Paddle Me Own Canoe lyrics and chords
Song Meaning: "Paddle Me Own Canoe""Paddle Me Own Canoe" is a traditional Irish or maritime folk song with a playful, light-hearted theme of self-sufficiency, independence, and determination. It uses the metaphor of paddling one’s canoe to symbolize the importance of personal responsibility, resilience, and self-reliance in life’s journey.
Themes and Interpretation:
Cultural Context:Songs like "Paddle Me Own Canoe" reflect the values and attitudes of the working-class communities in Ireland, maritime regions, or rural areas. These communities often emphasized independence and hard work as essential virtues, and folk music became a way to express and celebrate those ideals.
Musical Style:Typically performed as a lively folk tune, the song’s simple structure and catchy melody make it easy to sing along to. It’s often played with traditional folk instruments such as guitars, fiddles, and accordions, adding to its timeless charm.
Legacy and Meaning Today:The song’s message of self-reliance and optimism remains relevant today, resonating with those who value independence and personal strength. Its metaphor of "paddling one’s canoe" has become a widely recognized expression of taking control of one’s life.
Conclusion:"Paddle Me Own Canoe" is a cheerful and inspiring folk song that celebrates independence, resilience, and a positive approach to life. Its timeless message and playful delivery have made it a favorite among folk music lovers, reminding listeners that life’s journey is best navigated with determination and self-trust.
Themes and Interpretation:
- Independence and Self-Sufficiency:
The central message of the song is the idea of being responsible for one’s destiny and not relying on others to navigate life’s challenges. The narrator proudly declares that they will "paddle me own canoe," emphasizing their determination to face life’s ups and downs with confidence.- "I’ll take my chances as they come / And paddle me own canoe" reflects the notion of taking life as it comes and handling it independently.
- Resilience and Optimism:
The song also celebrates resilience, suggesting that life’s difficulties are best overcome with a positive attitude and hard work. It’s a song of perseverance in the face of adversity, a common theme in folk music. - Lighthearted Confidence:
While the song has a serious underlying message, it is often performed with a playful and upbeat tone, which gives it a sense of humor and confidence. It portrays a philosophy of life that is both practical and hopeful. - Maritime or Rural Imagery:
The use of the canoe as a metaphor suggests a connection to rural or maritime life, where self-reliance was essential for survival. It also ties into the adventurous spirit of folk songs, where journeys and exploration are common motifs.
Cultural Context:Songs like "Paddle Me Own Canoe" reflect the values and attitudes of the working-class communities in Ireland, maritime regions, or rural areas. These communities often emphasized independence and hard work as essential virtues, and folk music became a way to express and celebrate those ideals.
Musical Style:Typically performed as a lively folk tune, the song’s simple structure and catchy melody make it easy to sing along to. It’s often played with traditional folk instruments such as guitars, fiddles, and accordions, adding to its timeless charm.
Legacy and Meaning Today:The song’s message of self-reliance and optimism remains relevant today, resonating with those who value independence and personal strength. Its metaphor of "paddling one’s canoe" has become a widely recognized expression of taking control of one’s life.
Conclusion:"Paddle Me Own Canoe" is a cheerful and inspiring folk song that celebrates independence, resilience, and a positive approach to life. Its timeless message and playful delivery have made it a favorite among folk music lovers, reminding listeners that life’s journey is best navigated with determination and self-trust.
The Wolfe Tones chords and lyrics, written by Harry Clifton, The sheet music is included.an old music hall song, also recorded by The Chieftains on a live album. The Rocky Road To Dublin song was made popular by the singing of Harry Clifton. The second last verse of this song never looked as if it belonged and was probably added by The Wolfe Tones. Paddle me own canoe mandolin / tenor banjo tab included.
[D]I've travelled about a[G] bit in me time.
Of troubles I've seen a few,,[A]
I [D]found it far better in [G]every clime
To [D]paddle me [A]own ca[D]noe.
Me wants they are small. I care not at all.
Me debts they are paid when due.
I drive away strife from the ocean of life,
And paddle me own canoe.
And I have no wife to bother me life,
No lover to prove untrue.
The whole day long I laugh with the song
And paddle me own canoe.
So love everybody, trust only the few,
As the world I go travelling through,
And never sit down with a tear and a frown,
But paddle your own canoe.
I rise with the lark from daylight to dark.
I do what I have to do.
I'm careless in wealth. I've only me health
To paddle me own canoe.
And I have no wife to bother me life,
No lover to prove untrue.
The whole day long I laugh with the song,
And paddle me own canoe.
It's all very well to depend on a friend,
That is if you proved him true.
You'll find it better by far in the end
To paddle your own canoe.
To borrow is dearer by far than to buy,
A saying though old still true.
You never will sigh if you only will try
To paddle your own canoe.
Though England has ruled our small little land,
And many's the country too,
Just take my advice and never think twice
To paddle your own canoe.
It's better I say to make your own way,
As the world you go travelling through.
You never will sigh if you only will try
To paddle your own canoe.
Return to the Wolfe Tones Song Lyrics
Of troubles I've seen a few,,[A]
I [D]found it far better in [G]every clime
To [D]paddle me [A]own ca[D]noe.
Me wants they are small. I care not at all.
Me debts they are paid when due.
I drive away strife from the ocean of life,
And paddle me own canoe.
And I have no wife to bother me life,
No lover to prove untrue.
The whole day long I laugh with the song
And paddle me own canoe.
So love everybody, trust only the few,
As the world I go travelling through,
And never sit down with a tear and a frown,
But paddle your own canoe.
I rise with the lark from daylight to dark.
I do what I have to do.
I'm careless in wealth. I've only me health
To paddle me own canoe.
And I have no wife to bother me life,
No lover to prove untrue.
The whole day long I laugh with the song,
And paddle me own canoe.
It's all very well to depend on a friend,
That is if you proved him true.
You'll find it better by far in the end
To paddle your own canoe.
To borrow is dearer by far than to buy,
A saying though old still true.
You never will sigh if you only will try
To paddle your own canoe.
Though England has ruled our small little land,
And many's the country too,
Just take my advice and never think twice
To paddle your own canoe.
It's better I say to make your own way,
As the world you go travelling through.
You never will sigh if you only will try
To paddle your own canoe.
Return to the Wolfe Tones Song Lyrics
Here's a version of the song chords in the key of G
[G]I've travelled about a[C] bit in me time.
Of troubles I've seen a few,,[D]
I [G]found it far better in [C]every clime
To [G]paddle me [D]own ca[G]noe.
[G]I've travelled about a[C] bit in me time.
Of troubles I've seen a few,,[D]
I [G]found it far better in [C]every clime
To [G]paddle me [D]own ca[G]noe.
Paddle me own canoe sheet music notes in G Major
Paddle me own canoe sheet music
Paddle me own canoe mandolin tenor banjo tab
