Em
G
D
C
Star Of The County Down
Van Morrison With The Chieftains
The original “Star Of The County Down” is a traditional Irish ballad, popularized by numerous artists including Van Morrison with The Chieftains. Their version features a lively folk rhythm that captures the song’s storytelling spirit.
Chords: The song uses mostly open chords: Em, G, D, and C. These are beginner-friendly and require minimal finger stretching. Practice transitioning smoothly between Em and G, and from D to Em, as these switches happen frequently.
Strumming Pattern: A common folk pattern works well: try DDU UDU (D = down, U = up). Keep your wrist loose and aim for a bouncy, lively feel. For authenticity, accent the first downbeat of each bar.
Tempo & Feel: The song is typically played at a brisk, danceable pace. Start slowly, then increase speed as you become comfortable.
Techniques & Tips:
- Practice chord changes in isolation, especially Em to G and G to D.
- Use light palm-muting for a percussive effect during verses, or let chords ring for the chorus to lift the dynamics.
- If you struggle with the C chord changes, focus on moving your index and middle fingers together.
- Keep your strumming steady; singing along can help with timing.
Enjoy playing, and let the rhythm and story carry you through each verse and chorus!
Intro
Em Em G D Em C D Em
Em G D G C Em
G D Em D Em Em G D G C Em
Verse 1NearEm Banbridge Town in theG CountyD Down oneEm morningC last JuD ly,
From aEm boreen green came aG sweet colD leen and sheEm smiled as sheC passed meEm by.
SheG looked so sweet from herD two bare feet to theEm sheen of her nut brownD hair.
Such aEm coaxin' elf sure IG shook myD self for toEm see I wasC reallyEm there.
ChorusFromG Bantry Bay up toD Derry Quay and fromEm Galway to DublinD Town,
NoEm maid I've seen like theG brown colD leen that IEm met in theC CountyEm Down.
Verse 2G D Em Em
As sheEm onward sped sure IG scratched myD head and IEm looked with aC feelin'D rare.
And IEm say's say's I to aG passerD by "Whose theEm maid with theC nut brownEm hair"?
HeG smiled at me and heD says say's he "That's theEm gem of Ireland'sD crown.
YoungEm Rosie McCann from theG banks of theD Bann she's theEm star of theC CountyEm Down".
ChorusFromG Bantry Bay up toD Derry Quay and fromEm Galway to DublinD Town,
NoEm maid I've seen like theG brown colD leen that IEm met in theC CountyEm Down.
InstrumentalEm Em G D Em C D Em Em G D G C Em Em
Verse 3At theEm Harvest Fair she'll beG surelyD there and I'llEm dress in myC SundayD clothes,
With myEm shoes shone bright and myG hat cockedD right for aEm smile from myC nut brownEm rose.
NoG pipe I'll smoke noD horse I'll yoke till myEm plough turns rust-coloredD brown.
Till aEm smilin' bride by myG own fireD side sits theEm star of theC CountyEm Down.
OutroFromG Bantry Bay up toD Derry Quay and fromEm Galway to DublinD Town,
NoEm maid I've seen like theG brown colD leen that IEm met in theC CountyEm Down.
FromG Bantry Bay up toD Derry Quay and fromEm Galway to DublinD Town,
NoEm maid I've seen like theG brown colD leen that IEm met in theC CountyEm Down.
FromG Bantry Bay up toD Derry Quay and fromEm Galway to DublinD Town,
NoEm maid I've seen like theG brown colD leen,D that IEm met in theC CountyEm Down.