The Dubliners started off in O'Donoghue's pub in Dublin in 1962 under the name of "the Ronnie Drew Folk Group". Then they were four, Ronnie Drew (vocals and guitar), Luke Kelly (vocals and 5-string banjo), Barney McKenna (tenor banjo, mandolin, melodeon and vocals) and Ciarán Bourke (vocals, guitar, tin whistle and harmonica). In 1963, they played at the Edinburgh festival where they met the head of Transatlantic Records, Nathan Joseph, for whom they started recording. In 1964, Luke Kelly left, and Bobby Lynch (vocals and guitar) and John Sheahan (fiddle, tin whistle, mandolin, concertina, guitar and vocals) were added. When Luke Kelly returned and Bobby Lynch left in 1965, we have what is considered as the original Dubliners, five individualists, five men whose talents were mixed together in a superb blend and just wanted to play and have a good craic. If they only knew what was awaiting them!
In 1967 their major breakthrough came as a result of a coincidence. Their song, "Seven Drunken Nights" which was recorded in one take, was snapped up by a pirate radio station which started playing it along with the Beatles, the Mamas & the Papas, the Who, the Kinks and Jimi Hendrix. Suddenly, The Dubliners was a major band, playing all over the world, getting into the charts, and receiving gold discs. Not what you expected from a bunch of hairy people who "looked like they'd just been dragged out of a seedy bar via a hedge(backwards) and dropped on London from a very great height".(Colin Irwin in the reissue of "Live at the Albert Hall")
The seventies started like the sixties ended; wild touring, drinking, playing. They started doing regular tours, and they were still recording, of course. Then, in 1974, Ciarán Bourke collapsed on stage with a brain haemmorrage, which eventually led to his death. He first, though, recovered remarkably , and was back on stage with The Dubliners, but collapsed again. At the same time, Ronnie decided to take a break, and Jim McCann took his and Ciaráns place in the group.
In 1979, Ronnie decided to make a comeback as a member of the group, although he probably never really left it. In the five years, he had recorded two solo albums, and The Dubliners three albums. With Ronnie returning, Jim left, and The Dubs were almost back where they started. Then Luke Kelly became ill, he collapsed on stage with a brain tumour, for which he received surgery several times. He too, made remarkable recoveries, and went on touring with the Dubliners, at the same time continuing his wild and unhealthy lifestyle. Seán Cannon, a long time friend, stepped in for Luke, when he couldn't be on stage. Seáns appearence wasn't that well received by the audiences at the beginning, but he has later turned out to be an important addition to The Dubliners, and their repertoir. In 1984, Luke Kelly died, but The Dubliners, now with Seán Cannon as a member, decided to keep on.
1987 turned out to be one of the best - and busiest - years for the Dubliners. Their long time friend, and guest musician, Eamonn Campbell (29 November 1946 – 18 October 2017), brought the group together with the Pogues on the hit single the Irish Rover. This single took the Dubliners back to the charts, and also gave them a completely new audience; people who weren't even born when The Dubliners started off. And with Dublin celebrating its milennium in 1988, The Dubliners also received more attention than for years. Eamonn Campbell joined them on regular basis, a move which has turned out to be one of the most important in their history. In 1988 Ciarán Bourke died, after years of pain and difficulties. He always was, and still is very much remembered by The Dubliners, just like Luke Kelly is.
The eighties finished off with rumours that The Dubliners were to retire, probably something that's always been following the group. However, they didn't, and celebrated their 30th anniversary in 1992, with a double cd and extensive tour. The nineties have later brought a tour video from the German tour 1995, and the "shock" news that Ronnie Drew was leaving. He left in December 1995, after releasing a superb album, "Dirty Rotten Shame" a few months earlier.
Now, even the most optimistic Dubliners fans thought it was the end, but the remaindours decided to convince Paddy Reilly to join them, and they continued their busy touring and recording schedule. This move has also turned out to be excellent. Paddy, not very well known in Europe, had never been touring there, so he too enjoyed the experience, as well as being part of a band. He still, though, does tours in the USA in the winter and summermonths.
2002, they temporarily reunited with Ronnie Drew and Jim McCann, for their 40th anniversary tour. They made a string of appearances on Irish television throughout this time, including a memorable appearance with Phil Coulter and George Murphy on RTÉ 1.
After the tour, Jim McCann was diagnosed with throat cancer and, though he fully recovered, his voice was severely damaged, and he has not been able to sing since his illness
In 2005, Paddy Reilly moved to the United States, and Patsy Watchorn joined the group. Watchorn made a name for himself with The Dublin City Ramblers; like Kelly, he accompanies his songs on the five-string banjo.
The band toured Europe every year. A planned tour of Denmark two weeks after the death of McKenna on 5 April 2012 went ahead as planned. From the first show in Copenhagen on 18 April onwards he was replaced by the Irish banjo player Gerry O'Connor.
The band celebrated their 50th anniversary with an extensive year-long European tour and the release of a live DVD recorded live at Dublin's Vicar Street.
In the fall of 2012 the band announced their retirement, effective after their 50th anniversary shows at the end of the year. The Dubliners played the final shows at Vicar Street in Dublin on 28/29/30 December 2012 the band were joined by former band member Jim McCann.
The band made their final TV appearence in the UK on the BBC's New Year's Eve edition of Jools Holland Annual Hootenanny' on 31 December. Their last public appearance as the Dubliners was on 27 January 2013 in memory of Barney McKenna. The remaining members Sean Cannon, Eamonn Campbell, Patsy Watchorn and Gerry O'Connor continue to tour Europe in 2013/14.
People probably don't recognize what The Dubliners have meant to the world of music. By the way, not only the world of music, but the world as a whole. They have first of all paved the way for dozens of bands from Ireland and Scotland, like the Chieftains, the Pogues, U2, Ossian, the Fureys and so on. The number of artists that list The Dubliners as one of their major influences and idols, is endless. They have brought folk music to millions of people all over the world, people who never would have been interested at all. That isn't only because of the folk music, the instrumentals alone, it's because of The Dubliners, their astonishing voices, their undescribable instrumentals, the wild life style and drinking, late sessions, their enormous beards, their extensive touring, their charisma and characters. It was, and still is to a certain extent, a blend the world will never see again.
The Dubliners have brought Ireland to the world in a way that no emigration has, they have brought the world to Ireland, and they have brought people all over the world closer together. Whenever it ends, the world will never be the same again.
The Rocky Road To Dublin
The Dubliners Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Left, the girls of Tuam were nearly broken-hearted
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
Then off to reap the corn and leave where I was born
Cut a stout, black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand-new pair of brogues to rattle over the bogs
And frighten all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin
A-one, two, three, four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight next morning blithe and early
Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from shrinking
Thats the Paddy's cure when'er he's on for drinking
To hear the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a-bubblin'
They asked me was I hired and wages I required to lay
Was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality
Bundle it was stolen, in a neat locality
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a-wobblin'
'Quiring after the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
It wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
From there I got away, me spirits never falling
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, did some hearty rigs
I played some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holyhead I wished meself was dead
Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing
"Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly
Galway boys were by and saw I was a hobblin'
With a "lo!" and "hurray!" they joined in the affray
Quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
The Rocky Road to Dublin was a popular song written by D. K. Gavan and made famous by The Dubliners in the 1960s. It is a song about a man returning to Dublin from his home in Tuam in the County Galway. The song is full of references to Irish traditions and culture. The first verse of the song refers to the Maytime Festival, where people would go to dance and sing in the month of May. The second verse talks about the singer's journey through Mullingar, where he meets some lassies who ask him if he is looking for work. The third verse tells of the singer's arrival in Dublin, where he has his bundle stolen and is forced to leave in a hurry.
The refrain of the song "Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road, and all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah" is a reference to an Irish game called Hare and Hounds, which involves chasing a hare through the countryside. The singer's journey to Dublin is described as a "rocky road", but it is also a metaphor for the struggles of life. The song is full of references to Irish folklore, such as the use of a black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins.
Line by Line Meaning
While in the merry month of May, now from me home I started
I began my journey in the happy month of May, leaving my hometown.
Left, the girls of Tuam were nearly broken-hearted
The girls of Tuam were very sad to see me go.
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother
I said goodbye to my father and mother, giving them both a kiss.
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
To hide my sadness, I drank a pint of beer.
Then off to reap the corn and leave where I was born
I set out to harvest the corn and leave the place where I was born.
Cut a stout, black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins
I cut a strong, black thorn stick to protect myself from ghosts and goblins.
A brand-new pair of brogues to rattle over the bogs
I wore a new pair of shoes to make noise on the wet fields.
And frighten all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin
I made noise to scare the dogs along the way to Dublin.
A-one, two, three, four, five
Counting off the steps I take on my journey.
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
I'm searching for an adventure and taking the difficult road.
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
I'm taking any path that leads me to Dublin with a sense of excitement.
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
I stayed in Mullingar to rest my tired body.
Started by daylight next morning blithe and early
I started my journey early the next day.
Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from shrinking
I had a drink to keep my courage and my heart strong.
Thats the Paddy's cure when'er he's on for drinking
That's the Irish way of dealing with drinking.
To hear the lassies smile, laughing all the while
I heard the cheerful laughter of girls.
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a-bubblin'
People laughed at my unique style, which made me feel good.
They asked me was I hired and wages I required to lay
They wondered if I was looking for work and how much I needed to be paid.
Was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin
I was getting tired of the difficult journey to Dublin.
One, two, three, four, five
Counting off the steps I take on my journey.
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
I'm still looking for adventure and taking the difficult road.
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
I'm still taking any path that leads me to Dublin with a sense of adventure.
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
When I arrived in Dublin, I thought it was a shame.
To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city
It was a shame I didn't have much time to appreciate the city.
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality
I decided to take a walk among the upper class.
Bundle it was stolen, in a neat locality
My belongings, including my bundle, were stolen.
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
I thought something had happened when I looked behind me.
No bundle could I find upon me stick a-wobblin'
I couldn't find my bundle, which made me feel uneasy.
'Quiring after the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
I asked around to see if anyone knew who stole my belongings, speaking in my regional accent.
It wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin
It wasn't very popular to sound like I did on the difficult journey to Dublin.
One, two, three, four, five
Counting off the steps I take on my journey.
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
Still looking for adventure and taking the difficult road.
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
Continue to take any path that leads to Dublin with a sense of adventure.
From there I got away, me spirits never falling
I continued my journey, refusing to let my spirits fall.
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
I arrived at the dock just in time for the ship's departure.
Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
The captain yelled at me, saying there was no room for me on board.
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
I managed to get on board and found a cabin for myself.
Down among the pigs, did some hearty rigs
I danced among the pigs and had some fun.
I played some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
I played lively music while the water moved beneath the ship.
When off Holyhead I wished meself was dead
As we left Holyhead, I felt like I was dying.
Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin
I wished I had chosen a different path to Dublin.
One, two, three, four, five
Counting off the steps I take on my journey.
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
Still looking for adventure and taking the difficult road.
And all the ways to Dublin, whack, follol de-dah
Continue to take any path that leads to Dublin with a sense of adventure.
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
When we arrived safely in Liverpool, the locals had opinions about me.
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
They called me a fool and I couldn't take it anymore.
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
I started to get angry and lose my composure.
Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing
They started to abuse my home country and that made me angrier.
'Hurrah me soul' says I, me Shillelagh I let fly
I yelled 'Hurrah me soul' and waved my Shillelagh in the air.
Galway boys were by and saw I was a hobblin'
Some local boys from Galway saw me and thought I looked funny.
With a 'lo!' and 'hurray!' they joined in the affray
They joined me in my revelry with cheers.
Quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
They quickly made way for me to continue on the rocky road to Dublin.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Barney McKenna, Ciaran Padraig Maire Bourke, Luke Kelly, Ronald Joseph Drew
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Boru
While in the merry month of May, from me home I started
Left the girls of Tuam so sad and broken hearted
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born
Cut a stout black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand new pair of brogues rattling o'er the bogs
And fright'ning all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five,
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight next morning blithe and early
Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from sinking
That's a Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking
See the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin'
Asked me was I hired, wages I required
I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be soon deprived a view of that fine city
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality
Me bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin'
Inquiring for the rogue, they said me Connaught brogue
Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
From there I got away, me spirits never falling
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, played some hearty rigs
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holyhead, I wished meself was dead
Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
All the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
Well, the boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing
"Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly
Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in
With a load "Hurray" joined in the affray
We quietly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, whack follol de rah
Fionn
In the merry month of May from me home I started
Left the girls of Tuam nearly broken hearted
Saluted Father dear, kissed me darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born
Cut a stout blackthorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand new pair of brogues, rattlin' o'er the bogs
Frightenin' all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
In Mullingar that night I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight me spirits bright and airy
Took a drop of the pure
Keep me heart from sinking
That's the Paddy's cure whenever he's on drinking
To see the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a bubblin'
An' asked if I was hired, wages I required
'Till I was nearly tired of the rocky road to Dublin
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be soon deprived a view of that fine city
Well then I took a stroll, all among the quality
Bundle it was stole, all in a neat locality
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a wobblin'
Enquiring for the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
Wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
From there I got away, me spirits never falling
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
The Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, played some funny rigs
Danced some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holyhead wished meself was dead
Or better far instead
On the rocky road to Dublin
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
Poor old Erin's isle they began abusing
"Hurrah me soul!" says I, me shillelagh I let fly
Some Galway boys were nigh and saw I was a hobble in
With a loud "Hurray!" joined in the affray
We quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
One two three four five
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
Hunt the Hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the way to Dublin, Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!
Whack fol lol le rah!
Conor Allen
While in the merry month of May, now from me home, I started
Left, the girls of Tuam were nearly broken-hearted
Saluted father dear, kissed me darling mother
Drank a pint of beer, me grief and tears to smother
Then off to reap the corn, and leave where I was born
Cut a stout, black thorn to banish ghosts and goblins
A brand-new pair of brogues to rattle over the bogs
And frighten all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin
A-one, two, three, four, five
Hunt the hare, and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack-follol-de-dah
In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary
Started by daylight, next morning blithe and early
Took a drop of pure to keep me heart from shrinking
That's the Paddy's cure when'er he's on for drinking
To hear the lassies smile, laughing all the while
At me curious style, 'twould set your heart a-bubblin'
They asked me was I hired, and wages I required to lay
Was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three, four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack-follol-de-dah
In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity
To be so soon deprived a view of that fine city
So then I took a stroll, all among the quality
Bundle it was stolen, in a neat locality
Something crossed me mind, when I looked behind
No bundle could I find upon me stick a-wobblin'
'Quiring after the rogue, said me Connaught brogue
It wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack-follol-de-dah
From there I got away, me spirits never falling
Landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing
Captain at me roared, said that no room had he
When I jumped aboard, a cabin found for Paddy
Down among the pigs, did some hearty rigs
I played some hearty jigs, the water round me bubbling
When off Holy head I wished meself was dead
Or better for instead on the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack-follol-de-dah
The boys of Liverpool, when we safely landed
Called meself a fool, I could no longer stand it
Blood began to boil, temper I was losing
Poor old Erin's Isle they began abusing
"Hurrah me soul" says I, me Shillelagh I let fly
Galway's boys were by and saw I was a hobblin'
With a "lo!" and "hurray!" they joined in the affray
Quickly cleared the way for the rocky road to Dublin
One, two, three four, five
Hunt the hare and turn her down the rocky road
And all the ways to Dublin, whack-follol-de-dah
Gary Martin
Love his face when he realises he's repeated the second verse! Legend
Flynn Bainbridge
You know at first I never even noticed. One of the first rules of performing is to keep if going something cocks up.
Jack Carter
@Flynn Bainbridge True. But of course, he has to make sure the band have realised, so they know to play an extra verse.
Flynn Bainbridge
Oh of course the fact they didn't just stop is a testament to their skill as well. They clearly had good communication.
Jack Carter
@Flynn Bainbridge And a couple of times they adapted their tempo to match Luke, another sign of a great live band.
Flynn Bainbridge
@Jack Carter Aye truly a great band.
B1N4RYGH0ST
There's only one Luke Kelly, he was unique. May he rest in peace.
Lois
there sure was... no argument from me. R.I.P to the sound or Ireland
Jack fay
He should have lived for longer he died 1984 nobody will forget January 30th in Ireland at age 43
Gay Gambler
My mum always played his song. When I was little boy in England so not forget my roots.