Paddy Lie Back Irish song lyrics and guitar chords
Song Meaning: "Paddy Lie Back""Paddy Lie Back" is a traditional sea shanty that tells the tale of a sailor’s adventurous and often rough life aboard a ship. The song is filled with nautical imagery, humor, and references to the camaraderie and hardships of life at sea. Like many shanties, it’s typically performed with an upbeat, call-and-response structure that reflects its origins as a work song used to coordinate tasks on a ship.
Themes and Storyline:
Musical Style:"Paddy Lie Back" is a sea shanty, which means it was traditionally sung to accompany work on sailing ships. The rhythm and repetition helped sailors synchronize their efforts when performing tasks like hoisting sails or hauling ropes. The call-and-response format also made it easy for large groups to join in.
Cultural Context and Legacy:
Conclusion:"Paddy Lie Back" is a lively and humorous sea shanty that captures the essence of life at sea. Its themes of hard work, camaraderie, and resilience resonate with audiences, making it a beloved part of the maritime folk music tradition. Whether sung in pubs or at festivals, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of sailors and the rich storytelling tradition of shanties.
Themes and Storyline:
- Life at Sea:
The song paints a vivid picture of a sailor’s life, from the moment of recruitment to the various experiences onboard a ship. It captures both the excitement and danger of maritime life.- "Oh, Paddy, lie back (take in your slack)" refers to a command often given during ship work, where sailors needed to pull in or adjust ropes. It reflects the physical labor and discipline required at sea.
- Recruitment and Deception:
Some versions of the song suggest that Paddy, like many sailors, may have been recruited or even tricked into service by a press gang (a group that forcibly enlisted men into naval service). This was a common theme in sea shanties, which often recounted the harsh realities of naval life. - Camaraderie and Humor:
Despite its references to hardship, the song has an overall upbeat, humorous tone. It emphasizes the camaraderie among sailors, who bonded over their shared struggles and adventures. - Cultural Identity:
The song’s title and protagonist, "Paddy," refer to a stereotypical Irish sailor, reflecting the significant presence of Irishmen in naval and merchant crews during the 18th and 19th centuries. It also nods to the Irish reputation for resilience and humor in the face of adversity.
Musical Style:"Paddy Lie Back" is a sea shanty, which means it was traditionally sung to accompany work on sailing ships. The rhythm and repetition helped sailors synchronize their efforts when performing tasks like hoisting sails or hauling ropes. The call-and-response format also made it easy for large groups to join in.
Cultural Context and Legacy:
- Sea Shanty Tradition: Like many shanties, "Paddy Lie Back" reflects the oral tradition of sailors sharing their experiences through song. It captures the spirit and resilience of those who worked at sea during an era when maritime life was both dangerous and adventurous.
- Modern Performances: The song remains popular among folk and sea shanty enthusiasts and is often performed at maritime festivals and folk music gatherings.
Conclusion:"Paddy Lie Back" is a lively and humorous sea shanty that captures the essence of life at sea. Its themes of hard work, camaraderie, and resilience resonate with audiences, making it a beloved part of the maritime folk music tradition. Whether sung in pubs or at festivals, it remains a testament to the enduring spirit of sailors and the rich storytelling tradition of shanties.
A traditional Irish song recorded by The Wolfe Tones, also by The Dublin City Ramblers, Sons Of Erin. Sea Shanty. .
Song Chords For G Major
T'was[G] a cold and frosty[C] morning in Sep[G]tem[Em]ber
And[G] all of me money it was[A] spent,,[D]
Where it[G] went to oh[C] Lord I cant re[G]mem[Em]ber
So[G] down to the[D] shipping office[G] went
[Chorus]
Oh[G] Paddy lie[C] back,oh Paddy lie back,
Take in your[G] slack,take in your slack
Take your turn put[Em] on your hats and jump fo[A]r board,,[D]
About[G] ship's for[C] England boys be[G] handy
For we'er[G] bound for Valp[C]arai so in the[G] morn
[2]
Last night there was a great demand for sailors
For the colonies for Frisco and for France
So I slipped aboard a lively barque,the Hotspur
And was paralytic drunk before before we went
[3]
There were Frenchmen,there were Germans there were Russians
There were jolly jacks came just across from from France
And not one of them could speak a word of English
But they'd answer to the name of Bill or Dan
[4]
I woke up in the morning sick and sore
I wished I'd never sailed to sea once more
When a voice it came thundering through the floor
Get up and pay attention to your name
[5]
Well I wished that I was safely in the boozer
With Molly or with peggy on me knee
And I know exactly what I'd like to do now
And if you were here you'd do the same as me
T'was[G] a cold and frosty[C] morning in Sep[G]tem[Em]ber
And[G] all of me money it was[A] spent,,[D]
Where it[G] went to oh[C] Lord I cant re[G]mem[Em]ber
So[G] down to the[D] shipping office[G] went
[Chorus]
Oh[G] Paddy lie[C] back,oh Paddy lie back,
Take in your[G] slack,take in your slack
Take your turn put[Em] on your hats and jump fo[A]r board,,[D]
About[G] ship's for[C] England boys be[G] handy
For we'er[G] bound for Valp[C]arai so in the[G] morn
[2]
Last night there was a great demand for sailors
For the colonies for Frisco and for France
So I slipped aboard a lively barque,the Hotspur
And was paralytic drunk before before we went
[3]
There were Frenchmen,there were Germans there were Russians
There were jolly jacks came just across from from France
And not one of them could speak a word of English
But they'd answer to the name of Bill or Dan
[4]
I woke up in the morning sick and sore
I wished I'd never sailed to sea once more
When a voice it came thundering through the floor
Get up and pay attention to your name
[5]
Well I wished that I was safely in the boozer
With Molly or with peggy on me knee
And I know exactly what I'd like to do now
And if you were here you'd do the same as me
Here's the chords in the key of C
T'was[C] a cold and frosty[F] morning in Sep[C]tem[Am]ber
And[C] all of me money it was[D] spent[G]
Where it[C] went to oh[F] Lord I cant re[C]mem[Am]ber
So[C] down to the[G] shipping office[C] went
Oh[C] Paddy lie[F] back,oh Paddy lie back,
Take in your[C] slack,take in your slack
Take your turn put[Am] on your hats and jump fo[D]r board[G]
About[C] ship's for[F] England boys be[C] handy
For we'er[C] bound for Valp[F]arai so in the[C] morn
Back to the Wolfe Tones Lyrics And Chords
T'was[C] a cold and frosty[F] morning in Sep[C]tem[Am]ber
And[C] all of me money it was[D] spent[G]
Where it[C] went to oh[F] Lord I cant re[C]mem[Am]ber
So[C] down to the[G] shipping office[C] went
Oh[C] Paddy lie[F] back,oh Paddy lie back,
Take in your[C] slack,take in your slack
Take your turn put[Am] on your hats and jump fo[D]r board[G]
About[C] ship's for[F] England boys be[C] handy
For we'er[C] bound for Valp[F]arai so in the[C] morn
Back to the Wolfe Tones Lyrics And Chords