For years a solo performer, he joined The Dubliners in 1996 as a replacement for long time member Ronnie Drew.
He currently owns a number of bars in New York, including Paddy Reilly's on 29th Street and 2nd Avenue.
The Old Refrain
Paddy Reilly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When I am all alone and far away;
I sing an old refrain, Dee-ol-ee-ay
For it recalls to me a bygone day
It takes me back again to meadows fair
Where sunlight's golden rays beam everywhere
My childhood joys again come back to me
It was my mother taughtme how to sing
and to that memory my heart will cling
I'm never sad alone while on my way
As long as I can sing Dee-ol-ee-ay
Though years have passed and gone, Dee-ole-ee-ay
All though my heart is young my head is grey
Yet still the echoes ring, Dee-ol-ee-ay
And dear old memories forever stay
My song will bring me visions full of light
And sweetest dreams throughout the darkest night
Of all that life can give, of summers best
I'll take it with me when I go to rest
An when at last my journey here is o'er
'Twill ring more joyfully than e'er before
For up to heaven I will make my way
The angels, too, will sing Dee-ol-ee-ay
Paddy Reilly's "The Old Refrain" is a nostalgic ballad about the comforting memories of home and childhood. The singer's longing for home is soothed by singing an old refrain that brings him back to a time of childhood innocence and joy. He remembers the fair meadows where he used to play and sees his mother's face in his memories. His mother taught him how to sing, and singing the refrain brings him comfort and joy, even when he is far from home. Despite the passage of time and the aging of his body, the echoes of the old refrain still ring in his ears and bring back the dear old memories of his youth.
The song speaks to the universal experience of nostalgia and the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. The wistful and melancholic melody perfectly captures the sentiment of the song. The lyrics are simple but heartfelt, and the repetition of the refrain helps to reinforce the idea of returning to the past. The song's message is one of hope: even though we cannot return to our childhood and our homes, we can always carry the memories and the joy with us as we journey through life.
Line by Line Meaning
I often think of home Dee-ol-ee-ay
When I'm by myself and far away, I often reminisce about my home.
When I am all alone and far away;
I feel lonely when I'm away from home and by myself.
I sing an old refrain, Dee-ol-ee-ay
To comfort myself, I sing an old song that is familiar to me.
For it recalls to me a bygone day
This song reminds me of a time in the past that is gone forever.
It takes me back again to meadows fair
The song transports me in my mind to beautiful meadows from my childhood.
Where sunlight's golden rays beam everywhere
The meadows are filled with sunshine and light.
My childhood joys again come back to me
The song brings back memories of the happy times from my childhood.
My mother's face in fancy too I see
I can visualize my mother's face in my imagination when I sing this song.
It was my mother taught me how to sing
My mother taught me how to sing, and that is a treasured memory for me.
and to that memory my heart will cling
I cherish that memory of my mother teaching me how to sing and hold onto it tightly.
I'm never sad alone while on my way
As long as I can sing this song, I don't feel lonely or sad even when I'm alone.
As long as I can sing Dee-ol-ee-ay
As long as I can sing this song, it brings me happiness and peace.
Though years have passed and gone, Dee-ole-ee-ay
Even though many years have gone by, this song still holds a special place in my heart.
All though my heart is young my head is grey
Even though I still feel young at heart, my hair has turned grey with age.
Yet still the echoes ring, Dee-ol-ee-ay
The memories and echoes of this song continue to stay with me.
And dear old memories forever stay
I will always treasure the memories that this song brings back to me.
My song will bring me visions full of light
When I sing this song, it fills me with positive and joyful images.
And sweetest dreams throughout the darkest night
This song can help me have pleasant dreams even on the darkest of nights.
Of all that life can give, of summers best
The song reminds me of the best moments in life, especially the beautiful summers.
I'll take it with me when I go to rest
I will carry the song in my heart even when I pass away.
An when at last my journey here is o'er
When my time on earth comes to an end,
'Twill ring more joyfully than e'er before
I will sing this song even more joyfully than ever before.
For up to heaven I will make my way
As I make my journey to heaven.
The angels, too, will sing Dee-ol-ee-ay
Even the angels will join me in singing this beautiful and cherished song.
Contributed by Camilla E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nickflynn7839
Pure class. A true legend.
@TheDustysix
My Grandfather used to sing this while shaving in the morning. With a straight razor. I wouldn't try that if you paid me,
@raypitcher9767
The old folks had a certain knack of handling dangerous things, glad it brought you some happy memories though, a nice story to hold on to. đŸ˜€
@TheDustysix
@@raypitcher9767 He was a bricklayer.
@patcampbell8530
My Dad used to sing this song at various gatherings. He had a great tenor voice which at the time I did not appreciate. I am now a Grand Dad and I think of Dad and I love this version. Many thanks for putting it on YouTube.
@raypitcher9767
you're very welcome, this makes it all worth while when people appreciate good music, enjoy the memories, this was taken from a good old vinyl record, I'll have to do the rest of his tracks soon, keep listening......
@sentimentaloldme
My lovely Aunt died two months ago. Â This was her party piece and as the coffin was taken from the church an elderly man from the congregation sang this beautiful song....
@raypitcher9767
makes it all worth while to see people really appreciate the old gems like this, Â very memorable moment, may she R.I.P.
@mandojimmy
Paddy Reilly-No one sings this song like him. Absolutely brilliant !!
@evelynoconnor3062
ANOTHER GREAT RENDERING OF A BEAUTIFUL BY THE VERY TALENTED PADDY REILLY