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Down By The Glenside Sheet Music And Tin Whistle Notes

The full sheet music score is included with letter notes for every verse. Down By The Glenside beginner piano notes now added. Music By Peadar Kearney, This slow air is sometimes mistakenly referred to as The Bold Fenian Men which is a different song altogether. Written by Peadar Kearney, recorded by Paddy Reilly [Dubliners] The Wolfe Tones, The Clancy Brothers among others. Down By The Glenside lyrics and chords the piano melody music notes are below. The youtube music video by myself. Down by the glenside sheet music notes in Solfege , Do re mi format now added plus the tenor Ukulele tab.

The mandolin / tenor banjo tab is in this ebook here .
Song meaning.
"Down By the Glenside (The Bold Fenian Men)" is a poignant Irish rebel song that reflects on Ireland’s struggle for independence and honors the memory of those who fought for freedom. Written by Peadar Kearney, the same author who wrote "The Soldier's Song" (the Irish national anthem), the song captures the spirit of the Irish nationalist movement and the legacy of the Fenian Brotherhood, an organization dedicated to Irish independence.

1. Reverence for Ireland’s Rebels
  • The song is narrated by someone who encounters an elderly woman sitting by the glenside, weeping as she reminisces about the "bold Fenian men." The Fenian Brotherhood, founded in the 1850s, was a revolutionary group committed to ending British rule in Ireland.
  • The woman’s tears symbolize the sorrow and sacrifices made during Ireland’s long and often violent struggle for freedom. However, her reverence for the rebels also reflects a deep sense of pride in their courage and cause.

2. Themes of Memory and Legacy
  • The song reflects on the past while acknowledging its continued relevance. Lines like "The glory their memory lends" emphasize how the memory of past rebels serves as an inspiration for future generations in the fight for Irish freedom.
  • This idea of carrying on the legacy of the Fenian movement resonates strongly in Irish nationalist history and culture, where past sacrifices are honored as part of the ongoing quest for independence and justice.

3. Hope and Continued Struggle
  • Despite its somber tone, the song also contains a glimmer of hope. The reference to the "springtime of freedom" implies that Ireland’s ultimate freedom is not just a distant dream but something that may one day be realized.
  • The imagery of nature—glensides, meadows, and hills—connects the struggle to Ireland’s land and identity, reinforcing the idea that the country’s destiny is deeply tied to its natural beauty and historical sacrifices.

4. Emotional and Cultural Resonance
  • "Down By the Glenside" became a powerful anthem for Irish nationalists and remains a symbol of Ireland’s historical struggles for independence. The song is often performed with a mournful yet reverent tone, capturing both the grief of past losses and the enduring pride of the Irish people.
  • It has been recorded by numerous Irish artists, including The Dubliners and Sinéad O'Connor, and is frequently performed at cultural events and commemorations.

5. Symbolism of the Woman
  • The old woman in the song may symbolize Ireland herself, carrying the weight of its history and mourning for the many lives lost in the fight for freedom. Her tears and reflections suggest both sorrow and resilience, embodying the spirit of a nation that has endured but never given up hope.

Summary"Down By the Glenside" is a moving tribute to Ireland’s fight for independence, honoring the memory of the Fenian rebels who sacrificed for freedom. With its themes of loss, reverence, and hope, the song captures the spirit of Irish nationalism and serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s history and resilience.

Down by the glenside / bold Fenian men tin whistle tab
​​​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 900 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 
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​Down By The Glenside [ Bold Fenian Men ] beginner piano notes

Down By The Glenside beginner piano notes
PDF Ebook Of Letter Notes
B B E F# E D
 
E G A B D' B
 
B B E F# E D E G A B D' B
 
B B E' F'# E'
 
E F# G A G F# D
 
E F G     A B D'
 
B A B E F# E
 
The last two lines are the chorus. All lines beforehand 
are the notes for each verse. In the video I play G A B 
instead of the two Bs, just to make it sound more interesting.
 
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Down by the glenside sheet music notes in Solfege , Do re mi format .
Down by the glenside sheet music notes in Solfege , Do re mi format .
Below is the full sheet music for Down By The Glenside in the key of G Major
Down by the glenside full sheet music score in the key of G Major
Down By The Glenside Sheet Music And Tin Whistle Notes
Down by the glenside tin whistle sheet music
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