Lisdoonvarna Song lyrics and guitar chords
Christy Moore, Lisdoonvarna is in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland, each year thousands of single men and women would head off for the week in search of love. This song was a launching pad for Christy Moore, it was his first big hit.
How's it goin' there everybody,
From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork and Glenamaddy. Here we are in the County Clare It's a long, long way from here to there. There's the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, the Tulla and the Kilfenora, Miko Russell, Doctor Bill, Willy Clancy, Noel Hill. Flutes and fiddles everywhere. If it's music you want, You should go to Clare. CHORUS Oh, Lisdoonvarna Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoonvarna! Everybody needs a break, Climb a mountain or jump in a lake. Some head off to exotic places, Others go to the Galway Races [ lyrics ]. Mattie goes to the South of France, Jim to the dogs, Peter to the dance. A cousin of mine goes potholing, A cousin of heres loves Joe Dolan. Summer comes around each year, We go there and they come here. Some jet off to ... Frijiliana, But I always go to Lisdoonvarna. CHORUS I always leave on a Thursday night, With me tent and me groundsheet rolled up tight. I like to hit Lisdoon, In around Friday afternoon. This gives me time to get me tent up and my gear together, I don't need to worry about the weather. Ramble in for a pint of stout, you'd never know who'd be hangin' about! There's a Dutchman playing a mandolin, And a German looking for Liam Óg O'Floinn. And there's Adam, Bono and Garrett Fitzgerald, Gettin' their photos taken for the Sunday World. Finbarr, Charlie and Jim Hand, And they drinkin' pints to bate the band. CHORUS The multitudes, they flocked in throngs To hear the music and the songs. Motorbikes and Hi-ace vans, With bottles - barrels - flagons - cans. Mighty craic. Loads of frolics, Pioneers and alcoholics, PLAC, SPUC and the FCA, Free Nicky Kelly and the IRA. Hairy chests and milk-white thighs, mickey dodgers in disguise. Mc Graths, O'Briens, Pippins, Coxs, Massage parlours in horse boxes. There's amhráns, bodhráns, amadáns, Arab sheiks, Hindu Sikhs, Jesus freaks, RTE are makin' tapes, takin' breaks and throwin' shapes. This is heaven, this is hell. Who cares? Who can tell? (Anyone for the last few Choc Ices, now?) CHORUS A 747 for Jackson Browne, They had to build a special runway just to get him down. Before the Chieftains could start to play, Seven creamy pints came out on a tray. Shergar was ridden by Lord Lucan, Seán Cannon did the backstage cookin'. Clannad were playin' "Harry's Game", Christy was singin' "Nancy Spain". Mary O'Hara and Brush Shields, Together singin' "The Four Green Fields [ lyrics ]". Van the Man and Emmy Lou, Moving Hearts and Planxty too! CHORUS Everybody needs a break, Climb a mountain or jump in a lake. Sean Doherty goes to the Rose of Tralee, Oliver J. Flanagan goes swimming in the Holy Sea. But I like the music and the open air, So every Summer I go to Clare. Coz Woodstock, Knock nor the Feast of Cana, Can hold a match to Lisdoonvarna. CHORUS |
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Here's the full set of guitar chords as played by Christy.
CHORUS
[G] Oh, Lisdoon[C]varna
[G] Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon[C]varna![D]
[C]How's it goin' there everybody,
From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork and Glenamaddy.
[D]Here we are in the County Clare
It's a[Am] long, long way from [C]here to there.
There's the [D]Burren and the Cliffs of Moher,
the [C]Tulla and the Kilfenora,
[D]Miko Russell, Doctor Bill,
[C]Willy Clancy, Noel Hill.
[D]Flutes and fiddles everywhere.
If [C]it's music you want,
You should go to [D]Clare.
CHORUS
[G] Oh, Lisdoon[C]varna
[G] Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon[C]varna!
Every[D]body needs a break,
[C]Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
[D]Some head off to exotic places,
[C]Others go to the Galway Races.
A [D]cousin of mine goes potholing,
A [C]cousin of hers loves Joe Dolan.
[D]Mattie goes to the South of France,
[C]Jim to the dogs, Peter to the dance[D].
[D]Summer comes around each year,
[C]We go there and they come here.
Some jet off to ... [D]Frijiliana,
[C]But I always go to Lisdoonvarna.
CHORUS
I [D]always leave on a Thursday night,
With me [C]tent and me groundsheet rolled up tight.
I [D]like to hit Lisdoon,
In [C]around Friday afternoon.
[D]This gives me time to get me gear together,
I [C]don't need to worry about the weather.
[D]Ramble in for a pint of stout,
you'd [C]never know who'd be hangin' about!
[D]There's a Dutchman playing a mandolin,
And a [C]German looking for Liam Óg O'Floinn.
And there's [D]Adam, Bono and Garrett Fitzgerald,
Gettin' their [C]photos taken for the Sunday World.
[D]Finbarr, Charlie and Jim Hand,
And they [C]drinkin' pints to bate the band.Isn't it[D] grand
CHORUS
The [D]multitudes, they flocked in throngs
To [C]hear the music and the songs.
[D]Motorbikes and Hi-ace vans,
With [C]bottles - barrels - flagons - cans.
Mighty [D]craic. Loads of [C]frolics,
[D]Pioneers and alcoholics,
[C]PLAC, SPUC and the FCA,
[D]Free Nicky Kelly and the IRA.
[C]Hairy chests and milk-white thighs,
[D] mickey dodgers in disguise.
Mc [C]Graths, O'Briens, Pippins, Coxs,
Mas[D]sage parlours in horse boxes.
R[C]TE are makin' tapes, takin' [D]breaks and throwin' shapes.
There's [C]amhráns, bodhráns, amadáns,
[D]Arab sheiks, Hindu Sikhs, Jesus freaks,
This is [C]heaven, this is hell.
Who [D]cares? Who can tell?
(Anyone [C]for the last few Choc Ices, now?)
CHORUS
A [D]747 for Jackson Browne,
They had to build a [C]special runway just to get him down.
Be[D]fore the Chieftains could start to play,
[C]Seven creamy pints came out on a tray.
Sher[D]gar was ridden by Lord Lucan,
Seán [C]Cannon did the backstage cookin'.
Clan[D]nad were playin' "Harry's Game",
[C]Christy was singin' "Nancy Spain".
[D]Mary O'Hara and Brush Shields,
To[C]gether singin' "The Four Green Fields".
Van the [D]Man and Emmy Lou,
[C]Moving Hearts and Planxty too!
CHORUS
[D]Everybody needs a break,
[C]Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
[D]Sean Doherty goes to the Rose of Tralee,
Oliver [C]J. Flanagan goes swimming in the Holy Sea.
But [D]I like the music and the open air,
So [C]every Summer I go to Clare.
Coz [D]Woodstock, Knock nor the Feast of Cana,
Can [C]hold a match to Lisdoonvarna.
CHORUS
[G] Oh, Lisdoon[C]varna
[G] Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon[C]varna![D]
[C]How's it goin' there everybody,
From Cork, New York, Dundalk, Gortahork and Glenamaddy.
[D]Here we are in the County Clare
It's a[Am] long, long way from [C]here to there.
There's the [D]Burren and the Cliffs of Moher,
the [C]Tulla and the Kilfenora,
[D]Miko Russell, Doctor Bill,
[C]Willy Clancy, Noel Hill.
[D]Flutes and fiddles everywhere.
If [C]it's music you want,
You should go to [D]Clare.
CHORUS
[G] Oh, Lisdoon[C]varna
[G] Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon, Lisdoon[C]varna!
Every[D]body needs a break,
[C]Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
[D]Some head off to exotic places,
[C]Others go to the Galway Races.
A [D]cousin of mine goes potholing,
A [C]cousin of hers loves Joe Dolan.
[D]Mattie goes to the South of France,
[C]Jim to the dogs, Peter to the dance[D].
[D]Summer comes around each year,
[C]We go there and they come here.
Some jet off to ... [D]Frijiliana,
[C]But I always go to Lisdoonvarna.
CHORUS
I [D]always leave on a Thursday night,
With me [C]tent and me groundsheet rolled up tight.
I [D]like to hit Lisdoon,
In [C]around Friday afternoon.
[D]This gives me time to get me gear together,
I [C]don't need to worry about the weather.
[D]Ramble in for a pint of stout,
you'd [C]never know who'd be hangin' about!
[D]There's a Dutchman playing a mandolin,
And a [C]German looking for Liam Óg O'Floinn.
And there's [D]Adam, Bono and Garrett Fitzgerald,
Gettin' their [C]photos taken for the Sunday World.
[D]Finbarr, Charlie and Jim Hand,
And they [C]drinkin' pints to bate the band.Isn't it[D] grand
CHORUS
The [D]multitudes, they flocked in throngs
To [C]hear the music and the songs.
[D]Motorbikes and Hi-ace vans,
With [C]bottles - barrels - flagons - cans.
Mighty [D]craic. Loads of [C]frolics,
[D]Pioneers and alcoholics,
[C]PLAC, SPUC and the FCA,
[D]Free Nicky Kelly and the IRA.
[C]Hairy chests and milk-white thighs,
[D] mickey dodgers in disguise.
Mc [C]Graths, O'Briens, Pippins, Coxs,
Mas[D]sage parlours in horse boxes.
R[C]TE are makin' tapes, takin' [D]breaks and throwin' shapes.
There's [C]amhráns, bodhráns, amadáns,
[D]Arab sheiks, Hindu Sikhs, Jesus freaks,
This is [C]heaven, this is hell.
Who [D]cares? Who can tell?
(Anyone [C]for the last few Choc Ices, now?)
CHORUS
A [D]747 for Jackson Browne,
They had to build a [C]special runway just to get him down.
Be[D]fore the Chieftains could start to play,
[C]Seven creamy pints came out on a tray.
Sher[D]gar was ridden by Lord Lucan,
Seán [C]Cannon did the backstage cookin'.
Clan[D]nad were playin' "Harry's Game",
[C]Christy was singin' "Nancy Spain".
[D]Mary O'Hara and Brush Shields,
To[C]gether singin' "The Four Green Fields".
Van the [D]Man and Emmy Lou,
[C]Moving Hearts and Planxty too!
CHORUS
[D]Everybody needs a break,
[C]Climb a mountain or jump in a lake.
[D]Sean Doherty goes to the Rose of Tralee,
Oliver [C]J. Flanagan goes swimming in the Holy Sea.
But [D]I like the music and the open air,
So [C]every Summer I go to Clare.
Coz [D]Woodstock, Knock nor the Feast of Cana,
Can [C]hold a match to Lisdoonvarna.
Lisdoonvarna, a small town in County Clare, Ireland, is known worldwide for its annual matchmaking festival. However, it is not just the festival that has put Lisdoonvarna on the map; the town is also the subject of a popular folk song, simply titled 'Lisdoonvarna.' Written by Irish songwriter Christy Moore, the song has become a beloved anthem for the town and its annual festivities. Through its lyrics and melody, 'Lisdoonvarna' captures the essence of the town and the festival, and has come to represent the spirit of Ireland itself.
The song 'Lisdoonvarna' was first released in 1984 on Christy Moore's album 'Ride On.' Moore, a renowned Irish folk singer and songwriter, was born in Newbridge, County Kildare but spent much of his childhood in County Clare. It was during this time that he became familiar with Lisdoonvarna and its famous matchmaking festival. The song itself is a lively, upbeat tune, typical of Moore's style, with a catchy chorus that invites listeners to sing along.
The lyrics of 'Lisdoonvarna' tell the story of a young man who travels to the town for its famous matchmaking festival, seeking love and romance. He is captivated by the sights and sounds of the town, from the 'cliffs of Moher' to the 'curraghs on the sea,' and is hopeful that he will find his true love among the crowds of people. The song also references the town's reputation as a place where people come to 'take the waters' and seek healing and rejuvenation.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its celebration of Irish culture and traditions. In the first verse, the young man recalls his Irish roots, singing 'I am proud to be an Irishman and know the reason why, for I come from a nation that's proud, brave and bold.' This sentiment is echoed throughout the song, with references to traditional Irish music, dancing, and the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people. By placing the town of Lisdoonvarna at the center of this celebration, the song elevates it to a place of national importance and pride.
Furthermore, 'Lisdoonvarna' has become an anthem for the annual matchmaking festival and has helped to spread its popularity worldwide. The festival, which began in the 19th century when farmers and rural dwellers would come to the town to find suitable partners, has evolved into a month-long event attracting thousands of people from all over the world. The song has become synonymous with the festival and is often played during the event, with festival-goers singing and dancing along. This has helped to cement the song's place in Irish culture and has made it an integral part of the festival experience.
In addition to its celebration of Irish culture and the matchmaking festival, 'Lisdoonvarna' also touches on universal themes of love, hope, and longing. The young man in the song is searching for love, a universal desire that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. The town itself becomes a symbol of hope and possibility, a place where one can find their soulmate and be swept off their feet in a whirlwind romance. This romanticized image of Lisdoonvarna has only added to its appeal and has helped to attract visitors from all over the world to the annual festival.
In conclusion, 'Lisdoonvarna' is much more than just a song; it is a celebration of Irish culture, a tribute to the town of Lisdoonvarna, and an emblem of the annual matchmaking festival. Through its lyrics and melody, the song captures the essence of the town and has become an integral part of its identity. It has helped to spread Lisdoonvarna's fame and has become a beloved anthem for both locals and visitors alike. Ultimately, 'Lisdoonvarna' is a testament to the power of music to capture the spirit of a place and its people, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal.
The song 'Lisdoonvarna' was first released in 1984 on Christy Moore's album 'Ride On.' Moore, a renowned Irish folk singer and songwriter, was born in Newbridge, County Kildare but spent much of his childhood in County Clare. It was during this time that he became familiar with Lisdoonvarna and its famous matchmaking festival. The song itself is a lively, upbeat tune, typical of Moore's style, with a catchy chorus that invites listeners to sing along.
The lyrics of 'Lisdoonvarna' tell the story of a young man who travels to the town for its famous matchmaking festival, seeking love and romance. He is captivated by the sights and sounds of the town, from the 'cliffs of Moher' to the 'curraghs on the sea,' and is hopeful that he will find his true love among the crowds of people. The song also references the town's reputation as a place where people come to 'take the waters' and seek healing and rejuvenation.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its celebration of Irish culture and traditions. In the first verse, the young man recalls his Irish roots, singing 'I am proud to be an Irishman and know the reason why, for I come from a nation that's proud, brave and bold.' This sentiment is echoed throughout the song, with references to traditional Irish music, dancing, and the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people. By placing the town of Lisdoonvarna at the center of this celebration, the song elevates it to a place of national importance and pride.
Furthermore, 'Lisdoonvarna' has become an anthem for the annual matchmaking festival and has helped to spread its popularity worldwide. The festival, which began in the 19th century when farmers and rural dwellers would come to the town to find suitable partners, has evolved into a month-long event attracting thousands of people from all over the world. The song has become synonymous with the festival and is often played during the event, with festival-goers singing and dancing along. This has helped to cement the song's place in Irish culture and has made it an integral part of the festival experience.
In addition to its celebration of Irish culture and the matchmaking festival, 'Lisdoonvarna' also touches on universal themes of love, hope, and longing. The young man in the song is searching for love, a universal desire that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. The town itself becomes a symbol of hope and possibility, a place where one can find their soulmate and be swept off their feet in a whirlwind romance. This romanticized image of Lisdoonvarna has only added to its appeal and has helped to attract visitors from all over the world to the annual festival.
In conclusion, 'Lisdoonvarna' is much more than just a song; it is a celebration of Irish culture, a tribute to the town of Lisdoonvarna, and an emblem of the annual matchmaking festival. Through its lyrics and melody, the song captures the essence of the town and has become an integral part of its identity. It has helped to spread Lisdoonvarna's fame and has become a beloved anthem for both locals and visitors alike. Ultimately, 'Lisdoonvarna' is a testament to the power of music to capture the spirit of a place and its people, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal.
On the Road to Lisdoonvarna
As the sun began to rise over the rolling green hills of Ireland, Sarah and her best friend, Emma, set out on a journey to the small town of Lisdoonvarna. They had been planning this trip for months, eager to experience the famous matchmaking festival that took place every year.
Sarah and Emma had been best friends since they were children, growing up in the same small village in County Clare. They were both in their early twenties now and felt a sense of adventure calling them. They had always dreamed of traveling together and this trip to Lisdoonvarna was the perfect opportunity.
As they drove down the winding roads, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had heard so much about the matchmaking festival, where single people from all over Ireland and beyond gathered in hopes of finding love. It was said that the town's resident matchmaker, Willie Daly, had a 100% success rate in finding love for his clients.
The closer they got to Lisdoonvarna, the more Sarah's nerves started to get the better of her. What if she didn't find love? What if she was the only one left without a match? Emma could sense her friend's worry and tried to reassure her.
'Don't worry, Sarah. We're here to have fun and experience something new. Who knows, maybe you'll find your soulmate here in Lisdoonvarna!' Emma said with a smile.
As they arrived in the town, they were greeted with colorful banners and signs advertising the matchmaking festival. The streets were bustling with people, music, and the smell of delicious food. Sarah and Emma checked into their cozy bed and breakfast and headed out to explore the town.
They wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. As the day went on, they met people from all walks of life, each with their own story and reasons for being at the festival. Some were looking for love, while others were just there to have a good time.
As the night approached, Sarah and Emma found themselves at one of the local pubs, listening to traditional Irish music and dancing with the locals. It was here that Sarah caught the eye of a handsome young man who asked her to dance. His name was Sean, and he was from a nearby town. They hit it off instantly, and Sarah couldn't believe her luck. Was this the start of her own love story?
The next few days were a blur of laughter, music, and new experiences. Sarah and Sean spent every moment they could together, exploring the town and getting to know each other. Emma was happy to see her friend so happy and couldn't help but feel a little envious of the connection Sarah and Sean had.
As the festival came to an end, Sarah and Emma packed their bags to head back home. Sarah was sad to leave Lisdoonvarna and Sean behind, but she promised to keep in touch with him. As they drove away, Sarah couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey she had just been on. She may not have found her true love, but she had found a new sense of confidence and adventure.
Little did she know, Sean had secretly asked Willie Daly to match him with Sarah, and their love story was just beginning. A few months later, Sarah and Sean were back in Lisdoonvarna, this time as a couple, attending the matchmaking festival once again. And this time, they knew that they had already found their perfect match in each other.
As the sun began to rise over the rolling green hills of Ireland, Sarah and her best friend, Emma, set out on a journey to the small town of Lisdoonvarna. They had been planning this trip for months, eager to experience the famous matchmaking festival that took place every year.
Sarah and Emma had been best friends since they were children, growing up in the same small village in County Clare. They were both in their early twenties now and felt a sense of adventure calling them. They had always dreamed of traveling together and this trip to Lisdoonvarna was the perfect opportunity.
As they drove down the winding roads, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. She had heard so much about the matchmaking festival, where single people from all over Ireland and beyond gathered in hopes of finding love. It was said that the town's resident matchmaker, Willie Daly, had a 100% success rate in finding love for his clients.
The closer they got to Lisdoonvarna, the more Sarah's nerves started to get the better of her. What if she didn't find love? What if she was the only one left without a match? Emma could sense her friend's worry and tried to reassure her.
'Don't worry, Sarah. We're here to have fun and experience something new. Who knows, maybe you'll find your soulmate here in Lisdoonvarna!' Emma said with a smile.
As they arrived in the town, they were greeted with colorful banners and signs advertising the matchmaking festival. The streets were bustling with people, music, and the smell of delicious food. Sarah and Emma checked into their cozy bed and breakfast and headed out to explore the town.
They wandered through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. As the day went on, they met people from all walks of life, each with their own story and reasons for being at the festival. Some were looking for love, while others were just there to have a good time.
As the night approached, Sarah and Emma found themselves at one of the local pubs, listening to traditional Irish music and dancing with the locals. It was here that Sarah caught the eye of a handsome young man who asked her to dance. His name was Sean, and he was from a nearby town. They hit it off instantly, and Sarah couldn't believe her luck. Was this the start of her own love story?
The next few days were a blur of laughter, music, and new experiences. Sarah and Sean spent every moment they could together, exploring the town and getting to know each other. Emma was happy to see her friend so happy and couldn't help but feel a little envious of the connection Sarah and Sean had.
As the festival came to an end, Sarah and Emma packed their bags to head back home. Sarah was sad to leave Lisdoonvarna and Sean behind, but she promised to keep in touch with him. As they drove away, Sarah couldn't help but feel grateful for the journey she had just been on. She may not have found her true love, but she had found a new sense of confidence and adventure.
Little did she know, Sean had secretly asked Willie Daly to match him with Sarah, and their love story was just beginning. A few months later, Sarah and Sean were back in Lisdoonvarna, this time as a couple, attending the matchmaking festival once again. And this time, they knew that they had already found their perfect match in each other.