Doonaree Lyrics And Chords
"Doonaree" is a nostalgic and romantic Irish song, originally written by Terence O'Reilly. The song tells the story of a man reminiscing about a fleeting yet profound romance he experienced in the beautiful town of Doonaree, which is thought to refer to Doonaree, County Cavan, in Ireland. It’s a sentimental song that reflects themes of love, memory, and longing.
Song Meaning and Themes
Musical Style
Notable Performances
Cultural Significance"Doonaree" holds a special place in Irish music for its evocative storytelling and emotional resonance. It exemplifies the Irish tradition of combining place, memory, and emotion in song, creating a piece that is both personal and universal.
Song Meaning and Themes
- Love and Longing:
- The central theme of the song is a romantic encounter in Doonaree. Although the relationship seems to have been short-lived, its memory lingers and brings both joy and sorrow to the singer.
- The lyrics express deep emotions of yearning for the past and the bittersweet beauty of cherished memories.
- Connection to Place:
- The setting of Doonaree is significant. In Irish folk songs, locations are often romanticized and become symbolic of the emotions tied to the story. Doonaree serves as the backdrop for love and longing, with its natural beauty adding to the song’s emotional depth.
- Nostalgia:
- Like many traditional Irish ballads, "Doonaree" captures the theme of time’s passing and the memories that remain after love is lost. It’s a reflective piece that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar moments of longing or wistfulness.
Musical Style
- The melody of "Doonaree" is soft and lilting, typical of Irish ballads. It’s often performed in a slow, reflective style, with instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, fiddle, or tin whistle accompanying the vocals.
- Its gentle and melodic nature makes it a favorite for intimate settings, folk sessions, and traditional Irish performances.
Notable Performances
- The song has been performed by various artists over the years, particularly those in the Irish folk and country music scenes. Its enduring popularity reflects its universal themes and timeless appeal.
Cultural Significance"Doonaree" holds a special place in Irish music for its evocative storytelling and emotional resonance. It exemplifies the Irish tradition of combining place, memory, and emotion in song, creating a piece that is both personal and universal.
The guitar chords fit the version by Ruby Murray. The song was also recorded by Larry Conningham, Eileen Donaghy, Vira Lynn, Connie Foley and Glen Curtin. There's a heap of old folk songs that got covered by singer Ruby Murray including If Your Irish Come Into The Parlor Song which is popular with ex pats living away from home. Sheet music included plus a pdf version.
Doonaree PDF Sheet Music

doonaree-sheet-music.pdf |