The Limerick Rake
View chords used in this chart
[Verso 1]
Am
I am a young fellow that's easy and bold,
C (bass runs down c-b-a) G
In Castletown Corners I'm very well known;
Am
In Newcastle West I spent many a note
C G Am
With Kitty and Jenny and Mary.
[Verso 2]
Am
My parents rebuked me for being such a rake
C G
And spending my time in such frolicsome ways,
Am
But I ne've could forget the good nature of Jane,
C G Am
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
[Verso 3]
Am
There's some say I'm foolish, there's more say I'm wise,
C (bass runs down c-b-a) G
For love of the women I'm sure 'tis no crime;
Am
For the son of King David had ten thousand wives
C G Am
And his wisdom is highly regarded.
[Verso 4]
Am
If I chance for to go to the town of Rathkeel,
C (bass runs down c-b-a) G
The girls all around me do flock on the square,
Am
Some give me a bottle and others sweetcakes,
C G Am
To treat me unknown to their parents,
[Verso 5]
Am
There's one from Askeaton and one from the Pyke,
C (bass runs down c-b-a) G
And another from Ardour, my heart was beguiled,
Am
And being from the mountains, her stockings were white,
C G Am
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
[Verso 6]
Am
John Damer of Shronel had plenty of gold
C (bass runs down c-b-a) G
And Devonshire's treasure was twenty times more,
Am
But he's laid on his back among nettles and stones,
C G Am
Agus fagaimid siud mar ata se.
[Verso 7]{1 strum per chord change}
Am C
And when I'm on my back and me soul is at peace
Am C G
These women and children will keen at me wake,
Am C G
Me sons and me daughters will utter their prayers
C G Am
To the Lord for the sake of their father.
(Note-- the Gaelic is pronouced "ah-gus fy-a-mid shoe-ed morr a-taw shay"
and means "and we'll say no more about it."
How to play The Limerick Rake
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 Am. 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.