eyes
A[D]long the winding [G]leafy lane where in childhood we would [D]play
With [G]heartache and old[D] memories I [A]sadly made my [D]way.

So [D]many folks have [G]left their homes through strife and pover[D]ty
Yet [G]somehow we could [D]struggle by, just [Em]mother dad and me,[A]
But [D]things went wrong be[G]tween me and the girl I called my [D]own
And [G]I left Castle[D]blaney, my [A]people [G]and my [D]home.
[G] [D] [A] [D]
Key Change is optional

I[Eb] visualized the [Ab]hedge-rows on the road I used to [Eb]go
I [Ab]see the town of [Eb]Blaney. and the [Fm]Lakes Of Lough Knock Muckno
A[Eb]round the old Hope [Ab]Castle where so often I would [Eb]roam,
I [Ab]dream of Castle[Eb]blaney my old [Ab]people and my [Eb]home.

The [Eb]harbour lights are [Ab]fading as I leave this foreign [Eb]shore
And I [Ab]watched the dark ho[Eb]rizon that I [Fm]mean to see no more
To the [Eb]land that holds the [Ab]legend of the fairy and the [Eb]gnome,
Going [Ab]back to Castle[Eb]blaney my old [Ab]people and my [Eb]home
Going [Ab]back to Castle[Eb]blaney my old [Ab]people and my [Eb]home
Big Tom
Big Tom Lyrics
5000 Miles From Sligo Song Lyrics And Chords. Recorded by Big Tom. [ Irish Country Music ]


[A]An old map I have found
So in [D]thoughts I am bound
For old [A]Ireland's green mountains and [B]streams
[E]To the [A]land of my heart through the [D]heart of my [A]land
I am wondering to[E]night in my [A]dreams

[A]As I view Sligo bay
And [D]not so far away
There's Coo[A]laney and the girl I once[E] knew
And my [A]eyes start to fill
As I [D]think of Lough Gill
In this [A]map they have [E]coloured in [A]blue.

[A]Oh I'm 5000 miles away from [D]Sligo
[A]Wondering why I ever had to [E]go,,[B]
[E]Oh I'm [A]5000 miles away from [D]Sligo
Pre[A]tending I'm [E]on my way back [A]home.[E] [A]

[C#m]Tubber[A]curry is there And [D]there's [D]ballisodare
Bally[a]moate holds old memories for[E] me
From the [A]Ox mountain range to the [D]coastline of Grange,
There's Ros[A]common to [E]Letrim you [A]see.

[A]So from Sligo and home
Once a[D]gain I must roam
Back a[A]long the along highway eighty-[E]three
And my [A]memory's are gold, in this [D]atlas i hold
And re[A]turn here to [E]reali[A]ty.

Oh I'm [B]5000 miles away from [E]Sligo
[B]Wondering why I ever had to [F#m]go[C#m]
[F#m]Oh I'm [B]5000 miles away from [E]Sligo
Pre[B]tending I'm [C#m]on my way back [B]home.
_______________
Big Tom's version changes key as he repeats the chorus.
He changes to the key of B. This key change is optional.
Picture
Cottage On The Borderline Lyrics And Chords. The chords are for the Big Tom Version. Also recorded by Hugo Duncan, Nathan Carter, Declan Nerney, Larry Cunningham and Richie Kavanagh.


Intro. [E] [A]  [G] [A]
[D]I've roamed this wide world [F#m]over And I've [G]sailed the seven [D]seas
I've [E]got no chains a[A]round me I just [G]wander [A]where I [D]please
I [D]met a girl that I [F#m]can't forget She [G]just won't leave my [D]mind
And [E]where she lives or [A]where she's gone I [G]guess I'll [A]never [D]find

She [A]wore a silver locket With a [D]picture of her home
Just a [E]ovely little cottage On a [A]hillside all alone
I [D]wondered where this [F#m]cottage was But [G]all [A]she'd let me [D]know
That it's [E]somewhere on the [A]borderline of [G]Galway and Ma[D]yo

[E] [A] [G] [A] [D]

[D]It's a long, long way from [F#m]Denver To the [G]west of Ire[D]land
But it [E]justifies my [A]journey just to [G]see that [A]lovely [D]land
[D]From the Colorado [F#m]mountains and their [G]singin' whip-poor-[D]wills
To the [E]green, green grass of [A]Ireland and the [G]lovely [A]mud-turf[D] hills

And If [A]I ever find her How [D]happy I would be
For the [E]vision of her beauty that would [A]haunts my memory
My [D]heart takes me a [F#m]searchin' To a [G]land I do not [D]know
For that c[E]ottage on the [A]borderline of [G]Galway [F#m]and Ma[D]yo
To the [E]cottage on the [B]borderline of [G]Galway [A]and Ma[D]yo
Big Tom Songs
Big Tom Songs
My Donegal Shore Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords. Written by Johnny McCauley. Recorded by Daniel O'Donnell along with Big Tom And The Mainliners.


Big Tom Version Intro F, Em, D, G, G
Oh I [C]know it’s not right, remi[F]niscing to[C]night
Of the [F]days that are [C]gone and returning no [G]more
[F]For the[C] girl I dream of, has a a[F]nother mans [C]love
[F]Far, far a[C]way on a [G]Donegal [C]shore,,[F]

But[C] why should I care for she’s  [F]happy o’er [C]there
She[F] may have [C]children, she may be wealthy or [G]poor
But I [C]can’t help my dreams of [F]what might have [C]been
If [F]I stayed at [C]home on my [G]Donegal [C]shore

Now it’s [F]winter time there, all the [C]trees will be bare
And the [F]rainclouds will [C]darken my native Gwee[G]dore
But if that [C]girl I could hold every [F]raindrop would be [C]gold
It could [F]fall all a[C]round us on my [G]Donegal [C]shore

[A]Now there’s [D]none to blame but be[G]fore she took his [D]name
When she [G]told me she [D]loved him, it hurt to the [A]core
But I could [D]never descend, to be [G]only her [D]friend
So [G]I left her [D]there on my [A]Donegal [D]shore

Now it’s [G]winter time there, all the [D]trees will be bare
And the [G]rainclouds will [D]darken my native Gwee[A]dore
But if that [D]girl I could hold, every [G]raindrop would be [D]gold
It could [G]fall all a[D]round us on my [A]Donegal [D]shore
It could [G]fall all a[D]round us un my [A]Donegal [D]shore
Father Time Song Lyrics And Chords By Big Tom And The Mainliners.


Intro [A] [D]
Give me[G] back the stolen years I [D]thought that they were mine
Give me [A]back the heart I broke and [D]hurt so many times
Give me [G]back the many miles I [D]travelled down the line
Oh [A]father time I have to say you are no friend of[D] mine.

When [D]your young and single and have'nt got a [A]care
There's no time to consider, the when the why or [D]where
Your collage days are over your not yet in your [A]prime
At 21 there's too much fun to think of father [D]time.

When[D] you meet a girl and marry and then you settle [A]down
You get a job and build a home on the quiet side of [D]town
You raise your kids and bring them up to be honest true and [A]kind
And one day they are gone away for now it is their [D]time.
Chorus.
Give me [G]back the stolen years I [D]thought that they were mine
Give me [A]back the heart I broke and [D]hurt so many times
Give me [G]back the many miles I [D]travelled down the line
Oh [A]father time I have to say you are no friend of [D]mine.

Then you [D]wake up one morning, where have the years all [A]gone
You search your mind as you walk behind the dear friend that has [D]gone
You already know the answers you thought you'd never [A]find
Just another page of many from a book of father [D]time.

Give me back the stolen years I thought that they were mine
Give me back the heart I broke and hurt so many times
Give me back the many miles I travelled down the line
Oh father time I have to say you are no friend of mine.

Where The Grass Grows The Greenest Lyrics And Chords.  By Big Tom And The Mainliners.


Intro. [A]  [F#m] [A]
Take me [A]back where the grass grows the geenest
In a [D]little Emerald garden in the [A]sea
Take me back [D]where the girls are the prettiest [A]in the world
And it [D]lays in the heart of [A]me.

People [F#m]ask me where I come from back [A]in Ireland,
Dun[F#m]gannon Connemara or Tra[A]lee,
Dublin [F#m]Derry Donegal I end up living in them all
And I [D]tell them they mean all the same to [F#m]me.

I [A]come from where the grass grows the greenest
In a [D]little Emerald garden in the [A]sea
I come [D]from where the girls are the [A]prettiest in the world
And it [D]lays in the heart of [A]me.

[F#m]Were you born in that old cottage [A]by the border ?
Of [F#m]Galway or Mayo or in Kil[A]dare,
It had [F#m]little to do with me where me[A] mamma happened to be
But [D[bless you mam for [F#m]being where you were

I was [A]born where the grass [D]grows the [A]greenest
In a [D]little Emerald garden in the [A]sea
I come [D]from where the girls are the [A]prettiest in the world
And it [D]lays in the heart [A]of me.

Do you belong to Cork or Tipperary ?
Or Sligo near the Isle Of Innisfree [ song ]?
Do you belong to Sion Mills or among the Wicklow Hills
I do and I feel you all belong to me.

I belong where the grass grows the greenest
In a little Emerald garden in the sea
I belong where the girls are the prettiest in the world
And it lays in the heart of me.

An Irish Nurse Lyrics And Chords. Big Tom McBride. There's a key change in this song that's optional. You can continue playing the handy chords the song starts with if your not comfortable playing the more difficult chords.


Intro D   C D G D
[D]She was [G]just a [D]girl of [G]nineteen years
When she set out on her [C]own
She left a brother and four [G]sisters
And her parents back at [D]home

The [G]reason [D]she was [G]leaving, she saw no future [C]here
To full fill her one am[G]bition, to make [D]nursing her ca[G]reer.[D]

To the [G]old church in Romford that's where she went to [C]train
And it would be a [G]long long time before she'd be home a[D]gain
She [G]said good[D]bye to [G]all her friends and the one's that she loved [C]dear
As she left her home for [G]London to [D]make nursing her ca[G]reer.

She was [C]just a neneteen year old girl who loved her parents [G]dear
But she [D]left her home in Ireland to make [C]nursing [D]her car[G]eer.
[D]   [C]  [D]  [G]
Many [Ab]hours of work and study, oh how time passed a[C#]way
Soon with her fellow [Ab]students on gradation [Eb]day.
Be[Ab]fore she [Eb]gradu[Ab]ated, for weeks she saved the [C#]fare
To bring her mam and dad from [Ab]Ireland for her [Eb]special day to [Ab]share.[Eb]

But a [Ab]drunk man in a speeding car, stole her dream a[C#]way
And her parents never [Ab]seen the girl on her special [Eb]day
She never [Ab]did re[Eb]turn to [Ab]Ireland and some times she shed a [C#]tear
As she recalls the day she [Ab]left [Eb]home to make nursing her car[Ab]eer.

She was just a [C#]neneteen year old girl who loved her parents [Ab]dear
But she [Eb]left her home in Ireland to make [C#]nursing [Ab]her career.
When she [Eb]left her home in [Ab]Ireland to make [C#]nursing her car[Ab]eer

One More Christmas Big Tom And The Mainliners Lyrics And Chords

Intro

    [D]    [D]    [G]    [D]    [D]    [A]    [D]

Another [D]year has gone by - in the [G]wink of an [D]eye
I ask myself "Where did it [A]go?"
It [D]seems like yesterday I saw [G]reindeer and [D]sleigh
And [D]heard Santa [A]laugh "Ho Ho [D]Ho"


But [D]in the past year, one [G]memory I hold [D]dear
Of your love that's so kind and [A]true
And [D]all that I ask, like those [G]years in the [D]past
Is to [D]spend one more [A]Christmas with [D]you


Chorus

You [G]won't have to shop in [D]Macy's, New York
For a gift tied in [E]ribbons of [A]blue
[D]All that I ask, like the [G]ones in the [D]past
Is to [D]spend one more [A]Christmas with [D]you


Break - last 2 lines of Chorus


It [D]doesn't seem so long since that [G]first Christmas [D]morn
When [D]there was just you and [A]me
As each [D]boy and each girl came [G]into our [D]world
Old [D]Santa came [A]into it [D]too


The [D]children are grown, with [G]kids of their [D]own
Once more there's just you and [A]me
And [D]all that I ask, like those [G]years in the [D]past
Is to [D]spend one more [A]Christmas with [D]you


Chorus

You [G]won't have to shop in [D]Macy's, New York
For a gift tied in [E]ribbons of [A]blue
[D]All that I ask, like the [G]ones in the [D]past
Is to [D]spend one more [A]Christmas with [D]you


[D]All that I ask, like the [G]ones in the [D]past
Is to [D]spend one more [A]Christmas with [D]you
The G.N.R. Steam Train Song Lyrics And Chords By Big Tom McBride. This song is all about a train service that used to run in Counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal, alas these trains are long since gone mainly because of emigration.


[D]The [G]songs of Boxcar Willie, well they [A]take me back [D]again,
To my[A] childhood days in Blaney when I say my first [D]steam train
She was [G]standing at the station with her [A]smoke stacked black [D]and tall,
Then she [A]left for Enniskillen then on to Done[D]gal.

The [G]first time that I rode this train oh [A]how my poor hear [D]felt
I was [A]just another emigrant on my way to Holy[D]head
I was [G]leaving home that morning to [A]seek fortune and[D] fame
So [A]I left Castleblaney on the GNR [D]Steam train.
Chorus
[G]Farmers working in the fields they always knew the[D] time
As I [E]listened to her whistle as she thundered down the [A]line
She took[D] many folk away from home and [G]brought them back again
But [A]now she's gone forever, that GNR steam [D]train.

She carried freight and livestock from factries and from fairs
She also took the pilgrims to Lough Derg to say their prayers
Going to an Ulster Final she was really loaded down
And she steamed away from Ballybay to the game in Clones Town.

Ah Taylors Tunnell is no more and the footbridge is now gone
There's a row of Red Bricked houses where the railway gates once swong
There are many men in Blaney who wished they were kids again
You could ''' ''' and loose your heart on the GNR steamtrain.

Chorus
Farmers working in the fields they always knew the time
As I listened to her whistle as she thundered down the line
She took many folk away from home and brought them back again
But now she's gone forever, that GNR steam train.

And on her final journey she was shuttered to the side
The people mourned her passing like a dear friend who had died,
I saw big men broken hearted, their tears fell like rain
When they said goodbye forever to the GNR steamtrain.

So Boxcar blow your whistle and imatate your train
The GNR or Western Union to me their both the same
They are now a part of history but their memories remain
How I'd like to stop and listen to the whistle of the train.

Chorus
Farmers working in the fields they always knew the time
As I listened to her whistle as she thundered down the line
She took many folk away from home and brought them back again
But now she's gone forever, that GNR steam train.

Big Tom McBride
Mama's Roses Lyrics And Chords By Big Tom McBride


Intro B 
[E]We all were called to [A]come back to the [E]old home on the farm.
[B]Mother passed away, oh what a [E]sad sad day,
And [A]as my daddy watched, his eyes were [E]filled with hurt,
When [F#]someone stepped upon a rose and [B]pushed it in the dirt.

Chorus
Don't[E] step on mother's roses daddy cried,
She [B]planted them the day she was my [E]bride
And [A]every time I see a rose I [E]see her smiling face
She [F#]made my darkest days look bright,
[B]'Round the old home place.
Don't [E]step on mother's roses let them grow,
The [B]way they did so many years a[E]go.
They'll [A]bloom for me each year and [E]I'll have mother near,
Don't [F#]step on mother's roses let them [E]grow. [B] [E]

Years have passed away now the old home place has changed,
Daddy had to go, we all miss him so
Children pick the roses as they grow along the way
But when their petals are abused I hear my daddy say.

Chorus
Don't step on mother's roses daddy cried,
She planted them the day she was my bride
And every time I see a rose I see her smiling face
She made my darkest days look bright,
'Round the old home place.
Don't step on mother's roses let them grow,
The way they did so many years ago.
They'll bloom for me each year and I'll have mother near,
Don't step on mother's roses let them grow.
Big Tom
Big Tom McBride
I Love You Still Lyrics And Chords By Big Tom McBride.


[D]You know I love you and I [A]always [D]will
I know your married but I [A]love you [D]still

[D]The day I met you my heart [G]spoke to [D]me
It said to love you 'till ete[A]rnity
Not knowing [D]that you were another's bride
I thought I'd always be close [A]by your [D]side

You know I love you and I always will
I know your married but I love you still.

You broke a heart dear that would die for you
I'd give the world dear to belong to you
The game is over now and were both lost
A Broken heart sure will have to pay the cost.

You know I love you and I always will
I know your married but I love you still.

Big Tom And The Mainliners - If It's Lonesome At Your Table Lyrics And Chords
[D]If you’re lonesome at your table and you’re [G]tired of all those tears
You don’t [D]have to keep thinking all the [A]time
Well [D]I in that old boat with you that been [G]sinking for so long
If it’s [D]lonesome at your table you’re [A]welcome at [D]mine

This[D] honky-tonk doesn’t offer much just a [G]port of lonely hearts
A [D]place to think about old lonesome [A]times
I [D]glad you’re here to sympathise where [G]dream world fall apart
If it’s [D]lonesome at your table you’re [A]welcome at [D]mine

Better dry those pretty eyes my dear and wipe the tears away
The world don’t care about you when you’re crying
Well I been blue so dog-long, that I love it when you say
If it’s lonesome at your table you’re welcome at mine

You used to like the songs that I’m playing now
I’ll bet that since that day I must have bought this old jute box a million times
Let’s buy it just once more tonight for I love you when you say
If it’s lonesome at your table you’re welcome at mine

This honky-tonk doesn’t offer much just a port of lonely hearts
A place to think about old lonesome times
I glad you’re here to sympathise where dream world fall apart
If it’s lonesome at your table you’re welcome at mine.

Four Country Roads Lyrics And Chords.
Also recorded by Sean Wilson
​
Big Tom plays this song in the key of Bb
So if you want to play along with the band
then put a capo on the third fret and play these chords.

[G]Four country roads, winding [C]to a town in County Gal[G]way
Four [D]country roads, leading to the friends I left be[G]hind
Four dusty roads, winding [C]to the town of Glenamad[G]dy
Four [D]dusty roads, forever in the caverns of my [G]mind

[G]Once in a while I [C]hear the sound of music in the win[G]ter night I see [D]now and then
The trees where we sheltered from the [G]rain
And once in a while I see [C]us walking home in the morn[G]ing light
And oft are the [D]times I long to see my home town once a[G]gain

Four [C]roads to Glena[G]maddy
Four [C]roads that drift a[G]part
Four [C]roads to Glena[G]maddy
Are the [D]four dusty byways to [G]my heart

[G]One country road [C]led me to the schoolhouse by the [G]meadow
And one country [D]road to the churchyard where my Mum and Daddy [G]lie
One dusty road where I [C]strolled with a loved one in [G]the shadows
And [D]one dusty road that led me on my journey far a[G]way

Big Tom Doesn't Play Here Any More

​
Gentle Mother



​Below is the list of sheet music and tin whistle songs that are in my ebooks. This is the largest collection of tin whistle songs ever put together.[over 800 songs ] Including folk, pop and trad tunes plus German And French songs along with Christmas Carols.
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
​The price of the ebooks is €7.50 . All the songs have lyrics .


Sheet music / tin whistle notes in the ebooks by Big Tom include, An Irish Nurse, Four Country Roads, Going Out The Same Way You Came In.
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​Big Tom McBride (1936–2018) was a legendary Irish country music singer and musician, often referred to as the "King of Irish Country Music." His career spanned several decades, and he became a beloved figure in Ireland’s country music scene for his distinctive voice, heartfelt performances, and strong connection with his fans.
Early Life:
  • Born on September 18, 1936, in Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland, Big Tom grew up in rural Ireland, where traditional music and country sounds were part of everyday life.
  • His early exposure to American country music and Irish folk influenced his later style.
Musical Career:
  • In 1966, Big Tom formed his band, Big Tom and The Mainliners, which became one of the most popular country music acts in Ireland.
  • Their first major hit, "Gentle Mother," became a signature song and catapulted them to fame.
  • Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the band toured extensively, drawing large crowds wherever they performed.
  • Big Tom and The Mainliners were known for their dancehall-style performances, which became a cultural phenomenon in rural Ireland.
Notable Songs:
  • "Gentle Mother" – A sentimental ballad that remains one of his best-loved songs.
  • "Four Country Roads" – Another fan favorite, this song tells the story of longing and homecoming.
  • "Old Log Cabin For Sale" – A classic country tune showcasing Big Tom’s deep, resonant voice.
  • "Back to Castleblayney" – A tribute to his hometown, reflecting his deep ties to his roots.
Style and Impact:
  • Big Tom’s style blended American country music with traditional Irish themes, creating a unique and nostalgic sound.
  • His warm, gravelly voice and relatable lyrics made him a household name in Ireland.
  • He played a significant role in the Irish showband and dancehall scene, which thrived from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Legacy:
  • In 2000, Big Tom was inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to Irish music.
  • Despite health challenges, he continued to perform until shortly before his death.
  • Big Tom passed away on April 17, 2018, at the age of 81, leaving behind a rich legacy in Irish country music. His death was deeply mourned by fans across Ireland.
Cultural Significance:Big Tom is remembered as a pioneer of Irish country music and a beloved cultural icon. His music continues to be celebrated at country music festivals and tributes across Ireland.

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