When You Were Sweet Sixteen Lyrics and guitar chords
When you were sweet sixteen piano sheet music with chords, guitar tab, lyrics and chords. Written by James Thornton Made famous by The Fureys [ lyrics ],.Also recorded by Tommy Flemming, Glen Campbell, Nathan Carter and by Val Doonican, to name a few. The youtube video is of the Irish folk group The Furey Brothers And Davey Arthur. In 2019 the song was recorded by the County Tyrone folk group The Whistlin' Donkeys.
When[G] first I saw the love light in your[C] eyes,,[Am
I[D] thought the world held nought but joy for[G] me
And[G] even though we[Em] drifted far a[C]part
I[A] never dream but what I dream of[D] you
[Chorus]
IG] love you as I never loved be[C]fore
Since[D] first I saw you on the village[G] green
Come[G] to me e'er my dreams of love is[C] o're,,[Am]
I[C] love you as I[G] loved you,when you were[D] sweet
When you were[Am] sweet six[G]teen
Last night I dreamen I held you in my arms
And once again you were my happy bride
I kissed you as I did on 'Auld Lang Syne',
As to the church we wandered side by side
I[D] thought the world held nought but joy for[G] me
And[G] even though we[Em] drifted far a[C]part
I[A] never dream but what I dream of[D] you
[Chorus]
IG] love you as I never loved be[C]fore
Since[D] first I saw you on the village[G] green
Come[G] to me e'er my dreams of love is[C] o're,,[Am]
I[C] love you as I[G] loved you,when you were[D] sweet
When you were[Am] sweet six[G]teen
Last night I dreamen I held you in my arms
And once again you were my happy bride
I kissed you as I did on 'Auld Lang Syne',
As to the church we wandered side by side
Full chords for all verses and chorus,
A natural strumming pattern for 3/4 time (waltz feel),
A gentle fingerpicking tab for the first verse and chorus.
🎵 When You Were Sweet Sixteen
Verse 1
When [G] first I saw the love light in your [C] eyes, [Am]
I [D] thought the world held nought but joy for [G] me
And [G] even though we [Em] drifted far a [C] part
I [A] never dream but what I dream of [D] you
Chorus
I [G] love you as I never loved be [C] fore
Since [D] first I saw you on the village [G] green
Come [G] to me e’er my dreams of love are [C] o’er, [Am]
I [C] love you as I [G] loved you, when you were [D] sweet
When you were [Am] sweet six [G] teen
Verse 2
Last [G] night I dreamed I held you in my [C] arms, [Am]
And [D] once again you were my happy [G] bride
I [G] kissed you as I [Em] did on “Auld Lang [C] Syne,”
As [A] to the church we wandered side by [D] side
(Then return to Chorus)
🎸 Strumming Pattern (3/4 Waltz Feel)
This song is in 3/4 time — think of a slow waltz.
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↓↑
(count it as: 1 2-and 3-and)
Or more simply:
Beat 1: bass note (root of chord)
Beats 2–3: soft down-up strums on higher strings
So each bar sounds like:
Bass – Down-Up – Down-Up
Example with G:
E-string (3rd fret) → light down-up on middle strings → light down-up again
This creates that gentle lilting sway perfect for an Irish/Scottish love ballad.
🪶 Fingerpicking Tab (Verse + Chorus)
Here’s a soft 3/4-time fingerstyle pattern for the first verse and chorus — alternating bass and treble to mimic a waltz.
Fingers:
T = thumb (bass)
i = index (G string)
m = middle (B string)
a = ring (E string)
Verse (example progression)
G
When first I saw the love light...
e|--------3-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|-3---------------3--------------|
C
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------3---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Am
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------0---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
D
e|--------2-----------2-----------|
B|------3-----------3-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-0---------------0--------------|
A|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Em
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
A
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------2-----------2-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------0---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Chorus (example progression)
G → C → D → G
e|--------3-----------0-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------1-----------3-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|----------------------------------0---------------------|
A|----------2-----------3-----------------2----------------|
E|-3---------------(mute)-----------------3----------------|
C → Am → G → D → G
e|--------0-----------0-----------3-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------1-----------1-----------0-----------3-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------2-----------0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2-------------------0------------------------------|
A|----------3-----------0-----------2-----------------2----------------|
E|-----------------------------------3-----------------3--------------|
💡 Playing Tips
Use your thumb for the bass (low strings), and fingers for the melody (high strings).
Let notes ring together — don’t cut them short; this song needs sustain.
If you sing, keep the picking slow and flowing — about 70–75 bpm.
For a live feel: fingerpick the first verse softly, then strum the chorus for lift.
A natural strumming pattern for 3/4 time (waltz feel),
A gentle fingerpicking tab for the first verse and chorus.
🎵 When You Were Sweet Sixteen
Verse 1
When [G] first I saw the love light in your [C] eyes, [Am]
I [D] thought the world held nought but joy for [G] me
And [G] even though we [Em] drifted far a [C] part
I [A] never dream but what I dream of [D] you
Chorus
I [G] love you as I never loved be [C] fore
Since [D] first I saw you on the village [G] green
Come [G] to me e’er my dreams of love are [C] o’er, [Am]
I [C] love you as I [G] loved you, when you were [D] sweet
When you were [Am] sweet six [G] teen
Verse 2
Last [G] night I dreamed I held you in my [C] arms, [Am]
And [D] once again you were my happy [G] bride
I [G] kissed you as I [Em] did on “Auld Lang [C] Syne,”
As [A] to the church we wandered side by [D] side
(Then return to Chorus)
🎸 Strumming Pattern (3/4 Waltz Feel)
This song is in 3/4 time — think of a slow waltz.
Pattern:
↓ ↓↑ ↓↑
(count it as: 1 2-and 3-and)
Or more simply:
Beat 1: bass note (root of chord)
Beats 2–3: soft down-up strums on higher strings
So each bar sounds like:
Bass – Down-Up – Down-Up
Example with G:
E-string (3rd fret) → light down-up on middle strings → light down-up again
This creates that gentle lilting sway perfect for an Irish/Scottish love ballad.
🪶 Fingerpicking Tab (Verse + Chorus)
Here’s a soft 3/4-time fingerstyle pattern for the first verse and chorus — alternating bass and treble to mimic a waltz.
Fingers:
T = thumb (bass)
i = index (G string)
m = middle (B string)
a = ring (E string)
Verse (example progression)
G
When first I saw the love light...
e|--------3-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|--------------------------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|-3---------------3--------------|
C
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------3---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Am
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------1-----------1-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------0---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
D
e|--------2-----------2-----------|
B|------3-----------3-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-0---------------0--------------|
A|--------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Em
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------0-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------2---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
A
e|--------0-----------0-----------|
B|------2-----------2-------------|
G|----2-----------2---------------|
D|-2---------------2--------------|
A|----------0---------------------|
E|--------------------------------|
Chorus (example progression)
G → C → D → G
e|--------3-----------0-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------0-----------1-----------3-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|----------------------------------0---------------------|
A|----------2-----------3-----------------2----------------|
E|-3---------------(mute)-----------------3----------------|
C → Am → G → D → G
e|--------0-----------0-----------3-----------2-----------3-----------|
B|------1-----------1-----------0-----------3-----------0-------------|
G|----0-----------2-----------0-----------2-----------0---------------|
D|-2---------------2-------------------0------------------------------|
A|----------3-----------0-----------2-----------------2----------------|
E|-----------------------------------3-----------------3--------------|
💡 Playing Tips
Use your thumb for the bass (low strings), and fingers for the melody (high strings).
Let notes ring together — don’t cut them short; this song needs sustain.
If you sing, keep the picking slow and flowing — about 70–75 bpm.
For a live feel: fingerpick the first verse softly, then strum the chorus for lift.
Below is the list of songs in the Furey Brothers Tin Whistle Sheet Music Tabs.
Some of the later songs that were recorded by Finbar Furey are included.
When you were sweet sixteen is included.
The price of the ebook is €9.95.
Some of the later songs that were recorded by Finbar Furey are included.
When you were sweet sixteen is included.
The price of the ebook is €9.95.
Sweet Sixteen In The Key Of C Major
When[C] first I [CMaj7]saw the[Am] love light in your[F] eyes
I[G] thought the world held[G7] nought but joy for[C] me...[G7]
And[C] even thou[CMaj7]gh we[Am] drifted [Am7]far a[F]part...[Dm]
I[D] never dream but [D7]what I dream of[G] you...[G7]
[Chorus]
I[C] love you as I [Am]never loved be[F]fore...[Dm]
Since[G] first I saw you on the village[C] green....[G7]
Come[C] to me[CMaj7] 'ere my [Am]dreams of love is[F] o're...[Dm]
I[D] love you as I[C] loved [CMaj7]you, [Am7]when you were[Em] sweet
When you were[Dm] sweet[G7] six[C]teen
When[C] first I [CMaj7]saw the[Am] love light in your[F] eyes
I[G] thought the world held[G7] nought but joy for[C] me...[G7]
And[C] even thou[CMaj7]gh we[Am] drifted [Am7]far a[F]part...[Dm]
I[D] never dream but [D7]what I dream of[G] you...[G7]
[Chorus]
I[C] love you as I [Am]never loved be[F]fore...[Dm]
Since[G] first I saw you on the village[C] green....[G7]
Come[C] to me[CMaj7] 'ere my [Am]dreams of love is[F] o're...[Dm]
I[D] love you as I[C] loved [CMaj7]you, [Am7]when you were[Em] sweet
When you were[Dm] sweet[G7] six[C]teen
The Furey Brothers And Davie Arthur Version.
The intro chords.
G D Em C Bm Am D G D G F#m Em C Bm Am D G D
When[G] first I [Bm]saw the [Em]love light [G]in your[C] eyes[Bm],,[Am
I[D] thought the world held nought but joy for[G] me,[D]
And[G] even though we[Em] drifted far a[C]part[Bm][Am]
I[Am] never dream but [F#m]what I dream of[D] you[Bm[Am]
[Chorus]
[D]IG] love you as I [Em]never loved be[C]fore[G][Am]
Since[D] first I saw you on the village[G] green[D]
Come[G] to me e'er my dreams [Am]of love is[C] o're[Em],,[Am]
I[C] love you as I[G] loved you,[Em]when you were[Bm] sweet
[D]When you were[Am] sweet[D] six[G]teen
Music break chords
G F#m Em C Bm Am D G D G F#m Em C G Am D G D
Repeat chorus
The intro chords.
G D Em C Bm Am D G D G F#m Em C Bm Am D G D
When[G] first I [Bm]saw the [Em]love light [G]in your[C] eyes[Bm],,[Am
I[D] thought the world held nought but joy for[G] me,[D]
And[G] even though we[Em] drifted far a[C]part[Bm][Am]
I[Am] never dream but [F#m]what I dream of[D] you[Bm[Am]
[Chorus]
[D]IG] love you as I [Em]never loved be[C]fore[G][Am]
Since[D] first I saw you on the village[G] green[D]
Come[G] to me e'er my dreams [Am]of love is[C] o're[Em],,[Am]
I[C] love you as I[G] loved you,[Em]when you were[Bm] sweet
[D]When you were[Am] sweet[D] six[G]teen
Music break chords
G F#m Em C Bm Am D G D G F#m Em C G Am D G D
Repeat chorus
When you were sweet sixteen piano sheet music chords
When you were sweet sixteen song lyrics [ 2 ]
When you were sweet sixteen
Life was just a dream
Everything was so brand new
And I was in love with you
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Verse 2:
We walked hand in hand
On the sandy beach of white sand
Whispering sweet nothings
With our love just beginning
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Bridge:
But time flew by so fast
And our love couldn't last
Now all that's left are memories
Of when you were sweet sixteen
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Outro:
Though we may have grown apart
You'll always hold a special place in my heart
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
Life was just a dream.
When you were sweet sixteen
Life was just a dream
Everything was so brand new
And I was in love with you
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Verse 2:
We walked hand in hand
On the sandy beach of white sand
Whispering sweet nothings
With our love just beginning
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Bridge:
But time flew by so fast
And our love couldn't last
Now all that's left are memories
Of when you were sweet sixteen
Chorus:
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
My heart was yours to keep
We danced under the moonlight
And promised to never weep
Outro:
Though we may have grown apart
You'll always hold a special place in my heart
Oh, when you were sweet sixteen
Life was just a dream.
List of some of the singers who recorded When You Were Sweet Sixteen
Frankie Yankovic
Herb Kern
Jerry Colonna
Reinald Werrenrath
Maurice J. Gunsky
Phil Reid
Bob Manning
Art Gillham
Campbell & Burr
Harry McDonough
Val Alstyne Egbert
Lobit
Megan McCafferty
Ella Fitzgerald
Judy Garland
Brian Dullagham
Josef Loche
Tony Christie
George Whiteman
The Irish Tenors
Barry Manilow
Mitch Miller
The Chordettes
Daniel O'Donnell
Tony Bennett
The Mills Brothers
Al Jolson
Peter Heaps
Johnny Desmond
The Crew Cuts
Dolph Traynor
Eddie Fisher
Pery Como
The Ink Spots
The Furey Brothers
Norman Tabernacle
The Ray Charles Singers
Frankie Yankovic
Herb Kern
Jerry Colonna
Reinald Werrenrath
Maurice J. Gunsky
Phil Reid
Bob Manning
Art Gillham
Campbell & Burr
Harry McDonough
Val Alstyne Egbert
Lobit
Megan McCafferty
Ella Fitzgerald
Judy Garland
Brian Dullagham
Josef Loche
Tony Christie
George Whiteman
The Irish Tenors
Barry Manilow
Mitch Miller
The Chordettes
Daniel O'Donnell
Tony Bennett
The Mills Brothers
Al Jolson
Peter Heaps
Johnny Desmond
The Crew Cuts
Dolph Traynor
Eddie Fisher
Pery Como
The Ink Spots
The Furey Brothers
Norman Tabernacle
The Ray Charles Singers
