Rocky Road to Dublin Song Lyrics:  10 Fun Facts About a Popular Irish Song

Rocky Road to Dublin song lyrics enable us to sing along to  a vibrant tapestry of rhythm, whimsy, and adventure, capturing the essence of Irish rollicking humor and the trials of nomadic life. The song was originally penned by D.K. Gavan, with a melody that aligns with the swift,  jig-like energy intrinsic to many Irish tunes.

Over the years, it has been performed by countless artists, but perhaps the most celebrated recording is by The Dubliners, whose rendition helped cement the song’s status in Irish music history.

Maybe you know this one ...

If you are just here for the lyrics, click here to go directly to them, along with YouTube videos showing two of our favorite performances.  There you can memorize the words, learn the tune and sing along to your heart's content.

Keep going from there and you will have the opportunity to acquire our special collection of Irish activities, in the form of Your Irish Expressions Playbook.

But if you would like to know a few more facts about Rocky Road to Dublin song lyrics first, keep reading.  We will share 10 things to know about this important Irish tune.

10 Fun Things to Know About the Song

Here are some fun facts about Rocky Road to Dublin song lyrics.  Hopefully they will deepen your love of the song and entice you to sing along!

1. Narrative Style: The song is written in the first person, describing the journey of a young man traveling from his home in Tuam, County Galway, to the city of Dublin.
2. Literary References: The lyrics include cultural references unique to Ireland, like the "poteen" (a traditional Irish spirit) and the sport of hurling, showcasing authentic Irish life.
3. Unique Rhythmic Structure: Its composition is energetic and fast-paced, matching the lively jig rhythm typical of Irish traditional music, which can make it challenging yet rewarding for performers.
4. A Journey of Trials: The storyline humorously recounts setbacks faced on the journey, such as falling among rogues, capturing the listener’s imagination about life’s unpredictable nature.
5. Recording Legacy: The Dubliners' 1964 version is considered a seminal recording, introducing the song to the international folk music scene and influencing numerous other artists.
6. Cinematic Appearance: The song appeared in the 2009 film "Sherlock Holmes," performed by the band The Dubliners, adding a touch of Irish spirit to the period setting.
7. Influence on Punk Music: The Dropkick Murphys, a Celtic punk band, recorded a version of the song, illustrating its adaptability and appeal across different music genres.
8. Cultural Symbolism: The song is emblematic of the Irish emigrant experience, reflecting themes of resilience and determination amid hardship and change.
9. Interactive Performances: In live performances, the song often invites audience participation, with its catchy chorus and infectious energy, making it a beloved piece in interactive shows.
10. Educational Value: The song is sometimes used as an educational tool to teach about Irish history, culture, and geography, given its vivid descriptions of the journey through Ireland.

Rocky Road to Dublin Song Lyrics

In the merry month of June from me home I started
Left the girls of Tuam nearly 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 blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand new pair of brogues, rattlin' o'er the bogs
Frightenin' all the dogs on 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 fol lol le rah!

In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight me spirits bright and airy
Took a drop of the pure
Keep me heart from sinking
That's the Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking
To see the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin'
An' asked if I was hired, wages I required
'Till I was nearly tired of 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 fol lol le rah!

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be soon deprived a view of that fine city
Well then I took a stroll, all among the quality
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'
Enquiring for the rogue, 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
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le 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 funny rigs
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holyhead wished meself was dead
Or better far instead
On 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 fol lol le rah!

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 loud "Hurray!" joined in the affray
We quickly 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 fol lol le rah!

Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!

Source: LyricFind

Our Favorite Performance

The Dubliners are arguably the most familiar voices when it comes to Rocky Road to Dublin lyrics.  Have a listen:

Another Version - Which Do You Like Better?

For a high-energy alternative version, we are also pleased to share "Rocky Road to Dublin" in the showy style of the High Kings:

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