Happy Birthday From Ireland

"Happy Birthday from Ireland" lyrics and music by Marc Gunn

Performed by Marc Gunn
from Soul of a Harper

On St. Patrick's Day, I was born.
American by birth, my heritage unknown.
Twas two years ago on a musical journey
My heart flew to Ireland on the wings of a note.

* O Ireland, how I long for your valleys and mountains!
How I long to see your hills and streams.
From my home 'cross the ocean, I hear your voice singing,
"Happy Birthday from Ireland, my child of the green!
La la laa, la di la laa, la laa di la la
Happy Birthday from Ireland, my child of the green!"

My Da played the tunes on squeezebox and fiddle.
And the songs they were tuned to the harp in my soul.
St Paddy, ye never told me that I was Irish.
'Till I heard your voice singing, bringing me home.

Now two years have passed and Ireland sings with me.
In every song that flows from my voice and from harp.
But I see your eyes smiling and your arms wide open.
From the way your children open their hearths and their hearts.

Chords: KEY C

[C]On St. Patrick's Day, [F]I was [C]born.
American by birth, my [Am]heritage [G]unknown.
T'was [C]two years ago on a [F]musical [C]journey
My heart flew to Ireland on the [G]wings of a [C]note.

[F]O Ireland, how I long for your [Am]valleys and [G]mountains!
How I [F]long to see your [Am]hills and [G]streams.
From my [C]home 'cross the ocean, I [F]hear your voice [C]singing,
"Happy Birthday from Ireland, my [G]child of the [C]green!
La la laa, la di la laa, [F]la laa di la [C]la
Happy Birthday from Ireland, my [G]child of the [C]green!"

 

Background

We've long been trying to find a birthday song to play rather than the usual, "Happy Birthday" tune. Well on a trip to Fort Worth, while listening to the Wolfe Tones, I was inspired with this melodious St. Patrick's Day and birthday song. appy Birthday from Ireland is a birthday song for the Irish or anyone who is far removed from their home.

 

Happy Birthday from Ireland Videos

from Soul of a Harper CD