The Story Behind the Song
The lyrics to “Raglan Road” were written by Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh as a poem titled “Dark Haired Girl” about his unrequited love for Hilda Moriarty, a medical student he met in Dublin in the 1940s.
When Luke Kelly met Kavanagh in the 1960s, he asked Kavanagh if he could set the poem to music. Legend has it that Kavanagh insisted on being paid five pounds! With the business out of the way, Kelly began searching for a melody to complement the poignant words. He landed on a traditional Irish air "Fáinne Geal an Lae" (The Dawning of the Day).
What the Song Means
While the song speaks of a specific time and place, its themes are universal: the intoxicating power of new love, the vulnerability it brings, and the inevitable sting of a love that cannot be. Listeners can picture a walk down the tree-lined Raglan Road in Ballsbridge, Dublin on that autumn evening. The sense of impending sorrow is palpable from the outset, as the singer describes such strong emotions of desire and yearning, knowing this tale of enchantment is leading to heartbreak.
Versions Worth Hearing
While Luke Kelly’s version with The Dubliners will always be the ultimate version of this song, artists such as Van Morrison, Sinéad O'Connor, Roger Daltrey and Ed Sheeran have provided unique takes on this immense song — hear us play it live.