Only Our Rivers Run Free Lyrics And Guitar Chords
Written by Michael McConnell. These Are The Easy Guitar Chords I Use On The Youtube Video. I have the capo on the 4th fret and am playing in the key of B Major. It's a bit tricky trying to find the right key for this song as it goes a bit high, still B doesn't sound too bad. It was recorded by Christy Moore, The Wolfe Tones, Eire Og, Planxty, Paddy Reilly, The Irish Brigade, Angelo Kelly, Tommy Flemming who sings the old Irish / American ballad When You Were Sweet Sixteen song, to name a few. The guitar chords are in C in chordpro .
Title: The Power of Music: A Thematic Analysis of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' Song
Introduction
Music has always been an integral part of human culture, serving as a powerful medium for expression, storytelling, and social commentary. Throughout history, songs have been used to convey messages of love, protest, and patriotism, often becoming anthems for social movements. 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is a timeless song that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Written by Irish folk singer Mickey MacConnell in the 1970s, the song has become an unofficial anthem for the Irish struggle for independence and a symbol of the power of music to unite and inspire people. This thesis aims to analyze the thematic elements of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' and examine its significance in the context of Irish history and the wider world.
The Historical and Cultural Context
To fully understand the significance of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free,' it is essential to examine the historical and cultural context in which the song was written. The 1970s was a tumultuous time in Ireland, marked by political and social unrest caused by the ongoing conflict between the British government and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The Troubles, as the period is known, saw violent clashes between the two sides, resulting in thousands of casualties and a deep divide within Irish society. It was during this time that Mickey McConnell wrote 'Only Our Rivers Run Free,' a song that would come to symbolize the struggle for Irish independence and become an anthem for Irish nationalists.
The theme that runs through the song is the sense of unity and solidarity among the Irish people. The lyrics, 'Our rivers run free, then so will we' and 'When apples still grow in November / When blossoms still bloom from each tree' depict a utopian image of a united and free Ireland. The song serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from different backgrounds, political beliefs, and social classes, all united in their desire for a free Ireland.
The final theme that emerges in the song is the power of music as a tool for social and political change. 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is more than just a song; it is a call to action and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Irish people. The lyrics, 'But my dreams have been broken with laughter / And my dreams have been torn apart' highlight the role of music in keeping the flame of hope alive, even in the darkest of times. The song continues to inspire people across generations and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to spark social and political change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is a timeless song that captures the spirit of the Irish people and their struggle for independence. Through its powerful lyrics and emotive melodies, the song has become an anthem for Irish nationalists and a symbol of the enduring power of music to unite and inspire people. The themes of longing for freedom, resilience and determination, unity and solidarity, and the power of music are all interwoven in this iconic song, making it a significant and enduring piece of Irish culture. As long as there are struggles for freedom and justice, 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for generations to come.
Introduction
Music has always been an integral part of human culture, serving as a powerful medium for expression, storytelling, and social commentary. Throughout history, songs have been used to convey messages of love, protest, and patriotism, often becoming anthems for social movements. 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is a timeless song that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Written by Irish folk singer Mickey MacConnell in the 1970s, the song has become an unofficial anthem for the Irish struggle for independence and a symbol of the power of music to unite and inspire people. This thesis aims to analyze the thematic elements of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' and examine its significance in the context of Irish history and the wider world.
The Historical and Cultural Context
To fully understand the significance of 'Only Our Rivers Run Free,' it is essential to examine the historical and cultural context in which the song was written. The 1970s was a tumultuous time in Ireland, marked by political and social unrest caused by the ongoing conflict between the British government and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The Troubles, as the period is known, saw violent clashes between the two sides, resulting in thousands of casualties and a deep divide within Irish society. It was during this time that Mickey McConnell wrote 'Only Our Rivers Run Free,' a song that would come to symbolize the struggle for Irish independence and become an anthem for Irish nationalists.
The theme that runs through the song is the sense of unity and solidarity among the Irish people. The lyrics, 'Our rivers run free, then so will we' and 'When apples still grow in November / When blossoms still bloom from each tree' depict a utopian image of a united and free Ireland. The song serves as a unifying force, bringing together people from different backgrounds, political beliefs, and social classes, all united in their desire for a free Ireland.
The final theme that emerges in the song is the power of music as a tool for social and political change. 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is more than just a song; it is a call to action and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Irish people. The lyrics, 'But my dreams have been broken with laughter / And my dreams have been torn apart' highlight the role of music in keeping the flame of hope alive, even in the darkest of times. The song continues to inspire people across generations and serves as a testament to the enduring power of music to spark social and political change.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' is a timeless song that captures the spirit of the Irish people and their struggle for independence. Through its powerful lyrics and emotive melodies, the song has become an anthem for Irish nationalists and a symbol of the enduring power of music to unite and inspire people. The themes of longing for freedom, resilience and determination, unity and solidarity, and the power of music are all interwoven in this iconic song, making it a significant and enduring piece of Irish culture. As long as there are struggles for freedom and justice, 'Only Our Rivers Run Free' will continue to be a source of inspiration and hope for generations to come.
Lyrics With Guitar Chords
When[C] apples stil[G]l grow in Novem[C]ber,when[F] blossoms still[C] bloom on each[G] tree,
When[F] leaves are still green in[C] December,it's[G] then that our land will be[Am] free,
I[F] wandered her hills and her[C] valleys,and[F] still through my sorrow I[G] see,
A[F] land that has never known[C] freedom,and[G] only our rivers run[Am] free,
[2]
I drink to the death of her manhood,those men who would rather have died,
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage,to bring back their rights were denied,
Oh where are you now that we need you,what burns where the flame used to be,
Are you gone like the snows of last winter,and will only our rivers run free.
[3]
How sweet is a life but were crying,how mellow the wine but we're dry,
How fragrant the rose but it's dying,how gentle the wind but it sighs,
What good is in youth when it's ageing,what joy is in eyes that cant see,
When theres sorrow in sunshine and flowers,and still only our rivers run free.
When[C] apples stil[G]l grow in Novem[C]ber,when[F] blossoms still[C] bloom on each[G] tree,
When[F] leaves are still green in[C] December,it's[G] then that our land will be[Am] free,
I[F] wandered her hills and her[C] valleys,and[F] still through my sorrow I[G] see,
A[F] land that has never known[C] freedom,and[G] only our rivers run[Am] free,
[2]
I drink to the death of her manhood,those men who would rather have died,
Than to live in the cold chains of bondage,to bring back their rights were denied,
Oh where are you now that we need you,what burns where the flame used to be,
Are you gone like the snows of last winter,and will only our rivers run free.
[3]
How sweet is a life but were crying,how mellow the wine but we're dry,
How fragrant the rose but it's dying,how gentle the wind but it sighs,
What good is in youth when it's ageing,what joy is in eyes that cant see,
When theres sorrow in sunshine and flowers,and still only our rivers run free.
These are the easy guitar chords I'm playing in the youtube video with a capo on the 4th fret.
When[G] apples stil[D]l grow in Novem[G]ber,when[C] blossoms still[G] bloom on each[D] tree,
When[C] leaves are still green in[G] December,it's[D] then that our land will be[Em] free,
I[C] wandered her hills and her[G] valleys,and[C] still through my sorrow I[D] see,
A[C] land that has never known[G] freedom,and[D] only our rivers run[Em] free,
In the Wolfe Tones Lyrics And Chords section you'll find at least 100 of the group's most popular
hit songs over the decades.
When[G] apples stil[D]l grow in Novem[G]ber,when[C] blossoms still[G] bloom on each[D] tree,
When[C] leaves are still green in[G] December,it's[D] then that our land will be[Em] free,
I[C] wandered her hills and her[G] valleys,and[C] still through my sorrow I[D] see,
A[C] land that has never known[G] freedom,and[D] only our rivers run[Em] free,
In the Wolfe Tones Lyrics And Chords section you'll find at least 100 of the group's most popular
hit songs over the decades.
Micky McConnell song Only Our Rivers Run Free
Below is the ebook list of Irish Folk Songs with guitar chords
in 3 keys. Price €8.90 and I'll email the ebook after purchase .
The chords are suited to ukulele, banjo or mandolin also.
Martin
Below is the ebook list of Irish Folk Songs with guitar chords
in 3 keys. Price €8.90 and I'll email the ebook after purchase .
The chords are suited to ukulele, banjo or mandolin also.
Martin
