Continental Ceili
View chords used in this chart
C
Over in McCann's there's a grand type of dance band a'playin'
And they're spinning out the continental ceilidh
They're comin' in their cars from the bars
Over in Leitir and Killane
Just to hear the famous Gunter Reynolds playing
F
Out the star of Munster with Hans O'Donoghue
C
Neatly rappin' out a tango on the spoons
Such commotion will act like a lotion on the struttin'
G7 C
At the continental ceili tonight.
C
Wolfgang's playin' on the comb someone shouts at him: "go home!"
Klaus is playin' a slow air on the bodhran
Quinn from Corofin his fiddle tucked beneath his chin S-s-h-h
He's goin' to play the "Bogs of Oranmore" now
F
An auld fashioned lady begins to sing a song
C
Ah, lads, a bit of order over there
Clarinbridge for the chowder keep your powder dry
G7 C
At the continental ceilidh tonight.
G
Ciaran closes his eye's pretends he's in disguise
F C
When he sees an old flame comin over
G
He's singing for the Swedes in their tweeds
Doin' all he can to please
F D
The night's at such a delicate stage
G
Later on he'll give an audience to one of them or two
F C
He'll sing the Dyin' Swan to touch their feelings
D7 G7
Tonight's his night and tomorrow night will be just the same.
C
Ada let me out to the bar where the boys are goin' far
And they're spinnin' out the continental ceili
Never mind the liquor the music's in my soul
So long as I can hear the band a'playin'
F
The pipes and the flutes and the fiddles are in tune
C
Whoo, I'd love to meet a European girl
Ada now me head is goin' light and the band is playin' tight
G7 C
At the continental ceilidh tonight.
G
All the publicans are there it's like a hirin' fair
F C
Tryin' to figure out how much McCann is makin'
G
To keep their pubs outta Stubbs, they're lashin' out big subs
F D
In a burst of fierce anticipation
G
Moguls from Mukhill are starin' at the till
F C
Tryin' to get a low down on the line up
D7
They'll be buyin' free porter for members of the band
G
At the continental ceilidh tonight.
Repeat 1st verse
Instrumental part
Repeat 1st verse
At the continental (G)ceilidh to(C)night.
Instrumental outro
How to play Continental Ceili
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.