Spancil Hill Demystified: Chords, Lyrics, and Song Breakdown

In this blog post, you have access to a step-by-step guitar tutorial that covers everything you need to know, including chords, lyrics, and interesting facts about the song. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this post has got you covered. So grab your guitar, tune it to DADGAD, and let’s start exploring the magical sounds of “Spancil Hill.”

The goal is to empower you as a guitarist and help you make “Spancil Hill” your own. We’ll get to a stage where you can add your personal touch to the song and try some creative variations. This way, you can make the song truly unique and showcase your own musical style.

But before we jump into playing, let’s take a trip back in time to discover the history of “Spancil Hill.” We’ll learn about the person who wrote the song, what inspired them, and why it has become such an important part of Irish music. We’ll also talk about some amazing performances of the song that have made it famous around the world.

History of the Spancil Hill

“Spancil Hill” is a famous traditional Irish folk ballad. The song’s lyrics are about a man who, living in the United States, dreams of returning to his home in Spancil Hill, County Clare, Ireland. (Just a 12-minute drive from where I now live!).

The song was written by Michael Considine, who was born in Spancil Hill. Considine emigrated to the United States in the 1870s, when he was in his early twenties, with the intention of earning money to send back home for his sweetheart to join him. He intended to marry her once she came to the United States. Unfortunately, Considine fell ill and died before he could realize this dream. He wrote “Spancil Hill” during his illness.

“Spancil Hill” is named after a local fair in the Spancil Hill area. The fair was a big event in the rural community, a place for trading, meeting old friends and relatives, and for some, finding love. The song is full of longing and homesickness, with references to local places and practices, including the fair.

The song was passed down orally before being officially documented, and there are many versions of the lyrics due to this oral tradition. It remains a beloved and oft-performed song in Irish folk music.

Step-by-Step Song Tutorial

In this tutorial, you’ll be guided through the process of learning this classic Irish folk song. The tutorial will include information about the song structure and chord progression. As you follow along, you’ll learn how to play the Spancil Hill chords and fully understand the progressions and song structure. We’ll also learn the strumming patterns and melody of the song.

Spancil Hill Chords

To play “Spancil Hill” on the guitar using the DADGAD tuning, you’ll need to become familiar with the following chord shapes:

Take your time learning each shape, it’s important to have each one ringing out clearly before moving on to the next. You want to get to a stage where the transitions from one to the next feel nice and relaxed, that way when it comes to adding in the lyrics it will be much easier.

Chord Progression

The chord progression for “Spancil Hill” that we’ll learn in DADGAD is as follows:

Once you learn the song in the key of D minor in DADGAD, you can then use a capo to find what key suits your voice best.

As you practice the chords and transition between them, remember to take your time, and don’t rush the process. With consistent practice, you’ll soon be able to play the entire “Spancil Hill” song confidently, incorporating both chords and lyrics.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

As you learn to play Spancil Hill on the guitar, it’s nice to explore different strumming patterns and rhythm techniques to enhance the song’s feel. The song is in 3/4 time so it has a nice waltz feel to it.

(1-&-2-&-3-&) Down-up-down-up-down-up (Where all the ‘&’s’ are up-strokes).

This pattern works well to create a smooth and flowing rhythm for Spancil Hill. To practice this pattern, start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chords.

Throughout the song, each chord is played twice with that 3/4 rhythm.

In addition to strumming patterns, you can also enhance the rhythm of Spancil Hill with various picking techniques and patterns. This can bring a new depth to the song, especially when using alternative tunings like DADGAD.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms. The key to mastering Spancil Hill on the guitar is finding a style that suits you best and showcases your abilities as a musician. Remember that practice makes perfect, and as you continue to explore various techniques, you will develop a unique and personalized rendition of the song.

Melody Line & Guitar Tabs

If you also learn to play the melody of the song it will give you a better understanding of the song’s overall structure and how each chord fits into that melody. Here are the DADGAD guitar tabs for the melody line.

Practice each line slowly and then try to link them all together.

Use the tutorial video above to guide you on how to link these tabs to the chords of the song. DADGAD tuning is unique in that it allows you to have those open notes ring out while you play melody lines. This use of melody and chords can bring new tones to a song that has been around for a long time. Play around with the new possibilities and make the song your own.

Spancil Hill Lyrics

Song Structure

“Spancil Hill” consists of multiple verses, with each verse following the same chord progression. There is no chorus or bridge in this traditional song, which makes it simpler to learn and play. Understanding this structure will help you quickly navigate through the song and get a feel for how it flows.

Song Lyrics

The lyrics to “Spancil Hill” can vary somewhat due to the song’s folk origins and the oral tradition through which it was passed down, but a common version of the song is as follows:

Last night as I lay dreaming of pleasant days gone by
My mind being bent on rambling to Ireland I did fly
I stepped on board a vision and I followed with the wind
And I shortly came to anchor at the cross of Spancil Hill

It being on the 23rd June the day before the fair
When Ireland’s sons and daughters in crowds assembled there
The young, the old, the brave and the bold their duty to fulfill
At the parish church in Clooney, a mile from Spancil Hill

I went to see my neighbours, to hear what they might say
The old ones were all dead and gone, the young ones turning grey
I met the tailor Quigley, he’s as bold as ever still
Sure he used to make my britches when I lived in Spancil Hill

I paid a flying visit to my first and only love
She’s as white as any lily and as gentle as a dove
She threw her arms around me, saying “Johnny, I love you still”
She’s Ned, the farmer’s daughter and the pride of Spancil Hill

I dreamt I held and kissed her as in the days of yore
She said, “Johnny, you’re only joking, as many’s the time before”
Then the cock, he crew in the morning, he crew both loud and shrill
And I awoke in California, many miles from Spancil Hill

As mentioned, there are many variations of this song, and the lyrics can change somewhat depending on the performer or the version of the song. Here’s an extra verse that isn’t often sung:

“Delighted by the novelty, enchanted with the scene, Where in me early boyhood, so often I had been, I thought I heard a murmur, I think I hear it still, It’s the little stream of water, that flows down Spancil Hill.”

The bittersweet feeling conveyed through the lyrics is what makes “Spancil Hill” a timeless and emotionally resonant song for many listeners.

Playing Along with the Recording

One of the best ways to improve your skills as a musician is to play along with recordings of the songs you’re learning. This will help you practice your timing, transitions, and musicality.

Tips for Playing the Song

Before you start playing along with the recording, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Familiarize yourself with the chords: Make sure you are comfortable with all the chord shapes we have covered above which are used in Spancil Hill. Practice these chords and their transitions beforehand to make playing along a smoother experience.
• Listen to the recording: Before attempting to play along, listen to the recording of the song a few times to familiarize yourself with the melody, rhythm, and structure. This will help you anticipate chord changes and follow the tempo of the song.
• Start slow: If the original tempo of Spancil Hill is too fast for you, begin by playing along at a slower pace (Tip: Use YouTube’s slow-down feature in the video setting menu).
• Focus on your timing: Pay attention to the timing of your chord changes and strumming patterns. Make sure you are playing in sync with the recording. You can use a metronome (Tip: Google has a free metronome online) Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the song.
• Practice transitions: Playing along with the recording can help you practice the transitions between chords, making the process feel more natural. Regularly playing along with the recording will help you make smoother chord transitions in time.

By following these tips and practising along with the Spancil Hill song, you’ll become more confident in playing this beautiful tune on your guitar. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more you practice playing, the better musician you’ll become.

Notable Performances

There have been countless brilliant performances of Spancil Hill over the years, here are just a few to get inspired by…

Christy Moore & Shane MacGowan

One prominent performance of “Spancil Hill” is by Christy Moore, an Irish folk singer and a living legend. His rendition of this traditional Irish ballad showcases his unique vocal style and guitar playing. Moore’s version of the song has kept it popular and introduced it to new generations of music fans. On one special occasion in 1994, Christy Moore performed with another Irish hero, Shane MacGowan of The Pogues. Here is their live performance:

The Dubliners

Another band that is known for performing “Spancil Hill” is The Dubliners. They sing the lyrics with a lot of emotion, capturing the feelings of nostalgia and longing in the song. The Dubliners’ rendition is important in the history of Irish music, and their heartfelt performance connects with listeners who understand the song’s themes of leaving home and wanting to go back.

Dan McCabe

And here’s a great modern take on the song by Dan MaCabe. Dan is an Irish folk musician who turned to social media during the pandemic, posting videos that garnered over 12 million views and caught the attention of RTE, Irelands’ national broadcaster. He gained further recognition after a New Year’s Eve performance at the request of President Michael D Higgins. Here is his version of Spancil Hill:

Besides these well-known performances, many other musicians have recorded and performed their own versions of “Spancil Hill.” Each artist adds their own special touch to the song, showing how it can be interpreted in different ways. These different interpretations show that “Spancil Hill” is a timeless song that can be enjoyed by people who like different types of music. When you explore the various performances of “Spancil Hill,” you might discover new versions that speak to your personal taste.

Conclusion and Final Tips

“Spancil Hill” is more than just a song. It tells stories of people leaving their home and longing to go back. It’s a song that brings people together and makes them feel connected. Even if you’re not from Ireland, you can still feel the emotions in the song and understand its meaning.

By now, you should have a good understanding of the Spancil Hill chords and lyrics, as well as the story behind the song. We also talked about famous performances by artists like Christy Moore, The Dubliners, and The Pogues. To help you on your path to mastering Spancil Hill on the guitar, here are some additional tips:

1. Review the chords and lyrics regularly to become comfortable with the song’s structure and progression.
2. Experiment with different strumming patterns and tempos to add variety to your performance. Once you feel confident with the basics, feel free to personalize your rendition of Spancil Hill by adding your own style.
3. Familiarize yourself with DADGAD tuning, which is often used in Irish folk music. While Spancil Hill is typically played with standard tuning, learning it in DADGAD tuning can bring a unique flavour to your performance and provide an opportunity to challenge your skills.
4. Explore other guitar techniques like fingerpicking, improvisation, and smooth chord transitions. These additional skills will enhance your overall guitar-playing abilities.

As you continue to practice and grow on your musical journey, remember that consistent practice is key. Dedicate time to working on Spancil Hill, and before you know it, you’ll become proficient in playing this iconic Irish song.

Good luck, and enjoy the strumming!

What does “Spancil Hill” mean to you? Share your progress, thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

For more Irish music inspiration, check out the blog post on “Cooley’s Reel: From Sheet Music to Chords – Mastering the Classic“.