Dicey Reilly Tin Whistle Sheet Music Notes

Recorded by The Dubliners with Ronnie Drew singing. An old traditional Irish song. The banjo tab in the key of A Major is included. Dicey Reilly Lyrics And Chords . Dicey Reilly ukulele tenor tab added.

Song meaning.

"Dicey Reilly" is a traditional Irish folk song that humorously tells the story of a woman named Dicey Reilly, who is known for her love of drinking. Often associated with Dublin’s pub culture, the song paints a vivid and comedic portrait of the title character’s exploits and her resilience despite her hard-drinking lifestyle.

1. A Portrait of a Hard-Drinking Woman

• Dicey Reilly is depicted as a woman who enjoys frequenting pubs and indulging in alcohol. The lyrics often describe her as drinking from morning to night, with lines like "Poor old Dicey Reilly, she has taken to the sup."
• While humorous in tone, the song also captures the gritty reality of life in the working-class neighborhoods of Dublin, where alcohol often provided both an escape and a social centerpiece.

2. Celebration of Resilience

• Despite her lifestyle, Dicey Reilly is portrayed as a tough and resilient figure. She’s someone who has faced life’s hardships head-on and continues to enjoy herself in her own way. There’s a certain admiration in the song for her ability to survive and thrive in difficult circumstances.
• The song’s tone is not judgmental but rather celebratory and lighthearted, highlighting the Irish tradition of storytelling that embraces flawed but lovable characters.

3. Social Commentary

• "Dicey Reilly" also provides a glimpse into Dublin’s working-class culture during the early 20th century. The pubs served as communal gathering places where people could share stories, bond, and escape their troubles for a while. Dicey is emblematic of this pub-centered culture.
• The song may also reflect the struggles many people faced at the time, including poverty, social pressures, and the impact of alcohol as both a solace and a vice.

4. Humor and Irish Wit

• The song’s upbeat melody and witty lyrics make it a favorite for singalongs in Irish pubs. It’s often performed with a playful, tongue-in-cheek attitude that highlights the Irish tradition of using humor to cope with life’s challenges.
• The repetition of the chorus and the catchy tune make it easy for audiences to join in, contributing to its enduring popularity.

5. Cultural Legacy

• "Dicey Reilly" has been recorded by many Irish folk artists, including The Dubliners and The Clancy Brothers, and remains a staple of Irish pub music. Its blend of humor, storytelling, and musicality make it a beloved part of Irish folk tradition.

Summary"Dicey Reilly" is a humorous Irish folk song that tells the story of a hard-drinking, resilient woman who embodies Dublin’s working-class pub culture. Through its lighthearted lyrics and celebratory tone, the song captures the spirit of Irish storytelling and camaraderie, making it a popular choice for pub singalongs and folk performances.

​Dicey Reilly piano / Tin Whistle sheet music with chords in C Major

Dicey Reilly sheet music notes in solfege do re mi format

Below is the standard sheet music for Dicey Reilly in G Major.

Dicey Reilly Tin Whistle Sheet Music Notes

Dicey Reilly mandolin / banjo Music Notes