My husband heard this in hospitalabout 3 months ago and loved i he you tubed it loads. My poor darling husband died on 4th November and I had it played at his funeral, its a very special song for us and now the rest of the family .
I'm an Irishman of REPUBLICAN background. (And I'm an UNTHANKS fan...) There is something in their delivery of these classic English folk songs that moves me beyond explanation. A simplicity, a celebration, a VICTORY, an explanation of all that is best and to be celebrated of an ENGLISH WORKING CLASS NOBILITY AND TRADITION... ("I can't fly... But Me Pigeons CAN!") They transcend difference between peoples and remind us we are the same in our hearts and dreams. EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. xx SF.
Hello! Regard and respect to you, Comrade!!! I've seen THE UNTHANKS live several times... They are the NICEST people! After their Vicar St. gig in Dublin they hung out in the late-bar afterwards just chatting... I, in fan-mode(!!!) talked music with both Chris and Becky! Such ENGAGING people! Great ambassadors for The North West, music and art! xx SF
Tonight is the first time that I've ever heard of the Unthanks and The King of Rome ... I'm hooked and I love their version of this folk song. I intend to listen to more of their songs. What a lovely comment you make, I couldn't have put it any better :-) beautifully put ...
A great comment there - being from Newcastle, the Unthanks touch a special chord with me. There is something really timeless and borderless about their style which appeals to me too. Their version of Magpie on Jools Holland is mesmerising.
I live in Derby and know Brook street well . The pigeon that won the race is now in Derby museum. Pigeon breeding is still going here , my neighbour has a pigeon loft and they fly nearly every day I listen to this when I see them fly xxx
I was in the audience with my wife that night too Jill. I though the whole show was very good apart from a certain American singer who’s guitar was wildly out of tune and he didn’t realise. The Unthanks performance with Brighouse band was the highlight of the evening.
This song, the lyrics, the singers, the brass band, in fact the whole experience expresses everything that is good, sensitive, honest, wholesome and warm about Northern Englishness. A wonderful tribute to the rich heritage of the English people.
“and if you live around here the ground seems awful near” that line puts the hairs on my neck up every single time ! 1913, did a generation suffer more ?
“Come on down, your majesty” and “you’ve made my dreams come true” are my favourite lines. Remember watching this live and being in awe of the song and The Unthanks.
This song. Incredible. I have no knowledge of English folk and grew up in the south of England in the 80s and 90s, so, apart from the Sally Army every Sunday, was unfamiliar with the great northern tradition of brass music from the colliery bands. This has blown my mind. So stirring, and inspiring. A real human's tale, a man and a bird's triumph made into an heroic saga and sung with haunting majesty. The English working class must rise again, take back their traditions, pride and nobility of character. These weren't simple folk by any means, they were decent folk and that's what England needs right now, more than ever!
I live in Derby and know Brooke street well . The pigeon that won the race is now in Derby museum. Pigeon breeding is still going here , my neighbour has a pigeon loft and they fly nearly every day I listen to this when I see them fly xxx
Unfortunately the English folk scene is being swamped by the diverse character of our life today, unlike Ireland and Scotland we need to show some pride in our history.
This song means the world to me. The nobility of the working class, the beautiful compassion of people, and the miracle of triumph against unbeatable odds. To win a hand against the stacked deck, to land one punch in the unfair fight, and most importantly of all to not lose heart or hope no matter what. I wish every one of us their very own King of Rome when they need it most.
I am in emotional bits. I've not cried for too long. I am crying with joy at the simple beauty of the story, the wonderful delivery and the crackin' brass band. I needed to find this ❤
Here’s the thing, we all - each & every one of us - reside & wrestle in the “West End” drudgery of somewhere. My thanks to you, Unthanks & Band, for elevating us through the magical & majestic power of this inspired music.👏
I'm an Ulsterman from a family with a strong silver band tradition and this brought tears to the eyes. It's absolutely flawless. And live too! The delicate but powerful vocals. The stoicism, hope and belief of the lyrics. The historical significance, set just a year before the start of WWI. A bravura silver accompaniment exuding pathos, optimism and belief. Together it transports you beyond the ordinary to a different age. JUST SUPERB!! Great comment by Steve Sandford.
Heard the Unthanks on the British Folk Awards programme and then found they were playing 10 miles away the following week. Went, and was converted !!. As an Irishman this proves yet again what I've always thought, that English Folk Music is alive and well and soulfull and brilliant.
A Plaque to Charles Hudson and The King of Rome Pigeon will be unveiled at the Maypole Inn, Derby on the 29th October 2022. There will also be a nod to this song and it's original writer, Dave Sudbury.
Martin Carthy told me this was the only song Dave Sudbury ever wrote, what an incredible legacy! The perfect statement on all those working class men and women who made our history.
As a lad who lived and nearly died over the pigeon park...this has a special relevance to me. Age three I dived off a slide to concrete. Roy saved me. sometime I need to lift to victory.
I know this song very well and it always gives me 'goosebumps' .....Change the location and put in my Grandads name..... 'In the East end of Newcastle lived a working man! ...... Billy Martin had a pigeon loft! ....... It's his story! ......
In an era where we became of little more than statistic value, King of Rome reminds us of the sheer power of human imagination. Let's get out of that calculated maze. Reclaim our territory and live up to our dreams again. We might be surprised how easy it is to fly. Peace and respect to you wonderful Northumbrian girls, giving integrity such powerful voice again :)
The BIG ISSUE (Feb '22) brought me here! This song got an excellent mention in an article. This is a gem; a story that couldn't fail to touch anyone's heart. Awesome performance by singers and band alike.
This is one of the most moving songs I have ever heard. So beautifully sung and performed. If I were 25 years younger I'd also ask Becky out! I'll have to settle for listening to her and her sisters' voice as often as possible. Love it! From a married man of 54 who is still married to the same lady 34 years and has big tears in his eyes.
Please Take a bow the genius who did the stunningly beautiful arrangement. 7.35 is tooooo short so I have keep playing it overandoverandoverandover. What sublime talent from the unthanks and rastricks.
The real "king of Rome" is now stuffed and kept in Woolaton Hall Nottingham ,it was put out on display some years ago ,with this song being performed by a fine Nottingham singer Andy Leith ,RIP
Carefully monitoring different English music scenes from the outside - from the west coast of Norway to be more precise - for nearly 40 years now, I've always thought the English folk scene is the most genuine and exiting one. Right now I can't imagine there's anyone in the green and pleasant land making more interesting, intelligent, beautiful and deeply heartfelt music than The Unthanks. Please let me know if there is.
Erlend - I love The Unthanks too. My favourite English folk band. Please try David Sudbury's original of The King of Rome. Also please come to the UK if you can, for some of the local folk festivals, where you will hear songs passed down for generations, never heard outside the folk circles.
OVER 7 years ago i heard this and this beautiful singing made me quietly cry , and everytime i hear it its the same , its 4,07 am on the 03/11/22 and i,m crying with joy again , its a magnificent song sung beautifully
Lovely song and a fantastic version! The Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band add real feeling to the song and the Unthank sisters voices make this version perfect.
WOW!!! The first time I heard this it totally blew me away! It is amazing and beautiful and now makes me well up in tears everytime I hear it!! Wonderful, beautiful music. Thanks to the Unthanks and the amazing Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band !!!!
Beautiful. This is one of those juxtopositions of two very different musical styles that work so beautifully that you have to wonder why it did not happen sooner!. Thanks to the Unthanks.
In the West End of Derby lives a working man He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can And when I set them free It's just like part of me Gets lifted up on shining wings" Charlie Edson's pigeon loft was down the yard Of a rented house in Brook Street where life was hard But Charlie had a dream And in nineteenthirteen Charlie bred a pigeon that made his dream come true There was gonna be a champions' race from Italy "Look at the maps, all that land and sea Charlie, you'll lose that bird" But Charlie never heard He put it in a basket and sent it off to Rome On the day o' the big race a storm blew in A thousand birds were swept away and never seen again "Charlie we told you so Surely by now you know When you're living in te West End there ain't many dreams come true" "Yeah, I know, but I had to try A man can crawl around or he can learn to fly And if you live 'round here The ground seems awful near Sometimes I need a lift from victory" I was off with me mates for a pint or two When I saw a wing flash up in the blue "Charlie, it's the King of Rome Come back to his West End home Come outside quick, he's perched up on your roof" "Come on down, your majesty I knew you'd make it back to me Come on down, you lovely one You made me dream come true" In the West End of Derby lives a working man He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can And when I set them free It's just like part of me Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Brilliant. The long intro can be off putting but once the vocals start in becomes enchanting for a pigeon man, lady or child. I'll play it more than once for sure. Have sent it to a lot, to hear of a pigeon who made it home, now known as tge King of Rome.
In the West End of Derby lives a working man He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can And when I set them free It's just like part of me Gets lifted up on shining wings" Charlie Edson's pigeon loft was down the yard Of a rented house in Brook Street where life was hard But Charlie had a dream And in 1913 Charlie bred a pigeon that made his dream come true There was gonna be a champions' race from Italy "Look at the maps, all that land and sea Charlie, you'll lose that bird" But Charlie never heard He put it in a basket and sent it off to Rome On the day o' the big race a storm blew in A thousand birds were swept away and never seen again "Charlie we told you so Surely by now you know When you're living in the West End there ain't many dreams come true" "Yeah, I know, but I had to try A man can crawl around or he can learn to fly And if you live 'round here The ground seems awful near Sometimes I need a lift from victory" I was off with me mates for a pint or two When I saw a wing flash up in the blue "Charlie, it's the King of Rome Come back to his West End home Come outside quick, he's perched up on your roof" "Come on down, Your Majesty I knew you'd make it back to me Come on down, you lovely one You made me dream come true" In the West End of Derby lives a working man He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can And when I set them free It's just like part of me Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Heard this on Radcliffe & Maconie on 6 music last week or so , absolutley fantastic. Had only heard this song as covered by the mighty Half Man Half Biscuit previously...
Heard this on the radio while at work, made sure i wrote the title down so i could look it up later. So, so glad i did, it's an incredible and moving piece.
What a triumph! A tribute to our heritage: a brass band, beautiful singing, sensitive harmony, pigeon racing ... what more could you want? (Well, I'm not altogether sure about pigeon-racing!)
I was there too that night at the Lowry. I have seen the Unthanks perform this song a number of times but the Folk Awards was the definitive performance. I can’t think of anyone better than Becky Unthank to sing this song and on the night she was superb.
Came across this on Spotify a couple of days ago...WOW just WOW.Utterly Brilliant song.The Lyrics,the singers,the Brass Band and the story.This deserves to win an Award if it hasn’t already.Just passionately beautiful.
I remember them playing this at the End of the Road a few years back now. I could feel myself wellling up. Lucky to catch them in Poole the other night and they played this again. So very special ❤️
This is so beautiful... I heard at by chance on the car radio this evening. I had to stop the car & pull over to listen to this wonderful song & find it as soon as I got home... I have absolutely no knowledge of this genre of music, being a fan of techno & post-punk, but this hit something in me. I guess a great tune is a great tune regardless of whatever style.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
My husband heard this in hospitalabout 3 months ago and loved i he you tubed it loads. My poor darling husband died on 4th November and I had it played at his funeral, its a very special song for us and now the rest of the family .
huge love to you....only just saw this
Much love to you and your family x
Bless him xx
and I can understand that perfectly.
So sorry , big hugs . Ya got another guardian Angel now.....!!!
I'm an Irishman of REPUBLICAN background. (And I'm an UNTHANKS fan...) There is something in their delivery of these classic English folk songs that moves me beyond explanation. A simplicity, a celebration, a VICTORY, an explanation of all that is best and to be celebrated of an ENGLISH WORKING CLASS NOBILITY AND TRADITION... ("I can't fly... But Me Pigeons CAN!") They transcend difference between peoples and remind us we are the same in our hearts and dreams. EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. xx SF.
+Steve Sandford Nice comment. As it ever was...working class & poor people should never have fought one another for rich peoples' interests.
Hello! Regard and respect to you, Comrade!!! I've seen THE UNTHANKS live several times... They are the NICEST people! After their Vicar St. gig in Dublin they hung out in the late-bar afterwards just chatting... I, in fan-mode(!!!) talked music with both Chris and Becky! Such ENGAGING people! Great ambassadors for The North
West, music and art! xx SF
OOOPS! (I meant the North East!!!) xx SF
Tonight is the first time that I've ever heard of the Unthanks and The King of Rome ... I'm hooked and I love their version of this folk song. I intend to listen to more of their songs. What a lovely comment you make, I couldn't have put it any better :-) beautifully put ...
A great comment there - being from Newcastle, the Unthanks touch a special chord with me. There is something really timeless and borderless about their style which appeals to me too. Their version of Magpie on Jools Holland is mesmerising.
My dad was a pigeon man, he passed away, he was a working man, goosebumps when I hear this song.
I live in Derby and know Brook street well . The pigeon that won the race is now in Derby museum.
Pigeon breeding is still going here , my neighbour has a pigeon loft and they fly nearly every day
I listen to this when I see them fly xxx
I was in the audience that night with my husband. It was a magical moment . We both reminisce on how special this song about pigeons is.
I was in the audience with my wife that night too Jill. I though the whole show was very good apart from a certain American singer who’s guitar was wildly out of tune and he didn’t realise. The Unthanks performance with Brighouse band was the highlight of the evening.
🪽
This is one of the loveliest songs I’ve ever heard. I’m a grown man but sobbing like a bairn after that.
Oh no I so sad to hear that 😢😮
This song, the lyrics, the singers, the brass band, in fact the whole experience expresses everything that is good, sensitive, honest, wholesome and warm about Northern Englishness. A wonderful tribute to the rich heritage of the English people.
. . . . the English Midlands if you please 😉
Never thought I'd ever get so emotional over a Pigeon, but its beautiful.
Me too, absolutely beautiful. Never heard anything like it. 👌
“and if you live around here the ground seems awful near” that line puts the hairs on my neck up every single time !
1913, did a generation suffer more ?
Same!
“Come on down, your majesty” and “you’ve made my dreams come true” are my favourite lines. Remember watching this live and being in awe of the song and The Unthanks.
Man, those lines make me cry.
Yes, I agree. For me, this is one of the most beautiful performances I have ever seen. Always chokes me up. 😊
This song. Incredible. I have no knowledge of English folk and grew up in the south of England in the 80s and 90s, so, apart from the Sally Army every Sunday, was unfamiliar with the great northern tradition of brass music from the colliery bands. This has blown my mind. So stirring, and inspiring. A real human's tale, a man and a bird's triumph made into an heroic saga and sung with haunting majesty. The English working class must rise again, take back their traditions, pride and nobility of character. These weren't simple folk by any means, they were decent folk and that's what England needs right now, more than ever!
That about says it all.
I live in Derby and know Brooke street well . The pigeon that won the race is now in Derby museum.
Pigeon breeding is still going here , my neighbour has a pigeon loft and they fly nearly every day
I listen to this when I see them fly xxx
Jxy566 beautiful words!
Well said
Unfortunately the English folk scene is being swamped by the diverse character of our life today, unlike Ireland and Scotland we need to show some pride in our history.
Brings tears to my eyes EVERY time. Beautiful song, British folk alive and well.
This song means the world to me. The nobility of the working class, the beautiful compassion of people, and the miracle of triumph against unbeatable odds.
To win a hand against the stacked deck, to land one punch in the unfair fight, and most importantly of all to not lose heart or hope no matter what.
I wish every one of us their very own King of Rome when they need it most.
If you aint moved by this then, im afriad, that you dont have a pulse. Wonderful, wonderful.
dude dont say that i find it boring im 8 :))
I am in emotional bits. I've not cried for too long. I am crying with joy at the simple beauty of the story, the wonderful delivery and the crackin' brass band. I needed to find this ❤
It’s perfect. In every way.
Here’s the thing, we all - each & every one of us - reside & wrestle in the “West End” drudgery of somewhere.
My thanks to you, Unthanks & Band, for elevating us through the magical & majestic power of this inspired music.👏
Marveeeelous, unbelievably Beautiful, a FULL ORCHESTRA, for Folk music. It Matches any out Rock events.In fact it made me Cry.❤️✊🌈
I'm an Ulsterman from a family with a strong silver band tradition and this brought tears to the eyes. It's absolutely flawless. And live too!
The delicate but powerful vocals. The stoicism, hope and belief of the lyrics. The historical significance, set just a year before the start of WWI. A bravura silver accompaniment exuding pathos, optimism and belief. Together it transports you beyond the ordinary to a different age. JUST SUPERB!!
Great comment by Steve Sandford.
Just come across this tonight, and
My oh my I am just a pool on the floor .
Beautiful voices . And the brass band no words needed ❤️🇬🇧
Never heard this before and it absolutely blew me away. What a song. Another musical door has just opened!
Tir Chonaill Tiger check out June Table's version
not for me :P
What a class song love it and the magpie one to
Bloody hell that's beautiful! Why have I not seen it before? Bit teary!
Heard the Unthanks on the British Folk Awards programme and then found they were playing 10 miles away the following week. Went, and was converted !!. As an Irishman this proves yet again what I've always thought, that English Folk Music is alive and well and soulfull and brilliant.
I'm in tears about a pigeon. If the Unthanks ever made a song about HP sauce I'll probably sob myself to death.
A Plaque to Charles Hudson and The King of Rome Pigeon will be unveiled at the Maypole Inn, Derby on the 29th October 2022.
There will also be a nod to this song and it's original writer, Dave Sudbury.
Martin Carthy told me this was the only song Dave Sudbury ever wrote, what an incredible legacy! The perfect statement on all those working class men and women who made our history.
@@jimfell7147 He's written many more. He actually has an album called 'King of Rome'. All Brilliant.
This plaque is now located at Dubrek Studios around the corner.
I am obsessed by this song; it’s just so beautiful ❤️
Loved this! Songs sung really well with yorkshire brass band for accompaniment. Well done!
What a beautiful song from the family of Spike Emmett a working man who loved his pigeons in Finglas, Dublin, Ireland
As a lad who lived and nearly died over the pigeon park...this has a special relevance to me. Age three I dived off a slide to concrete. Roy saved me. sometime I need to lift to victory.
I know this song very well and it always gives me 'goosebumps' .....Change the location and put in my Grandads name..... 'In the East end of Newcastle lived a working man! ...... Billy Martin had a pigeon loft! ....... It's his story! ......
Every time I here this I have to stop what I’m doing because I can’t see properly !
Wonderful!
Derby is up the road from us, not as many pigeons as there used to be. Lorries still come to let birds out. Good song, even better with brass band.
My Dad used to listen to the Brighouse and Rastrick Band. I am all memories right now. Sometimes I need a lift to Victory.
I love this song so much ❤️
My dad was in the army band when he joined
Always reminds me of him
Love you dad
You’re son Andrew
In an era where we became of little more than statistic value, King of Rome reminds us of the sheer power of human imagination.
Let's get out of that calculated maze. Reclaim our territory and live up to our dreams again. We might be surprised how easy it is to fly.
Peace and respect to you wonderful Northumbrian girls, giving integrity such powerful voice again :)
You're so right. It is surprisingly easy to fly these days...Ryanair to Dublin for £9.99 (just one example)
The BIG ISSUE (Feb '22) brought me here! This song got an excellent mention in an article. This is a gem; a story that couldn't fail to touch anyone's heart. Awesome performance by singers and band alike.
This is one of the most moving songs I have ever heard. So beautifully sung and performed.
If I were 25 years younger I'd also ask Becky out!
I'll have to settle for listening to her and her sisters' voice as often as possible.
Love it!
From a married man of 54 who is still married to the same lady 34 years and has big tears in his eyes.
Please Take a bow the genius who did the stunningly beautiful arrangement. 7.35 is tooooo short so I have keep playing it overandoverandoverandover. What sublime talent from the unthanks and rastricks.
A true story, a great song, wonderfully performed.
The real "king of Rome" is now stuffed and kept in Woolaton Hall Nottingham ,it was put out on display some years ago ,with this song being performed by a fine Nottingham singer Andy Leith ,RIP
Such a beautiful song. If ever there was a British song about hope. Makes me cry e everytime I listen to it.
So beautiful with the Newcastle accent.
English culture in a land now forgotten. Just beautiful x
not forgotten
@@mikecarter3459 i see what you did there
Carefully monitoring different English music scenes from the outside - from the west coast of Norway to be more precise - for nearly 40 years now, I've always thought the English folk scene is the most genuine and exiting one. Right now I can't imagine there's anyone in the green and pleasant land making more interesting, intelligent, beautiful and deeply heartfelt music than The Unthanks. Please let me know if there is.
+Erlend Garatun Huus There's a great new band I love called Stick In The Wheel...though you're quite right Eriend, the Unthanks take some beating.
Erlend - I love The Unthanks too. My favourite English folk band. Please try David Sudbury's original of The King of Rome. Also please come to the UK if you can, for some of the local folk festivals, where you will hear songs passed down for generations, never heard outside the folk circles.
ruclips.net/video/asbcMaegOT4/видео.html
The Waterson sand McCarthy ain’t bad.But for solo singing June Tabor is terrific.she has a couple of albums with Maddy Prior well eorth listening to
Forgot to add they sing under the name of The Silly Sisters
OVER 7 years ago i heard this and this beautiful singing made me quietly cry , and everytime i hear it its the same , its 4,07 am on the 03/11/22 and i,m crying with joy again , its a magnificent song sung beautifully
Had this at my partners and his brother s funeral. Absolutely stunning. Said it all. Xxx
Astonishingly beautiful. 💕
this needs to be a Christmas number 1.
simply gorgeous....they are from the same part of the country and thus the influence of Paddy McAloon (Prefab Sprout) must be significant.
Simply wonderful. It is moving, uplifting and utterly brilliant.
The Unthanks are a national treasure - add the glorious brass of the Brighouse & Rastrick and you have something magical.
What voices, they 'touch the heart and soul' with their music and voices.
Proud Cumbrian Irish ancestors....North West to the North East....Wow. Just beautiful with many tears from me xX
J'étais dans la salle ce soir la et toute d'Angleterre des mineurs m'a traversée le coeur...
This song never fails to make me cry
Lovely song and a fantastic version! The Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band add real feeling to the song and the Unthank sisters voices make this version perfect.
WOW!!! The first time I heard this it totally blew me away! It is amazing and beautiful and now makes me well up in tears everytime I hear it!!
Wonderful, beautiful music. Thanks to the Unthanks and the amazing Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band !!!!
What a sweet song. Brought a little tear to my eye.
Beautiful.
This is one of those juxtopositions of two very different musical styles that work so beautifully that you have to wonder why it did not happen sooner!.
Thanks to the Unthanks.
Does it to me every time
Wonderful. I saw The Unthanks in Bath last week. There is no group better than the Unthanks. Well done.
Wonderful, moving and reminds us all of the importance of relationships between humans and all animals.
.. beautiful
Tears of happiness and pride, what a great performance.
In the West End of Derby lives a working man
He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can
And when I set them free
It's just like part of me
Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Charlie Edson's pigeon loft was down the yard
Of a rented house in Brook Street where life was hard
But Charlie had a dream
And in nineteenthirteen
Charlie bred a pigeon that made his dream come true
There was gonna be a champions' race from Italy
"Look at the maps, all that land and sea
Charlie, you'll lose that bird"
But Charlie never heard
He put it in a basket and sent it off to Rome
On the day o' the big race a storm blew in
A thousand birds were swept away and never seen again
"Charlie we told you so
Surely by now you know
When you're living in te West End there ain't many dreams come true"
"Yeah, I know, but I had to try
A man can crawl around or he can learn to fly
And if you live 'round here
The ground seems awful near
Sometimes I need a lift from victory"
I was off with me mates for a pint or two
When I saw a wing flash up in the blue
"Charlie, it's the King of Rome
Come back to his West End home
Come outside quick, he's perched up on your roof"
"Come on down, your majesty
I knew you'd make it back to me
Come on down, you lovely one
You made me dream come true"
In the West End of Derby lives a working man
He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can
And when I set them free
It's just like part of me
Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Brilliant. The long intro can be off putting but once the vocals start in becomes enchanting for a pigeon man, lady or child. I'll play it more than once for sure. Have sent it to a lot, to hear of a pigeon who made it home, now known as tge King of Rome.
One word only " BRILLIANT "
In the West End of Derby lives a working man
He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can
And when I set them free
It's just like part of me
Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Charlie Edson's pigeon loft was down the yard
Of a rented house in Brook Street where life was hard
But Charlie had a dream
And in 1913
Charlie bred a pigeon that made his dream come true
There was gonna be a champions' race from Italy
"Look at the maps, all that land and sea
Charlie, you'll lose that bird"
But Charlie never heard
He put it in a basket and sent it off to Rome
On the day o' the big race a storm blew in
A thousand birds were swept away and never seen again
"Charlie we told you so
Surely by now you know
When you're living in the West End there ain't many dreams come true"
"Yeah, I know, but I had to try
A man can crawl around or he can learn to fly
And if you live 'round here
The ground seems awful near
Sometimes I need a lift from victory"
I was off with me mates for a pint or two
When I saw a wing flash up in the blue
"Charlie, it's the King of Rome
Come back to his West End home
Come outside quick, he's perched up on your roof"
"Come on down, Your Majesty
I knew you'd make it back to me
Come on down, you lovely one
You made me dream come true"
In the West End of Derby lives a working man
He says "I can't fly but me pigeons can
And when I set them free
It's just like part of me
Gets lifted up on shining wings"
Thank you
I still have goosebumps five minutes after hearing this. Beautiful barely describes this wonderful moment in music.
Absolutely brilliant sheer genius
Lovely version ❤
Heard this on Radcliffe & Maconie on 6 music last week or so , absolutley fantastic. Had only heard this song as covered by the mighty Half Man Half Biscuit previously...
Heard this on the radio while at work, made sure i wrote the title down so i could look it up later. So, so glad i did, it's an incredible and moving piece.
What a triumph!
A tribute to our heritage: a brass band, beautiful singing, sensitive harmony, pigeon racing ... what more could you want?
(Well, I'm not altogether sure about pigeon-racing!)
I am bawling my eyes out, dammit.
Absolutely bloody superb!
Such a beautiful haunting song moves me deeply every time I hear it. So glad I went to this gig at the Lowry.
Such a beautiful song and story. For me this is truly a story about hope. ❤️
So moving! Lovely performance from the girls and fom the band! Fabulous!
this always makes me cry...
An exquisite performance that made me cry
Extremely touching story, excellent and emotional performance. 🥲💖
Magical
I was lucky enough to be there when this was recorded for my birthday give or take a day! It was extremely rousing moving piece performed seamlessly
I was there too that night at the Lowry. I have seen the Unthanks perform this song a number of times but the Folk Awards was the definitive performance. I can’t think of anyone better than Becky Unthank to sing this song and on the night she was superb.
Tears streaming
shedding tears at this.
Beautiful, we need more music like this!
Every time I listen to this 🤗 Such a tonic to recharge yourself ❤️
Can’t stop listening to this. Moved me to tears on more than one occasion
Simply beautiful ❤
Heard this on Five live the other night and loved it . :)
Beautiful song ❤
beautiful story, beautifully sung. thanks unthanks!
Came across this on Spotify a couple of days ago...WOW just WOW.Utterly Brilliant song.The Lyrics,the singers,the Brass Band and the story.This deserves to win an Award if it hasn’t already.Just passionately beautiful.
I like this song :)
I remember them playing this at the End of the Road a few years back now. I could feel myself wellling up. Lucky to catch them in Poole the other night and they played this again. So very special ❤️
This is so beautiful... I heard at by chance on the car radio this evening. I had to stop the car & pull over to listen to this wonderful song & find it as soon as I got home... I have absolutely no knowledge of this genre of music, being a fan of techno & post-punk, but this hit something in me. I guess a great tune is a great tune regardless of whatever style.
Wow ,,thanks BBC radio 6 music ,,♥️
Has me in tears very time i hear it.
just perfect thats all i can say
Beautiful song
Betond beautiful...beyond joy. thank you .
Beautiful
Love this band.