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An American folk song popular in the 19th century, probably of British or Irish origin, first published in Philadelphia during 1838. The melody was originally written under the title of "Eoghan Coir" by Irish poet and songwriter Riocard Bairéad sometime in the late 18th Century. Following the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the melody was adapted into an Irish rebel song called "The Men of the West". - wikipedia
The lyrics here are a composite of several versions of this song.
The lyrics here are a composite of several versions of this song.
Rosin the Bow
by trad
I was [D] born in the county of [G] Kerry
near the [D] town of sweet Ca-hir-ca-[Bm] veen
Ah, its [D] there that the people are [G] merry
mid the [D] hills and the [A7] valleys so [D] green
My grandfather had an old fiddle
ah, ‘twas he made the melodies flow
and always my cradle was rockin
to the tune of old Rosin the Bow
( Chorus
Then boys, take the floor with your Colleens
and shake up your heel and your toe
just loosen the fiddler’s elbow
and he’ll play you up Rosin the Bow )
The day I was finally married
my grandad was still to the fore
with his fiddle to set your heart dancing
when your feet meet the good earthen floor
Now I think of the bright smiling faces
most are gone where the best of us go
still in mem’ry I hear the glad laughter and
the strains of sweet Rosin the Bow
Chorus
When my troubles and trials are all over
may my dust rest in Kerry’s dear ground
and my soul that loved singing and laughter
to heaven I hope will be bound
And there, I feel sure I’ll see round me
the dear ones I loved here below
on the harp, I’m no good but with cat-gut and wood
sure I’ll crack them up Rosin the Bow
Chorus
near the [D] town of sweet Ca-hir-ca-[Bm] veen
Ah, its [D] there that the people are [G] merry
mid the [D] hills and the [A7] valleys so [D] green
My grandfather had an old fiddle
ah, ‘twas he made the melodies flow
and always my cradle was rockin
to the tune of old Rosin the Bow
( Chorus
Then boys, take the floor with your Colleens
and shake up your heel and your toe
just loosen the fiddler’s elbow
and he’ll play you up Rosin the Bow )
The day I was finally married
my grandad was still to the fore
with his fiddle to set your heart dancing
when your feet meet the good earthen floor
Now I think of the bright smiling faces
most are gone where the best of us go
still in mem’ry I hear the glad laughter and
the strains of sweet Rosin the Bow
Chorus
When my troubles and trials are all over
may my dust rest in Kerry’s dear ground
and my soul that loved singing and laughter
to heaven I hope will be bound
And there, I feel sure I’ll see round me
the dear ones I loved here below
on the harp, I’m no good but with cat-gut and wood
sure I’ll crack them up Rosin the Bow
Chorus