The Rare Auld Times Lyrics And Chords
This Irish folk song about Dublin City was written by Pete St. John. The Rare Old Times Sheet Music Notes . The rare old times fingerstyle / picking guitar tab now added. This is probably the most famous Dublin song of all time.A classic from Pete who has written tons of great songs over the years. Use the guitar chords I have given to play along with my version of The Rare Auld Times. It was recorded by Johnny McEvoy, The Dubliners with Luke Kelly on vocals and later Ronnie Drew. The Dublin City Ramblers had a massive hit with the song in the 1980's. Country singer Nathan Carter brought it out in 2018. I'm using a capo on the 2nd fret which puts me into the key of A. The song was recently recorded by The Whistlin' Donkeys on The Forge Sessions in 2019. Now included is the guitar tab in Irish tuning of Dadgad plus the bass guitar tab.
[G]Raised on songs &[C] stor[G]ies
[Em]Heroes of re[C]nown
The[G] passing tales &[C] glor[G]ies
That once was Dublin[D] Town
The[G] hallowed halls and[C] hous[G]es
The[Em] haunting children's[C] rhymes
That[G] once was Dublin[C] Ci[G]ty
In the[D] rare ould[G] times.
Chorus:
[G]Ringa Ringa[C] Ros[G]ey
As the[Em] light de[C]clines
I'll[G] remember Dublin[C] Ci[G]ty
In the[D] rare ould [G]Times.
My name it is Sean Dempsey
As Dublin as could be
Born hard & late in Pimlico
In a house that ceased to be
My trade I was a cooper
Lost out to redundancy
Like my house that fell to progress
My trades a memory
I courted Peggy Digman
As pretty as you please.
A rage and child of Mary
from the rebel liberties
I lost her to a student chap
With skin as back as coal
When he took her off to Birmingham
She took away my soul.
The years have made me bitter
The gargle dims me brain
Cause Dublin keeps on changing
and Nothing seems the same.
The Pillar and the Met have gone
The Royal long since pulled down
As the grey unyielding concrete
Makes a city of my Town.
Fare thee well sweet Anna Liffey
I can no longer stay
And watch me new glass cages that
Spring up along me Ouay
My mind's too full of memories
Too old to hear new chimes
l'm a part of what was Dublin
In the rare ould times.
[Em]Heroes of re[C]nown
The[G] passing tales &[C] glor[G]ies
That once was Dublin[D] Town
The[G] hallowed halls and[C] hous[G]es
The[Em] haunting children's[C] rhymes
That[G] once was Dublin[C] Ci[G]ty
In the[D] rare ould[G] times.
Chorus:
[G]Ringa Ringa[C] Ros[G]ey
As the[Em] light de[C]clines
I'll[G] remember Dublin[C] Ci[G]ty
In the[D] rare ould [G]Times.
My name it is Sean Dempsey
As Dublin as could be
Born hard & late in Pimlico
In a house that ceased to be
My trade I was a cooper
Lost out to redundancy
Like my house that fell to progress
My trades a memory
I courted Peggy Digman
As pretty as you please.
A rage and child of Mary
from the rebel liberties
I lost her to a student chap
With skin as back as coal
When he took her off to Birmingham
She took away my soul.
The years have made me bitter
The gargle dims me brain
Cause Dublin keeps on changing
and Nothing seems the same.
The Pillar and the Met have gone
The Royal long since pulled down
As the grey unyielding concrete
Makes a city of my Town.
Fare thee well sweet Anna Liffey
I can no longer stay
And watch me new glass cages that
Spring up along me Ouay
My mind's too full of memories
Too old to hear new chimes
l'm a part of what was Dublin
In the rare ould times.
The youtube video of myself playing is to learn you how to play The Rare Auld Times, the key I use is A Major. I place the capo on the second fret and play G, C, D and Em.
Unlike other songs this never goes stale and remains a great crowd pleaser. First recorded by The Dublin City Ramblers and later by Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners
Unlike other songs this never goes stale and remains a great crowd pleaser. First recorded by The Dublin City Ramblers and later by Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners
Here's the chords in the key of D
[D]Raised on songs &[G] stor[D]ies
[Bm]Heroes of re[G]nown
The[D] passing tales &[G] glor[D]ies
That once was Dublin[A] Town
The[D] hallowed halls and[G] hous[D]es
The[Bm] haunting children's[G] rhymes
That[D] once was Dublin[G] Ci[D]ty
In the[A] rare ould[D] times.
Chorus:
[D]Ringa Ringa[G] Ros[D]ey
As the[Bm] light de[G]clines
I'll[D] remember Dublin[G] Ci[D]ty
In the[A] rare ould [D]Times.
[D]Raised on songs &[G] stor[D]ies
[Bm]Heroes of re[G]nown
The[D] passing tales &[G] glor[D]ies
That once was Dublin[A] Town
The[D] hallowed halls and[G] hous[D]es
The[Bm] haunting children's[G] rhymes
That[D] once was Dublin[G] Ci[D]ty
In the[A] rare ould[D] times.
Chorus:
[D]Ringa Ringa[G] Ros[D]ey
As the[Bm] light de[G]clines
I'll[D] remember Dublin[G] Ci[D]ty
In the[A] rare ould [D]Times.
'The Rare Auld Times' is a renowned Irish folk song that captures the essence of nostalgia and longing for a bygone era in Ireland. Written by Pete St. John in 1978, it has become an emblematic representation of the Irish diaspora's yearning for their homeland and the traditional way of life that has been lost over time. The song's poignant lyrics and haunting melody have resonated with generations of Irish people, both at home and abroad, and have made it a beloved and enduring piece of Irish cultural heritage.
At its core, 'The Rare Auld Times' is a lament for the changes that have taken place in Ireland, particularly in the capital city of Dublin. St. John, a native of Dublin himself, wrote the song during a time of great social, political, and economic upheaval in Ireland. The country was experiencing rapid modernization and urbanization, which brought about significant changes in the social fabric and cultural landscape of the nation. The once-thriving traditional Irish way of life was slowly disappearing, and St. John's song serves as a poignant reminder of the loss of this way of life.
The song's title, 'The Rare Auld Times,' refers to a time in Ireland's history when life was simpler and more communal. It harks back to the days of close-knit communities, where people lived in close proximity to one another and shared a strong sense of community spirit. The lyrics vividly portray this idyllic past, with lines such as 'raised a family in Pimlico, a house that was so small' and 'we had dreams and songs to sing, it's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.' These lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time that is long gone and a way of life that is no longer attainable.
The song also touches on the impact of emigration on Irish society. Ireland has a long history of emigration, with millions of Irish people leaving their homeland in search of a better life. This trend has continued to this day, with many young people still leaving Ireland due to limited economic opportunities. 'The Rare Auld Times' speaks to this reality, with lyrics such as 'I'm on the road again, nowhere to call my friend,' and 'I called a friend so dear to me to pass away the time.' These lines convey the loneliness and longing experienced by those who have left their homes and loved ones behind.
The song's chorus, 'But the rare auld times are not forgotten,' is a powerful reminder that, despite the changes and challenges, the memories of the past still hold a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. This sentiment is further reinforced by the final verse, which speaks of the enduring love for Ireland and the hope that someday the country will return to its former glory. 'And I'll take you up to Monto, you can buy me a pint of beer, and we'll drink to the brave and faithful land of the rising sun.'
'The Rare Auld Times' has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Dubliners, The High Kings, and The Wolfe Tones, to name a few. Its popularity and enduring appeal can be attributed not only to its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics but also to its ability to evoke a deep sense of Irish identity and pride. The song has become a staple at Irish gatherings and events, and it has been adopted as an unofficial anthem of sorts for the Irish diaspora, serving as a reminder of their roots and the home they left behind.
In conclusion, 'The Rare Auld Times' is more than just a song. It is a powerful expression of the Irish people's collective memory, longing, and love for their homeland and the way of life that has been lost. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Irish, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of the Irish people. As long as there are Irish people around the world, 'The Rare Auld Times' will continue to be sung and cherished, keeping the memories of the past alive for generations to come.
At its core, 'The Rare Auld Times' is a lament for the changes that have taken place in Ireland, particularly in the capital city of Dublin. St. John, a native of Dublin himself, wrote the song during a time of great social, political, and economic upheaval in Ireland. The country was experiencing rapid modernization and urbanization, which brought about significant changes in the social fabric and cultural landscape of the nation. The once-thriving traditional Irish way of life was slowly disappearing, and St. John's song serves as a poignant reminder of the loss of this way of life.
The song's title, 'The Rare Auld Times,' refers to a time in Ireland's history when life was simpler and more communal. It harks back to the days of close-knit communities, where people lived in close proximity to one another and shared a strong sense of community spirit. The lyrics vividly portray this idyllic past, with lines such as 'raised a family in Pimlico, a house that was so small' and 'we had dreams and songs to sing, it's so lonely round the fields of Athenry.' These lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time that is long gone and a way of life that is no longer attainable.
The song also touches on the impact of emigration on Irish society. Ireland has a long history of emigration, with millions of Irish people leaving their homeland in search of a better life. This trend has continued to this day, with many young people still leaving Ireland due to limited economic opportunities. 'The Rare Auld Times' speaks to this reality, with lyrics such as 'I'm on the road again, nowhere to call my friend,' and 'I called a friend so dear to me to pass away the time.' These lines convey the loneliness and longing experienced by those who have left their homes and loved ones behind.
The song's chorus, 'But the rare auld times are not forgotten,' is a powerful reminder that, despite the changes and challenges, the memories of the past still hold a special place in the hearts of the Irish people. This sentiment is further reinforced by the final verse, which speaks of the enduring love for Ireland and the hope that someday the country will return to its former glory. 'And I'll take you up to Monto, you can buy me a pint of beer, and we'll drink to the brave and faithful land of the rising sun.'
'The Rare Auld Times' has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Dubliners, The High Kings, and The Wolfe Tones, to name a few. Its popularity and enduring appeal can be attributed not only to its beautiful melody and poignant lyrics but also to its ability to evoke a deep sense of Irish identity and pride. The song has become a staple at Irish gatherings and events, and it has been adopted as an unofficial anthem of sorts for the Irish diaspora, serving as a reminder of their roots and the home they left behind.
In conclusion, 'The Rare Auld Times' is more than just a song. It is a powerful expression of the Irish people's collective memory, longing, and love for their homeland and the way of life that has been lost. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the Irish, serving as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit and resilience of the Irish people. As long as there are Irish people around the world, 'The Rare Auld Times' will continue to be sung and cherished, keeping the memories of the past alive for generations to come.
The rare old times guitar tab
Below is the list of sheet music and tin whistle songs that are in my ebooks. This is the largest collection of tin whistle songs ever put together.[over 800 songs ] Including folk, pop and trad tunes plus German And French songs along with Christmas Carols.
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50
All of the sheet music tabs have been made as easy to play as was possible.
The price of the ebooks is €7.50
The Rare Auld Times Guitar Tab In Irish Tuning of DADGAD
Ebook of tabs in DADGAD
The Bass Tab In G Major
My Old Dublin City song lyrics
Strolling through the streets, the sun is shining bright
People passing by, such a lively sight
The cobblestone pathways, beneath my feet
Every corner I turn, there's a new beat
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Verse 2)
The Liffey river flows, as the buskers play
Their music fills the air, in the most magical way
The smell of fresh food, from the market stalls
And the colorful buildings, standing tall
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Bridge)
There's a sense of history, in every street
From the castles to the churches, it's all so neat
But it's the people and their spirit, that shine the brightest
In this city that's full of life and the friendliest
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Outro)
So if you ever have the chance, just take a walk
Through Dublin City, it'll be a memory you'll never forget or balk
For there's something special about this place
That will make you want to come back, to experience its grace.
Strolling through the streets, the sun is shining bright
People passing by, such a lively sight
The cobblestone pathways, beneath my feet
Every corner I turn, there's a new beat
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Verse 2)
The Liffey river flows, as the buskers play
Their music fills the air, in the most magical way
The smell of fresh food, from the market stalls
And the colorful buildings, standing tall
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Bridge)
There's a sense of history, in every street
From the castles to the churches, it's all so neat
But it's the people and their spirit, that shine the brightest
In this city that's full of life and the friendliest
(Chorus)
Walking around Dublin City, feeling so alive
The energy here, it's hard to deny
From the pubs to the parks, there's so much to see
In this beautiful city, where I long to be
(Outro)
So if you ever have the chance, just take a walk
Through Dublin City, it'll be a memory you'll never forget or balk
For there's something special about this place
That will make you want to come back, to experience its grace.
