Give Ireland Back To The Irish lyrics and chords
written by Paul MaCartney. The video is of Charlie And The Bhoys, the guitar chords match the video and were worked out by Marc Fahrbach who is a mighty guitar player from Germany with a love of Irish music and has help me so much with guitar chords.
Chorus:
Give (D)Ireland back to the (G)Irish
Don't (D)make them have to take it a(A)way
Give (D)Ireland back to the (G)Irish
Make (D)Ireland (A7)Irish to(D)day
Great (D)Britain, you are tre(E)mendous
And (G)nobody knows like (D)me
But really what are you (E)doin'
In the (G)land across the (D)sea
Tell me how (Bm)would you (E)like it
If (G)on your way to (D)work
You were (Bm)stopped by Irish (E)soldiers
Would you (G)lie down, do nothing
Would you give in, go ber(A7)serk?
Repeat Chorus
Instrumental Part
Great (D)Britain, and all the (E)people
Say that (G)people must be (D)free
And meanwhile, back in (E)Ireland
There's a (G)man who looks like (D)me
And he (Bm)dreams of God and (E)country
And he's (G)feeling really (D)bad
And he's (Bm)sitting in a (G)prison
Say should he (G)lie down, do nothing
Should he give in, or go (A7)mad?
Repeat Chorus twice
Alternative Version (Use Capo on 4th fret):
Chorus:
Give (G)Ireland back to the (C)Irish
Don't (G)make us have to take it a(D)way
Give (G)Ireland back to the (C)Irish
Make (G)Ireland (D7)Irish to(G)day
Great (G)Britain, you are In(A)druders
And (C)nobody knows like (G)me
So tell me what the hell are you (A)doin'
In this (C)land across the (G)sea
Tell me how (Em)would you (A)like it
If (C)on your way to (G)work
You were (Em)stopped by Irish (A)soldier boys
Would you (C)lie down, do nothing
Would you fight to free your (D7)land?
Repeat Chorus
And (G)England and all its (A)people
Say that (C)people must be (G)free
But meanwhile, here in (A)Ireland
There are (C)lots of men like (G)me
And we (Em)dream of God and (A)country
And we’re (C)feeling really (G)bad
When we’re (Em)lieing in our (A)prison cells
Should we (C)lie down, do nothing
Should we fight to free our (D7)land?
Repeat Chorus several times
Give (D)Ireland back to the (G)Irish
Don't (D)make them have to take it a(A)way
Give (D)Ireland back to the (G)Irish
Make (D)Ireland (A7)Irish to(D)day
Great (D)Britain, you are tre(E)mendous
And (G)nobody knows like (D)me
But really what are you (E)doin'
In the (G)land across the (D)sea
Tell me how (Bm)would you (E)like it
If (G)on your way to (D)work
You were (Bm)stopped by Irish (E)soldiers
Would you (G)lie down, do nothing
Would you give in, go ber(A7)serk?
Repeat Chorus
Instrumental Part
Great (D)Britain, and all the (E)people
Say that (G)people must be (D)free
And meanwhile, back in (E)Ireland
There's a (G)man who looks like (D)me
And he (Bm)dreams of God and (E)country
And he's (G)feeling really (D)bad
And he's (Bm)sitting in a (G)prison
Say should he (G)lie down, do nothing
Should he give in, or go (A7)mad?
Repeat Chorus twice
Alternative Version (Use Capo on 4th fret):
Chorus:
Give (G)Ireland back to the (C)Irish
Don't (G)make us have to take it a(D)way
Give (G)Ireland back to the (C)Irish
Make (G)Ireland (D7)Irish to(G)day
Great (G)Britain, you are In(A)druders
And (C)nobody knows like (G)me
So tell me what the hell are you (A)doin'
In this (C)land across the (G)sea
Tell me how (Em)would you (A)like it
If (C)on your way to (G)work
You were (Em)stopped by Irish (A)soldier boys
Would you (C)lie down, do nothing
Would you fight to free your (D7)land?
Repeat Chorus
And (G)England and all its (A)people
Say that (C)people must be (G)free
But meanwhile, here in (A)Ireland
There are (C)lots of men like (G)me
And we (Em)dream of God and (A)country
And we’re (C)feeling really (G)bad
When we’re (Em)lieing in our (A)prison cells
Should we (C)lie down, do nothing
Should we fight to free our (D7)land?
Repeat Chorus several times
Charlie And The Bhoys Photo
John Lennon, a prominent figure in the music industry and a fervent advocate for peace and equality, has left a lasting impact not only through his music but also through his activism. One of his most controversial songs, 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish,' released in 1972, sparked widespread debate and controversy due to its political nature and call for Irish independence. This song, along with Lennon's unwavering support for the Irish cause, sheds light on the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the issues surrounding it.
Ireland has a long and complex history of colonization and resistance. For centuries, the country has been under British rule, leading to a deep-rooted sense of injustice and resentment among the Irish people. This sentiment was further fueled by the 1916 Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule that ultimately led to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. However, this did not mark the end of the struggle for Irish independence, as Northern Ireland remained under British control.
The Northern Ireland conflict, also known as the Troubles, erupted in the late 1960s, fueled by political and religious divisions between the unionist and nationalist communities. The British government's heavy-handed response to the civil rights movement and the deployment of British troops only escalated the violence and tension in the region. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and a deep divide between the two communities, with the Irish nationalist community feeling marginalized and oppressed.
It was in this context that John Lennon, a former member of the Beatles and a prominent musician, released 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish' in 1972. The song, co-written with his wife Yoko Ono, was a direct response to the Bloody Sunday massacre, where British soldiers shot and killed thirteen unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland. The lyrics of the song were a clear call for Irish independence, with lines such as 'The British army is waiting out there to commit another atrocity,' and 'Remember what happened in Ulster, In the name of God what happened in Ulster.' These lyrics were a powerful condemnation of the British government's actions and a plea for justice and freedom for the Irish people.
The release of the song sparked immense controversy, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) banning it from airplay. The BBC's decision was met with outrage and criticism, with many accusing the corporation of censorship and bias towards the British government. However, Lennon remained steadfast in his support for the Irish cause, stating in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, 'I'm not anti-English, but I am anti- the establishment that runs England and anti-British government.'
Through his music and activism, John Lennon brought global attention to the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the atrocities being committed by the British government in Northern Ireland. He used his platform and influence to raise awareness and advocate for justice and equality for the Irish people. His unwavering stance and support for the Irish cause inspired many, both in Ireland and around the world, to stand in solidarity with the Irish people and their fight for independence.
Furthermore, Lennon's actions and words also shed light on the lingering effects of colonialism and imperialism. The British colonization of Ireland has had a lasting impact on the country, with deep-seated political and social divisions still present today. The Troubles may have officially ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, but the wounds and scars of the conflict still remain.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement for Irish reunification, with Brexit reigniting discussions about the future of Northern Ireland. Many have pointed out the irony of the British government's decision to leave the European Union, a union that has played a crucial role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland. The current political climate has once again brought attention to the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, John Lennon's song 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish' is not only a powerful piece of music but also a call to action for justice and freedom for the Irish people. His unwavering support for the Irish cause and his condemnation of British government actions shed light on the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the issues surrounding it. Through his music and activism, Lennon left a lasting impact on the fight for Irish independence and inspired many to stand in solidarity with the Irish people. As the world continues to grapple with issues of colonization and oppression, Lennon's message of peace and equality for all remains as relevant as ever.
John Lennon, a prominent figure in the music industry and a fervent advocate for peace and equality, has left a lasting impact not only through his music but also through his activism. One of his most controversial songs, 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish,' released in 1972, sparked widespread debate and controversy due to its political nature and call for Irish independence. This song, along with Lennon's unwavering support for the Irish cause, sheds light on the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the issues surrounding it.
Ireland has a long and complex history of colonization and resistance. For centuries, the country has been under British rule, leading to a deep-rooted sense of injustice and resentment among the Irish people. This sentiment was further fueled by the 1916 Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule that ultimately led to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. However, this did not mark the end of the struggle for Irish independence, as Northern Ireland remained under British control.
The Northern Ireland conflict, also known as the Troubles, erupted in the late 1960s, fueled by political and religious divisions between the unionist and nationalist communities. The British government's heavy-handed response to the civil rights movement and the deployment of British troops only escalated the violence and tension in the region. The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths and a deep divide between the two communities, with the Irish nationalist community feeling marginalized and oppressed.
It was in this context that John Lennon, a former member of the Beatles and a prominent musician, released 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish' in 1972. The song, co-written with his wife Yoko Ono, was a direct response to the Bloody Sunday massacre, where British soldiers shot and killed thirteen unarmed civil rights protesters in Derry, Northern Ireland. The lyrics of the song were a clear call for Irish independence, with lines such as 'The British army is waiting out there to commit another atrocity,' and 'Remember what happened in Ulster, In the name of God what happened in Ulster.' These lyrics were a powerful condemnation of the British government's actions and a plea for justice and freedom for the Irish people.
The release of the song sparked immense controversy, with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) banning it from airplay. The BBC's decision was met with outrage and criticism, with many accusing the corporation of censorship and bias towards the British government. However, Lennon remained steadfast in his support for the Irish cause, stating in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, 'I'm not anti-English, but I am anti- the establishment that runs England and anti-British government.'
Through his music and activism, John Lennon brought global attention to the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the atrocities being committed by the British government in Northern Ireland. He used his platform and influence to raise awareness and advocate for justice and equality for the Irish people. His unwavering stance and support for the Irish cause inspired many, both in Ireland and around the world, to stand in solidarity with the Irish people and their fight for independence.
Furthermore, Lennon's actions and words also shed light on the lingering effects of colonialism and imperialism. The British colonization of Ireland has had a lasting impact on the country, with deep-seated political and social divisions still present today. The Troubles may have officially ended with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, but the wounds and scars of the conflict still remain.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement for Irish reunification, with Brexit reigniting discussions about the future of Northern Ireland. Many have pointed out the irony of the British government's decision to leave the European Union, a union that has played a crucial role in promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland. The current political climate has once again brought attention to the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the need for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
In conclusion, John Lennon's song 'Give Ireland Back to the Irish' is not only a powerful piece of music but also a call to action for justice and freedom for the Irish people. His unwavering support for the Irish cause and his condemnation of British government actions shed light on the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty and the issues surrounding it. Through his music and activism, Lennon left a lasting impact on the fight for Irish independence and inspired many to stand in solidarity with the Irish people. As the world continues to grapple with issues of colonization and oppression, Lennon's message of peace and equality for all remains as relevant as ever.
