The Homes of Donegal - Paul Brady, written by Seán McBride

This song was written by Seán McBride in about 1955. Seán was a native of Cruit island which is in the Rosses area of Donegal (West Donegal). He was a school Teacher at St.Baithins school in the Carrigans/St.Johnston area (East Donegal) for most of his life. Seán passed away at the age of 90 in August 1996 and is buried on Cruit Island.

Seán only wrote the lyrics, the actual air itself is maybe 150 or more years old. There are many songs around using the same melody, but to my ears the closest one is a song called "The Faughan Side", This song was part of the Curriculum in national schools in East Donegal and as Seán was a Teacher in the "Laggan Valley" (South Inishowen) I'm pretty sure that is where he got his inspiration for the "Homes of Donegal".

This version by Paul Brady is from his 1985 album "Back to the Centre"




Here are the Lyrics....


Homes Of Donegal
(Seán McBride)

I've just called in to see you all, I'll only stay a while
I want to see how you're getting on, I want to see you smile.
I'm happy to be back again, I greet you big and small,
For there's no place else on earth just like the homes of Donegal.

I always see the happy faces, smiling at the door,
The kettle swinging on the crook, as I step up the floor.
And soon the taypot's fillin' up me cup that's far from small,
For your hearts are like your mountains, in the homes of Donegal.

To see your homes at parting day of that I never tire,
And hear the porridge bubblin' in a big pot on the fire.
The lamp alight, the dresser bright, the big clock on the wall,
O, a sight serene, celestial scene, in the homes of Donegal.

I long to sit along with you and while away the night,
With tales of yore and fairy lore, beside your fires so bright,
And then to see prepared for me a shake-down by the wall.
There's repose for weary wanderers, in the homes of Donegal.

Outside the night winds shriek and howl, inside there's peace and calm,
A picture on the wall up there, our saviour with a lamp,
The hope of wandering sheep like me and all who rise and fall.
There's a touch of heavenly love around the homes of Donegal.

A tramp I am and a tramp I've been, a tramp I'll always he,
Me father tramped, me mother tramped, sure trampin's bred in me.
If some there are my ways disdain and won't have me at all,
Sure I'll always find a welcome in the homes of Donegal.

The time has come and I must go, I bid you all adieu,
The open highway calls me forth to do the things I do.
And when I'm trampin' far away I'll hear your voices call,
And please God I'll soon return unto the homes of Donegal.

Seán McBride R.I.P

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• The
• Homes
• of
• Donegal
• Paul
• Brady
• Ireland
• Newtowncunningham
• yt:crop=16:9

[casperld]

probably gonna rent a house in Donegal for two weeks. Show my young US kids where daddy comes from.

[dixiedel1]

one of the most heartful songs ive ever heard....doesnt matter where or who you are this song pulls the heart strings... it brings it all home..... dean

[cardigan3000]

i wonder what the venn diagram for listeners to Paul Brady and "lmfao - party rock anthem" is?

[Skilnialld10]

Beautiful song and Beautiful vid,thanks for posting...who needs Optrex!

[KarenWoods1]

Wonderful footage : )

[mdoherty957]

lovw this song soo much <3

[donegalmary1]

Dun na nGall an gairdín draíocht na hÉireann Donegal, the enchanted garden of Ireland



[LovelyLadyT125]

best coastline ever <3 glencolumbkille and sliver sands x

[tyrconnellabu]

So glad I stumbled on this tune and video. I have made two solo trips to Donegal and visited all the coastal towns portrayed plus Letterkenny and Lifford. The friendliness was outstanding, especially being an O'Donnell.Owenis Bar in Dunloe and many other pubs where very memorable,I would love to do an annual pilgrimage but have been hit by the recession, I willreturn one day to complete my journey; ...Arranmore and Tory Island.

[kingfisher798]

well done guys for posting this beautiful song, the pictures are great, they add a sense of depth to it, god bless and god rest Sean

[fireblade211]

Pure class.