Daoiri Farrell - Young Emmet - Lyrics and Chords

 “Young Emmet” is a ballad commemorating Robert Emmet, the Irish patriot who led a failed uprising against British rule in 1803. Written by Paddy Ban O’Brien, the song is a powerful tribute to Emmet’s courage and idealism. Daoirí Farrell recorded the song on his 2023 album The Wedding Above in Glencree, after first hearing it from fiddle player Kevin Glackin at a session in Dublin’s Pipers Corner.

The song begins in Green Street Courthouse, where Emmet stands trial for treason. Alone and defiant, he is accused of trying to free Ireland from “slavery.” The verses recount how he is unjustly sentenced to death, yet remains calm and proud, even as the noose awaits. Emmet is portrayed not as a defeated man, but as a heroic symbol of Ireland’s ongoing struggle for freedom.

Daoirí Farrell’s version highlights the emotional weight of the lyrics through a simple, dignified arrangement. His clear, heartfelt delivery captures both Emmet’s bravery and the sorrow of his execution. More than a historical account, Young Emmet serves as a lament and a call to remember those who gave their lives in pursuit of justice and national independence.

{t:Young Emmet}

{st:Daoiri Farrell}

Capo 2

Intro: 

[D/C#] [D] [D/C#] [D]

In [D]Green Street Courthouse in [D]eighteen and three

Stood young [G]Emmet the [D]hero true and [A]brave

For [D]fighting the tyrant his [D/C#]country to free

And [G]tear from her [A]brow the bonds of [D]slavery

{soc}

There are [A]still men in Ireland who are [D]loy[A]al and [G]true

Who [A]remember their patriots with pride

And with [Bm]God’s help young Emmet

We’ll [D]soon give to you

The [G]epitaph un[A]written since you [D]died

{eoc}

 

Well [D]alone and defiant he [D]stood in the dock

While Lord [G]Norbury the [D]hanging judge looked [A]down

All a[D]gainst his false charges as firm as a rock

Oh a[G]nother Irish [A]martyr to the [D]crown

 

{soc}

There are [A]still men in Ireland who are [G]loyal and [D]true

Who [A]remember their patriots with pride

And with [Bm]God’s help young Emmet

We’ll [D]soon give to you

The [G]epitaph un[A]written since you [D]died

{eoc}

 

Oh the verdict was guilty the sentence was death

And in [G]Thomas Street the [D]tyrant’s work was [A]done

Oh but [D]young Emmet smiled as he [D]drew on his last breath

For he [G]knew the fight for [A]freedom would be [D]won

 

{soc}

There are [A]still men in Ireland who are [D]loyal and true

Who [A]remember their patriots with pride

And with [Bm]God’s help young Emmet

We’ll [D]soon give to you

The [G]epitaph un[A]written since you [D]died

The [G]epitaph un[A]written since you [D]died

{eoc}

If you copy these lyrics and import them into an lyrics and chords app like Songbook you can see the chords above the lyrics, transpose etc. In the Songbook app you can define Bouzouki as instrument and it has chords implemented so you can see how to play them. You even can define your own chords, which is really handy sometimes. The app is available for most platforms.

Here I have collected some videos how this app works.