Irish folk songs
  • Home
  • Lyrics And Chords
  • Tin Whistle Song Book
  • Tin Whistle

Free The People Lyrics And Chords By The Dubliners

Free The People Lyrics And Chords- Written by Phil Coulter.Another classic from Phil who wrote brilliant songs like The Town I Loved So Well and preformed at its best by The Dubliners with Luke Kelly on vocals. There are 2 sets of chords here. The first is the easy version and the second set of guitar chords are in the same key as the Dubliners.

​"Free the People" is a song recorded by The Dubliners, an iconic Irish folk band, that carries themes of freedom, social justice, and the fight against oppression. Written by Phil Coulter, the song is rooted in a tradition of Irish folk music that often addresses political and social struggles.
Themes and Meaning
  1. Freedom and Liberation:
    The core theme of the song is a plea for the liberation of people from oppression, whether political, social, or economic. The repeated line “Free the people, let them have their say” calls for democracy and self-determination.
  2. Empowerment of the Common People:
    The song emphasizes the power and voice of ordinary people. It reflects a belief in grassroots movements and the idea that change must come from the will of the people, not imposed by external forces or elites.
  3. Social Justice:
    There is a strong undercurrent of social justice running through the song, addressing issues like inequality and the importance of giving everyone a fair chance at life and freedom.
  4. Hope and Optimism:
    Despite the weight of its subject, the song’s tone is hopeful and determined. It’s a call to action and an expression of faith in the eventual triumph of freedom and justice.
Context in Irish Folk TraditionIrish folk music has long been a vehicle for political and social commentary. Although "Free the People" doesn’t directly reference a specific political struggle, its themes of liberation and justice resonate with Ireland’s historical fight for independence and social equality. It’s a universal anthem that speaks to all people seeking freedom and equality, making it both timely and timeless.
With its simple but powerful lyrics and The Dubliners' passionate performance, "Free the People" remains a beloved song for its message of hope, justice, and the enduring human spirit.
Luke Kelly lyrics Free The People
Laws were made for people
And the law can never scorn
The right of a man to be free
[Chorus]
Free[C] the[G] people ,[C] let them have their[G] say
[C]Free the[G] people[C] let them[D] see the light of [G]day
 
The[G] dismal dawn was breaking
When they[Em] took her man away
Not[C] knowing what was his[D] crime
Just[G] what was he guilty of
Not[Em] one of them could say
But[C] they'll think of[D] something in[G] time
He[C] says goodbye and re[G]members
[C]We shall[Am] over[D]come
 
Comforting her children
Softly crying in the night
She tried very hard to explain
You know your daddy never did a thing
That wasn't right
So soon he's bound to be home again
He is a good man
And we shall overcome
 
What does it profit him
The right to be born
If he suffers the loss of liberty
Laws were made for people
And the law can never scorn
The right of a man to be free
We are the people
And we shall overcome
We are the people
And we shall overcome
These are the guitar chords as played by The Dubliners.
[Bb]Laws were made for people
And the law can never [Gm]scorn
The [C]right of a [F]man to be free
[Chorus]
Free[Bb] the[F] peo[Dm]ple ,[Bb] let them [C]have their[F] say
[Bb]Free the[F] peop[Dm]le[Bb] let them[C] see the light of [F]day[Bb][F][Bb]
 
The[F] dismal dawn was breaking
When they[Bb] took her man away
Not[Gm] knowing what was his[C] crime
Just[F] what was he guilty of
Not[Bb] one of them could say
But[C] they'll think of something in[F] time
He[Bb] says goodbye and re[Am]members
[Bb]We shall over[C]come

Free[Bb] the[F] peo[Dm]ple ,[Bb] let them [C]have their[F] say
[Bb]Free the[F] peop[Dm]le[Bb] let them[C] see the light of [F]day[Bb][F][Bb]
 

 
[F]Comforting her children
Softly [Bb]crying in the night
She [Gm]tried very hard to ex[C]plane
You [F]know your daddy never did a [Bb]thing
That wasn't right
So [Gm]soon he's bound to [C]be home a[F]gain
[Bb]He is a [Am]good man
And [Bb]we shall [Gm]over[C]come
 
What [F]does it profit him
The [Bb]right to be born
If he [Gm]suffers the loss of liberty
[C]Law's were made for people
And [F]the law can never scorn
[Bb]The right of a man to be free[Gm]
[C]We are the people
And we [F]shall overcome
[Bb]We are the [Am]people
And [Bb]we shall over[C]come
Picture
Picture
Irish Sheet Music Ebook
Blog
Privacy Policy
Cookie Consent
Copyright 2002 - 2025
Contact
  • Home
  • Lyrics And Chords
  • Tin Whistle Song Book
  • Tin Whistle