Dirty Old Town Song lyrics and guitar chords
Dirty old town lyrics, chords and fingerstyle / picking tab plus a version of the guitar tab in DADGAD Tuning in PDF. This is a pretty easy song for guitar and will teach you how to play the song in no time. The tenor banjo and 5 string banjo / mandolin chords shapes are included for standard Irish tuning of GDAE in the key of G Major.Recorded by Ewan McCall and by The Dubliners with Luke Kelly singing also by The Pogues, The High Kings, Paddy Reilly, Rod Stewart, Brush Shields, The Specials plus many more.The music time signature is 4/4. The sheet music for Dirty Old Town is in the tin whistle section. These chords are also suitable for strumming the mandolin or ukulele. The latest ballad group I found that recorded this song was The Whistlin' Donkeys in 2019. Guitar chords in chordpro format. Dirty old town tenor guitar / mandola tab IN cgda tuning now included plus the bass tab and a version in DADGAD tuning..
Who wrote Dirty Old Town ? Ewan McCall wrote it.
What place is the song about ?
The song is about theCity of 'Salford, Lancashire, England and it was written in 1946.
Most recent recording by Jamie Webster - Live version at the Booton Factory Dublin. Youtube views in 11 months 1,225,046 [ impressive ]
What place is the song about ?
The song is about theCity of 'Salford, Lancashire, England and it was written in 1946.
Most recent recording by Jamie Webster - Live version at the Booton Factory Dublin. Youtube views in 11 months 1,225,046 [ impressive ]
| dirty-old-town-celtic_guitar_tab_in_dadgad_tuning.pdf |
It might surprise you to know that The Pogues Version
of Dirty Old Town uses three different keys.
The intro. on the harmonica is played in the key of
D Major. Then the verses are played in the key of G Major.
And the instrumental using the uillean pipes is in the
key of C Major
So the start of the song should be played on guitar using
the chords below.
[Harmonica Part Don't sing this part
I met my [D]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [G]dream by the old ca[D]nal
Dirty old [Em]town,,[D] ]
Then the verses in the key of G Major.
I met my [G]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [C]dream by the old ca[G]nal
Kissed a [G]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
Clouds a [G]drifting across the moon
Cats a [C]prowling on their[G] beat
Spring's a girl in the street at night
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
[Instrimental on uilleann pipes
Don't sing this verses.
I met my [C]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [F]dream by the old ca[C]nal
Kissed a [C]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [Dm]town dirty old [Am]town]
Heard a [G]siren from the docks
Saw a [C]train set the night on [G]fire
Smelled the spring on the smokey wind
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
I'm going to[G] make a good sharp axe
Shining [C]steel tempered in the [G]fire
Will chop you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
Version in the key of C Major
I[C] met my love by the gas works wall,
Dreamed a[F] dream by the[G] old ca[C]nal,
Kissed my[Am] girl by the factry[C] wall,
Dirty old[Am] town,[G]dirty old[Am] town
[2]
I heard a siren from the docks,
Saw a train set the night on fire,
Smelled the spring on the smoky wind,
Dirty old town,dirty old town.
[3]
Clouds are drifting across the moon,
Cats are prowling on their beat
Springs a girl from the streets at night,
Diriy old town,dirty old town.
[4]
I'm going to make me a good sharp axe,
Shining steel,tempered in the fire,
I'll chop you down like an old dead tree,
Dirty old town,dirty old town
of Dirty Old Town uses three different keys.
The intro. on the harmonica is played in the key of
D Major. Then the verses are played in the key of G Major.
And the instrumental using the uillean pipes is in the
key of C Major
So the start of the song should be played on guitar using
the chords below.
[Harmonica Part Don't sing this part
I met my [D]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [G]dream by the old ca[D]nal
Dirty old [Em]town,,[D] ]
Then the verses in the key of G Major.
I met my [G]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [C]dream by the old ca[G]nal
Kissed a [G]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
Clouds a [G]drifting across the moon
Cats a [C]prowling on their[G] beat
Spring's a girl in the street at night
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
[Instrimental on uilleann pipes
Don't sing this verses.
I met my [C]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [F]dream by the old ca[C]nal
Kissed a [C]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [Dm]town dirty old [Am]town]
Heard a [G]siren from the docks
Saw a [C]train set the night on [G]fire
Smelled the spring on the smokey wind
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
I'm going to[G] make a good sharp axe
Shining [C]steel tempered in the [G]fire
Will chop you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
Version in the key of C Major
I[C] met my love by the gas works wall,
Dreamed a[F] dream by the[G] old ca[C]nal,
Kissed my[Am] girl by the factry[C] wall,
Dirty old[Am] town,[G]dirty old[Am] town
[2]
I heard a siren from the docks,
Saw a train set the night on fire,
Smelled the spring on the smoky wind,
Dirty old town,dirty old town.
[3]
Clouds are drifting across the moon,
Cats are prowling on their beat
Springs a girl from the streets at night,
Diriy old town,dirty old town.
[4]
I'm going to make me a good sharp axe,
Shining steel,tempered in the fire,
I'll chop you down like an old dead tree,
Dirty old town,dirty old town
Below is the PDF Ebook of folk songs lyrics and chords. The songs are in 3 different keys, just like the versions of Dirty Old Town on this page. There's over 500 songs in the ebook. Most have only 3 easy chords.
Price €8.90 . I'll email the ebook after payment.
Price €8.90 . I'll email the ebook after payment.
Dirty Old Town is a song written by English songwriter Ewan MacColl in 1949. It has since become an iconic folk song that has been covered by numerous artists, including the Pogues, the Dubliners, and Rod Stewart. The song has been described as a love letter to the city of Salford, a working-class town in the north of England, and its themes of nostalgia, longing, and change have resonated with audiences for over seven decades. This thesis will explore the significance and impact of Dirty Old Town as a cultural artifact, examining its history, lyrics, and enduring legacy.
The history of Dirty Old Town is closely tied to the life of its writer, Ewan MacColl. Born James Henry Miller in Lancashire, England, in 1915, MacColl was a prolific songwriter and political activist who wrote over 300 songs in his career. He was a prominent figure in the British folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s and is best known for his contributions to the genre, including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and The Manchester Rambler. MacColl's political beliefs and working-class background heavily influenced his songwriting and can be seen in the lyrics of Dirty Old Town.
The lyrics of Dirty Old Town paint a picture of urban decay and the struggles faced by the working-class. The song is set in the town of Salford, a once-thriving industrial town that had fallen into decline by the time MacColl wrote the song. The opening lines, 'I met my love by the gasworks wall / Dreamed a dream by the old canal,' immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed. The gasworks and canal represent the industrial past of the town, now abandoned and falling into disrepair. The chorus, 'Dirty old town, dirty old town / Clouds are drifting across the moon,' further emphasizes the bleakness and desolation of the town.
However, amidst the decay and hardship, the song also contains a sense of hope and love. The line 'I kissed my girl by the factory wall / Dirty old town, dirty old town' suggests that even in the midst of a dirty old town, love can still flourish. This juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness is a recurring theme in the song and reflects MacColl's belief in the resilience of the working-class.
The song also touches on the theme of change and the struggle to hold onto the past. In the verse 'I heard a siren from the docks / Saw a train set the night on fire,' MacColl references the modernization and industrialization of the town, which has brought about change and upheaval. The line 'I'm going to make me a big sharp axe / Shining steel tempered in the fire' can be interpreted as a metaphor for fighting against these changes and preserving the old ways of life.
Dirty Old Town has had a lasting impact on popular culture, not only in its original form but also through the numerous cover versions that have been recorded over the years. One of the most well-known covers is by the Pogues, who released their version of the song in 1985. The Pogues' version, with its energetic and raucous delivery, brought the song to a new audience and cemented its place in the punk and Irish folk genres. The song has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, further solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
The enduring popularity and cultural significance of Dirty Old Town can be attributed to its universal themes of nostalgia, love, and change. The song speaks to the human experience and resonates with people from all walks of life. Its powerful lyrics and haunting melody have stood the test of time and continue to capture the hearts and minds of listeners today.
In conclusion, Dirty Old Town is more than just a song; it is a cultural artifact that represents the struggles and resilience of the working-class and the changing landscape of industrial towns. Its enduring legacy and widespread popularity are a testament to the power of music to connect people and to reflect the human experience. As long as there are dirty old towns, this song will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who hear it.
The history of Dirty Old Town is closely tied to the life of its writer, Ewan MacColl. Born James Henry Miller in Lancashire, England, in 1915, MacColl was a prolific songwriter and political activist who wrote over 300 songs in his career. He was a prominent figure in the British folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s and is best known for his contributions to the genre, including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and The Manchester Rambler. MacColl's political beliefs and working-class background heavily influenced his songwriting and can be seen in the lyrics of Dirty Old Town.
The lyrics of Dirty Old Town paint a picture of urban decay and the struggles faced by the working-class. The song is set in the town of Salford, a once-thriving industrial town that had fallen into decline by the time MacColl wrote the song. The opening lines, 'I met my love by the gasworks wall / Dreamed a dream by the old canal,' immediately evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time that has passed. The gasworks and canal represent the industrial past of the town, now abandoned and falling into disrepair. The chorus, 'Dirty old town, dirty old town / Clouds are drifting across the moon,' further emphasizes the bleakness and desolation of the town.
However, amidst the decay and hardship, the song also contains a sense of hope and love. The line 'I kissed my girl by the factory wall / Dirty old town, dirty old town' suggests that even in the midst of a dirty old town, love can still flourish. This juxtaposition of beauty and ugliness is a recurring theme in the song and reflects MacColl's belief in the resilience of the working-class.
The song also touches on the theme of change and the struggle to hold onto the past. In the verse 'I heard a siren from the docks / Saw a train set the night on fire,' MacColl references the modernization and industrialization of the town, which has brought about change and upheaval. The line 'I'm going to make me a big sharp axe / Shining steel tempered in the fire' can be interpreted as a metaphor for fighting against these changes and preserving the old ways of life.
Dirty Old Town has had a lasting impact on popular culture, not only in its original form but also through the numerous cover versions that have been recorded over the years. One of the most well-known covers is by the Pogues, who released their version of the song in 1985. The Pogues' version, with its energetic and raucous delivery, brought the song to a new audience and cemented its place in the punk and Irish folk genres. The song has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and advertisements, further solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
The enduring popularity and cultural significance of Dirty Old Town can be attributed to its universal themes of nostalgia, love, and change. The song speaks to the human experience and resonates with people from all walks of life. Its powerful lyrics and haunting melody have stood the test of time and continue to capture the hearts and minds of listeners today.
In conclusion, Dirty Old Town is more than just a song; it is a cultural artifact that represents the struggles and resilience of the working-class and the changing landscape of industrial towns. Its enduring legacy and widespread popularity are a testament to the power of music to connect people and to reflect the human experience. As long as there are dirty old towns, this song will continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who hear it.
Dirty old town guitar tab
Dirty old town tenor guitar / mandola tab tuning CGDA
Above is the youtube video of the Pogues playing Dirty Old Town
and below is the 5 string banjo chords.
and below is the 5 string banjo chords.
Bass guitar tab in A Major
Guitar tab in DADGAD Irish tuning
Dirty old town lyrics
Dirty Old Town Chords In The Key Of A
[A]Met my love, by the gas yard wall
Dreamed a [D]dream, by the old ca[A]nal
Kissed my girl, by the factory wall
Dirty old [E]town, dirty old [F#m]town
Key Of C
[C]Met my love, by the gas yard wall
Dreamed a [F]dream, by the old ca[C]nal
Kissed my girl, by the factory wall
Dirty old [G]town, dirty old [Am]town
[A]Met my love, by the gas yard wall
Dreamed a [D]dream, by the old ca[A]nal
Kissed my girl, by the factory wall
Dirty old [E]town, dirty old [F#m]town
Key Of C
[C]Met my love, by the gas yard wall
Dreamed a [F]dream, by the old ca[C]nal
Kissed my girl, by the factory wall
Dirty old [G]town, dirty old [Am]town
The Dubliners
Below is the banjo / mandolin chords shapes for the key of G Major.
A simple 3 chord job. The same chords are used in the whole song.
I met my [G]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [C]dream by the old ca[G]nal
Kissed a [G]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
A simple 3 chord job. The same chords are used in the whole song.
I met my [G]love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a [C]dream by the old ca[G]nal
Kissed a [G]girl by the factory wall
Dirty old [D]town dirty old [Em]town
