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The Island

Chords
4.886 votes
Dmajor
90BPM
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Step 1 / 24Position: 2
1 index2 middle3 ring4 pinkyO open
Another tune I couldn't find on here, so have subbed how I play it,
the Drun is just a D chord played slowly down then back up,
play with it yourself, see what feels and sounds right for you.
I have probably made a pile of mistakes on this one, but if it
prompts someone else to submit a better version, everyone wins.
As always any mistukes, feck ups or otherwise are mine,
if you like it, go on, go mad RATE IT !
- flatwound -
THE ISLAND
** CAPO 3rd FRET**
D A D A D A D A
They say the skDies of LebAanon are buDrningA  
Those mighty ceDdars bleAeding in the hDeatA  
They're showing pictDures Aon the tele-viDsionA  
D   ADrun
Women and children dying in the street
GNow we're still at it in our own place
D   ADrun
Still trying to reach the future through the past, Still tryin' to
G   G(TACET)
Carve tomorrow from a tombstone
But hAey don't listen to me, TDhis wasn't meant to be no sGad song
We've heard too mAuch of that beDforeA  D  
Right now I only want to Abe here with you 'til the moGrning dAew comes falDling
I wanna take you to the IsGland, And trace your fooAtprints in the sDandA  D  
And in the evening when the sAun goes down
We'll make lGove, To the soAund, Of the ocDeanD  
They're raising banDners oAver by the marDketsA  
Whitewashing sloDgans Aon the shipyard wDallA  
Witchdoctors praDying fAor a mighty shoDwdownA  
D   A   Drun
The way a holy flag is gonna fall
G   D   A   Drun
Up here we sacrifice our children, To feed the,Worn out dreams of yesterday
G   G(TACET)
And teach them, Dying will lead us into Glory
But hey don't lisAten to me, TDhis wasn't meant to be a sGad song
We've heard too mAuch of that beDforeA  D  
RiDght now I only want to Abe here with you 'til the morGning dAew comes falDling
I wanna take you to the IsGland, And trace your footAprints in the saDndA  D  
And in the evening when there's Ano-one around
We'll make loGve, To the soAund, Of the ocDeanD  
e|-5--2--3--0--2-----0------0----5--2--3--0--2-----------------------|
B|-----------------3------2---3----------------3---2h3p2--0----------|
G|---------------------4-------------------------------------2--0----|
D|-----------------------------------------------------------------4-|
A|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
Now I know us plDain folks don't sAee all the stDoryA  
I know this peDace and loAve's just copping oDutA  
I guess these yoDung boys dyAing in the ditDchesA  
D   ADrun
That's just what being free is all about
An' how this twiGsted wreckage down on MGain Street
D   ADrun
Will bring us all together in the end
And we go marGching down the road to frGeedom... GFrGeedom
All chords in this song (3)

The story behind the song

"The Island" opens with a stark comparison between the burning skies of Lebanon and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, painting a picture of conflict in places like Belfast's Markets area and the shipyard walls. Yet, the song quickly shifts, contrasting this turmoil with the peace of making love on an island. It delves into the hypocrisy of some religious leaders and the tragedy of young lives sacrificed for political beliefs. Released in 1985 on the album Back to the Centre, this song by Paul Brady, known for his blend of folk and rock with poignant political lyrics, is a powerful meditation on love amidst conflict. It plays like a heartfelt plea for peace, urging us to find solace even when the world is ablaze.

Story time

The Island

Goldie
The Island

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About The Island Chords by Paul Brady

Learn how to play The Island by Paul Brady with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Island chords”, “The Island guitar chords”, or “Paul Brady The Island chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Island chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Island lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, A, G, B, E.

FAQ — The Island by Paul Brady

How do I play "The Island" by Paul Brady on guitar?

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Can I transpose "The Island" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Island" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

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Yes. Tap any chord in "The Island" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Island" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Island" by Paul Brady with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Paul Brady below.

What key is "The Island" in?

The chords for "The Island" show the original chord names (including D, A, G, B, E). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.

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