G
Bm
C
D
Em
Am
Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears
The Bow Triplets
The Bow Triplets’ “Isle Of Hope, Isle Of Tears” is a heartfelt folk ballad that tells the story of Annie Moore’s arrival at Ellis Island. The original version is gently paced, with a flowing melody that suits acoustic guitar.
Chords
This song uses basic open chords: G, D, Em, Bm, C, and Am. The only barre chord is Bm, which may be challenging for beginners. Practice switching between G, Em, C, and D, as these transitions occur often.
Strumming Pattern
A simple folk strumming pattern works well: Down–Down–Up–Up–Down–Up (D–D–U–U–D–U). Keep your wrist relaxed and play softly for verses, with a slightly stronger strum in the chorus for dynamic contrast.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Practice moving from G to Bm and C to D, as these are common transitions. For Bm, if the full barre is too difficult, try a simplified Bm (x24432, using just the top four strings).
Play the intro and instrumental as written, letting each chord ring for a full bar.
During verses and choruses, keep strumming steady and even. Give a little extra emphasis on chord changes at the start of each line to highlight the melody.
General Advice
Take it slow at first, focusing on smooth chord changes. Use a capo if needed to match your singing range. Listen to the original for timing and feel.
Intro
G Bm C D G Bm C D
Verse 1On theG first day onD JanuaryEm Eighteen NinetyBm Two
TheyC opened EllisG Island and theyC let the peopleD through
And theG first to cross theD threshold of thatEm isle of hope andBm tears
WasC Annie Moore fromAm Ireland, who wasC all of fifteenD years
ChorusIsle ofC hope, isle ofD tears, isle ofG freedom,D isle ofEm fears
But it'sC not the isle youAm left beD hind
That isle ofC hunger, isle ofD pain, isle you'llG never see aEm gain
But theC isle of home isD always on yourG mindBm C D
Verse 2In aG little bag sheD carried, all herEm past and histoBm ry
And herC dreams for theG future in theC Land of LiberD ty
AndG courage is theD passport when yourEm old world disaBm ppears
ButC there's no futureAm in the pastC when you're fifteenD years
ChorusIsle ofC hope, isle ofD tears, isle ofG freedom,D isle ofEm fears
But it'sC not the isle youAm left beD hind
That isle ofC hunger, isle ofD pain, isle you'llG never see aEm gain
For theC isle of home isD always on yourG mind
InstrumentalC D G D Em C D G C D
Verse 3When theyG closed down EllisD Island, inEm Nineteen FortyBm Three
C Seventeen millionG people had goneC there for SanctuaD ry
AndG in the springtimeD when I came there IEm stepped onto itsBm piers
And IC thought of how itAm must have been,C when you're fifteenD years
ChorusIsle ofC hope, isle ofD tears, isle ofG freedom,D isle ofEm fears
But it'sC not the isle youAm left beD hind
That isle ofC hunger, isle ofD pain, isle you'llG never see aEm gain
For theC isle of home isD always on yourC mindG
Final ChorusIsle ofC hope, isle ofD tears, isle ofG freedom,D isle ofEm fears
But it'sC not the isle youAm left beD hind
That isle ofC hunger, isle ofD pain, isle you'llG never see aEm gain
For theC isle of home isD always on yourEm mind
OutroYes theC isle of home isD always on yourG mindBm C D G