“The Rocky Road to Dublin” (1995 – Dubliners' version from 1964)

In this traditional song from the 19th century, an Irish man relates the story of his journey from his hometown to the far-off shore of Liverpool, England. He is off to seek his fortune. Instead, he meets misfortune. The poor migrant is mocked, robbed, and scorned.

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When the locals at his destination taunt him and call him a fool, he flies into a rage, and confronts them. His only relief comes when some of his Irish compatriots rush to his rescue, and “clear the way,” possibly for his return, on a not-so-rocky road, back to the safety, comfort, and security of his homeland.

The lyrics were written by D. K. Gavan, who was known as "The Galway Poet." It was first popularized by Harry Clifton, and subsequently by The Dubliners.

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While in the merry month of May, from me home I started

Left the girls of Tuam so sad and broken hearted

Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother

Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother

Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born

Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins

Bought a pair of brogues rattling o'er the bogs

And fright'ning all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five,

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road

All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah

In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary

Started by daylight next morning blithe and early

Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from sinking

That's a Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking

See the lassies smile, laughing all the while

At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin'

Asked me was I hired, wages I required

I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road

All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity

To be soon deprived a view of that fine city

So then I took a stroll, all among the quality

Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality

Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin'
Inquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue
Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin

One, two, three, four, five

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road

All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
From there I got away, me spirits never falling

Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing

The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he

When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, played some hearty rigs

Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling

When off Holyhead, I wished meself was dead

Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road

All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah

Well, the boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed

Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it

Blood began to boil, temper I was losing

Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing
"Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly

Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in

With a load "Hurray" joined in the affray

We quietly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road

And all the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
_{(Image source)}

The Dubliners – “The Rocky Road to Dublin”
_{_{(Right-click to hear on YouTube)}}

br>Lyrics (by D.K. Gavan, (The Dubliiners’ version courtesy of – Genius.com

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

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