“Give Me Your Hand,” known in Irish as “Tabhair Dom Do Lámh,” is an elegant and historically significant Irish tune that traces its origins to the early 17th century. Attributed to the renowned Irish harper Ruaidhrí Dall Ó Catháin (Rory Dall O’Cahan), who lived from approximately 1570 to 1650, the piece was composed during a time of significant cultural and political transition in Ireland. The song gained prominence following Ó Catháin’s exile to Scotland, where he served at the Stuart court and introduced elements of Irish music to Scottish nobility.
Unlike many Irish songs of resistance or hardship, “Give Me Your Hand” was originally composed as a ceremonial air intended for formal occasions and celebrations of alliance, possibly commemorating unions between noble Irish families or diplomatic relations. Over the centuries, it has evolved from its courtly origins to become a beloved part of traditional Irish repertoire, frequently performed at weddings and gatherings as a symbol of friendship, reconciliation, and cultural heritage.
Lyrics
Will you give me your hand, is tabhair dom do lámh
Just give me your hand and I’ll walk with you
Through the streets of our land, through the mountains so grand
If you give me your hand.
Just give me your hand and come along with me
Will you give me your hand and the world it can see
That we can be free in peace and harmony
From the north to the south, from the east to the west
Every mountain, every valley, every bush and bird’s nest.
Chorus
By day and night throughout struggle and strife
I’m beside you to guide you forever my love
For love’s not for one but for both of us to share
For this country so fair for our world and what’s there.
Just give me your hand, is tabhair dom do lámh
Will you give me your hand, for the world it is ours
All the sea and the land to destroy or command
If you give me your hand
Just give me your hand in a gesture of peace
Just give me your hand and all troubles will cease
The strong and the weak, both the rich and the poor
All peoples and creeds let’s meet their needs
With a passion we can fashion a new world of love.
(Chorus)
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