If We Only Had Old Ireland Over Here Lyrics
Foster & AllenMusic Video
If We Only Had Old Ireland Over Here
I was dreaming of old Ireland and Killarney's lakes and dells
I was dreaming of the shamrock and the dear old Shandon Bells
When my memories suggested in a vision bright and clear
All the strange things that would happen if we had old Ireland here
If the Blarney stone stood out in Sydney Harbour
And Dublin Town to Melbourne came to stay
If the Shannon River joined the Brisbane Waters
And Killarney's lakes flowed into Botany Bay
If the Shandon Bells rang out in old Fremantle
And County Cork in Adelaide did appear
Erin's sons would never roam all the boys would stay at home
If we only had old Ireland over here
There were lots of lovely lassies dancing on the village green
There are lots of lovely coleens the finest ever seen
Where the boys are all called Paddy and the girls called Molly Dear
Sure we'd wrap the green flag round them if we had old Ireland here
If the Blarney stone stood out in Sydney Harbour
And Dublin Town to Melbourne came to stay
If the Shannon River joined the Brisbane Waters
And Killarneys lakes flowed into Botany Bay
If the Shandon Bells rang out in old Fremantle
And County Cork in Adelaide did appear
Erin's sons would never roam all the boys would stay at home
If we only had old Ireland over here
Song Details
Author: Unknown
Song Brief: The song reflects a sentimental longing for Ireland and portrays a nostalgic image of the beauty, culture, and warmth of the Irish homeland, and imagining how wonderful it would be if they could transport all the charms and delights of Ireland to their current location.
It's a common theme in Irish traditional music and reflects the experiences of those who emigrated and missed their homeland.
You can take the Irish out of Ireland, but you will never take Ireland out of the Irish!📖 Glossary:
- blarney
Clever, flattering, or coaxing talk — often humorous or charming. Associated with the Irish gift of persuasive storytelling. - Blarney Stone
A block of bluestone set into the battlements of Blarney Castle near Cork (built in 1446). According to legend, kissing the stone grants the “gift of the gab” — eloquence, charm, and persuasive speech. - Erin
A poetic name for Ireland, often used in songs and verse to evoke nostalgia and affection. - green flag
A reference to the Irish flag, symbolising Irish identity, heritage, and national pride. - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide
Major Australian cities mentioned in the song, representing the distance between Irish emigrants and their homeland. - Botany Bay
A bay near Sydney on Australia’s southeast coast. Historically associated with early European settlement and convict transportation. - Fremantle
A major port city in Western Australia, located on the Indian Ocean. A symbolic “far‑from‑home” reference for Irish emigrants. - Shandon
A historic district in Cork, famous for the Shandon Bells of St Anne’s Church — a beloved symbol of the city. - Shannon River
The longest river in Ireland, flowing through the heart of the country. Often referenced in songs for its beauty and cultural significance. - Killarney
A scenic town in County Kerry known for its lakes, mountains, and lush landscapes — a classic symbol of Ireland’s natural beauty. - County Cork
A large county in southwest Ireland, part of the province of Munster. Known for its music, culture, coastline, and strong emigrant history.
🍀 Genre: Irish Folk Song
👥 Covers: Hank Locklin, Frank McCaffrey, John Mc Nicholl, Ann Williamson, Barnbrack, Bridie Gallagher, Margo, Hugo Duncan, Barleycorn, The Shannon Singers, John Mcnicholl, Dominic Kirwin, Frank McCaffrey, Kevin Bonner.
🎤 Featured Artists: Foster & Allen - an Irish musical duo formed in 1975, known for their gentle vocal style and easy‑listening arrangements of traditional and contemporary Irish songs. They have released numerous albums and are widely recognised for bringing classic Irish ballads to international audiences.
💿 Album: Foster & Allen's Greatest Hits - And Some That Will Be
Released: 1998
Country: UK
Format: 2 x CD, Compilation
Label: Telstar TV
🎸 If you'd like to play this song on guitar, you can view the chord version on our sister site, Bell&CoMusic.com.
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