The Shores Of Lough Bran lyrics and chords

An Irish Folk Song Recorded by Dolores Keane and that's who is singing in the youtube video, Cara Dillon, Eleanor Shanley, Anne Breene, Frank McCaffrey and DeDannan. The tin whistle sheet music is included and you'll just about reach the high note of B. The song goes very high for a folk song.. The guitar chords are in the key of D. Cara Dylan also recorded Black Is The Colour Song which folk singer Christy Moore brought to Ireland from Scotland. Dolores Keane done a fantastic job singing the Scottish song Caledonia [ lyrics ] which was written by Scots man Dougie McLean.

​"The Shores of Lough Bran" is a traditional Irish ballad that reflects themes of emigration, nostalgia, and loss. The song is centered around Lough Bran, a small lake located near Carrick-on-Shannon in County Leitrim, Ireland. Like many Irish folk songs, it captures the deep sadness of leaving one's homeland, a common experience during the era of mass emigration from Ireland.

Song Meaning and Themes
  1. Emigration and Separation:
    • The central theme of the song is leaving home. The narrator expresses deep sorrow at having to leave the shores of Lough Bran, knowing they may never return. This mirrors the experience of many Irish emigrants who left for distant lands in search of better opportunities during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
    • The act of leaving beloved landscapes and familiar places is portrayed as a heart-wrenching and life-altering event.
  2. Nostalgia and Love for Homeland:
    • Lough Bran is depicted as a place of beauty, peace, and treasured memories. The singer reflects on the natural splendor of the area and the life they are leaving behind, which adds to the emotional weight of the farewell.
    • The imagery in the song often includes lush landscapes, calm waters, and gentle breezes, evoking a sense of paradise lost.
  3. Hope and Sorrow:
    • The song balances the heartbreak of departure with a faint hope of reunion or better times in the future. However, the underlying tone remains deeply melancholic, as the singer seems resigned to their fate.

Notable Lyrics (Paraphrased)The song typically includes verses that describe the sadness of parting and the love for the shores of Lough Bran. Some common sentiments in the lyrics are:
  • Farewell to the familiar hills and valleys.
  • Sorrow over leaving loved ones behind.
  • Hope that the memory of home will bring comfort in distant lands.

Cultural and Historical Context
  • Irish Emigration: The song reflects the experiences of countless Irish emigrants who left during the Great Famine and subsequent waves of emigration.
  • Connection to Place: Many Irish folk songs tie emotions and life events to specific locations, creating a deep sense of place. "The Shores of Lough Bran" is no exception, as the lake serves as both a literal and symbolic representation of home.

Musical Style
  • The tune is slow and melancholic, often performed with simple instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, fiddle, or harp.
  • Its mournful melody complements the themes of loss and longing, making it a powerful and emotional piece in traditional Irish music circles.

Legacy and Popularity
  • The song has been performed by many traditional Irish musicians over the years and remains a popular choice at folk music gatherings. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and home continue to resonate with audiences today.
Sit you (D)down, loyal comrade, sit you (A)down for a (D)while
While I (A)spend my last hours in (D)Erin's Green (A)Isle
So fill up your glasses and we'll (D)drink hand to (A)hand
For to(D)morrow I'm leaving my (A)home in Lough (D)Bran.
 
There's my (D)father and mother you can (A)now hear them (D)cry
With their (A)tears bewailing would (D)moisten your (A)eye
But I will assist them, please (D)God, if I (A)can
Far a(D)way from lovely Erin and the (A)shores of Lough (D)Bran.
 
In the (D)incoming morning I will (A)bid you a(D)dieu,
To (A)Leitrim, Drumshanboe and (D)sweet Carrick (A)too
But no matter what fortune I shall (D)meet far a(A)way
My (D)thoughts shall be with you by (A)night and by (D)day.
 
My (A)thoughts shall be with you while (D)life's course is (A)banned
Far a(D)way from lovely Erin and the (A)shores of Lough (D)Bran.
 
(Frank McCaffrey changes to E major for his last two verses]


Dolores Keane
Dolores Keane song The Shores Of Lough Bran
​​Below is the ebook list of Irish Folk Songs with guitar chords
in 3 keys. Price €8.90 and I'll email the ebook after purchase .
​The chords are suited to ukulele, banjo or mandolin also.
Martin
Copyright 2002 - 2025
Contact