Lyrics

We all
know the sad tale
Of famine and grief
Of Ireland’s children
That took to the sea
To the new world they went
For to make a new start
While old melodies rattled
Around in their hearts

They brought with them music
That still perseveres
Rapturous music
Of triumph and tears

But far all too often
In the world’s Irish pubs
While you’re sure to find pints
And Etsy signs about spuds

I’m here to tell you
This message of gloom:
There’s nothing so sad
As a pub with no tunes

A pub with no tunes
A pub with no tunes
No jigs and no hornpipes
No polkas, it’s true

We’ll cry for ATLANTA,
You’re to blame for this wound,
There’s nothing so sad
As a pub with no tunes

We’ll cry for Atlanta!
Your pubs have no tunes!

Shamrocks on the street signs
And stout on the tap
But if you’re looking for Irish
Well you won’t find that craíc
Uillean pipes or a fiddle
Concertina or spoons
You won’t find them at all
In a pub with no tunes

A pub with no tunes
A pub with no tunes
No jigs and no hornpipes
No polkas, it’s true

We’ll cry for Dublin, California!
You’re to blame for this wound,
There’s nothing so sad
As a pub with no tunes

We’ll cry for Atlanta!
For Dublin, California!
Your pubs have no tunes!

By a lonely prison wall
I saw the last bar closing
Michael, they aren’t gathering to play

Though famous in song
It makes grown men cry,
But you won’t find a session
In old Athenry

A pub with no tunes
A pub with no tunes
No jigs and no hornpipes
No polkas, it’s true
In a pub with no tunes

We’ll cry for Athenry!
You’re to blame for this wound,
There’s nothing so sad
As a pub with no tunes

We’ll cry for Atlanta!
For Dublin, California!
For old Athenry!
Your pubs have no tunes!

A PUB WITH NO TUNES!
Is just a saloon
A PUB WITH NO TUNES!
Sure can burst your balloon
A PUB WITH NO TUNES!
Is an Irish cartoon
A PUB WITH NO TUNES!
Gag me with a spoon!

A pub with no tunes
A pub with no tunes
No jigs and no hornpipes
No polkas, it’s true

I’m here to tell you
You know that it’s true,
There’s nothing so sad
To make you as mad
You won’t play in DADGAD
In a pub with no tunes

Lyrics ©Seán Lightholder