Daniel O`Donnell p… Read Full Bio ↴Born: Dungloe, Co Donegal, Ireland 12th December 1961
Daniel O`Donnell popular Irish Country/Celtic Singer since 1989. Has had over 20 top 40 albums in the UK/Ireland and 15 top 40 hit singles and 4 top 20 singles in UK/Ireland to date. Overall he has had over 30 albums to date.
The Isle of Innisfree
Daniel O'Donnell Lyrics
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And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say
For sure a body's bound to be a dreamer
When all the the things he loves are far away
And precious things are dreams unto an exile
They take him through a land across sea
Especially when it happens he's in exile
And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
Of this great city, wondrous though it be
I scarcely feel the beauty or the magic
I'm once again back home in Inisfree
I wander o'er green hills and dreamy valleys
And find a peace no other land could know
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
And see the rivers laughing as they flow.
And then into a humble shack I wander
My own sweet home and tenderly behold
The folks I love around the turf fire gathered
On bended knees, their rosary is told
But dreams don't last though dreams are not forgotten
When we are back to stern reality.
And 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
The lyrics of Daniel O'Donnell's song The Isle Of Innisfree reflect the longing and nostalgia of an Irish immigrant who is far away from his homeland, which he holds dearer than anything else. The opening lines, "I've met some folk who say that I'm a dreamer, And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say, For sure a body's bound to be a dreamer, When all the things he loves are far away," establish that the singer is aware that he is seen as a romantic who lives in a world of his own. However, he asserts that it is natural for him to dream fondly of his loved ones and his home since they are out of his reach. The second verse explains how dreams become all the more precious to an exile as they transport him to a land that he has left behind.
In the third verse, the singer describes the absence of magic and beauty in the city he currently resides in, despite its greatness. However, his dreams take him back to his hometown, where he can wander around in the verdant hills and valleys and experience peace that he cannot find anywhere else. The sights and sounds of nature in Inisfree are profound enough to enthral him with bird songs that seem fit for angels and rivers that seem to be laughing as they flow. The final verse reveals the singer's strong desire to return home permanently as he visualizes his humble shack and family gathered around the turf fire, praying. He acknowledges that dreams are fleeting, but also acknowledges that he would always pick Inisfree over the opulence of any other place.
Line by Line Meaning
I've met some folk who say that I'm a dreamer
I have encountered people who say that I am impractical.
And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say
There is certainly some truth in what they are saying.
For sure a body's bound to be a dreamer
It is expected that a person is bound to be a visionary.
When all the things he loves are far away
When all the things that he cherishes are distant.
And precious things are dreams unto an exile
An outcast considers valuable things as reveries.
They take him through a land across sea
The yearnings transport him to a foreign land.
Especially when it happens he's in exile
Particularly when this occurs while he is a banished person.
From that dear lovely Isle of Innisfree
Away from that endearing and beautiful Innisfree island.
And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
And when the moonbeams seep through the ceiling of the houses.
Of this great city, wondrous though it be
Of this magnificent city, no matter how awe-inspiring it is.
I scarcely feel the beauty or the magic
I hardly sense the allure or enchantment.
I'm once again back home in Inisfree
I am once again with my loved ones back home in Innisfree.
I wander o'er green hills and dreamy valleys
I stroll over verdant hills and fanciful valleys.
And find a peace no other land could know
And discover a serenity that no other land could experience.
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
I hear the birds chirping sweet music that is worthy of angels.
And see the rivers laughing as they flow.
And perceive the rivers that sparkle and gurgle as they stream.
And then into a humble shack I wander
And then I stroll into a modest hovel.
My own sweet home and tenderly behold
My own charming abode and lovingly observe.
The folks I love around the turf fire gathered
The people I adore assembled around the firepit.
On bended knees, their rosary is told
On bent knees, they recite their prayers of the rosary.
But dreams don't last though dreams are not forgotten
But dreams are fleeting, though they are not lost from memory.
When we are back to stern reality
When we return to harsh actuality.
And though they pave the footways here with gold dust
Even if the paths here are paved with gold dust.
I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree
I would still pick Innisfree island.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RICHARD FARRELLY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind