Isle of Innisfree
Celtic Thunder Lyrics


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I've met some folks who say that I'm a dreamer
And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say
But sure a body's bound to be a dreamer
When all the things he loves are far away

And precious things are dreams unto an exile
They take him o'er the land across the sea
Especially when it happens he's an exile
From that dear lovely Isle of Inisfree

And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
Of this great city, wondrous though it be
I scarcely feel its wonder or laughter
I'm once again back home in Inisfree

I wander o'er green hills, through dreamy valleys
And find a peace no other land could know
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
And watch the rivers laughing as they flow

And then into a humble shack I wander
My dear old home and tenderly behold
The folks I love around the turf fire gathered
On bended knee their rosary is told

But dreams don't last, though dreams are not forgotten
And soon I'm back to stern reality
But though they pave the footways here with gold dust
I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree





I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree

Overall Meaning

The song "The Isle of Innisfree" by Celtic Thunder speaks of the deep longing for one's homeland, a common sentiment for those who have had to leave their country and their loved ones behind. The lyrics talk about being called a dreamer which is true for the singer as he is longing for his home. The singer says that it is natural for an individual to dream when he is away from the things that he loves. The singer explains how when one is away from home, he misses even the small things like a breath of fresh air, the serene valleys, the laughter of the rivers, and the music of the birds.


The song expresses the power of remembrance, as even in the bustling city, it is the sweet memories of home that transport the singer back to it, specifically to the Isle of Inisfree. The song speaks of the feeling of belongingness that one feels when they are at home with their loved ones, kneeling around the fire and praying together. The song most importantly highlights the fact that though dreams don't last long, they still hold a special place in our heart, and the singer still would opt for the Isle of Inisfree if given a chance. The lyrics are a poignant plea for the importance of home and the connections that shape us and make us who we are.


Line by Line Meaning

I've met some folks who say that I'm a dreamer
I have come across people who label me as a dreamer


And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say
It holds true that I have some of the characteristics of being a dreamer


But sure a body's bound to be a dreamer
It is natural to be a dreamer


When all the things he loves are far away
When the things you love are distant from you, dreaming is the utmost consolation


And precious things are dreams unto an exile
To someone in exile, their dearest possessions become mere figments of their imagination


They take him o'er the land across the sea
These dreams take them on a journey through both land and sea


Especially when it happens he's an exile
This is particularly relevant when the dreamer is far from home


From that dear lovely Isle of Inisfree
In this instance, the exile has been separated from the beautiful Isle of Inisfree


And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
During such moments when the moonlight peaks over the edifice of the buildings


Of this great city, wondrous though it be
Despite the magnificence of the city


I scarcely feel its wonder or laughter
There remains insufficient enthusiasm to admire or appreciate it


I'm once again back home in Inisfree
The person imagines themselves back home in Inisfree


I wander o'er green hills, through dreamy valleys
The person wanders across the lush green hills and picturesque valleys


And find a peace no other land could know
They find a sense of tranquillity that no other place can provide


I hear the birds make music fit for angels
The person hears the birds making music that sounds heavenly


And watch the rivers laughing as they flow
They watch the rivers flow while chuckling in delight


And then into a humble shack I wander
The person walks into a small, humble home


My dear old home and tenderly behold
They behold their beloved old home with great affection


The folks I love around the turf fire gathered
The people they love are gathered around the turf fire


On bended knee their rosary is told
They are praying on their knees to the rosary


But dreams don't last, though dreams are not forgotten
As much as dreams can appear vivid and memorable, they do not last forever


And soon I'm back to stern reality
Soon enough, the dream will come to an end and they will be back to hard reality


But though they pave the footways here with gold dust
Even if the people in the city try to make it more attractive with opulent standards


I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree
The person still longs to go back home to the Isle of Inisfree




Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD FARRELLY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Becky Hatfield

Emmet is so young here. If we only knew just how much he'd grow vocally back then. Thanks for sharing this tbt video of one of his best songs.

Daniel Smucker

๐ŸŽ‰yz

Steve Anderson

These are the songs that I enjoy the most, the original real Irish songs, not the new stuff . Celtic Thunder can sing these ballots from Ireland like know one else. I have every cd they put out. Grandma is from Belfast Ireland and Grandpa is from London England. They know and loved these ballots.

Tigre7

Beautiful performance! Love this song, it stirs my heart and soul. โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’š๐Ÿ•Š๏ธโ˜˜๏ธ

Adriana Ishibashi

How amazing and adorable Emmet Cahill's voice is. Thanks I loved seeing Celtic Thunder again ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿ’šโ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ‘๐ŸŽถ

Hilde Bรผto

Wunderschรถn๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–๐Ÿ’–

RoRo23

I love this song. Everyone in Celtic thunder have really amazing voices and song. Hope you can come to Vancouver one day โคโคโคโค

Santeel

Thank you for uploading that beautiful song from one of my favourite Irish singers ๐Ÿ™

Donna Wornek

One of my favorites from Emmet. I do miss when they traveled with the orchestra. โค

maria fogarty

Your voice is like liquid gold I could listen to you for ever. AMAZING.
Thank you. โคโคโคโค

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