The Cremation of Sam McGee
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- [UPDATE: I'm not accepting video responses to this video. Sorry folks.]
A reading of the poem by Robert W. Service (Jan. 16, 1874 - Sept. 11, 1958).
Most people reading this poem treat it as lightweight fare, a funny parody of a horror story. Service probably intended it that way.
But for my own amusement, and as a gesture towards Halloween, I've attempted to reinterpret the poem as genuine horror. It wasn't easy! The climactic stanza is hilarious, not scary. I'll rely on you folks to tell me if I succeeded.
Once again, folks who like their poems read as though they were songs, adhering tightly to their rhythmic structure, will be disappointed. I don't read poems that way very often.
Text of the full poem is here:
www.robertwserv...
Happy Halloween, folks. :-)
One of my favorite poems. You embraced every part of this poem better than I've ever experienced. Thank you for sharing your talent.
His is the best reading!
Mr. Service instilled in me a fascination for the far north of our continent, too.
I never relocated northward. But I have seen aboriginal settlements, witnessed beluga whales playing in Hudson Bay, birdwatched on the tundra, canoed through subarctic forests, gloried in the Northern Lights.
Perhaps I would have done those things without Mr. Service's poetry to fire my imagination. But in my mind his poetry is forever linked to those experiences.
I don't know where this message is gonna find you but I wish it finds you well. Kudos to your interpretation of such an excellent poem... Thanks a lot. 14 years later after your posting, it remain timeless. Those life experiences in the frontiers way up north you mentioned certainly enriched the way you expressed it. Feelings and a wild way of life, a superior one, included. Just like his author. Just like your rendition of it. Evocative of simpler times. Thank you very much. That's all I wanted to say here. All the very best. God bless.
This is one reason I love his poetry. This isn't the stuff you hear from the lecterns of academia. It's a man talking to people using the plain language you might expect to hear around a campfire. Plain... but gloriously fitted into exquisite and evocative shapes.
This has to be one of my favourite videos on RUclips. Hope you are well. It's been a very long time since your last video.
after all these years this is still the VERY best rendition of this poem..also look up Urgelt reading "The Highwayman"
Urgent reading the highwayman
My grandfather was born in 1899 and used to recite this from memory. I decided to find it to listen again and picked this out of all of them. When I looked at the description I knew I'd picked the perfect one because October 26 was his birthday. A little God and grandpa blessing. Thank you for reciting it wonderfully.
Different people take away different morals from the tale.
For me, the tale illustrates a key frontier ethic: keeping promises, no matter how difficult (or strange) the result.
The poem also pokes fun at the real Sam McGee, who was known to Robert Service and probably complained once too often about the cold within Mr. Service's hearing. Sam was very much alive when the poem was published.
he even bought "his" ashes
"A promise made is a debt unpaid."
I think I have watched this for the last 5 years or so when the temperature dips and the snow flies outside my window. Thank you so much for this amazing rendition!
Best version of this on RUclips. I show this to my students every year in October!
This is still an incredible production all these years later. It’s just at riveting and intriguing as it was the first time I saw it. I have to admit I’d never heard of Robert service before this video, so for that I thank you Urgelt. I hope you’re down well.
When I was in eighth grade (back in the Dark Ages) this was one of the poems we could choose to recite from memory to earn the points required toward graduation honors. It was the longest, and I love a good challenge, so I did it, and if I may toot my own horn just a bit, I held the class spellbound. I did a fine job -- but your recitation is even better. Well done!
I'm currently doing the same thing
I come back to this narration, time and again year after year. Hope you’re doing well, sir.
I'm deeply honored that you felt this way, MovieDemocom, and shared it with your children.
Love of literature is acquired early or not at all, I think. Kudos to you!
That's terrific, Sophie. I was a camp counselor for 4 summers many years ago, it's where I learned to tell stories. What fun! :-)
This man looks like northern exploration.
Parents who read to their children are the best. May your memories of her bring you warmth and joy.
Because it was featured, and because of the volume of appreciative comments, it's easy to lose sight of what this is.
It's an amateur reading, made after very little practice, carelessly applied sound and not much videographical effort, whose only purpose was to have fun.
I don't have a studio or a staff or fancy equipment, and I'm disinclined to "fake it."
It would indeed be better if it were done... better. :-)
In the summer of 1987, I went camping in Alaska as a 12 year old. On that trip I was introduced to the poetry of Robert Service. Twenty-five-plus years later, I still have this poem memorized. Watching this video, I can feel the cold and fear in your voice. Amazing! Once again, I'm inspired to share this poem with the next generation. Thanks!
I remember this video being featured on the front page of RUclips around Halloween during the very early RUclips days. Such a nostalgic video for me.
My family computer, the internet, Myspace, AIM, RUclips, my digital camera
it was all so new and incredibly exciting for middle school me.
Aye. Those were the days before RUclips advertising, before ruthless and fully automatic IP enforcement, before post-truthism divided us, when a guy reading a poem wearing a cap, and no special effects, could be featured.
Things have changed.
I feel a little like a guy who made buggies just before Henry Ford cranked up his Model T assembly line. :-)
@@Urgelt Wonderful comment.
@@Urgelt I was very relieved to see such a recent comment and favourite, since it has been a while.
One of my favorite early youtube videos. I think of it every once in awhile and always come back to listen again. I hope you are doing well, this poem and your reading have been very dear to me all these years :)
My father loved this poem. He had a book of Robert Service poems; he read these to me so many times when I was young. To anyone that says "Canada has no culture", I offer this as the utmost counter argument.
"The Maple Leaf Forever..."
I traveled in Canada many, many times over the course of my lifetime. You are right to feel proud of your country. Heck, I'm proud of Canada, and I'm only a neighbor! :-)
Okay, I don't care that this was posted in 2006, absolutley loved this. Brilliant rendition and thank you for getting the words right which is a pet peeve I have with the Johnny Cash version.
Still watching this video in 2022. First watched it with my roomie in my dorm back in 2006. Love it!
oh my god. heard this version yeeeeears ago on cbc. this is exceptional wonderfully marvelously spoken. simple and eloquent. poignant and sincere. thank you.
I come back to this video every Halloween, because this reading is 10/10
From the black and white, to the background sounds, to your wonderful ability... it turned out to be a really supurb Halloween tale! Thank you!
Robert Service has been pleasing people for a long time now, across the generations. I'm glad he can still enthrall an audience. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. :-)
This is the most amazing poetry reading I have ever heard. The stony calm face with the levels upon levels of vocal distinction. I am entranced by your ability to captivate with such a subtle and in control voice. I have viewed this and your other poetry readings. Normally I find peopel that do poetry readings are subpar to say the least but I would love to see and hear you do more of them.
A brilliant rendition a great friend recited this to me many years ago I loved it then and I still do .
💞friendship 💞
Thank you
Mr Frog 🐸.
Urgelt-- I showed this to my 7th grade English class, after we read the poem, in an attempt to get the kids to "feel" the poem. They certainly did!! Fantastic mood and sound affects! I will most certainly use you as a "guest speaker" again. Thank you!
My father, who died at 103 memorized this poem when he was ninety and I've heard him recite it many times, but at no time did he quite match your wonderful recitation, thanks for a great trip down memory lane.
Thank you, Kenny, for your encouragement. There are a lot of people here who are daring more, because of you.
I still absolutely love this rendition of the poem. I come back to this every now and again. Tonight is one of those nights. Especially since it's about 20 degrees outside right now.
Still the best version I have found of this favorite poem reading.
This is a wonderful long poem written by ROBERT SERVICE. This man is telling the poem very well.
I must confess that this is the first time ever that I've heard a poem being read out, and I should say I was utterly satisfied. I could, without effort, imagine the entire scenery and setting behind the narrative, listening to you reading it. And the bits of sound and music that you chose to add at the precise moments, only manifolded the effect. Thank you very much, Urgelt. Also, my congratulations on being featured.
Still coming back to this one after all these years.
Hello: I admire all of Robert Services Poems. I have enjoyed them for more than 30 years.
This is One of the Most enjoyable on U-Tube.
Thanks for Posting.
This was literally the first video I ever watched on youtube in 2006. Still captivating all these years later.
Poetry is special, but more special is the man who can bring it to life in a reciting of true verve and emotion. I learn much from watching - and indeed listening - to you, Urgelt.
This is a wonderful rendition! I had my scouts learn it on long trips.
The best reading of this poem I have ever heard. Excellent!
I still watch this once a year. Great reading.
Aww so very happy to get a thumbs up from the creator!!
This reading is the next-best I've ever heard. My grandfather, the late Doc Wilson, is #1. His rendition, as I my cousins and I sat rapt around him on his massive 4-post bed in the late '50's, is unforgettable. Funny, Mr. Urgelt and Doc even look alike, although Doc was older and bald. Thank you so much, Mr. Urgelt!
As a expat Canadian this warmed the cockles of my heart. Can't remember the number of times I've heard this read at community gatherings. You did a fantastic job of reading it...Thanks so much.
I had the great honor of reading this gem at my grandfathers funeral
This was my grandfathers favorite poem. He showed me this reading just a few days before he succumbed to his leukemia. Coming back to it now after all these years is a little surreal. On his behalf id like to say Thank you, though, for this wonderful reading.
I love this rendition so much. My grandfather recites this poem and it’s truly wonderful.
A heart felt thanks, One of the best things I have ever seen on the net. My mother read this to me when I was a child, Your reading is the best reading of this or any poem I have ever herd. May your life be blessed. Greg
Never before have I heard that poem done so beautifully. You have truly done this poem justice. You are a great reader. Thanks for shareing this with us.
Urgelt, I'm sure you've heard this many times before, but you have such an amazing delivery, one that pulls the audience in, with such dynamics.
Never stop posting.
DadsGirl, thank you for sharing your memories of your father with us.
It's true, sharing poetry and literature can heighten and symbolize the love and affection children and parents have for each other. I hope parents will heed your words, and gift their children with legacies of love, as did your father.
Awesome video, editing, sound effects, actor, etc. Plus, you appear to be accessible to your new fans! (for now!) This is rare and sweet. My brother is a U.S. Marine and has recited this for us many times in an Irish accent. It's people like both of you who add quality to our lives! Best wishes!
Thank you so so so much! The best reciting. My understanding of the poem is the same as yours.
This has been in my favourites for over a year now. I often listen over again. Just felt that another "thankyou Urgelt" was called for. Fabulous reading..
Some of the best story telling I've ever heard. You flawlessly manifested a haunting story, from a classic comedy poem! Bravo!
Your reading gives this poem a whole new interpertation. I used to think it was just a funny story but now, thanks to you, I can see it as a serious horror tale. Great job!!
WOW. Just... WOW. I am in complete awe of you, sir. Your presence is impeccable. Your presentation, reading it as if you were the narrator, was both stunning and eerie.
I will be posting this link to all my friends, and then I'll be looking through the rest of your videos.
Well done again, sir!
You do it so well! A saw Salty Sam do it in person, many years ago and you are the only one that can even hold a candle to him! Excellent!
thank you!! When we were kids growing up in North Bay Ontario, on cold winter nights my father would gather us together and read poems from Robert Service. There are two of these that stick out in my mind. The Ice Worm Cocktail (yech!) and the Cremation of Sam Magee. I loved your rendition, Well Done!
I gave my brother and my young nephew a copy of Service's poems when they went on a motorcycle trip up to Alaska and the NWT, and they have told me that around the campfire at night, these tales became lifeblood. It might have been the only book they had, but they appreciated it. This reading reminds me of why I loved it all those years ago, and then passed it on, which, now you are doing
OMG! That was AMAZING! *grand hall applause* Creepy creepy creepy. You did a great job capturing the horror of the tale. I also loved the sound effects and images. Thank you!!
I had no expectations of reaching a wide audience, let alone members of Robert Service's family. But I'm glad it happened.
Your family bears a proud legacy, Walt, of a man who has given pleasure to millions across generations.
Brilliant! In the tradition of the great story tellers that go back to the fire rings of the fertile crescent, you my friend, are a master story teller. Please regale us with more.
I would like to thank you sincerely for posting this wonderful rendition of the famed piece of poetry. This has and always will be my favorite of all literary works. It meshes deeply with the wild part of my soul that yearns to roam the Yukon and other Northern territories of Canada simply for both the beauty and self discovery such solitude and wondrous scenery brings. My heart will always lie in the Northern Wilderness, and I thank you for this reminder of its beauty, mystery, and adventure.
My father quoted this poem to me and I read it to my children, but without a doubt, this is the best I have ever heard. I hope to play this version for my grandchildren. What an excellent job you did!
Bravo Sir Bravo, I watched a few minutes into your tale and then stop. I called my children into the room dimmed the lights and turned the volume up. What a wonderful experience and a talented read. The subtle sound effects, the grain effect and delightful tale added to a moment to remember, in short, Bravo Sir, Bravo!
A beautiful reading! This is a dying art. It transports you back to pre-TV days when radio could fire your imagination. Close your eyes in a dark room and let the story come alive in your mind. More like this please - thanks a million!
Dear Urgelt: I am one of those american who was born outside the Aamerica. English was my second language back than. Now though it's my primary language. Well, my point is, I came across this poem reading of yours a few years ago and absolutely fall in love with it and discovered Robert Service. Thank you for posting it on youtube.
You read so we’ll.
Thank you 🙏🏻
Love this video
I relish reading aloud. I think any poem or story written well has a way it wants to be read, and the reader's task is to listen, with the little inner ear, and hear that, and try to speak it.
This is the best instance of that I've ever heard. I think this reading shows true genius. It is a stellar effort in an under appreciated form of performance.
My dad read that to me when I was little, too young to read myself. It's never held up when I read it. It's nice to hear it spoken again, thank you.
A few years ago, when I had a different 'tube account, I asked you if you'd been up north because you told the story like a true sourdough. I lived in Alaska for a few years in the '70s. Had a blast. Dad was a bush pilot, and I got real good with snow machines (snow mobiles to you Lower 48ers.) But the first I'd heard the poem was on the record "Larry Beck Recites Robert Service" when I was much younger. Hearing you again in such a long time takes me back to a time and place I'll never forget.
My father and his friends from Outward Bound used to sit around and read to us Robert Service poems! Listening to you recite this beloved poem warmed my heart! Thank You for preserving such an important piece of literature!
My teacher in Robert Frost Middle, or Deer Park High showed us this poem and its been stuck with me ever since. Wish I could thank him, one of the best teachers.
A classic poem done right! Gleefully chilling! A masterful performance! Good story-tellers are fairly rare now a days, and this was a treat to see! Excellent Job!
When I said what I did, I neglected to mention the fact that I love that poem and how you read it. It sent chills up my spine because it sounds almost exactly as I thought it would.
Could not wish for a better narrator. Excellent rendition to a new fan of RWS.
Awesome.
What can I say. 2 thumbs up!! My dad turned me on to this poem many moons ago. Had forgotten about it till just now. Thanks man
Wow, I loved it. Nice job. You captured the feel of the poem. The first time I read it, I didn't know how it would end and the last lines came as a surprise, turning it to tragic comedy. Wonderful. I like the creepy sound affects as well.
I just stumbled upon this reading after seeing it a couple years ago when it was first posted. My mother originally introduced me to this poem and I loved it. This reading was especially good and and definitely added something to an already very great poem. two thumbs up, urgelt.
My mother read this to me as a young boy, yours is the best reading.
Wow! That was excellent, quite scary. I've never heard this poem before but I think you do an amazing job. You've got such a wonderful voice. I can't picture anyone else reciting this as perfectly as you did. Thank you for the wonderful poem.
Great Job!! Your voice totally made me want to curl under the sheets with a cup of mug and listen to all your stories!! Great reading!!
Very nice. About a billion times better than my reading on RUclips. Good job. Thank you.
My God that was perfect! Top Class Sir!
I had to go and turn off the lights halfway through to enhance the atmosphere! With only your narration and a well-chosen soundtrack, you actually managed to make this somewhat silly poem a little chilling. That's no easy task.
It was a little daunting, as so many fine interpretations exist. I'm glad you liked it. :-)
My grandpa read this to me as a child. He loves this poem. He's 91 now, perhaps I should take a moment and read it to him!
VERY well done! You have a perfect voice for this poem (by far one of my favourite!!) There is something powerful about this poem and how it describes the mysterious nature of Canada's north. I can't think of a better way of reading it!!! Good job!
Tears of happiness are rolling down my cheeks.... in the names of all poets. Thank You, thank You, thank You!
Wow, great reading. I never heard it read that way. I remember not understanding that poem when I read it in grade 3 but I totally understand it now. I think your voice pulled the presentation of the poem together... quite suspenseful. I was actually drawn to the story. Thanks and please do more.
Excellent rendition of this poem. The key to good poetry is to read it as natural language, as if you were just sitting around talking with friends.
Excellent sound effects, they didn't overpower your voice.
Nice drama, nice change of voices. I'm certainly going to check out your other posts.
Very good.
This, my friend, is by far the best recitation of this fine work I have had fall upon my ears.
I signed up to youtube to post videos for my far flung friends and family to view and I'm finding a multitude of fascinating people. Great reading of Service's "Cremation of Sam McGee" Urgelt. I'm living close to the 60th parallel in Canada and there are times when I know how ol' Sam would have felt. Thanks again for sharing. Addictive isn't it...
This is great. It has the feel of an old-timer telling a story from days long past. A real classic. Five stars! I first heard this three and a half, four years ago. Still good stuff!
this is my favourite poem ever and you just fit the part, the sound effects make it all the more better as well
dude you're like one of the best story tellers ever. you're a total badass dude.
My favorite recitation to this day after years and years of loving this poem.
Incredible feeling and mood! I have read Sam Magee but never ever have been captivated by the words as you did when you read it. Please do more.