Twenty One Years lyrics and chords
21 years was written in 1930 in the USA by Bob Miller, info. supplied by Garrett Taylor, Recorded by Daniel O'Donnell, Ryans Fancy and by Dermot Hegerty. The youtube guitar lesson is by myself. A simple 2 chord job in the key of G in chordpro. If the chords don't suit you try changing the chords here. The sheet music is included. When I used to sing this song to myself as a child I often wondered what this man was put in prison for, I suppose I must of thought the song was for real. The banjo / mandolin chords are included, tuned to Irish tenor banjo GDAE. Twenty one years tenor guitar / mandola tab in the tuning of CGDA now added plus a pdf file of the piano score with chords.
21 Years Song Words And Chords In The Key Of G Major
The[G judge said stand up lad and dry up your[D7] tears,
Your sentenced to Dartmore for twenty one[G] years,
So dry up your tears babe and kiss me good[D7]bye,
For the[D] best friends must part babe,so must you and[G] I,
[2]
I hear the train coming, t'will be here at nine,
To take me to Dartmore to serve up my time,
I look down the railway,and plainly I see,
Your standing there waving your good bye's to me.
[3]
Six months have gone by babe,I wish I was dead,
This cold weary prison,a stone for my head,
It's raining it's hailing,the moon gives no light,
Oh wont you tell me babe,why you never wright.
[4]
I've counted the days babe I've counted the nights,
I've counted the footsteps I've counted the lights
I've counted the raindrops I've counted the stars,
I've counted a million of these prison bars.
[5]
I waited I trusted I longed for the day,
A life-time so lonely,now my hair's turning grey,
But my thoughts are for you babe till I'm out of my mind,
For twenty one years is a mighty long time.
The[G judge said stand up lad and dry up your[D7] tears,
Your sentenced to Dartmore for twenty one[G] years,
So dry up your tears babe and kiss me good[D7]bye,
For the[D] best friends must part babe,so must you and[G] I,
[2]
I hear the train coming, t'will be here at nine,
To take me to Dartmore to serve up my time,
I look down the railway,and plainly I see,
Your standing there waving your good bye's to me.
[3]
Six months have gone by babe,I wish I was dead,
This cold weary prison,a stone for my head,
It's raining it's hailing,the moon gives no light,
Oh wont you tell me babe,why you never wright.
[4]
I've counted the days babe I've counted the nights,
I've counted the footsteps I've counted the lights
I've counted the raindrops I've counted the stars,
I've counted a million of these prison bars.
[5]
I waited I trusted I longed for the day,
A life-time so lonely,now my hair's turning grey,
But my thoughts are for you babe till I'm out of my mind,
For twenty one years is a mighty long time.
The folk song is a vital part of human culture and has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. It is a powerful medium for storytelling, preserving history, and expressing emotions. One particular folk song that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant even after twenty-one years is 'Twenty One Years.'
'Twenty One Years' is a traditional folk song that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The exact origins of the song are unknown, but it is believed to have been passed down through oral tradition in the Appalachian region. The song has since been recorded by various artists and has become a staple in the folk music genre.
The lyrics of 'Twenty One Years' tell the story of a young man who has been sentenced to twenty-one years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The song expresses the man's despair and longing for freedom, as well as the injustice and corruption of the justice system. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, making it easy for people to relate to and sing along.
One of the reasons why 'Twenty One Years' has remained relevant for over two decades is its universal theme of injustice. In every society, there are cases of innocent individuals being wrongfully convicted and serving time in prison. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the flaws of the justice system and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families.
Moreover, 'Twenty One Years' is also a reflection of the socio-political climate of the time it was written. In the early 20th century, the United States was going through a period of social and political upheaval. The Great Depression, Prohibition, and the rise of organized crime were just some of the issues that plagued the country. The song's lyrics of corruption and injustice may have resonated with many during that time, making it a popular song in the folk music scene.
Furthermore, the song's longevity can also be attributed to its ability to adapt and evolve with changing times. Over the years, 'Twenty One Years' has been recorded and performed by various artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. This has allowed the song to reach new audiences and remain relevant in different musical eras.
In addition to its cultural significance, 'Twenty One Years' also holds a special place in the hearts of many musicians and folk music enthusiasts. The song has been covered by renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash, further cementing its place in the folk music canon. Its simple yet powerful melody and relatable lyrics make it a favorite among musicians to this day.
Moreover, 'Twenty One Years' has also been used as a tool for social activism. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the song was often sung at protests and rallies, serving as an anthem for the fight against racial injustice. The song's message of standing up against corruption and fighting for justice resonated with many, making it a powerful tool in the fight for equal rights.
In conclusion, 'Twenty One Years' is a testament to the enduring power of folk music. It has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant in today's society, proving that music can transcend generations and cultures. The song's universal themes of injustice, corruption, and the fight for freedom have resonated with people for over twenty-one years and will continue to do so for many more years to come.
'Twenty One Years' is a traditional folk song that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The exact origins of the song are unknown, but it is believed to have been passed down through oral tradition in the Appalachian region. The song has since been recorded by various artists and has become a staple in the folk music genre.
The lyrics of 'Twenty One Years' tell the story of a young man who has been sentenced to twenty-one years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The song expresses the man's despair and longing for freedom, as well as the injustice and corruption of the justice system. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, making it easy for people to relate to and sing along.
One of the reasons why 'Twenty One Years' has remained relevant for over two decades is its universal theme of injustice. In every society, there are cases of innocent individuals being wrongfully convicted and serving time in prison. The song serves as a powerful commentary on the flaws of the justice system and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their families.
Moreover, 'Twenty One Years' is also a reflection of the socio-political climate of the time it was written. In the early 20th century, the United States was going through a period of social and political upheaval. The Great Depression, Prohibition, and the rise of organized crime were just some of the issues that plagued the country. The song's lyrics of corruption and injustice may have resonated with many during that time, making it a popular song in the folk music scene.
Furthermore, the song's longevity can also be attributed to its ability to adapt and evolve with changing times. Over the years, 'Twenty One Years' has been recorded and performed by various artists, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the song. This has allowed the song to reach new audiences and remain relevant in different musical eras.
In addition to its cultural significance, 'Twenty One Years' also holds a special place in the hearts of many musicians and folk music enthusiasts. The song has been covered by renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash, further cementing its place in the folk music canon. Its simple yet powerful melody and relatable lyrics make it a favorite among musicians to this day.
Moreover, 'Twenty One Years' has also been used as a tool for social activism. During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the song was often sung at protests and rallies, serving as an anthem for the fight against racial injustice. The song's message of standing up against corruption and fighting for justice resonated with many, making it a powerful tool in the fight for equal rights.
In conclusion, 'Twenty One Years' is a testament to the enduring power of folk music. It has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant in today's society, proving that music can transcend generations and cultures. The song's universal themes of injustice, corruption, and the fight for freedom have resonated with people for over twenty-one years and will continue to do so for many more years to come.
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 900 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
Twenty one years sheet music with chords
Twenty one years tenor guitar / mandola tab
Included below is the banjo / mandolin chord shapes for an Irish tenor banjo tuned GDAE .
Here's the sheet music for Twenty One Years.
The pdf piano sheet music includes the chords

twenty-one-years-piano-sheet-music-with-chords-pdf.pdf |
Below is an alternative version of the music notes and a little bit easier to play.