The Molly Maguires lyrics and guitar chords

​"The Molly Maguires" is a traditional Irish-American folk song that tells the story of the Molly Maguires, a secret society of Irish immigrant coal miners who fought for workers' rights in the Pennsylvania coal mines during the late 19th century. The song reflects the group's struggles, their defiance against oppressive conditions, and their legacy.
Meaning and Themes:

1. Struggles of the Working Class:
   The song highlights the harsh conditions that coal miners faced, including exploitation by wealthy mine owners. The Molly Maguires organized strikes and used sabotage and intimidation to demand better wages and safer working conditions.
   
2. Defiance and Resistance:
   The lyrics convey the group's rebellious spirit and determination to stand up against injustice, even at great personal risk. This reflects the deep-rooted Irish tradition of resistance to oppression, which many immigrants brought with them to America.
   
3. Sacrifice and Consequences:
   Many members of the Molly Maguires were eventually arrested, tried, and executed for their alleged crimes. The song often alludes to the price they paid for their cause, portraying them as both heroes and tragic figures.
   
4. Irish Identity and Solidarity:
   The Molly Maguires were largely Irish immigrants who bonded over their shared heritage and the discrimination they faced in America. The song captures the pride and solidarity that fueled their movement.
   

Key Lyrics (Typical Variations):

• "Make way for the Molly Maguires / They’re drinkers, they’re liars, but they’re men."
  These lines emphasize the duality of how the group was perceived: admired by some for their bravery and condemned by others for their methods.

Cultural Context:

• The Molly Maguires are both celebrated and controversial figures in Irish-American history. Some see them as early labor heroes, while others view them as criminals.
• The song is often performed with a mix of pride and melancholy, reflecting the complex legacy of the group.

Legacy:The Molly Maguires have inspired not just songs but also books and films (including the 1970 movie The Molly Maguires, starring Sean Connery). Their story remains a powerful symbol of the fight for workers' rights and social justice.

The Molly Maguires Song was written by songwriter / musician Phil Coulter and a mighty hit for The Dubliners. I have included the guitar chords in the key that Luke Kelly and The Dubliners [ songs ] play the song in. The Molly Maguires sheet music notes .

Make[C] way for the[G] Molly Maguire's, their [F]drinkers,they're[G] liars but they're[C] men,
Make[C] way for the[G] Molly Maguire's,you'll[F] never see the[G] likes of them[C] again.

[Am]Down the mine no[Em] sunlight shines,those[C] pits are black as[Am] hell,
In[C] mud and slime they[F] do their time,it's[G] Paddy's prison[C] cell.
And they[F] coursed the day they[C] sailed away,and [F]drowned their tears with a[G] jar.

[2]
Backs will break and muscles ache,
Down there there's no time to dream,
Of fields and farms and woman's arms,
Just dig that bloody seam,
Though they break their bodies underground,
None dare to push them around.

The Dubliners Sheet Music / Tin Whistle Notes Ebook

Here are the guitar chords as played by The Dubliners
Make[F] way for the[C] Molly Maguires,thet're [Bb]drinkers,they're[F] liars but they're[C] men,
Make way for the[C] Molly Maguires,you'll[Bb] never see the likes of them a[F]gain.

[Dm]Down the mine no[F] sunlight shines,thoes pits are black as[Dm] hell,
In[F] mud and slime they[Bb] do thier time,it's[F] Paddy's [C]prison[F] cell.
And they[Dm] coursed the day they[Am] sailed away,and [Bb]drowned their tears with a[C] jar.

[2]
[Dm]Backs will break and[F] muscles ache,
Down there theres no time to [Dm]dream,
Of [F]fields and farms and [Bb]woman's arms,
Just [F]dig that [C]bloody [F]seam,
Though they [Dm]break their bodies [Am]underground,
None [Bb]dare to push them a[C]round.