Let Him Go Let Him Tarry Irish song lyrics and guitar chords
"Let Him Go, Let Him Tarry" is a traditional Irish folk song with a theme of independence and resilience in love. The song is sung from the perspective of someone who has experienced heartbreak but refuses to be controlled or devastated by it. It carries a tone of defiant self-empowerment, making it a popular singalong tune for celebrations and social gatherings.
Song Meaning and Themes
Notable Lyrics"Let him go, let him tarry, let him sink or let him swim,
He doesn’t care for me, and I don’t care for him."
These lines perfectly capture the song’s essence: letting go of someone who doesn’t reciprocate love and moving forward with confidence.
Legacy and Popularity
Song Meaning and Themes
- Emotional Independence:
The song’s narrator has been rejected or mistreated by a lover, but instead of despairing, they choose to let him go and move on. This reflects a strong sense of self-worth and empowerment. - Rejection of Toxic Love:
The lyrics suggest that the person in question was unreliable or not worth the narrator’s love. The act of “letting him tarry” (wander aimlessly) is symbolic of releasing toxic relationships and embracing freedom. - Joyful Defiance:
Despite the underlying story of a failed romance, the song has a light, upbeat feel. The lively melody and catchy chorus help create a sense of celebration rather than sadness, as if the narrator is relieved to be rid of the lover. - Communal Singing Tradition:
The repetitive and easy-to-remember structure makes the song a favorite in Irish folk circles, pubs, and gatherings. It’s a song that celebrates resilience with an infectious, joyful spirit.
Notable Lyrics"Let him go, let him tarry, let him sink or let him swim,
He doesn’t care for me, and I don’t care for him."
These lines perfectly capture the song’s essence: letting go of someone who doesn’t reciprocate love and moving forward with confidence.
Legacy and Popularity
- The song has been performed by various Irish folk singers and groups, including The Clancy Brothers and Mary Black.
- It remains a popular song at festive Irish gatherings and pub sessions, often sung with gusto and good humor.
From 1900s, A traditional Irish song. First recorded by Gracie Fields. The song was also recorded by The Irish Rovers ballad group, Jean Simmons, Ann Breen who recorded the Big Tom hit Gentle Mother song , and Elenor Shanley. Ruby sings it in the key of C and she's the singer in the youtube video.. The guitar chords in C Major are in Chordpro. added.
[C]Let him go, let him[C7] tarry,[F] let him sink or let him [C]swim;
He[G7] don't care for me, and I'm sure I don't for [C]him
[C]He can go and find an[C7]other, and I[F] hope she'll bring him[C] joy
For[G7] I'm goin' to marry a far nicer [C]boy.
Farewell to cold winter, now that summer's come at last;
Nothing have I gained, but my true love I have lost.
I'll sing and I'll be happy like a bird upon the tree
For since he deceived me, I care no more for he.
chorus
He wrote me a letter saying he was very bad,
I sent him back an answer saying I was very glad.
He wrote me another saying he was well and strong,
But I care no more for him than the ground he walks upon.
Some of his friends had a good kind wish for me,
Others of his friends, they could hang me from a tree;
But soon I'll let them see my love, and soon I'll let them know
That I can get a new sweetheart on any ground I go.
He can go to his old mother,now, and set her mind at ease,
For she's a mean old woman, and very hard to please,
It's slighting me and talking ill is all she's ever done
Since I was courtin' her great big ugly son
He[G7] don't care for me, and I'm sure I don't for [C]him
[C]He can go and find an[C7]other, and I[F] hope she'll bring him[C] joy
For[G7] I'm goin' to marry a far nicer [C]boy.
Farewell to cold winter, now that summer's come at last;
Nothing have I gained, but my true love I have lost.
I'll sing and I'll be happy like a bird upon the tree
For since he deceived me, I care no more for he.
chorus
He wrote me a letter saying he was very bad,
I sent him back an answer saying I was very glad.
He wrote me another saying he was well and strong,
But I care no more for him than the ground he walks upon.
Some of his friends had a good kind wish for me,
Others of his friends, they could hang me from a tree;
But soon I'll let them see my love, and soon I'll let them know
That I can get a new sweetheart on any ground I go.
He can go to his old mother,now, and set her mind at ease,
For she's a mean old woman, and very hard to please,
It's slighting me and talking ill is all she's ever done
Since I was courtin' her great big ugly son
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 . Let Him Go Let Him Tarry Tin Whistle Sheet Music Included.
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50 . Let Him Go Let Him Tarry Tin Whistle Sheet Music Included.
Below are the 5 string banjo chords in the key of C Major.
The song 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' is a traditional folk song that has been sung and passed down for generations. Its lyrics tell the story of a woman who is struggling with her feelings for a man, torn between letting him go and tarrying for him to return. The song is not only a reflection of the complexities of love and relationships, but also a representation of the cultural and societal norms of its time.
The origins of the song are difficult to trace, as it has been sung in various forms and versions throughout history. It is believed to have originated in the British Isles, and was brought to North America by early settlers. Over time, the song evolved and adapted to the different regions and cultures it was introduced to, but its core message remained the same.
At its heart, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' is a song about unrequited love and the struggle to let go or hold on to someone. The lyrics depict a woman who is deeply in love with a man who is not reciprocating her feelings. She is torn between wanting to let him go and move on, and the hope that he will come back to her. This internal conflict is something that many people can relate to, as unrequited love is a universal experience.
However, the song also reflects the societal expectations and norms of its time. In the traditional patriarchal societies of the British Isles and early North America, women were often expected to be passive and submissive in relationships. The woman in the song is not given a name or any agency, she is simply referred to as 'she.' This reflects the limited roles and expectations placed on women during that time period.
The line 'Let him go, let him tarry, let him sink or let him swim' also speaks to the idea of a woman's worth being tied to the success or failure of a man. In a time when a woman's value was often determined by her marriage and ability to please a man, this line reinforces the idea that a woman's happiness and fulfillment is dependent on a man's actions.
Furthermore, the song also reflects the societal pressure for a woman to remain pure and chaste until marriage. The woman states that she has given her heart to the man, but only 'on the promise of his wedding ring.' This highlights the societal expectations for women to wait for marriage before engaging in any type of physical or emotional intimacy.
In addition to its societal and cultural implications, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' also showcases the enduring nature of folk music. Despite being passed down through generations, the song's message and themes are still relevant today. The struggle of unrequited love, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the difficulty of letting go are all universal experiences that continue to be explored in popular music.
The song has also been adapted and covered by various artists, further solidifying its place in music history. From traditional folk singers to modern pop artists, the song has been interpreted and reimagined in different styles and genres. This not only speaks to the timelessness of the song, but also its ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
In conclusion, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' is not just a simple folk song, but a reflection of the complexities and nuances of human relationships and societal expectations. Its enduring popularity and relevance in modern times is a testament to its timeless message and universal appeal. The song continues to be a beloved part of folk music history, and will likely be sung and passed down for generations to come.
The origins of the song are difficult to trace, as it has been sung in various forms and versions throughout history. It is believed to have originated in the British Isles, and was brought to North America by early settlers. Over time, the song evolved and adapted to the different regions and cultures it was introduced to, but its core message remained the same.
At its heart, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' is a song about unrequited love and the struggle to let go or hold on to someone. The lyrics depict a woman who is deeply in love with a man who is not reciprocating her feelings. She is torn between wanting to let him go and move on, and the hope that he will come back to her. This internal conflict is something that many people can relate to, as unrequited love is a universal experience.
However, the song also reflects the societal expectations and norms of its time. In the traditional patriarchal societies of the British Isles and early North America, women were often expected to be passive and submissive in relationships. The woman in the song is not given a name or any agency, she is simply referred to as 'she.' This reflects the limited roles and expectations placed on women during that time period.
The line 'Let him go, let him tarry, let him sink or let him swim' also speaks to the idea of a woman's worth being tied to the success or failure of a man. In a time when a woman's value was often determined by her marriage and ability to please a man, this line reinforces the idea that a woman's happiness and fulfillment is dependent on a man's actions.
Furthermore, the song also reflects the societal pressure for a woman to remain pure and chaste until marriage. The woman states that she has given her heart to the man, but only 'on the promise of his wedding ring.' This highlights the societal expectations for women to wait for marriage before engaging in any type of physical or emotional intimacy.
In addition to its societal and cultural implications, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' also showcases the enduring nature of folk music. Despite being passed down through generations, the song's message and themes are still relevant today. The struggle of unrequited love, the pressure to conform to societal norms, and the difficulty of letting go are all universal experiences that continue to be explored in popular music.
The song has also been adapted and covered by various artists, further solidifying its place in music history. From traditional folk singers to modern pop artists, the song has been interpreted and reimagined in different styles and genres. This not only speaks to the timelessness of the song, but also its ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
In conclusion, 'Let Him Go Let Him Tarry' is not just a simple folk song, but a reflection of the complexities and nuances of human relationships and societal expectations. Its enduring popularity and relevance in modern times is a testament to its timeless message and universal appeal. The song continues to be a beloved part of folk music history, and will likely be sung and passed down for generations to come.
Let Him Go Let Him Tarry Chords in the key of G
[G]Let him go, let him[G7] tarry,[C] let him sink or let him [G]swim;
He[D7] don't care for me, and I'm sure I don't for [G]him
[G]He can go and find an[G7]other, and I[C] hope she'll bring him[G] joy
For[D7] I'm goin' to marry a far nicer [G]boy.
[G]Let him go, let him[G7] tarry,[C] let him sink or let him [G]swim;
He[D7] don't care for me, and I'm sure I don't for [G]him
[G]He can go and find an[G7]other, and I[C] hope she'll bring him[G] joy
For[D7] I'm goin' to marry a far nicer [G]boy.
