Josh Okeefe “I’ll Tell Me Ma” // GemsOnVHS™
In June 2018 I flew over the Atlantic Ocean from America to England, the reverse of the trip so many made way back when. I was visiting folk musician, writer and rambler Josh Okeefe when we recorded this little vid.
This song, I’ll Tell Me Ma, is an old irish folk tune. It has been recorded by the Dubliners, the Clancy Brothers, Sinead O’connor, hell even the Wiggles. Josh says he learned it from an old irishman in a pub, fellow with no teeth and some good music. I’m beginning to be surprised by just how many songs Okeefe has learned from old folks with no teeth in pubs, but i’ll take his word for it!
Want to learn how to play this song? Check out these tabs: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/josh_okeefe/ill_tell_me_ma_chords_2778511
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Learn more about this folk song,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I’ll_Tell_Me_Ma
Find more of Josh’s music here,
https://www.joshokeefe.com/
https://www.facebook.com/joshokeefeofficial/
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love. Wanna chat? Send us an email.
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shot/edited by Anthony Simpkins
www.gemsonvhs.com
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@Ard.cfc90
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Its Belfast City not Dublin 😢
@ashthetrashboat1982
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
His voice brings tears to my eyes and I haven't a clue why
@needsaride15126
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
My grandfather was from a town called Clonbur. As a child I remember his brogue. This song makes me think of him.
@audreysghost6744
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
You have such an ancient soul to your voice! 🍀💚
@dwightmaciv4789
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Love it josh can't wait to see u in concert again
@maironcoelho5385
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
🤘🏼🎶
@zanesworlds
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
its almost the same exact notes, strumming and hammers as Sierra Ferell's song.
@pcurran8455
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
If your Irish your Ma's version will always be the best.
@cedarchoppincartographer
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Great tune! Thanks a handsome wall Josh is sitting on.
@barneyeats
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
What guitar is this?
@leviknox-nyc
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
True gem
@amandamahony2561
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Tell me ma when I go home
The boys won't leave the girls alone
They pull my hair, they stole my comb
But that's all right till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty
She is the belle of Dublin11qp city
She is a-courting one two three
Pray, would you tell me who is she
Albert Mooney says he loves her
All the boys are fighting for her
Knock at the door and they ring that bell
Oh my true love, are you well
Out she comes as white as snow
Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
Old Jenny Murray says she will die
If she doesn't get the fella with the roving eye
Tell me ma when I go home
The boys won't leave the girls alone
They pull my hair, they stole my comb
But that's all right till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty
She is the belle of Belfast city
She is a-courting one two three
Pray, would you tell me who is she
Let the wind and the rain and the hail blow high
And the snow come a-tumbling from the sky
She's as nice as apple pie
And she'll get her own lad by and by
When she gets a lad of her own
She won't tell her ma till she comes home
Let them all come as they will
For it's Albert Mooney she loves still
Tell me ma when I go home
The boys won't leave the girls alone
They pull my hair, they stole my comb
But that's all right till I go home
She is handsome, she is pretty
She is the belle of Belfast city
She is a-courting one two three
Pray, would you tell me who is she
@Vampirebear13
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
I heard this by Van Morrison & The Chieftains and it's ruined me on all others. :-/
@patrickmaxwell7273
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
this kid has paid his dues and more, learning songs the right way, from the right people and in the right places. He surely is setting himself up for greatness. Beautiful video work by GemsOnVHS, you can see the respect artist and director have for each other!
@AxeMoose
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
I enjoyed that a lot.
@christopherpurcell8131
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Love it.
@Mr.Peanutbutter8
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
had no teeth LOL
@brendonleary
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Great little song. I love these Irish tunes. I especially love this little guitar. Looks like a KG-11.
@ryanmettler1953
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Irish Folk is what piqued my interest in American Folk: hearing Josh sing this classic Irish tune with his American twang drives a whole lot'ta emotion seriously deep into my chest.
@eddieneff162
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Perdy cool
@anaheimlofianaheim8221
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Love this fuckin channel
@vjarizpe
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Love it. Thanks Tony and Josh…. and Cora of course.
@DEATH_TO_TYRANTS
March 25, 2026 at 3:56 pm
Thank you Anthony.
Comments are closed.