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09 Jul 98 - 01:20 AM (#32135) Subject: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: Rob Osterman Greets all. I am desperatly seeking the chords to the Irish Folk balad Kilkelly Ireland, written by Peter Jones and recorded by Moloney, O'Connell and Keane. I heard it played at an Irish pub one evening and have found its lyrics in about a dozen places, but my skills with putting chords to music are pretty ragged, and all my searches through song books at various music stores have turned up empty. If anyone has the chords or can easily figure them out, I would be most appreciative. Thank you Rob Osterman rawlinself@earthlink.net |
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09 Jul 98 - 03:06 AM (#32139) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: Benjamin Bodhra/nai/ Dia dhuit a chara, I'll be able to bounce some through a little later tonight when the guitarist of our band turns up. I know she has them. Otherwiae they are in the good old rise up singing book. Sla/n Benjamin |
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09 Jul 98 - 03:35 AM (#32140) Subject: Chords Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: Joe Offer As Benjamin said, the chords are in the "Rise Up Singing" Songbook: Em G / D Em ://: G D / C D / Em G / D Em ://:The lyrics, of course, are right here in the Digital Tradition. Hope that helps. Good song, isn't it? -Joe Offer- KILKELLY (from Digital Tradition) (Peter Jones) Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 60, my dear and loving son John Your good friend the schoolmaster Pat McNamara's so good as to write these words down. Your brothers have all gone to find work in England, the house is so empty and sad The crop of potatoes is sorely infected, a third to a half of them bad. And your sister Brigid and Patrick O'Donnell are going to be married in June. Your mother says not to work on the railroad and be sure to come on home soon. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 70, dear and loving son John Hello to your Mrs and to your 4 children, may they grow healthy and strong. Michael has got in a wee bit of trouble, I guess that he never will learn. Because of the dampness there's no turf to speak of and now we have nothing to burn. And Brigid is happy, you named a child for her and now she's got six of her own. You say you found work, but you don't say what kind or when you will be coming home. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 80, dear Michael and John, my sons I'm sorry to give you the very sad news that your dear old mother has gone. We buried her down at the church in Kilkelly, your brothers and Brigid were there. You don't have to worry, she died very quickly, remember her in your prayers. And it's so good to hear that Michael's returning, with money he's sure to buy land For the crop has been poor and the people are selling at any price that they can. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 90, my dear and loving son John I guess that I must be close on to eighty, it's thirty years since you're gone. Because of all of the money you send me, I'm still living out on my own. Michael has built himself a fine house and Brigid's daughters have grown. Thank you for sending your family picture, they're lovely young women and men. You say that you might even come for a visit, what joy to see you again. Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 92, my dear brother John I'm sorry that I didn't write sooner to tell you that father passed on. He was living with Brigid, she says he was cheerful and healthy right down to the end. Ah, you should have seen him play with the grandchildren of Pat McNamara, your friend. And we buried him alongside of mother, down at the Kilkelly churchyard. He was a strong and a feisty old man, considering his life was so hard. And it's funny the way he kept talking about you, he called for you in the end. Oh, why don't you think about coming to visit, we'd all love to see you again. --------------------------------------------------------------------- recorded by Moloney, O'Connell & Keane on "Kilkelly" (1988) copywrite Green Linnet Music 1983 130 years after his great grandfather left the small village of Kilkelly in Co. Mayo, Peter Jones found a bundle of letters sent to him by his father in Ireland. The letters tell of family news, births, death, sales of land and bad harvests. They remind the son, that he is loved, missed and remembered by his family in Ireland. The final letter informs him that his father, whom he has not seen for 30 years, has died, the last link with home is broken. Peter Jones used these letters to make this song. The "trouble" in verse two is probably the Fenian rising of 1867. @emigrate @immigrant @Irish @American @aging @family @historical @nostalgia filename[ KILKELY MJ Any corrections needed? |
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09 Jul 98 - 06:37 PM (#32176) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: Rob Osterman It is indeed quite a song. The band I've heard do it usually doesn't have to worry about conversations in the pub drowning it out; every one sorta pauses to listen and drink a sad toast. Thanks tons, and thanks for the title of the song book to look for. Rob |
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10 Jul 98 - 10:26 PM (#32273) Subject: Chords Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: Benjamin Bodhra/nai/ Sorry it took a bit long. We do a different key and slightly different structure Am C / Em Am ://: C G / Am Em / Am C / Em Am ://: It seems it is sung to a couple of slightly different tunes , probably thru' misremembering. have fun Sla/n B |
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13 Jul 98 - 12:29 AM (#32425) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: BK Danny Doyle's version is beautifly ornamented by tasteful guitar work which might be challenging to emulate, (would be for this "3-chord special" guitarist) - and beautifully sung; check it out on his "20 years a-growin'" albumn; We have it in vinyl; don't know if CD version available; on the same albumn are many other great songs, including a spellbinding version of "Christmas in the Trenches." Cheers, BK |
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02 Aug 99 - 07:16 PM (#101723) Subject: Tune Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: John in Brisbane Tune missing from DT - one of my very favourite songs. When I first heard it sung it was done by Danny Doyle in concert - it sent shivers up my spine. Regards, John
Click to playABC format: X:1
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01 Oct 99 - 02:28 AM (#119681) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: dmbeast@aol.com i have been looking for a site from which i can download the song Kilkelly. if anyone knows where i might be able to download it i woyld be most grateful. |
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11 Dec 02 - 08:56 PM (#845654) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: GUEST,skier69man@msn.com hello, i first heard this at an area-all state concert and i loved it. i have lyrics but i was wondering on the fiddle part. do you have any idea the chords/fingering on it. thanks tom |
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11 Dec 02 - 10:21 PM (#845717) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: TIA I have a brother gone to Africa 22 years ago never to return. Stays somewhat in touch. Whole family cries at every rendition of this song. It is so TRUE. My father has transcribed tune and chords for Moloney, O'Connell and Keane version -- I'll track down and post. |
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12 Dec 02 - 01:36 PM (#846059) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: Naemanson I'm not sure you need to get too fancy with guitar workon this one. It's such a simple, sweet tune that the guitar just needs to lie under the words and add a small poignancy. I play a simple one note at a time arpeggio and just let the words carry the story. |
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12 Dec 02 - 05:07 PM (#846209) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: GUEST,Claymore I agree Naemanson, though when we do it, we use a low D whistle for the first part of the bridge (indicating the Irish roots), joined by a fiddle for the b part going back to the minor theme (indicating the American portion of the song). It is indeed a thought provoking song... |
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13 Dec 02 - 07:28 AM (#846563) Subject: RE: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: GUEST Greetings. I had the opportunity to visit Kilkelly last August. The whole population seemed to be aware of the fact that the song is attracting tourists and visitors to a village which, otherwise, has very little to offer (apart from warm, friendly people, which is A LOT). By the way, what do you think of Sean Keane's version? I'm not sure I like that part when Sean starts reciting (I've never liked reciting in songs, anyway) instead of singing. |
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05 Dec 03 - 06:42 PM (#1066365) Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Aargh Pirates Spacing is a bit messed up (so the chord changes don't quite line up)but you get the idea. I cried like a baby the first time I played this song. .. Em G D Em Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 60, my dear and loving son John Em Your good friend the schoolmaster G D Em Pat McNamara's so good as to write these words down. G D Your brothers have all gone to find work in England, C D B the house is so empty and sad Em G The crop of potatoes is sorely infected, D Em a third to a half of them bad. G D And your sister Brigid and Patrick O'Donnell C D B are going to be married in June. Em G Your mother says not to work on the railroad D Em and be sure to come on home soon. Em G D Em Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 70, my dear and loving son John Em G Hello to your Mrs and to your 4 children, D Em may they grow healthy and strong. G D Michael has got in a wee bit of trouble, C D B I guess that he never will learn. Em G Because of the dampness there's no turf to speak of D Em and now we have nothing to burn. G D And Brigid is happy, you named a child for her C D B although she's got six of her own. Em G You say you found work, but you don't say D Em what kind or when you will be coming home. Em G D Em Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 80, dear Michael and John, my sons Em G I'm sorry to give you the very sad news D Em that your dear old mother has gone. G D We buried her down at the church in Kilkelly, C D B your brothers and Brigid were there. Em G You don't have to worry, she died very quickly, D Em remember her in your prayers. G D And it's so good to hear that Michael's returning, C D B with money he's sure to buy land Em G For the crop has been poor and the people D Em are selling at any price that they can. Em G D Em Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 90, my dear and loving son John Em G I guess that I must be close on to eighty, D Em it's thirty years since you're gone. G D Because of all of the money you send me, C D B I'm still living out on my own. Em G Michael has built for himself a fine house D Em and Brigid's daughters have grown. G D Thank you for sending your family picture, C D B they're lovely young women and men. Em G You say that you might even come for a visit, D Em what joy to see you again. Em G D Em Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 and 92, my dear brother John Em G D Em I'm sorry I didn't write sooner to tell you that father passed on. G D He was living with Brigid, she says he was cheerful C D B and healthy right down to the end. Em G Ah, you should have seen him play with D Em the grandchildren of Pat McNamara, your friend. G D And we buried him alongside of mother, C D B down at the Kilkelly churchyard. Em G He was a strong and a feisty old man, D Em considering his life was so hard. G D And it's funny the way he kept talking about you, C D B he called for you in the end. Em G Oh, why don't you think about coming to visit, D Em we'd all love to see you again. |
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04 Feb 05 - 07:12 AM (#1398776) Subject: RE: Chords: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: GUEST |
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04 Feb 05 - 06:00 PM (#1399429) Subject: RE: Chords: Kilkelly Ireland by Peter Jones From: Linda Goodman Zebooker Such happy memories of hearing Peter Jones sing this at the "Folk Night" at the dear, departed Bethesda Ave Co-OP! (Yes, I know the Co-OP still exists, and has moved to Glen Echo, but it's not at all the same bedrock-of-the-community institution.) |
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13 Mar 05 - 11:14 PM (#1434075) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,macbethp@hotmail.com I first heard this song on WETA--Mary Cliff's "Traditions" back in 1986 or so. It was sung by a man and a woman together. I'm trying to track down the recording. Any info. out there? Thanks! |
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14 Mar 05 - 01:02 AM (#1434126) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Jeremiah McCaw I've maintained info about this song on the Links page of my own website: www.jeremiah.ca The link takes you here: http://towns.mayo-ireland.ie/WebX?14@@.ee8809f |
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15 Jun 05 - 02:15 PM (#1501751) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,beatriz I'm a spanish woman, i first listened at this song in the high school, in english lessons, and i loved it. Now, 10 years later, i have had the possibility of listening at it again, and i have cried while hearing it. You forget all your daily problems when you compare your life with the life so many people have to live in the emigration. |
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24 Nov 06 - 05:28 PM (#1892728) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Bill Bryant First off, I'd like to thank everyone who helped bring these chords and words to us all. I first heard this song in '88, and cried like a baby. I just found the tape this morning, and lo-and-behold, the tears came flodding out again. Then, thanks to the chords here, I played it, and couldn't make it through for the tears. Peter gave all of us a wonderful gift when he wrote this one. |
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24 Nov 06 - 06:17 PM (#1892771) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Linda Goodman Zebooker Peter and Steve Jones will be two of the performers in a concert Friday December 8, 2006 in Rockville MD (Washington DC suburbs). The concert is a memorial tribute to Joe Glazer, "Labor's Troubador". Here is the link for more information. |
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23 Jan 07 - 08:14 AM (#1945343) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Harry Miller .Nanty Glo, Pa. U.S.A. Thank you so much. |
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23 Jan 07 - 08:46 AM (#1945367) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: ejsant A powerful song indeed. James Connolly has a wonderful version on his site on ezFolk. I too sing the song in Em, with a lot of arpeggio, and usually end the "your brothers have all..." phrase with an open B7th configuration rather than a B maj. I find this resolve more haunting. Peace, Ed |
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10 Feb 07 - 04:10 AM (#1962997) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Stewie There is also a fine rendition by Eleanor Shanley on her self-titled CD. --Stewie. |
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10 Feb 07 - 09:10 AM (#1963145) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Jim Guest Mcbeth, perhaps the man and woman version you heard was "The Cast"? I have that CD, and they do a marvelous job of it. |
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25 Oct 07 - 09:53 AM (#2178855) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Balkan_Celts I am from Macedonia, the first time I heard this my girlfriend played it for me. It still brings a tear to my eye. It made me listen to all Irish music, and I am in love with everything about it and Ireland. Now she makes fun of me because of my obsession, but I remind her it's all her fault;) Peace. |
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25 Oct 07 - 08:31 PM (#2179337) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Bardan ejsant, would that be Bm with the second finger taken off? That's what I do normally and I think it works well. Kinda feel like I should work out a more complicated accompaniment but part of the beauty of the song is the stark simplicity of it so maybe it's best left simple. |
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06 Nov 07 - 10:02 AM (#2187480) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST This video shows the ballad played by Robbie O'Connell. Beautiful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjYYaVnWuAA |
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06 Nov 07 - 12:17 PM (#2187595) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: PeadarOfPortsmouth I LOVE this song...love hearing it and love performing it. Actually, could I introduce a thread drift while we're on this song? I recently heard a comment about this song from one of the players in a session I go to and I wanted to see if any of you agree with him. We were talking about different songs and how there are some in his eyes that, once you've heard it, you don't need to hear it again. The first one he cited was "The Sick Note"...funny song, but once you've heard it and know the punch line, why bother again. I was a bit taken a-back when he said the same about "Kilkenny" -- well written, poignant, but once you've heard the story behind it, that's it. Personally, I think that could be said for any song...but I'm wondering if anyone out there agrees with or has heard something similar about this song. Peter ps - not that I'm going to stop singing it, mind you. ;-) |
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06 Nov 07 - 05:29 PM (#2187877) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Susanne (skw) Peter, the guy seems rather silly to me. You don't, after all, listen to songs for a 'punchline' - not even The Sick Note which I find it interesting to listen to from different performers. Certainly not Kilkelly, which I can always listen to. (Maybe that's due to the fact I first heard it from Iain MacKintosh live, in a performance singularly lacking in sentimentality. Spoilt all expensively produced versions for me, I have to admit ...) |
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06 Jan 08 - 12:57 AM (#2229539) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Suegorgeous ...which raises the interesting point that a song can be made more poignant to the audience by the singer not putting too much emotion into it (and doing all the work for them!). Anyone experienced this as a singer? |
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06 Jan 08 - 05:40 PM (#2229911) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Susanne (skw) Sue, I'm not a singer, but as a listener I've often found that an understated performance that allows the audience to concentrate on the song, not the singer, works better for me. On the other hand, 'not too much emotion' may give the wrong idea. The singer has to be able to convey his emotions about the song, just not tip over into sentimentality, or appear to give presentation, vocal artistry or whatever pride of place above the song itself. Hope I've made myself clear...! |
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06 Jan 08 - 09:09 PM (#2230058) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Suegorgeous Should've said, listeners too - even more relevant! Yes, I know what you mean, and I think it's a fine line. I only sing songs that I feel something strongly for, so I want to express that - and yet also not tell the audience what to feel or over-do it. I once did a theatre course based on a whole school of thought around that - that one's performance should be fairly neutral, so that you're not doing the work for the audience. Guess I'll figure it out for myself with practice... |
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21 Feb 08 - 04:42 PM (#2268904) Subject: Chords Add: KILKELLY (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Reverand Dave Wow! What a treat to find this thread. I did a Google search on Steve and Peter Jones after listening to their album just now that contains this song. I purchased it at the Bethesda Co-Op back in 1985 or so and it has always been one of my favorite albums. The stereo has been in storage for many years and it has been a real treat having it out again and listening to some of these rare gems. I wanted to see if they were still playing but couldn't find any current references to them or a website for them. Anybody know if they are still playing? I've been living in California for the last 20 years but do occasionally get back to the DC area and would love to hear them play again. At any rate, they have all the lyrics to their songs as well as the chords on the liner notes to the album and this is what they have for this song. I've used the preview function to do my best to get the chords lined up with the lyrics. Am C Kilkelly, Ireland, Eighteen and Sixty, G Am My Dear and loving son, John C Your good friend the schoolmaster Pat McNamara's G Am So good as to write these words down C G Your brothers have all gone to find work in England F G The house is so empty and sad Am C The crop of potatoes is sorely infected G Am A third to half of them bad C G And your sister Bridget and Patrick O'Donnell F G Are going to get married in June Am C Your mother says not to work on the railroad G Am And be sure to come on home soon. The rest of the verses repeat this pattern. The album says this song was "taken from letters written to our great-great-grandfather from his family in County Mayo". If anyone knows if this album, or any other material by Steve and Peter, ever made it to CD, please let me know. My email address is david at vibrant-life.org |
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21 Feb 08 - 08:18 PM (#2269102) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly Ireland (Peter Jones) From: Suegorgeous Guest Jim The version I heard the Cast do, I think it was just the woman (Mairi Campbell) singing. but that was a live version, so maybe the cd is different. |
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01 Dec 09 - 05:41 PM (#2777934) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Desi C You can find the full lyrics, chords and video on www.unitedirelandtripod.ie it's a great song |
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01 Dec 09 - 06:14 PM (#2777966) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly (Peter Jones) From: Suegorgeous Desi C - that URL doesn't work.... |
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03 Jun 10 - 11:43 PM (#2920249) Subject: RE: Chords Req: Kilkelly (Peter Jones) From: GUEST,Half Irishman Daly The Chords I use are from from a CD of Irish Women. It starts like this: Dm F Kilkelly, Ireland, 18 60 C Am Dm My dear and loving son, John Play through that much, and the rest will come to you, with a Bflat mixed in. As you have all said, it's a powerful song. |
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03 Mar 18 - 11:27 AM (#3909245) Subject: RE: Origins: Kilkelly (Peter Jones) From: GUEST First heard this song done by Kevin McKrell great version so l do it the same way check out his version ,haunting great song thanks Peter for the song Slan Terry Mostyn |