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Celtic Symphony Lyrics

The Wolfe Tones
Music Video

Doo doo_ Doo doo doo doo doo_ Doo doo doo doo doo...

Far across the sea, when the devil got a hold of me
He wouldn't set me free, he kept me soul for ransom

Na na na na na...

I'm a sailor man from Glasgow town,
I've roamed the world around and round
Meanest thing that I have found
In all me days of wandering

Na na na na na...

I could see his evil eyes,
Then he took me by surprise,
Take me to your paradise,
I want to see the Jungle.

Na na na na na...

Here we go again, we're on the road again.
We're on the road again, we're on the way to paradise.
We love the jungle deep, that's where the lion sleeps
For then those evil eyes, they have no place in paradise

I paint graffiti on the walls, just as the sun was going down
I see graffiti on the walls - for the Celts! for the Celts!
Graffiti on the walls says we're magic, magic,
Graffiti on the wall...I see grafitti on the wall

And it says, ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
It says ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.

[Instrumental]

We went thru' each jungle deep
For the paradise that we did seek
Twas no trip for the weak
They're waltzing with the natives

Na na na na na...

From the Amazon to Borneo,
From Africa to Tokyo,
To the darkest jungles of the world,
Nowhere could I lose him.

Na na na na na...

Around in circles every way,
He turned to me and he did say,
"I think you're leading me astray,
I want your soul, me boyo!"

Na na na na na...

Here we go again, we're on the road again.
We're on the road again, we're on the way to paradise.
We love the jungle deep, that's where the lion sleeps
For then those evil eyes, have no place in paradise

I paint graffiti on the walls, just as the sun was going down
I see graffiti on the walls - for the Celts! for the Celts!
Graffiti on the walls says we're magic, magic,
Graffiti on the wall... I see grafitti on the wall

And it says ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.
Ooh ah up the 'RA, say ooh ah up the 'RA.

Lyrics © Brian Warfield. All rights reserved.

Song Details

Celtic Football Club Logo
Celtic FC Logo

Writer: Brian Warfield from The WolfeTones

Song Brief:
The song was written by Brian Warfield in 1987 for the upcoming centenary of Celtic Football Club — a professional Scottish club based in Glasgow. Celtic was formed in 1887 and played its first match in 1888. The club was founded by Brother Walfrid to help alleviate poverty among the Irish immigrant community in Glasgow’s East End.


Song Lore: More Than a Football Song
While written to mark the centenary of Celtic Football Club, the song is famous for its atmospheric imagery of Glasgow and its connection to the Irish diaspora.
  • The Centennial (1888–1988): The song was created for Celtic FC’s 100‑year celebrations, honouring the club founded by Brother Walfrid in 1888 to support poor Irish immigrants in Glasgow’s East End.
  • The "Graffiti on the Wall": This line is a direct reference to the political and social murals found in the Bogside in Derry and the Falls Road in Belfast. It bridges the gap between the football fans in Scotland and the civil rights struggles in Ireland.
  • The Orchestral Blend: Brian Warfield specifically used "Symphony" in the title because he wanted to blend the raw power of a folk ballad with a grand, orchestral feel—symbolizing that the story of the Irish people is an epic "symphony" of its own.

Glossary:
  • The Jungle: A famous section of the old Celtic Park stadium (Parkhead) known for its loud and passionate atmosphere.
  • Paradise: The affectionate nickname for Celtic Park, the home ground of Celtic FC.
  • The Celts: Refers to both the football team and the ancient Celtic tribes, linking modern sports to ancient history.
  • "Up the Celts": A traditional shout of support that appears in the chorus, often misinterpreted by those outside the culture, but intended here as a celebration of the team and identity.

Genre: Irish Rebel Song

Covers: Blackthorn, Chris Carney, Tír Chonaill, Damien Quinn.

25th Anniversary Album Cover
25th Anniversary

Featured Artists: The Wolfe Tones

Album Releases Featuring the Track
25th Anniversary (1989)
St. Patrick's Day Party (Mar 7, 2006)
Celtic Symphony (Mar 5, 2010),
At Their Very Best live (July 9, 2010)
50th Anniversary Concert (Nov 21, 2014)


Introduction to the song by Tommy Byrne:

There's no more sacred ground in all of Scotland than that of Parkhead - home of the famous Glasgow Celtic Football team, and we are very proud to have played on that very pitch.

You may also like: (Modern Irish Rebel & Identity Songs)

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