The Rocky Road To Dublin

· by Irish Folksong

🎹 Loading song

Preparing player…

1

—

Play in Full Modes More Songs for Kids

Lyrics

In the (Em)mer ry month of May I from me home I start ed, left the (Bm)girls of (Em)Tuam, sev (D)er ely bro ken heart ed, sal (Em)lut ed fa o’ ther dear, all to kissed me dar lin’ moth er (Em)drank a pint of beer, me a (D)grief and tears to smoth er then (Em)off to reap the (Bm)corn, leave where I was born, no (Em)cut a stout black (B)thorn to (D)ban ish ghost and gob lin a (Bm)bran’ new pair o’ brogues, what (Bm)rat tled o’er the bogs, till (Em)fright ened all the (B)dogs (D)on the rock y road to Dub el in.

(Em)One, two, (Bm)three, four, (Em)five, hunt the hare and turn her on the (Bm)rock y (Em)road and (D)all the way to Dub el in.

(Em)Whack fol (Bm)ol de (Em)la.

In Mul (Em)li gan that night I I rest ed limbs so wea ry, start ed (Bm)by day (Em)light next (D)morn ing bright and ear ed, ly.

(Em)Took a drop o’ the pure all a keep my heart from sink ing, (Em)that’s a Pad dy’s cure when a (D)e’er he’s on for drink ing to (Em)see the las sie’s (Bm)smile, laugh ing all the while, no (Em)at my dar ing (B)style ’twould (D)set your heart a bub blin’.

They (Bm)asked if I was hired, they (Bm)wag es I re quired, till (Em)I was al most (B)tired (D)of the rock y road to Dub el in.

(Em)One, two, (Bm)three, four, (Em)five, hunt the hare and turn her on the (Bm)rock y (Em)road and (D)all the way to Dub el in.

(Em)Whack fol (Bm)ol de (Em)la.

(Em)la.

The Rocky Road To Dublin by Irish Folksong — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “The Rocky Road To Dublin” by Irish Folksong in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of E at 203 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "The Rocky Road To Dublin" good for a child learning piano?: Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "The Rocky Road To Dublin"?: Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?: No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?: Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "The Rocky Road To Dublin" use?: Just 4 chords: B, Bm, D, Em. Few enough that a child can recognize them quickly.
What other Irish Folksong songs work for kids?: Try "Arthur McBride", "Boulavogue", "Brennan On The Moor". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.