MacNamara's Band – Traditional Irish
V1
C G A7 D G
Oh my name is MacNamara, I'm the leader of a band,
C G Em7 A7 D
Although we're few in number, we're the finest in all the land.
C G Em7 A7 D
Of course I’m the conductor, and I’ve often had to play
C G Em7 A7 G
With all the fine musicians that you read about today.
Chorus:
G C
The drums they bang, the cymbals clang, the horns they blaze away,
G Em7 A7 G
McCarthy puffs the ould bassoon, and I the pipes does play.
G
Hennessey Tennessee toot the flute, the music is something grand,
C G Em7 A7 G
And a credit to ould Ireland’s, boys is MacNamara's Band.
V2
C G A7 D G
Whenever an election's on, we play on either side,
C G Em7 A7 D
And the way we play the fine ould airs, fills every heart with pride.
C G Em7 A7 D
If dear Tom Moore was living now, he'd make them understand
C G Em7 A7 G
That none can do him justice, like ould MacNamara's Band.
Repeat Chorus:
V3
D7 G A7 D7 G
We play for fairs or weddings and for every County Ball,
C G Em7 A7 D
And at any great man's funeral we play "The Dead March in Saul."
C G Em7 A7 D
When General Grant to Ireland came, he shook me by the hand,
C G Em7 A7 G
And said he never heard the like, of ould MacNamara's Band.
Repeat Chorus.
V4
D7 G A7 D7 G
Just now we are practicing for a very grand affair,
C G Em7 A7 D
It's an annual celebration, all the gentry will be there.
C G Em7 A7 D
The girls and boys will all turn out, with flags and colours grand,
C G Em7 A7 G
And in front of the procession, will be MacNamara's Band. (Slowing)