I'll Tell Me Ma Sheet Music And Tin Whistle Notes
The easy to play sheet music time signature is 2/2 .I'll Tell Me Ma Tin / Penny Whistle Notes. Recorded by Angelo Kelly and The Kelly Family in 2017. Along with the sheet music I have included the easy to follow piano letter notes for flute or recorder players, plus the banjo / mandolin tab. A traditional Belfast street song. Recorded by Sham - Rock, The Dubliners, The Rum Jacks, The Clancy Brothers and umpteenth other ballad groups around the world. There are two versions of the whistle sheet music, one in G major which is set up for the D whistle, and the second version is in D and goes very high. The youtube video will also teach you how to play I'll Tell Me Ma on the tin whistle which by the way is included in my book of tin whistle songs . This is one of those ballads that are known as ''Street Songs'' , probably because they were sang by children as they played out on the streets. The song lyrics and chords of I'll Tell Me Ma are here. The singer that made this song popular around Ireland during the 1960's was Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners.I'll tell me ma easy beginner piano accordion notes now here. PDF file of the piano score with chords included.
Song meaning.
I'll Tell Me Ma" is a lively, traditional Irish children's song and folk tune. It’s known for its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, often performed at parties and pub singalongs. Here's a breakdown of its themes and meaning:
1. Playful Courtship
The song describes a girl who is the “belle of Belfast City” (sometimes changed to "the belle of Dublin City" in variations). She’s admired by many boys in her town, and they all try to court her.
Despite the attention, the girl is portrayed as independent and playful, keeping the boys guessing about who she will choose.
2. Community Gossip and Rivalry
The song hints at how small communities often thrive on gossip, especially when it comes to courtship and relationships.
The references to neighbors and friends teasing and speculating about the girl reflect the close-knit nature of small-town life.
3. Youthful Energy
The song captures the energy and innocence of youth, where flirtation is lighthearted and fun.
Its repetitive, call-and-response structure makes it easy for children and adults to join in, reinforcing its playful tone.
4. Celebration of Local Beauty
Similar to many Irish folk songs, it’s a celebration of local pride. The girl’s beauty and charm are admired by everyone, making her a local celebrity.
Overall, "I'll Tell Me Ma" is a fun, cheeky song that reflects themes of young love, community spirit, and playful rivalry. Its enduring popularity comes from its infectious rhythm and universal themes of admiration and youthful joy.
Song meaning.
I'll Tell Me Ma" is a lively, traditional Irish children's song and folk tune. It’s known for its upbeat rhythm and catchy chorus, often performed at parties and pub singalongs. Here's a breakdown of its themes and meaning:
1. Playful Courtship
The song describes a girl who is the “belle of Belfast City” (sometimes changed to "the belle of Dublin City" in variations). She’s admired by many boys in her town, and they all try to court her.
Despite the attention, the girl is portrayed as independent and playful, keeping the boys guessing about who she will choose.
2. Community Gossip and Rivalry
The song hints at how small communities often thrive on gossip, especially when it comes to courtship and relationships.
The references to neighbors and friends teasing and speculating about the girl reflect the close-knit nature of small-town life.
3. Youthful Energy
The song captures the energy and innocence of youth, where flirtation is lighthearted and fun.
Its repetitive, call-and-response structure makes it easy for children and adults to join in, reinforcing its playful tone.
4. Celebration of Local Beauty
Similar to many Irish folk songs, it’s a celebration of local pride. The girl’s beauty and charm are admired by everyone, making her a local celebrity.
Overall, "I'll Tell Me Ma" is a fun, cheeky song that reflects themes of young love, community spirit, and playful rivalry. Its enduring popularity comes from its infectious rhythm and universal themes of admiration and youthful joy.
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
Here's the banjo tab.
I'll tell me ma easy beginner piano notes
I'll tell me ma sheet music in the key of C Major
PDF file of the piano score with chords

ill-tell-me-ma-piano-sheet-music-with-chords.pdf |
Key of G Major
Key of D Major
Below is the full sheet music score for I'll Tell Me Ma