The Bells of Shandon

Roud #V212

This song was composed by the Rev Francis Mahoney (Father Prout, 1804–1866). In this nostalgic song, the protagonist remembers the sound of the church bells being rung in St Anne’s Church, Shandon, Co Cork.

Listen to Ellen Emma Power sing "Bells of Shandon," view Aidan O'Hara's transcript, and download your own copy of the words.

Bells of Shandon / Ellen Emma Power

Get the details

Bells of Shandon / Ellen Emma Power

Bells of Shandon, song (With deep affection and recollection, I often think on those Shandon Bells …) This song was composed by the Rev Francis Mahoney (Father Prout, 1804–1866). In this nostalgic song, the protagonist remembers the sound of the church bells being rung in St Anne’s Church, Shandon, Co Cork.

ITMA Reference	54053
Creator	Power, Ellen Emma, singing in English
Contributor	O'Hara, Aidan
Date	10 November 1975
Publisher	Irish Traditional Music Archive
Location	Branch, St Mary's Bay, Newfoundland, Canada
Subject	Newfoundland: Song in English
Language	English
Collection	Aidan O'Hara Collection
Type	Sound
Extent	00:01:56
Copyright	Performer and Aidan O'Hara
Roud Number	V212
View in ITMA catalogue:	Go to catalogue

Ellen Emma Power's version of "Bells of Shandon"

Aidan O'Hara's Transcript
Annotated Transcript

With deep affection and recollection,
I often think on those Shandon Bells.
That sound so wild would, in days of childhood,
Flinging around my cradle its magic spells.

Where e’er I wander on you I’ll ponder,
And thus grow fonder, sweet land of thee;
May the Bells of Shandon, that sounds more grander,
On the pleasant waters of the River Lee.

I heard bells chiming, full many a clime in,
Thunder is roaring from the Vatican.
And cymbals roaring and the goodness flowing,
In the special turrets of Notre Dame.

Where e’er I’ll wander on you I’ll ponder,
And thus grow fonder, sweet land of thee;
May the Bells of Shandon, that sounds more grander,
On the pleasant waters of the River Lee.