Runrig Song Lyrics And Chords
These lads formed their group in Skye Scotland in 73' and play a good mixture of traditional type folk songs and folk rock music. They are not that well known outside of Scotland, when I was introduced to their music recently I was stunned at their talent.. Marc, who provided the chords for all the Runrig songs here thought they deserved their own section and I couldn't disagree with him, you just have to admire talent.
Runrig is a Scottish Celtic rock band that has been entertaining audiences since its formation in 1973. The band has a unique sound that blends traditional Scottish music with contemporary rock elements, making it a significant contributor to the Celtic rock genre. Over the years, Runrig has gained a loyal fan base and has achieved widespread success both in Scotland and internationally. In this thesis, we will explore the history, musical style, and impact of Runrig on the music scene.
History of Runrig
Runrig was founded in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, by brothers Rory and Calum Macdonald. They were joined by Donnie Munro, Malcolm Jones, and Blair Douglas, and the band released their first album, 'Play Gaelic,' in 1978. The album included traditional Scottish Gaelic songs and marked the beginning of Runrig's unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music.
The band's early years were marked by a strong connection to their Scottish roots and a desire to bring Gaelic culture to the forefront. This was evident in their lyrics, which often addressed issues such as Scottish identity, history, and politics. Runrig's music also incorporated traditional Scottish instruments such as bagpipes, fiddles, and bodhrans, giving their sound a distinct Celtic feel.
Musical Style
Runrig's music is difficult to define within one specific genre. It is a blend of Celtic rock, folk, and pop with a touch of traditional Scottish music. This fusion of genres has created a unique and dynamic sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. The band's use of traditional instruments and Gaelic language sets them apart from other rock bands and adds to their authenticity as a Scottish band.
Their lyrics are often poetic and thought-provoking, addressing themes of love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. This, coupled with their powerful vocals and energetic instrumentals, creates an emotionally charged listening experience. Runrig's music is not just for entertainment; it also serves as a platform for cultural and political expression, making their music even more impactful.
Impact on the Music Scene
Runrig has had a significant impact on the music scene, both in Scotland and internationally. In their early years, they played at small venues and festivals, slowly gaining popularity and building a dedicated fan base. In the 1980s, they signed with Chrysalis Records, which enabled them to reach a wider audience and achieve mainstream success. The band's albums consistently topped the charts in Scotland, and their popularity spread to other countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Canada.
Runrig's success paved the way for other Celtic rock bands, and they are often seen as pioneers of the genre. Their blend of traditional and contemporary music has inspired other artists to explore similar styles, resulting in a resurgence of interest in Celtic music. Runrig's influence can be seen in the music of bands such as The Waterboys and The Proclaimers.
In addition to their musical impact, Runrig has also been a significant contributor to Scottish culture and identity. Their lyrics often address issues that are important to the Scottish people, such as the struggle for independence and the preservation of Gaelic language and culture. They have also been involved in various charity work, using their platform to raise awareness and funds for causes such as environmental conservation and social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Runrig is a band that has made a lasting impact on the music scene. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, coupled with their powerful lyrics, has captivated audiences and inspired other artists. They have not only achieved commercial success but also played a significant role in promoting Scottish culture and identity. Runrig's legacy will continue to influence and inspire generations of musicians to come.
History of Runrig
Runrig was founded in 1973 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, by brothers Rory and Calum Macdonald. They were joined by Donnie Munro, Malcolm Jones, and Blair Douglas, and the band released their first album, 'Play Gaelic,' in 1978. The album included traditional Scottish Gaelic songs and marked the beginning of Runrig's unique fusion of traditional and contemporary music.
The band's early years were marked by a strong connection to their Scottish roots and a desire to bring Gaelic culture to the forefront. This was evident in their lyrics, which often addressed issues such as Scottish identity, history, and politics. Runrig's music also incorporated traditional Scottish instruments such as bagpipes, fiddles, and bodhrans, giving their sound a distinct Celtic feel.
Musical Style
Runrig's music is difficult to define within one specific genre. It is a blend of Celtic rock, folk, and pop with a touch of traditional Scottish music. This fusion of genres has created a unique and dynamic sound that has captivated audiences worldwide. The band's use of traditional instruments and Gaelic language sets them apart from other rock bands and adds to their authenticity as a Scottish band.
Their lyrics are often poetic and thought-provoking, addressing themes of love, loss, and the struggle for freedom. This, coupled with their powerful vocals and energetic instrumentals, creates an emotionally charged listening experience. Runrig's music is not just for entertainment; it also serves as a platform for cultural and political expression, making their music even more impactful.
Impact on the Music Scene
Runrig has had a significant impact on the music scene, both in Scotland and internationally. In their early years, they played at small venues and festivals, slowly gaining popularity and building a dedicated fan base. In the 1980s, they signed with Chrysalis Records, which enabled them to reach a wider audience and achieve mainstream success. The band's albums consistently topped the charts in Scotland, and their popularity spread to other countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Canada.
Runrig's success paved the way for other Celtic rock bands, and they are often seen as pioneers of the genre. Their blend of traditional and contemporary music has inspired other artists to explore similar styles, resulting in a resurgence of interest in Celtic music. Runrig's influence can be seen in the music of bands such as The Waterboys and The Proclaimers.
In addition to their musical impact, Runrig has also been a significant contributor to Scottish culture and identity. Their lyrics often address issues that are important to the Scottish people, such as the struggle for independence and the preservation of Gaelic language and culture. They have also been involved in various charity work, using their platform to raise awareness and funds for causes such as environmental conservation and social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Runrig is a band that has made a lasting impact on the music scene. Their unique blend of traditional and contemporary music, coupled with their powerful lyrics, has captivated audiences and inspired other artists. They have not only achieved commercial success but also played a significant role in promoting Scottish culture and identity. Runrig's legacy will continue to influence and inspire generations of musicians to come.
Mairi Chords And Lyrics By Runrig
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G
(G)Dorch an nochd (C)tha'n (G)t-Eilean
(C)Dathan air am (G)fuadach far nam (D)beann -G-D
Tha (G)faileas a'tuiteam (C)bhon an (G)Stor
(C)Mar t-fhalt dorch a (G)suabadh do (D)cheann
Curfá
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
'S mi 'gad (D)ionndrain ho (G)ro
De (G)math an tobar (C)gun an (G)t-uisge
De (C)math an (G)corp gun (D)cridh' -G-D
Nam (G)biodh neart an (C)Stoir 'nam (G)lamhan
(C)Bhiodh sinn le'r (G)cheile's an Eilean a (D)rithis
Curfá
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G
'S doch (G)nach fhaigh sinn neamh no (C)beatha (G)eile
(C)Nuair a dhuineas (G)suilean aig deireadh (D)lath -G-D
Ach (G)fhuair mi mo neamh an (C)seo's an (G)aite
(C)Far an d'thug thu dhimh do (G)lamh's do cridhe (D)slan
Curfá 2x
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G 2x
English Translation
There's a darkness on the Island of Skye tonight
The colours are clearing away from the hills
A shadow is falling down from the Storr
Like your dark hair sweeping across your face
Chorus
Horo Mary o
Horo Mary o
Horo Mary o
I miss you.
What use is the well without water
What use is the body without the heart
If I had the power of this landscape in my hands
We'd be together again on the island
Only The Brave Guitar Chords And Lyrics By Runrig
(D)Twelve o'(A)clock at (Bm)night
(G)Streets of (A)many (D)corners
The lunar (A)river (Bm)winds
Down the (G)closes and the (A)lanes
The night (D)skips the (A)sleeping (Bm)years
And (G)rea(A)wakes the (D)memo(Bm)ry
Takes me a(G)long the (F#m)way
To the (A)places of the (D)heart
The (D)days of (A)summer (Bm)came
(G)Days of (A)many (D)heartache
Not to love is (A)not to (Bm)live
Not to (G)live is not to feel no (A)pain
So un(D)lock this (A)heart of (Bm)stone
Teach (G)me the (A)ways of (D)myste(Bm)ry
In the places (G)where they (F#m)say
Only the (A)brave can walk a(D)lone
You (D)took me (A)through this (Bm)town
And you (G)took me (A)to the (D)moment
That makes angels (A)lose their (Bm)wings
And makes (G)poets lose their (A)wonder
But (D)I have (A)found in (Bm)you
A (G)love line (A)pure and (D)las(Bm)ting
May your (G)heart hold (F#m)true
And your (A)nights run (D)long
TIR A’MHURAIN LYRICS AND CHORDS
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain(D)
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain(G)
Curfá
(G)Trobhad is coisich (C)rium
Ri (G)taobh a' (D)chuain
Is (G)seallaidh mi (C)dhuit
Tir a' (G)Mhurain
(G)Failte (C)gu mo dhan
(G)Siol is (D)means nam bard
Am (G)foghar bha (C)feitheamh orm
Bho an (Em)la a bha mi (D)og
Curfá
(G)Failte (C)gu mo thir
(G)Eilean (D)geal an iar
An (G)t-ait a chi gach (C)tuigse is firinn
(Em)Glaiste 'na mo (D)chridhe
Curfá
(G)Failte (C)gu mo chainnt
Is i (G)dh'ionnsaich (D)mi 'nam phaisde
(G)Canan uasal (C)mor nan Gaidheal
Mar (Em)bhratach dhomh gach (D)la
Curfá
Is (G)ged a dh' fheuch iad ri (C)cur as dhuinn
(G)Chi mo theaghlach (D)cnoc nan linn
Is ged (G)tha ar canan (C)leoint le stri
'S an (Em)tir seo bidh i (D)beo
Curfá 2x
The Only Rose Song Lyrics And Chords By Runrig
Intro: G-D-Em-C G-D-G-G (3x)
G-D-Em-C G-D-G-Em
Between the (Em)shifting shadows
In the (G)no-man's (D)zone
There's a (C)bar at the (Bm)end of the (Em)street
Some poor country music
One or (G)two sixties (D)songs
It’s the (C)place where the (Bm)night owls (Em)sleep
Oh, (G)loneli(D)ness
You're a (G)hard earned (D)crust
You're the (Em)night at the (Bm)end of the (Em)day
'Cause you pay your dues
On the (G)road you (D)choose
With the (C)price will you (Bm)have to (Em)pay
Bridge: G-D-Em-C G-D-G-G G-D-Em-C G-D-G-Em
Down the (Em)neon aisles
And the (G)twilight (D)miles
Where the (C)world takes (Bm)comfort in (Em)shame
And all I can hear
Is a (G)voice in my (D)ear
And it’s (C)calling (Bm)out your (Em)name
Still the (G)silence (D)glows
The (G)four winds (D)blow
And a (Em)dark moon (Bm)rising a(Em)bove
To rest by your side
In the (G)heat of the (D)fire
In the (C)sleep of the (Bm)night of (Em)love
When (G)darkness (D)hangs
On the (C)dirty (Em)city
Winter (C)falls on a (Bm)foreign (Em)town
And it's (G)all I can (D)do
To (C)be with (Em)you
To(C)night as the (Bm)sun goes (Em)down
Ah, but (G)I would (D)cross
The (G)ocean (D)wide
I'd (C)walk the (Bm)mighty (Em)foam
Oh, if I could lie
In your (G)arms to(D)night
You're the (C)only (Bm)rose I (Em)know
World Appeal lyrics and chords by Runrig
(G)How can we (C)close our eyes
(G)Watch our world break (D)down and die
(G)How can we (C)let it be
(G)Slaves to world e(D)cono(G)my
(G)How can we (C)be like wood
(G)Watch our world cry (D)out for food
(G)How can't we (C)start to see
A (G)glimpse of world sim(D)plici(G)ty
Chorus
(G)World appeal
(C)World appeal
This is our planet
(D)Let it heal
(G)The earth, the rain, the (C)air, the seas
(D)This is our future
Let it breathe
(G)The hands of (C)wealth are tied
(G)Men of power (D)run and hide
(G)But we're players (C)you and me
In the (G)game of world du(D)plici(G)ty
Chorus + Final G-chord
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G
(G)Dorch an nochd (C)tha'n (G)t-Eilean
(C)Dathan air am (G)fuadach far nam (D)beann -G-D
Tha (G)faileas a'tuiteam (C)bhon an (G)Stor
(C)Mar t-fhalt dorch a (G)suabadh do (D)cheann
Curfá
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
Ho(C)ro Mhairi (G)o
'S mi 'gad (D)ionndrain ho (G)ro
De (G)math an tobar (C)gun an (G)t-uisge
De (C)math an (G)corp gun (D)cridh' -G-D
Nam (G)biodh neart an (C)Stoir 'nam (G)lamhan
(C)Bhiodh sinn le'r (G)cheile's an Eilean a (D)rithis
Curfá
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G
'S doch (G)nach fhaigh sinn neamh no (C)beatha (G)eile
(C)Nuair a dhuineas (G)suilean aig deireadh (D)lath -G-D
Ach (G)fhuair mi mo neamh an (C)seo's an (G)aite
(C)Far an d'thug thu dhimh do (G)lamh's do cridhe (D)slan
Curfá 2x
C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-C-D-D C-D-G-G 2x
English Translation
There's a darkness on the Island of Skye tonight
The colours are clearing away from the hills
A shadow is falling down from the Storr
Like your dark hair sweeping across your face
Chorus
Horo Mary o
Horo Mary o
Horo Mary o
I miss you.
What use is the well without water
What use is the body without the heart
If I had the power of this landscape in my hands
We'd be together again on the island
Only The Brave Guitar Chords And Lyrics By Runrig
(D)Twelve o'(A)clock at (Bm)night
(G)Streets of (A)many (D)corners
The lunar (A)river (Bm)winds
Down the (G)closes and the (A)lanes
The night (D)skips the (A)sleeping (Bm)years
And (G)rea(A)wakes the (D)memo(Bm)ry
Takes me a(G)long the (F#m)way
To the (A)places of the (D)heart
The (D)days of (A)summer (Bm)came
(G)Days of (A)many (D)heartache
Not to love is (A)not to (Bm)live
Not to (G)live is not to feel no (A)pain
So un(D)lock this (A)heart of (Bm)stone
Teach (G)me the (A)ways of (D)myste(Bm)ry
In the places (G)where they (F#m)say
Only the (A)brave can walk a(D)lone
You (D)took me (A)through this (Bm)town
And you (G)took me (A)to the (D)moment
That makes angels (A)lose their (Bm)wings
And makes (G)poets lose their (A)wonder
But (D)I have (A)found in (Bm)you
A (G)love line (A)pure and (D)las(Bm)ting
May your (G)heart hold (F#m)true
And your (A)nights run (D)long
TIR A’MHURAIN LYRICS AND CHORDS
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain(D)
(G)Tir a' Mhu(C)rain(G)
Curfá
(G)Trobhad is coisich (C)rium
Ri (G)taobh a' (D)chuain
Is (G)seallaidh mi (C)dhuit
Tir a' (G)Mhurain
(G)Failte (C)gu mo dhan
(G)Siol is (D)means nam bard
Am (G)foghar bha (C)feitheamh orm
Bho an (Em)la a bha mi (D)og
Curfá
(G)Failte (C)gu mo thir
(G)Eilean (D)geal an iar
An (G)t-ait a chi gach (C)tuigse is firinn
(Em)Glaiste 'na mo (D)chridhe
Curfá
(G)Failte (C)gu mo chainnt
Is i (G)dh'ionnsaich (D)mi 'nam phaisde
(G)Canan uasal (C)mor nan Gaidheal
Mar (Em)bhratach dhomh gach (D)la
Curfá
Is (G)ged a dh' fheuch iad ri (C)cur as dhuinn
(G)Chi mo theaghlach (D)cnoc nan linn
Is ged (G)tha ar canan (C)leoint le stri
'S an (Em)tir seo bidh i (D)beo
Curfá 2x
The Only Rose Song Lyrics And Chords By Runrig
Intro: G-D-Em-C G-D-G-G (3x)
G-D-Em-C G-D-G-Em
Between the (Em)shifting shadows
In the (G)no-man's (D)zone
There's a (C)bar at the (Bm)end of the (Em)street
Some poor country music
One or (G)two sixties (D)songs
It’s the (C)place where the (Bm)night owls (Em)sleep
Oh, (G)loneli(D)ness
You're a (G)hard earned (D)crust
You're the (Em)night at the (Bm)end of the (Em)day
'Cause you pay your dues
On the (G)road you (D)choose
With the (C)price will you (Bm)have to (Em)pay
Bridge: G-D-Em-C G-D-G-G G-D-Em-C G-D-G-Em
Down the (Em)neon aisles
And the (G)twilight (D)miles
Where the (C)world takes (Bm)comfort in (Em)shame
And all I can hear
Is a (G)voice in my (D)ear
And it’s (C)calling (Bm)out your (Em)name
Still the (G)silence (D)glows
The (G)four winds (D)blow
And a (Em)dark moon (Bm)rising a(Em)bove
To rest by your side
In the (G)heat of the (D)fire
In the (C)sleep of the (Bm)night of (Em)love
When (G)darkness (D)hangs
On the (C)dirty (Em)city
Winter (C)falls on a (Bm)foreign (Em)town
And it's (G)all I can (D)do
To (C)be with (Em)you
To(C)night as the (Bm)sun goes (Em)down
Ah, but (G)I would (D)cross
The (G)ocean (D)wide
I'd (C)walk the (Bm)mighty (Em)foam
Oh, if I could lie
In your (G)arms to(D)night
You're the (C)only (Bm)rose I (Em)know
World Appeal lyrics and chords by Runrig
(G)How can we (C)close our eyes
(G)Watch our world break (D)down and die
(G)How can we (C)let it be
(G)Slaves to world e(D)cono(G)my
(G)How can we (C)be like wood
(G)Watch our world cry (D)out for food
(G)How can't we (C)start to see
A (G)glimpse of world sim(D)plici(G)ty
Chorus
(G)World appeal
(C)World appeal
This is our planet
(D)Let it heal
(G)The earth, the rain, the (C)air, the seas
(D)This is our future
Let it breathe
(G)The hands of (C)wealth are tied
(G)Men of power (D)run and hide
(G)But we're players (C)you and me
In the (G)game of world du(D)plici(G)ty
Chorus + Final G-chord
