The Travelling People Song lyrics and guitar chords
Freeborn man of the travelling people sheet music notes in solfege format now included. Written by Ewan McColl and a big hit for The Dubliners with Luke Kelly [ lyrics ] on vocals, also recorded by Johnny McEvoy and by The Pogues. The first version of the chords is by The Dubliners with the guitar chords in chordpro fitting the youtube video, the second version is by Liam Clancy using the same chords as the video.The sheet music is included. The youtube video is of The Dubliners. The song was recorded as a demo by Shane MacGowan And The Pogues but the never got around to putting the final version together.
The link below is for the 5 string banjo tab in Open G tuning.
The link below is for the 5 string banjo tab in Open G tuning.
The Travelling People Song Lyrics & Chords The Dubliners with Luke Kelly No Capo
I’m [C]a freeborn man of the [F]travelling [G]people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am [C]numbered,
Country [G]lanes and by [C]ways were always [F]my [C]way,
I’ve [F]never [C]fancied [F]being [Bb]lum[C]bered.
Well we knew the woods and the [F]resting [G]places,
And the small bird sang when winter time was [C]over
Then we'd [G]pack our load and be [C]on the [F]road,
[C]Those were [F]good old [C]times [F]for the [Bb]ro[C]ver.
In the open ground you could [F]stop and [G]linger,
For a week or two for time was not your [C]master,
Then a[G]way you'd jog with your [C]horse and [F]dog,
[C]Nice and [F]easy [C]no need [F]to go [Bb]fas[C]ter.
And sometimes we’d meet up [F]with other [G]people
Hear the news or else swap friendly infor[C]mation
At the [G]country fair, we’d be [C]meeting [F]there
[C]All the [F]people [C]of the [F]travelling [Bb]na[C]tion
I've made willow creels and the [F]heather [G]besoms
And I've even done some begging and some [C]hawkin'
And I've [G]lain there spent wrapped up [C]in my [F]tent
[C]And I've [F]listened [C]to the [F]old folks [Bb]talk[C]ing
All you freeborn men of the [F]travelling [G]people,
Every tinker, rolling stone and gypsy [C]rover,
Winds of [G]change are blowing, old [C]ways are [F]going,
[C]Your tra[F]velling [C]days will [F]soon be [Bb]o[C]ver.
I’m [C]a freeborn man of the [F]traveling [G]people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am [C]numbered,
Country [G]lanes and by [C]ways were always [F]my [C]way,
I [F]never [C]fancied [F]being [Bb]lum[C]bered.
Other song lyrics about travellers on the site include The Tinkers Lullaby Lyrics by ''The Pecker Dunne''
I’m [C]a freeborn man of the [F]travelling [G]people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am [C]numbered,
Country [G]lanes and by [C]ways were always [F]my [C]way,
I’ve [F]never [C]fancied [F]being [Bb]lum[C]bered.
Well we knew the woods and the [F]resting [G]places,
And the small bird sang when winter time was [C]over
Then we'd [G]pack our load and be [C]on the [F]road,
[C]Those were [F]good old [C]times [F]for the [Bb]ro[C]ver.
In the open ground you could [F]stop and [G]linger,
For a week or two for time was not your [C]master,
Then a[G]way you'd jog with your [C]horse and [F]dog,
[C]Nice and [F]easy [C]no need [F]to go [Bb]fas[C]ter.
And sometimes we’d meet up [F]with other [G]people
Hear the news or else swap friendly infor[C]mation
At the [G]country fair, we’d be [C]meeting [F]there
[C]All the [F]people [C]of the [F]travelling [Bb]na[C]tion
I've made willow creels and the [F]heather [G]besoms
And I've even done some begging and some [C]hawkin'
And I've [G]lain there spent wrapped up [C]in my [F]tent
[C]And I've [F]listened [C]to the [F]old folks [Bb]talk[C]ing
All you freeborn men of the [F]travelling [G]people,
Every tinker, rolling stone and gypsy [C]rover,
Winds of [G]change are blowing, old [C]ways are [F]going,
[C]Your tra[F]velling [C]days will [F]soon be [Bb]o[C]ver.
I’m [C]a freeborn man of the [F]traveling [G]people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am [C]numbered,
Country [G]lanes and by [C]ways were always [F]my [C]way,
I [F]never [C]fancied [F]being [Bb]lum[C]bered.
Other song lyrics about travellers on the site include The Tinkers Lullaby Lyrics by ''The Pecker Dunne''
The Travelling People Words And Chords In G
🎵 The Freeborn Man (Key of G Major)
I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)travelling (D)people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,
Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,
I've (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered.
Well we knew the woods and the (C)resting (D)places,
And the small bird sang when winter time was (G)over
Then we'd (D)pack our load and be (G)on the (C)road,
(G)Those were (C)good old (G)times (C)for the (F)ro(G)ver.
In the open ground you could (C)stop and (D)linger,
For a week or two for time was not your (G)master,
Then a(D)way you'd jog with your (G)horse and (C)dog,
(G)Nice and (C)easy (G)no need (C)to go (F)fas(G)ter.
And sometimes we’d meet up (C)with other (D)people
Hear the news or else swap friendly infor(G)mation
At the (D)country fair, we’d be (G)meeting (C)there
(G)All the (C)people (G)of the (C)travelling (F)na(G)tion
I've made willow creels and the (C)heather (D)besoms
And I've even done some begging and some (G)hawkin'
And I've (D)lain there spent wrapped up (G)in my (C)tent(G)
And I've (C)listened (G)to the (C)old folks (F)talk(G)ing
All you freeborn men of the (C)travelling (D)people,
Every tinker, rolling stone and gypsy (G)rover,
Winds of (D)change are blowing, old (G)ways are (C)going,
(G)Your tra(C)velling (G)days will (C)soon be (F)o(G)ver.
I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)traveling (D)people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,
Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,
I (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered.
🎸 Strumming PatternThis song works best with a simple,
relaxed folk rhythm, emphasizing beats 2 and 4.Recommended Pattern: Basic Folk StrumCount: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &Pattern: D $\downarrow$ (Down) - D U $\uparrow$ (Down-Up) - U $\uparrow$ (Up) D U $\uparrow$ (Down-Up)Simplified View: $\downarrow$ $\downarrow$ $\uparrow$ $\uparrow$ $\downarrow$ $\uparrow$Tip: You can often drop the first Down ($\downarrow$) strum and only play the chord on beat 2 and 4 to give it a lighter, more rhythmic feel: (mute/air) $\downarrow \uparrow$ (Up) $\downarrow \uparrow$.
🎼 Fingerpicking Tab (Verse 1 & Chorus)This is a Travis Picking pattern, using an alternating bass line for the thumb (P) and consistent finger movements for the higher strings (I, M).The general pattern for $4/4$ is: P - I - P - M - P - I - P - M (Bass - Index - Alt. Bass - Middle, repeated).Note: The chords F and Bb are common in the original key of C, but when transposed to G, the $F$ becomes $C$ and the $Bb$ becomes $F$. The $F$ chord at the end of the line (e.g., in (F)lum(G)bered) is a quick passing chord.Verse 1"(G)I'm a freeborn man of the (C)travelling (D)people,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
P M P I P M P I P M P I P M P I
C D
e|-----------------|-----------2-----|
B|-----------1-----|-------3---------|
G|-------0---------|-----2-------2---|
D|-----2-------2---|-0---------------|
A|-3---------------|---------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
P M P I P M P I P M P I P M P I
"Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
"Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,"
D G
e|-----------2-----|-----------------|
B|-------3---------|-----------0-----|
G|-----2-------2---|-------0---------|
D|-0---------------|-----0-------0---|
A|---------0-------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|
C G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|---------3-------|-3---------------|
"I've (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered."
C G C F
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---1-1-----------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|-----------1-----|-----1-----------|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|-------0---------|---2-2-----------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|-----2-------2---|-3---3-----------|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|---------3-------|-----------------|
G
e|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|
The song structure doesn't have a traditional chorus, but the final stanza, being a reflective summary, often serves as one. I will tab the last stanza for you, as it is a complete melodic phrase.Last Stanza (Chorus Equivalent)"I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)traveling (D)people,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
C D
e|-----------------|-----------2-----|
B|-----------1-----|-------3---------|
G|-------0---------|-----2-------2---|
D|-----2-------2---|-0---------------|
A|-3---------------|---------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
"Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
"Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,"
D G
e|-----------2-----|-----------------|
B|-------3---------|-----------0-----|
G|-----2-------2---|-------0---------|
D|-0---------------|-----0-------0---|
A|---------0-------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|
C G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|---------3-------|-3---------------|
"I (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered."
C G C F
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---1-1-----------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|-----------1-----|-----1-----------|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|-------0---------|---2-2-----------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|-----2-------2---|-3---3-----------|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|---------3-------|-----------------|
G
e|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|
🎵 The Freeborn Man (Key of G Major)
I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)travelling (D)people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,
Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,
I've (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered.
Well we knew the woods and the (C)resting (D)places,
And the small bird sang when winter time was (G)over
Then we'd (D)pack our load and be (G)on the (C)road,
(G)Those were (C)good old (G)times (C)for the (F)ro(G)ver.
In the open ground you could (C)stop and (D)linger,
For a week or two for time was not your (G)master,
Then a(D)way you'd jog with your (G)horse and (C)dog,
(G)Nice and (C)easy (G)no need (C)to go (F)fas(G)ter.
And sometimes we’d meet up (C)with other (D)people
Hear the news or else swap friendly infor(G)mation
At the (D)country fair, we’d be (G)meeting (C)there
(G)All the (C)people (G)of the (C)travelling (F)na(G)tion
I've made willow creels and the (C)heather (D)besoms
And I've even done some begging and some (G)hawkin'
And I've (D)lain there spent wrapped up (G)in my (C)tent(G)
And I've (C)listened (G)to the (C)old folks (F)talk(G)ing
All you freeborn men of the (C)travelling (D)people,
Every tinker, rolling stone and gypsy (G)rover,
Winds of (D)change are blowing, old (G)ways are (C)going,
(G)Your tra(C)velling (G)days will (C)soon be (F)o(G)ver.
I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)traveling (D)people,
Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,
Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,
I (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered.
🎸 Strumming PatternThis song works best with a simple,
relaxed folk rhythm, emphasizing beats 2 and 4.Recommended Pattern: Basic Folk StrumCount: 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &Pattern: D $\downarrow$ (Down) - D U $\uparrow$ (Down-Up) - U $\uparrow$ (Up) D U $\uparrow$ (Down-Up)Simplified View: $\downarrow$ $\downarrow$ $\uparrow$ $\uparrow$ $\downarrow$ $\uparrow$Tip: You can often drop the first Down ($\downarrow$) strum and only play the chord on beat 2 and 4 to give it a lighter, more rhythmic feel: (mute/air) $\downarrow \uparrow$ (Up) $\downarrow \uparrow$.
🎼 Fingerpicking Tab (Verse 1 & Chorus)This is a Travis Picking pattern, using an alternating bass line for the thumb (P) and consistent finger movements for the higher strings (I, M).The general pattern for $4/4$ is: P - I - P - M - P - I - P - M (Bass - Index - Alt. Bass - Middle, repeated).Note: The chords F and Bb are common in the original key of C, but when transposed to G, the $F$ becomes $C$ and the $Bb$ becomes $F$. The $F$ chord at the end of the line (e.g., in (F)lum(G)bered) is a quick passing chord.Verse 1"(G)I'm a freeborn man of the (C)travelling (D)people,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
P M P I P M P I P M P I P M P I
C D
e|-----------------|-----------2-----|
B|-----------1-----|-------3---------|
G|-------0---------|-----2-------2---|
D|-----2-------2---|-0---------------|
A|-3---------------|---------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
P M P I P M P I P M P I P M P I
"Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
"Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,"
D G
e|-----------2-----|-----------------|
B|-------3---------|-----------0-----|
G|-----2-------2---|-------0---------|
D|-0---------------|-----0-------0---|
A|---------0-------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|
C G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|---------3-------|-3---------------|
"I've (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered."
C G C F
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---1-1-----------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|-----------1-----|-----1-----------|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|-------0---------|---2-2-----------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|-----2-------2---|-3---3-----------|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|---------3-------|-----------------|
G
e|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|
The song structure doesn't have a traditional chorus, but the final stanza, being a reflective summary, often serves as one. I will tab the last stanza for you, as it is a complete melodic phrase.Last Stanza (Chorus Equivalent)"I'm (G)a freeborn man of the (C)traveling (D)people,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
C D
e|-----------------|-----------2-----|
B|-----------1-----|-------3---------|
G|-------0---------|-----2-------2---|
D|-----2-------2---|-0---------------|
A|-3---------------|---------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
"Got no fixed abode with nomads I am (G)numbered,"
G G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|-3---------------|
"Country (D)lanes and by (G)ways were always (C)my (G)way,"
D G
e|-----------2-----|-----------------|
B|-------3---------|-----------0-----|
G|-----2-------2---|-------0---------|
D|-0---------------|-----0-------0---|
A|---------0-------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|
C G
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|
E|---------3-------|-3---------------|
"I (C)never (G)fancied (C)being (F)lum(G)bered."
C G C F
e|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|---1-1-----------|
B|-----------1-----|-----------0-----|-----------1-----|-----1-----------|
G|-------0---------|-------0---------|-------0---------|---2-2-----------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----0-------0---|-----2-------2---|-3---3-----------|
A|-3---------------|-----------------|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-----------------|-3---------------|---------3-------|-----------------|
G
e|-----------------|
B|-----------0-----|
G|-------0---------|
D|-----0-------0---|
A|-----------------|
E|-3---------------|
The Travelling People Sheet Music Notes By Ewan McColl
Poem Of The Traveling People
The Travelling People roam the land
With caravans and tents in hand
A nomadic life, they call their own
A freedom that cannot be shown
They travel with the changing seasons
With no set path or rhyme or reason
Their journey takes them far and wide
With no destination to abide
They move through fields and over hills
With laughter and joy, their hearts are filled
Their music echoes through the night
A celebration of their nomadic life
They follow the stars and the moon
Guiding them to a new tune
With stories and tales to share
They bring life to the places they dare
They know the secrets of every town
And the hidden gems that can't be found
They trade their goods and their art
Leaving a mark in every heart
Their children grow up on the road
With a different way of life bestowed
Learning from the land and the sky
With open hearts and curious minds
But with progress comes a change
Their way of life, it's hard to sustain
Forced to settle in one place
Losing their freedom and their space
But still, they hold on to their roots
Their traditions and their ancient routes
For they are the Travelling People
And their spirit will always ripple.
The Travelling People roam the land
With caravans and tents in hand
A nomadic life, they call their own
A freedom that cannot be shown
They travel with the changing seasons
With no set path or rhyme or reason
Their journey takes them far and wide
With no destination to abide
They move through fields and over hills
With laughter and joy, their hearts are filled
Their music echoes through the night
A celebration of their nomadic life
They follow the stars and the moon
Guiding them to a new tune
With stories and tales to share
They bring life to the places they dare
They know the secrets of every town
And the hidden gems that can't be found
They trade their goods and their art
Leaving a mark in every heart
Their children grow up on the road
With a different way of life bestowed
Learning from the land and the sky
With open hearts and curious minds
But with progress comes a change
Their way of life, it's hard to sustain
Forced to settle in one place
Losing their freedom and their space
But still, they hold on to their roots
Their traditions and their ancient routes
For they are the Travelling People
And their spirit will always ripple.
Freeborn man of the travelling people sheet music notes in solfege [ Do re mi ]format
An old horse drawn wood panel travelers caravan with colourful decoration
The Irish Travelers Song Lyrics
Verse 1:
We come from the Emerald Isle, with our hearts so wild
Traveling people from Ireland, with a story to tell
Our feet never stay still, always on the move
Roaming through the countryside, under the moon
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Verse 2:
With our colorful wagons, and our horses so strong
We make our way, singing our favorite songs
The smell of peat and the sound of the fiddle
These are the things that make our hearts ripple
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Bridge:
We may not have much, but we have each other
Our love and our laughter, we'll never smother
We may not have a permanent place to call home
But our hearts are filled with love, no matter where we roam
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Outro:
So if you see us passing by, with a twinkle in our eye
Don't be afraid, just come and say hi
We'll share a pint and a story or two
Traveling people from Ireland, always welcoming you.
Verse 1:
We come from the Emerald Isle, with our hearts so wild
Traveling people from Ireland, with a story to tell
Our feet never stay still, always on the move
Roaming through the countryside, under the moon
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Verse 2:
With our colorful wagons, and our horses so strong
We make our way, singing our favorite songs
The smell of peat and the sound of the fiddle
These are the things that make our hearts ripple
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Bridge:
We may not have much, but we have each other
Our love and our laughter, we'll never smother
We may not have a permanent place to call home
But our hearts are filled with love, no matter where we roam
Chorus:
We are the travelers, with a spirit so free
Never tied down, always chasing our dreams
Our home is the open road, our love is the sky
Traveling people from Ireland, we'll never say goodbye
Outro:
So if you see us passing by, with a twinkle in our eye
Don't be afraid, just come and say hi
We'll share a pint and a story or two
Traveling people from Ireland, always welcoming you.
