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

Hometown On The Foyle song lyrics and guitar chords

​"Hometown on the Foyle" is a traditional Irish song that celebrates love for one’s hometown, specifically a place near the River Foyle in Northern Ireland. The River Foyle runs through Derry (Londonderry) and the surrounding areas, which are known for their rich cultural history, deep sense of community, and beautiful landscapes. The song is nostalgic and filled with longing, as it reflects on the beauty and memories of home.

Themes and Meaning:
  1. Nostalgia and Longing for Home:
    • At its heart, "Hometown on the Foyle" is about the deep emotional connection one feels for their place of birth or upbringing. The song captures the feelings of homesickness and yearning for the familiar sights and sounds of home.
    • It’s often sung by those who have left their hometown, whether for work, adventure, or emigration, which was a common theme in Irish history.
  2. Natural Beauty:
    • The River Foyle is a prominent symbol in the song, representing the natural beauty of the region. The river is often depicted as serene and majestic, serving as a reminder of the simple joys and peacefulness of life in rural Ireland.
  3. Community and Memories:
    • The song may refer to specific memories of growing up near the Foyle, highlighting family bonds, friendships, and local traditions that define a sense of belonging.
    • It also speaks to the tight-knit communities found in Irish towns, where shared experiences and histories foster a deep sense of identity.
  4. Pride in Irish Heritage:
    • Like many Irish folk songs, "Hometown on the Foyle" reflects pride in one’s cultural roots and heritage. It honors not just the physical place but also the spirit of the people who live there.

Cultural Context:
  • Emigration and Separation: The themes of separation and longing in Irish folk songs are often tied to historical experiences of emigration. Many Irish people left their homes for better opportunities abroad, making songs like this resonate deeply with those who yearned for the homeland they left behind.
  • The River Foyle: As one of Ireland’s most significant rivers, the Foyle is a symbol of both the land’s beauty and the emotional connection people have to their birthplace. Derry, in particular, has a strong cultural and historical identity tied to the river.

Conclusion:"Hometown on the Foyle" is a poignant, heartfelt song about love for home, nature, and the shared memories that shape one’s identity. It’s a celebration of Irish heritage and the powerful emotions that home can evoke, especially for those separated from it.
An Irish folk song about the City Of Derry. Hometown On The Foyle song lyrics and guitar chords.Youtube video included. Recorded by Daniel O'Donnell, Brian Coll, Thomas Doran,John McNicholl and Irish country singer Catlin Murtagh. Written by Johnny McCauley from Derry who also wrote Pretty Little Girl From Omagh. The chords here in the key of D are set to the way that Daniel O'Donnell sings the song. I have also given the chords in the key of G. [ Genre = Irish folk song lyrics ] The tin whistle sheet music is included plus the mandolin and guitar tab fingerstyle..

Intro chords A G D
[D]As the train pulls out to[Em]day from Derry [D]city,
A thousand memories linger in my [A]mind,
Why [G]do I have to go, it's such a [D]pity,
And [A]all the [Em]dear old [G]friends I leave be[D]hind

[D]As I gaze across the [Em]harbor I'm re[D]calling,
Familiar names like Doherty and [A]Coyle,
Through [G]misty eyes I feel the teardrops [D]falling,
Good[A]bye to my old [G]hometown on the [D]Foyle

D A G D

[D]The spire of Saint [Em]Eugene's seems to [D]vanish,
In the distance o’er the city seems so [A]high,
My [G]childhood dreams, they never seemed to [D]vanish,
When I [A]wondered if they [G]reached up to the [D]sky.

[D]Many thousand miles I've [Em]travelled on my [D]journey,
To a new home on the wild Austrailian [A]soil,
But [G]never can I hope to lose the [D]yearning,
To re[A]turn to my old [G]hometown on the [D]Foyle

No, [G]never can I hope to lose the [D]yearning,
To re[A]turn to my old [G]hometown on the [D]Foyle

Here are the chords for the key of G.
[G]As the train pulls out to[Am]day from Derry [G]city,
A thousand memories linger in my [D]mind,
Why [C]do I have to go, it's such a [G]pity,
And [D]all the [Am]dear old [C]friends I leave be[G]hind

Hometown on the Foyle lyrics
Hometown on the Foyle lyrics

​Hometown on the Foyle sheet music - Johnny McCauley - Key of A

Hometown on the Foyle sheet music
hometown on the foyle sheet music

​Hometown on the Foyle mandolin tab in A Major

Hometown on the Foyle mandolin tab in A Major

Guitar tab fingerstyle

hometown on the foyle guitar tab
Picture
Irish Sheet Music Ebook
Blog
Privacy Policy
Cookie Consent
Copyright 2002 - 2025
Contact
  • Home
  • Lyrics And Chords
  • Tin Whistle Song Book
  • Tin Whistle