From the age of twelve, Derek Ryan had musical aspirations performing regularly at social events with his brother Adrian as the Ryan Brothers. Having grown up in Garyhill near Carlow town, Derek was bred into loving Irish traditional music by his family. Derek took part in fleadh ceoils and became a winner of two all-Ireland titles in both bodhrán and ceili drumming.
Welcome Home
Derek Ryan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shut up shop we′re on the run
Here we work our trade but home still has our hearts
I swapped my cat for kangaroo my tin whistle for a didgeredoo
I know for way too long now we have been apart
So mama put the kettle on daddy's fire burning strong
Welcome back your boys to the emerald isle
And we′ll push back the kitchen chairs
We're coming home home home for the gathering
Our bags are packed we're on our way
In the air for a day
Every mile is worth it just to see your smile
Call the neighbours let them know we′re in town for another show
It′s great to see you all again if only for a while
So mama put the kettle on daddy's fire burning strong
Welcome back your boys to the emerald isle
And we′ll push back the kitchen chairs
Dance the night away without a care
We're coming home home home for the gathering
So mama put the kettle on daddy′s fire burning strong
Welcome back your boys to the emerald isle
And we'll push back the kitchen chairs
Dance the night away without a care
′Cos we're coming home home home
We're coming home home home
Yes we′re home home home for the gathering
Oh we′re home is everybody ready to sing ah one two
Welcome home welcome come on in and close the door
You've been gone too long welcome you′re home once more
Welcome home welcome come on in and close the door
'Cos you′ve been gone too long welcome you're home once more
The lyrics of Derek Ryan's song Welcome Home revolve around the theme of returning home after a long time away. The singer tells his family to drop their tools and shut down the shop as they are heading back to their homeland, where their hearts still belong. The singer reminisces about leaving behind his old life and adjusting to a new one by swapping his cat for a kangaroo and his tin whistle for a didgeridoo. He acknowledges the long time he has been away from home and how much he missed it. The singer then urges his parents to welcome them with a warm fire and a hot cup of tea, as they have finally returned to the emerald isle. The singer and his family then look forward to celebrating their homecoming by pushing back the kitchen chairs and dancing the night away without a care in the world. They know that every mile of the journey has been worth it just to see their family's smile again.
The song is a celebration of homecoming that is steeped in Irish culture. It is a tradition in Ireland for emigrants and family members living abroad to return home for the annual gathering, a celebration of Irish culture that has been held for centuries. The lyrics reflect this tradition, as the singer mentions the joy of seeing old neighbors and friends again. The song also highlights the importance of family and community as the singer urges his parents to welcome them back home. The song's upbeat tempo and infectious melody coupled with its nostalgic lyrics make the song an instant classic.
Line by Line Meaning
Drop them tools the time has come
It's time to stop working and leave. Put down your tools and let's go.
Shut up shop we′re on the run
Close the shop and let's leave town quickly.
Here we work our trade but home still has our hearts
We work here, but our hearts belong to home.
I swapped my cat for kangaroo my tin whistle for a didgeredoo
I traded some of my things to fit in with the culture of my new home in Australia.
I know for way too long now we have been apart
It has been too long since we've been home.
So mama put the kettle on daddy's fire burning strong
We're coming home and want a warm welcome.
Welcome back your boys to the emerald isle
We're returning home to Ireland.
And we′ll push back the kitchen chairs
We'll rearrange the furniture to make room for dancing.
Dance the night away without a care
Let's celebrate and have fun without worrying about anything.
We're coming home home home for the gathering
We're returning home to be with our loved ones.
Our bags are packed we're on our way
We're ready to go home.
In the air for a day
We're flying back home, and it takes a full day to get there.
Every mile is worth it just to see your smile
The long journey is worth it to see the happy faces of our family and friends.
Call the neighbours let them know we′re in town for another show
Let our neighbors know we are back and ready to entertain them again.
It′s great to see you all again if only for a while
It's wonderful to be back home, even if it's only for a short time.
′Cos we're coming home home home
We're really excited to be coming home.
Yes we′re home home home for the gathering
We're back home to be with our family and friends.
Oh we′re home is everybody ready to sing ah one two
We're back home and are ready to have fun and party.
Welcome home welcome come on in and close the door
We're finally back home, so come on in and make yourself comfortable.
You've been gone too long welcome you′re home once more
We've been away from home for too long, but we're finally back where we belong.
Writer(s): Derek Ryandavid O'neill
Contributed by Brody E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Phyllis Martin
on Irish Heart
I'm from the USA and I love your music . My ancestors were from Ireland. You have such a lovely voice as good as anyone in the world. good luck to you and keep singing.