Rock On Rockall lyrics and guitar chords
Song Meaning: "Rock on Rockall" by The Wolfe Tones"Rock on Rockall" is a political folk song by the Irish band The Wolfe Tones that reflects the band's nationalist sentiments and opposition to British claims over Rockall, a remote and uninhabited rocky islet in the North Atlantic. The song’s lyrics express Irish pride and assert Ireland’s territorial rights over the rock, as well as its symbolism in the ongoing struggle for Irish sovereignty.
Themes and Storyline:
Historical and Cultural Context:
Musical Style:"Rock on Rockall" is performed as a lively folk anthem, with strong, rousing vocals and traditional Irish instrumentation. Its upbeat rhythm and passionate delivery make it a popular choice at Irish gatherings, where themes of unity and national pride are celebrated.
Legacy and Impact:The song has become a symbol of defiance and pride in Irish folk music circles, often performed at concerts, festivals, and political events. While the Rockall dispute may not be as widely discussed today, the song remains a powerful reminder of Ireland’s historical struggles and the enduring spirit of its people.
Conclusion:"Rock on Rockall" is more than just a song about a small rocky islet—it’s a bold declaration of Irish pride, independence, and resistance to colonialism. Its spirited lyrics and nationalist themes continue to resonate with audiences who cherish Ireland’s rich history and cultural identity.
Themes and Storyline:
- Territorial Dispute Over Rockall:
The song addresses the historical and political dispute surrounding Rockall. In 1955, the British government claimed sovereignty over the islet, but this claim was contested by Ireland, Denmark, and Iceland.- The song expresses the belief that Rockall belongs to Ireland, rejecting British occupation of any territory, no matter how small or remote.
- National Pride and Resistance:
The lyrics highlight a defiant stance, reflecting the broader themes of Irish nationalism and resistance to British rule. By focusing on a seemingly minor piece of land, the song underscores the sentiment that no claim to Irish territory is too insignificant to defend. - Symbolism of Sovereignty:
Rockall serves as a metaphor for the larger political struggle for Irish independence. The song conveys that even the smallest rocks are worth standing up for if they represent Irish heritage and sovereignty.- "Oh, Rock on Rockall, you'll never fall to Britain's greedy hands" reflects the determination to resist imperial claims and maintain national pride.
- Anti-Colonial Sentiment:
Like many of The Wolfe Tones' songs, "Rock on Rockall" criticizes colonialism and imperialism. The song voices opposition to British territorial expansion and highlights the importance of standing against perceived injustices.
Historical and Cultural Context:
- Rockall Dispute: The dispute over Rockall’s sovereignty was significant in the mid-20th century, particularly because of its potential oil and fishing rights. While Rockall itself is just a rocky outcrop, its surrounding waters hold strategic and economic importance.
- The Wolfe Tones: Known for their Irish nationalist and rebel songs, The Wolfe Tones have often used music to reflect political issues and national pride. "Rock on Rockall" fits within their broader repertoire of songs advocating for Irish rights and sovereignty.
Musical Style:"Rock on Rockall" is performed as a lively folk anthem, with strong, rousing vocals and traditional Irish instrumentation. Its upbeat rhythm and passionate delivery make it a popular choice at Irish gatherings, where themes of unity and national pride are celebrated.
Legacy and Impact:The song has become a symbol of defiance and pride in Irish folk music circles, often performed at concerts, festivals, and political events. While the Rockall dispute may not be as widely discussed today, the song remains a powerful reminder of Ireland’s historical struggles and the enduring spirit of its people.
Conclusion:"Rock on Rockall" is more than just a song about a small rocky islet—it’s a bold declaration of Irish pride, independence, and resistance to colonialism. Its spirited lyrics and nationalist themes continue to resonate with audiences who cherish Ireland’s rich history and cultural identity.
The Wolfe Tones written by Brian Warfield. The 5 string banjo chords are included. Don't say I didn't tell you it's loaded with oil and gas
of the coast of Donegal, we've been telling you for years. The Wolfe Tones brought out this song in seventies to highlight the potential of oil and gas off the North West coast. During the cod war between England and Iceland we played a festival which was attended by one of the
captains of the Icelandic fleet who enjoyed the song so much it was translated by the crew as their them song. The English went to great lengths to claim the rock. They planted a flag which blew away, they painted a flag on the rock but the seagulls covered it in s... and it
can't be seen anymore. They had a squadie camp on it to say it was inhabited by them but we all know it is Irish to the core. Brian Warfield Wolfe Tones. Also recorded by Charlie And The Bhoys, The Irish Ramblers, Celtic Rebels and The Irish Brigade.
of the coast of Donegal, we've been telling you for years. The Wolfe Tones brought out this song in seventies to highlight the potential of oil and gas off the North West coast. During the cod war between England and Iceland we played a festival which was attended by one of the
captains of the Icelandic fleet who enjoyed the song so much it was translated by the crew as their them song. The English went to great lengths to claim the rock. They planted a flag which blew away, they painted a flag on the rock but the seagulls covered it in s... and it
can't be seen anymore. They had a squadie camp on it to say it was inhabited by them but we all know it is Irish to the core. Brian Warfield Wolfe Tones. Also recorded by Charlie And The Bhoys, The Irish Ramblers, Celtic Rebels and The Irish Brigade.
Tin whistle notes to Rock On Rockall are in the Irish Rebel Songs For Tin Whistle
Oh[C] the empire it is finished,no forign lands to seize,
So the[F] greedy eye of[C] England is turning towards the[G] seas,
Two[C] hundred miles from Done[Am]gal,theres a[C] place thats called Rockall,
And the[F] groping hands of[C] Whitehall are[G] grabbing at it's[C] walls.
[Chorus]
Oh[C] Rock on Rockall you'll never[Am] fall,for[C] Britains greedy hands,
Or you'll[F] meet the same re[C]sistance as you did in many[G] lands,
May the[C] sea-guls rise and pluck your[Am] eyes,and the[C] water crush your shell,
And the[F] natural gass wil[C]l burn your arse and[G] blow you all to[C] hell.
[2]
This rock is part of Ireland,for it's written in folklore,
When Finn McCool took a sod of grass,and threw it to the fore,
Then he tossed a pebble across the sea,where ever did it fall,
For the sod became the Isle Of Man,now the pebble's called Rockall.
[3]
Oh the sea's will not be silent,while Britannia,grabs the waves,
And remember that the Irish will no longer be your slaves,
And remember that Britannia well,she rules the waves no more,
So keep your hands off Rockall it's Irish to the core.
So the[F] greedy eye of[C] England is turning towards the[G] seas,
Two[C] hundred miles from Done[Am]gal,theres a[C] place thats called Rockall,
And the[F] groping hands of[C] Whitehall are[G] grabbing at it's[C] walls.
[Chorus]
Oh[C] Rock on Rockall you'll never[Am] fall,for[C] Britains greedy hands,
Or you'll[F] meet the same re[C]sistance as you did in many[G] lands,
May the[C] sea-guls rise and pluck your[Am] eyes,and the[C] water crush your shell,
And the[F] natural gass wil[C]l burn your arse and[G] blow you all to[C] hell.
[2]
This rock is part of Ireland,for it's written in folklore,
When Finn McCool took a sod of grass,and threw it to the fore,
Then he tossed a pebble across the sea,where ever did it fall,
For the sod became the Isle Of Man,now the pebble's called Rockall.
[3]
Oh the sea's will not be silent,while Britannia,grabs the waves,
And remember that the Irish will no longer be your slaves,
And remember that Britannia well,she rules the waves no more,
So keep your hands off Rockall it's Irish to the core.
Finn McCool, Irish warrior
Here are the guitar chords in the key of G
Oh[G] the empire it is finished,no forign lands to seize,
So the[C] greedy eye of[G] England is turning towards the[D] seas,
Two[G] hundred miles from Done[Em]gal,there's a[G] place that's called Rockall,
And the[C] groping hands of[G] Whitehall are[D] grabbing at it's[G] walls.
Oh[G] Rock on Rockall you'll never[Em] fall,for[G] Britains greedy hands,
Or you'll[C] meet the same re[G]sistance as you did in many[D] lands,
May the[G] sea-guls rise and pluck your[Em] eyes,and the[G] water crush your shell,
And the[C] natural gass wil[G]l burn your arse and[D] blow you all to[G] hell.
Oh[G] the empire it is finished,no forign lands to seize,
So the[C] greedy eye of[G] England is turning towards the[D] seas,
Two[G] hundred miles from Done[Em]gal,there's a[G] place that's called Rockall,
And the[C] groping hands of[G] Whitehall are[D] grabbing at it's[G] walls.
Oh[G] Rock on Rockall you'll never[Em] fall,for[G] Britains greedy hands,
Or you'll[C] meet the same re[G]sistance as you did in many[D] lands,
May the[G] sea-guls rise and pluck your[Em] eyes,and the[G] water crush your shell,
And the[C] natural gass wil[G]l burn your arse and[D] blow you all to[G] hell.
The photo above is taken from the C.I.A. world factbook Clearly the Americans think Rockall belongs to Britain. But they are wrong,the rock belongs to nobody but the Irish.
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Rock on Rockall lyrics by The Wolfe Tones
The Wolfe Tones song Rock on rockall
