Red Roses For Me, The Dubliners lyrics and guitar chords
Ronnie Drew does the singing on this song in the youtube video, written by Sean O'Casey. Sometimes referred to as ''A Bunch Of Red Roses For Me'' , Written for a play of the same name about the 1913 lockout in Dublin. first published 1942. Sean O'Casey is also credited with the writing of Nora Song which Johnny McEvoy and Ronnie Drew covered.
Red Roses For Me Lyrics And Chords In C Major
[C]A sober black shawl hides her body[F] entirely,
Touched [C]by the sun and the salt spray of the[Am] sea,
But[C] down in the darkness a slim hand so[F] lovely
Carries [C]a rich bunch of red[G] roses for [C]me.
Her petticoat simple and her feet are but bare,
And all that she has is but neat and scanty,
But stars in the deep of her eyes are exclaiming,
"I carry a rich bunch of red roses for thee."
No arrogant gem sits enthroned on her forehead,
Or swings from a white ear for all men to see,
But jewelled desire in a bosom so pearly
Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me.
[C]A sober black shawl hides her body[F] entirely,
Touched [C]by the sun and the salt spray of the[Am] sea,
But[C] down in the darkness a slim hand so[F] lovely
Carries [C]a rich bunch of red[G] roses for [C]me.
Her petticoat simple and her feet are but bare,
And all that she has is but neat and scanty,
But stars in the deep of her eyes are exclaiming,
"I carry a rich bunch of red roses for thee."
No arrogant gem sits enthroned on her forehead,
Or swings from a white ear for all men to see,
But jewelled desire in a bosom so pearly
Carries a rich bunch of red roses for me.
"Red Roses For Me" is a very significant song for The Dubliners, as it's the title track of their debut album. It holds a special place in their history and the broader Irish folk revival.
Here's a breakdown:
Here's a breakdown:
- The Album: The Dubliners' debut album, "The Dubliners with Luke Kelly," was released in 1964 (later re-released as "The Dubliners" in 1966). The cover art and title of the album prominently featured the song "Red Roses For Me." This established it as a key song for the group from the very beginning of their recording career.
- The Title's Origin: The song's title, and the album title, come from the title of a play by Seán O'Casey, one of Ireland's greatest playwrights. O'Casey's play, Red Roses for Me, written in 1942, is set in Dublin during the 1913 Lockout and explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the longing for a better life. While the song is not a direct musical version of the play, it certainly evokes the same sense of urban Dublin, working-class life, and the bittersweet mix of joy and struggle.
- Songwriter: The lyrics and music for The Dubliners' song "Red Roses For Me" are generally credited to Ronnie Drew. However, the song's verses and sentiments draw heavily on a traditional Irish song called "The Foggy Dew," and in particular, a version of it known as "The Maids of Dublin." The melody is also a traditional one. Therefore, while Ronnie Drew is credited, it's more accurate to say he adapted and created a new song from traditional elements, giving it a unique Dublin flavour.
- Theme and Meaning:
- Urban Dublin Life: The song is a poignant and nostalgic reflection on life in Dublin, particularly around the city's canals and working-class neighborhoods. It mentions places like the Royal Canal and is filled with vivid imagery of the city's sights and sounds.
- Loss and Love: The song expresses a deep longing for a lost love. The singer recalls a specific day with his love by the canal and the promise of a future together, a future that never came to be.
- The Rose as a Symbol: The "red roses" in the title are a symbol of love, remembrance, and the fleeting beauty of that lost love. The song's refrain often reinforces this: "There's a song in the wind of the city that brings / Red roses for me..." The city itself becomes a keeper of these memories.
- Bittersweet Tone: The song perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of life in Dublin as often portrayed in its art: a mix of hardship and beauty, joy and sorrow. The melody, often sung in a lilting but melancholic style, reinforces this tone.
- Urban Dublin Life: The song is a poignant and nostalgic reflection on life in Dublin, particularly around the city's canals and working-class neighborhoods. It mentions places like the Royal Canal and is filled with vivid imagery of the city's sights and sounds.
- The Dubliners' Performance: This song is a prime example of The Dubliners' raw, authentic sound. It features the powerful and emotive vocals of the band, particularly the distinctive voice of Ronnie Drew, and the driving rhythm of their traditional instrumentation (banjo, guitar, etc.).
