About Bells Irish Lyrics

Where it began:
I am not Irish, but my partner of many decades is. Throughout that time, I have gained a wealth of information about an amazing country that has endured a sometimes tragic history, and has overcome many obstacles in it's bid for freedom. The desire to learn more about this amazing country was overwhelming to say the least.

The essence of Irish Folk Songs:
The one thing that stands out the most is, no matter the situation, when the Irish get together the night always ends in song... mostly Irish Folk Songs which are steeped in history and the essence of everything that is Irish. Throughout the ages, it seems a song is written about every event - wars and rebellions, weddings, celebrations, drunken revelries, work and everyday life in general.

The Folk Revival:
The folk revival in the 1960's and 70's saw a major upheaval in the popularity of Irish Folk Music.

• In the 60's it was The Chieftans, The Clancy Brothers & Tommy Makem, The Wolfe Tones, Paddy Reilly, The Irish Rovers, Jim McCann and Sweeny's Men, The Dubliners, and many more.
• In the 70's, it was Planxty, The Fureys & Davey Arthur, The Bothy Band, Foster & Allen, and Clannad followed by countless others including Sinéad O'Connor, Van Morrison, Hothouse Flowers, The Pogues, Enya, De Dannan, Altan, Dervish, Patrick Street, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Daniel O'Donnell, The Cranberries, The Corrs and the list goes on...💚

Up, up and away!
The 21st century has seen Irish Folk Music take the world by storm with the advent of big production shows and the extravaganza that takes Irish Folk music to a new level. Celtic Woman, The Irish Tenors, The High Kings, Celtic Thunder are just a few of the world's favourite Irish 'big production' bands.

For the love of Irish Music!
Much of my life has centred around music and teaching, and although I am of Italian descent, I am always drawn to Irish Music — especially Irish Folk Songs. The instruments used in Irish folk culture are amazing... they express every emotion from 'pulling at your heart strings' to a toe-tapping extravaganza. As a guitarist and would-be percussionist, I am always drawn to the rhythmic sounds created by Irish Music.

An accent steeped in song!
If you listen to Irish people speak, their intonation is lilting in nature... they are almost singing — 'music and song' comes naturally to them. Perhaps that is why song and storytelling are so deeply woven into Ireland’s soul. In Ireland, melody does not feel separate from life; it flows naturally from the spoken word itself. 💚

So many versions! 🥺
Wherever possible, traditional lyrics have been used, but because many of these songs are centuries old, they have evolved over time, with each singer adding their own interpretation. As a result, you’ll often find multiple versions — from slight lyrical variations to more dramatic changes. To help navigate this, I’ve featured selected artists to accompany the lyrics and, in most cases, included a video so you can listen, and even sing along if the mood takes you. 🥳

Your input is most welcome
Each page features researched song backgrounds, artist details, related recordings, and helpful glossaries where applicable to ensure the language of these ballads remains accessible to everyone. Accuracy is my priority, so your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. If you have additional information to share or notice a detail that needs correcting, please contact me—your input is truly valued. I hope you enjoy exploring this site as much as I enjoy building it! 😊

I love Ireland and I love, love, love the Irish... go raibh maith agat.

Dedication - Marie Forde

It is with deepest sorrow that I announce my greatest influence in the 'love of all things Irish' has passed away peacefully in the arms of her loving family.

She was a Belfast Belle that loved her homeland and held on to its fine traditions in every aspect of her life. Her love of history taught me appreciation of all things; her strength of character taught me that anything is possible; her unconditional love taught me the importance of forgiveness, and her love of Irish music inspired me to build this site.

'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' was so relevant to her as her eyes sparkled when she smiled, and as the song says - her sparkling eyes showed the love in her heart and it even made sunshine more bright...

You are forever in our hearts beautiful lady and your love of homeland, eternal. 💕