I lost my lovely husband 21 years ago. He was a second generation Irishman and so proud of it. I would give anything to see his footprints in the sand. He was also a strong socialist and believed in justice and equality for all, as do I. RIP Pat. Love you always x
You will walk again across the sand hand in hand with your love. Rest in peace brother from one Irishman to another. Derry City Ireland much love to all. Merry Christmas 🍀💚🍀
love to look at words like 'strong socialist' and 'justice and equality' !!! waving a flag of bright colour to you Stepanie, and Pat (who is still alive in your heart) 'The Island' seems to be everywhere .......
I'm an Irishman, so understand what he was singing about at that time but this song should resonate with billions of people worldwide today no matter what walk of life youre coming from....Up here we sacrifice our children, To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday, And teach them dying will lead us into glory... Those lyrics gets me every time
Paul Brady comes from my own hometown, Strabane. We should all listen to what he says about our beautiful Island. We need to stop "trying to reach the future from the past"... We've had too many sad songs/times in Ireland. We have our own beautiful Island and it's big enough to share!!! Lets stop carving tombstones for a worthless "cause" that only "sacrifices our children for worn out dreams of yesterday". What a beautiful, prophetic song. Thank you Paul!!
Why do I have to be so old before I discover a song this good from an artist I never knew...? The world amazes me all the time, and delights me much of the time. The thrill of discovery, and the pleasure of being able to take what you have found home and keep it with you the rest of your life.
How, could any human being identify with the 'Colonial Ego', Brian? Am not in any way castigating or criticizing you. Just wondering how, as I don't know or understand. Thank you, in advance for your understanding and patience...
God, is that ever the truth! I saw him a few years back at a small place in Seattle called The Tractor Tavern - what an amazing performance - just he and his instruments. He had the place in the palm of his hand - around half the people were from Ireland - many musicians. Everyone was blown away. He is a MUST SEE in person. Solo.
It's funny, but as a Dublin man living in Australia the last 8 years we still refer to ringing family at home as 'I was on to the island'. Amazing song that I've loved and sang for years. Cryptic for non-Irish, but tear-jerking when you understand what this is about.
Paul, 'The Island' is one of the most meaningful songs of all time. And the music is hauntingly beautiful. You have a great talent. Thank you so much. Maura :)
To the Montpelier on here, clearly upset with events and people he can't control, you don't seem to really want to understand what Paul's job has always been, His was to write, play and sing songs that touch peoples' hearts. Period. And given how little real joy there is in this life, I think his contributions exceed those of your heroes; they will last longer in men's minds and hearts
Paul, I internalized this song back in the late 90s when I lived in the conflict-torn former Soviet Republic of Georgia, where their was a peculiar and bittersweet syncronicity between the two countries. I sang it around Tbilisi as part of a set of other beautiful Irish songs. Today, there is an urge to return to this piece, as well as studying your lovely sparse performance to inform some of my other writing and singing. Bail ó Dhia ort.
Such a great song. I live in Northern Ireland, and I was born at the end of the troubles, so I never got to see the full extent of the damage, and I often don't appreciate just how many Catholics and Prodestants died in those years. This song helped me realise what my parents and their parents had to go through, it touches my heart.
@WeAreChangeEire what a beautiful comment. I am english and love the irish ,their culture and music and independence ect. I am just a simple guy. we are all great friends and we should leave the hatred and al that to the rich people who are so afraid of losing what they have...one day we will take over and joy will fill the hearts of many
An absolute masterpiece of a song. "Cause up here we sacrifice our children, to feed the worn out dreams, of yesterday " Brady is a master of the craft. Serious respect for the Tyrone man!
I just came across this piece after doing a search for a different song. What a poignant gem-- a clear cut standout to be found among so many other songs clamoring to be heard amidst the cacophony of the world's voices! Two BIG thumbs up!
A sidewalk prophet, such as come along only a few times in a generation. Paul, your words resonated in my soul decades ago, and again today, as the cedars of Lebanon burn again.
I first heard this song 28 years ago on my honeymoon, walking up Grafton Street and it was being played from speakers outside a record store (anyone remember record stores? LOL). With the news coming out of Israel and Palestine this past week, I kept thinking of Paul's lyrics: "That young boys dying in the ditches is what being free is all about" and " out here we sacrifice our children to feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday...teach them dying will lead us in to glory". OMG !! Children murdering other children. Insanity ! Unfortunately, those skies are still burning...30 bloody years later.
I grew up listening to the news about the north, every evening, kids were killed by plastic baton rounds, 45,000 fired in one year in the North, not one ever used on the mainland, every time I hear about a Palestinian kid killed by the soldiers of an occupying force,it brings me back to those dark days, heartbreaking.
My uncle used to listen to this in his workvan and always threatened to bury me in the foundations if ever my auntie were to ever find out about his soft spot in music. He was a true gem of a man
A great old friend sang this one night in George's bistro in Dublin many years ago always brings back great memories of great times I miss those days .
He who does not love ,abides in death. thank you Paul. Let’s look for peace ,love ,equality and equal opportunity. how many conflicts in the world does this song relate to!
I remember the first night Paul sang this song on the late late show- loved it then and still do - can't wait to see him in Ennis shortly - so gifted and underrated. Thank you Pauline Bradley - as Mary Black calls you !!
Thank you for this amazing video I work with soul on ZOOM to arrive home, these Lyrics ring so much truth...hugs The Island (Paul Brady) They say the skies of Lebanon are burning. Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat. They're showing pictures on the television. Women and children dying in the street And we're still at it in our own place. Still trying to reach the future through the past. Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone... But Hey! Don't listen to me!. This wasn't meant to be no sad song. We've heard too much of that before. Right now I only want to be here with you. Till the morning dew comes falling. I want to take you to the island. And trace your footprints in the sand. And in the evening when the sun goes down We'll make love to the sound of the ocean They're raising banners over by the markets Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown No way our holy flag is gonna fall Up here we sacrifice our children To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday And teach them dying will lead us into glory... Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story. And I know this peace and love's just copping out. And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches. Is just what being free is all about. And how this twisted wreckage down on main street. Will bring us all together in the end. And we'll go marching down the road to freedom.... Freedom
The injustice done to me while growing up in the troubles .makes me think thank God for this song .only for it I'd of turn out a twisted bastard... Brady Ur a God send
This one of my top favourites songs - so close to what we all feel, if we still do feel by looking into the world. Thank you so much Paul, hope to hear you playin' it live some day again! Markus
just readin some of these comments Seems we have still got a long way to go nobody wins war just lots of pain and sufferin so much blood has been spilled already on both sides of this i dont wanna cause any disrespect lets remember and honour the dead with peace and Great songs like this one they remind us violence is not the answer Thanks Paul for a Great Great song peace
Although I can't share the emotion expressed in the lyrics, perhaps because I know too much of the situation back then, I do feel how emotionally powerful this music is and it's truly beautiful. Wonderful, heartfelt singing and playing.
A beautiful timeless classic, but the deep sadness of the reality of what we see on tv ringing still true makes it such a special song... And i once walked that beach he speaks of... Thank you for the song. x
Saw him 1986 during an open air concert in Hannover, Germany, with the headliners "bap"....but the most impression I took away was Paul brady....he made my day! Thanx
Worth listening to this one once in a while to remember the bitterness (in every sense) of our recent past and just why all the compromises of the last decade are worth it.
Reminds me of working in a wee village called ballenamore in letrim..we were building houses and we stayed in a hostel above a resturant..this song and the album.played every night..in memory of a great boss and friend john devine..rest easy boss x
"I guess these young boys dying in the ditches Is just what being free is all about..." There's an Irish chat show called "The Late Late Show" which Paul was scheduled to appear on a few years ago to promote his latest single but there was a tragedy in Ireland that day (I think it was the Omagha bombings)and Paul sang The Island instead. Its a shame its not available on youtube as it is by far the best he has ever performed the song... straight from the heart!!
My dad used to play this song on the piano. Its a really beautiful song, and its quite sublime the way the parts work together. I haven't heard many songs like it, and quite a lot pales in comparison.
Islands I’ve been to off the island of Ireland - Clare, Achill, Aranmor, Valentia, - that’s all I can remember after four cans of Thatcher’s Gold. Might have even been to more Scottish islands. Definitely been to more Greek islands. I grew up as a young girl with young boys dying in the ditches. Or shagging in the ditches.
I have heard this beautiful song for years, but, shamefully, never listened to the lyrics. Admittedly, the beautiful melody overwhelms the lyrics. Certainly, Brady's version of his own song is emotional. Young Keith Harkin does the song a favor because his singing diction is good. He brings out the anti-war message well. I need a copy of Brady's album now!
If this song does not pull at your heart and make you stop then you will never see the issues with the world. Learn from the past, and we shall create a greater future. I find myself paused in movement, the moment I hear the starting bars of this song.
Ballycolman man who now lives in England since 92. Married my Strabane sweetheart from Lisnafin. Paul tells a story of a fucked up time but also hopes we will go back and be free. I look forward to that day. X
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
I lost my lovely husband 21 years ago. He was a second generation Irishman and so proud of it. I would give anything to see his footprints in the sand. He was also a strong socialist and believed in justice and equality for all, as do I. RIP Pat. Love you always x
god blessxx
Yes and Paul sings of hope .and forgiveness
I'm so sorry for your loss, mam. Sending you love
You will walk again across the sand hand in hand with your love. Rest in peace brother from one Irishman to another. Derry City Ireland much love to all. Merry Christmas 🍀💚🍀
love to look at words like 'strong socialist' and 'justice and equality' !!!
waving a flag of bright colour to you Stepanie, and Pat (who is still alive in your heart)
'The Island' seems to be everywhere .......
I'm an Irishman, so understand what he was singing about at that time but this song should resonate with billions of people worldwide today no matter what walk of life youre coming from....Up here we sacrifice our children, To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday, And teach them dying will lead us into glory... Those lyrics gets me every time
I agree with you ....every time it gets me too xxxx
Same 😢
I'm a child of the 70's in N.Ieland...this song always brings a tear. Freedom is peace!!!!!!
Paul Brady comes from my own hometown, Strabane. We should all listen to what he says about our beautiful Island. We need to stop
"trying to reach the future from the past"...
We've had too many sad songs/times in Ireland. We have our own beautiful Island and it's big enough to share!!! Lets stop carving tombstones for a worthless "cause" that only "sacrifices our children for worn out dreams of yesterday". What a beautiful, prophetic song. Thank you Paul!!
Beautiful & haunting lyrics. Great singer songwriter. Still as relevant in the world today especially in Gaza.
Greetings from Jordan to Ireland.
Why do I have to be so old before I discover a song this good from an artist I never knew...? The world amazes me all the time, and delights me much of the time. The thrill of discovery, and the pleasure of being able to take what you have found home and keep it with you the rest of your life.
At least you discovered it. Never too late.💜
One of the best antiwar songs ever...a perfect blend of music x lyrics
This is my favourite song of all time. It was also my father's. So difficult to listen to now that's he's gone.
As an Englishman with Irish ancestry, I am so proud of my Irish heritage thanks to this man. My family originally comes from County Clare.
As an Irish-Anglo/Anglo-Irish man who identifies with the superiority of the colonial ego, your welcome.
How, could any human being identify with the 'Colonial Ego', Brian?
Am not in any way castigating or criticizing you. Just wondering how, as I don't know or understand.
Thank you, in advance for your understanding and patience...
Hello from County Clare!!
God, is that ever the truth! I saw him a few years back at a small place in Seattle called The Tractor Tavern - what an amazing performance - just he and his instruments. He had the place in the palm of his hand - around half the people were from Ireland - many musicians. Everyone was blown away. He is a MUST SEE in person. Solo.
An absolute classic of a song which is haunting and beautiful at the same time. Paul Brady is a gem
It's funny, but as a Dublin man living in Australia the last 8 years we still refer to ringing family at home as 'I was on to the island'. Amazing song that I've loved and sang for years. Cryptic for non-Irish, but tear-jerking when you understand what this is about.
Well said
by far the best Irish singer songwriter
If you ever write anything better Paul...... because that sums up NI.
Paul, 'The Island' is one of the most meaningful songs of all time. And the music is hauntingly beautiful.
You have a great talent. Thank you so much.
Maura :)
Tis,,Maura
To the Montpelier on here, clearly upset with events and people he can't control, you don't seem to really want to understand what Paul's job has always been, His was to write, play and sing songs that touch peoples' hearts. Period. And given how little real joy there is in this life, I think his contributions exceed those of your heroes; they will last longer in men's minds and hearts
Paul, I internalized this song back in the late 90s when I lived in the conflict-torn former Soviet Republic of Georgia, where their was a peculiar and bittersweet syncronicity between the two countries. I sang it around Tbilisi as part of a set of other beautiful Irish songs. Today, there is an urge to return to this piece, as well as studying your lovely sparse performance to inform some of my other writing and singing. Bail ó Dhia ort.
Such a great song. I live in Northern Ireland, and I was born at the end of the troubles, so I never got to see the full extent of the damage, and I often don't appreciate just how many Catholics and Prodestants died in those years. This song helped me realise what my parents and their parents had to go through, it touches my heart.
@WeAreChangeEire what a beautiful comment. I am english and love the irish ,their culture and music and independence ect. I am just a simple guy. we are all great friends and we should leave the hatred and al that to the rich people who are so afraid of losing what they have...one day we will take over and joy will fill the hearts of many
An absolute masterpiece of a song. "Cause up here we sacrifice our children, to feed the worn out dreams, of yesterday " Brady is a master of the craft. Serious respect for the Tyrone man!
God Bless You
Isn't he a Derry man? :)
I just came across this piece after doing a search for a different song. What a poignant gem-- a clear cut standout to be found among so many other songs clamoring to be heard amidst the cacophony of the world's voices! Two BIG thumbs up!
@@musashidanmcgrath Strabane Sir😉 He's a fellow Tyronian!😂
@@algallego What a song to find. Enjoy.
What a legend.
He makes you proud to be Irish.
Two of my favourite singer and songwriters come from northern Ireland Paul Brady and Van Morrison
000
A sidewalk prophet, such as come along only a few times in a generation. Paul, your words resonated in my soul decades ago, and again today, as the cedars of Lebanon burn again.
One of my favourites - Powerful words and beautiful music and relevant today around the world
Goosebumps,fantastic, and full credit to the pianist,beautiful job
...ich hab mein Leben lang gehorcht.
Auf vielen Bühnen dieser Welt.
Paul ich danke dir für deine Lieder.
Alles Liebe.
This is a song from the heart...as time moves along it only becomes more relevant...it isn't the singer it's the song.
So so beautiful..Always makes me cry. Coming from Northern Ireland during The Troubles it meant so much. Absolutely beautiful.
I first heard this song 28 years ago on my honeymoon, walking up Grafton Street and it was being played from speakers outside a record store (anyone remember record stores? LOL). With the news coming out of Israel and Palestine this past week, I kept thinking of Paul's lyrics:
"That young boys dying in the ditches is what being free is all about" and " out here we sacrifice our children to feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday...teach them dying will lead us in to glory". OMG !!
Children murdering other children. Insanity !
Unfortunately, those skies are still burning...30 bloody years later.
I grew up listening to the news about the north, every evening, kids were killed by plastic baton rounds, 45,000 fired in one year in the North, not one ever used on the mainland, every time I hear about a Palestinian kid killed by the soldiers of an occupying force,it brings me back to those dark days, heartbreaking.
I loved spending long hours perusing through the music stores in my youth!
one of the greatest singer songwriter,s ever to come out of Ireland and my favorite.
This song make me feel so humble each time I hear it!!!!!! Thank you for your great talent mister Brady! In my mind you could be an angel?
My uncle used to listen to this in his workvan and always threatened to bury me in the foundations if ever my auntie were to ever find out about his soft spot in music.
He was a true gem of a man
Paul hits the mark every time.
One of my favorites.One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.
What a beautiful piece of music and lyrics. Bless you Paul Brady. Always.
Talk about 'painting pictures' in a mind's eye...
This song always has me in tears.
A great old friend sang this one night in George's bistro in Dublin many years ago always brings back great memories of great times I miss those days .
I've loved this song for years. The piano accompaniment is beautiful as well.
Such a beautiful, sad and powerful song. Makes me cry every time. xxx
Very apt given events in the Middle East at the moment.
He who does not love ,abides in death. thank you Paul. Let’s look for peace ,love ,equality and equal opportunity. how many conflicts in the world does this song relate to!
This is the best, most intelligent song, I've ever heard.
I remember the first night Paul sang this song on the late late show- loved it then and still do - can't wait to see him in Ennis shortly - so gifted and underrated. Thank you Pauline Bradley - as Mary Black calls you !!
Thank you for this amazing video I work with soul on ZOOM to arrive home, these Lyrics ring so much truth...hugs
The Island (Paul Brady)
They say the skies of Lebanon are burning.
Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat.
They're showing pictures on the television.
Women and children dying in the street
And we're still at it in our own place.
Still trying to reach the future through the past.
Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone...
But Hey! Don't listen to me!.
This wasn't meant to be no sad song.
We've heard too much of that before.
Right now I only want to be here with you.
Till the morning dew comes falling.
I want to take you to the island.
And trace your footprints in the sand.
And in the evening when the sun goes down
We'll make love to the sound of the ocean
They're raising banners over by the markets
Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls
Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown
No way our holy flag is gonna fall
Up here we sacrifice our children
To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday
And teach them dying will lead us into glory...
Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story.
And I know this peace and love's just copping out.
And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches.
Is just what being free is all about.
And how this twisted wreckage down on main street.
Will bring us all together in the end.
And we'll go marching down the road to freedom....
Freedom
One of the finest songs written about this subject ever!
The injustice done to me while growing up in the troubles .makes me think thank God for this song .only for it I'd of turn out a twisted bastard... Brady Ur a God send
Heard this on the radio today for the first time ever. Absolutely beautiful and moving. The world needs more people like this. Love it
It's the voice. And the words.
But, really, the voice.
A gift.
He's like a one man Blue Nile.
Tears aren't enough to do justice to this music.
one of the most beautiful songs ever written..true genius. thanks for posting this version.
I often said, that if i could have written any pre-existing song, it would be this. An absolute master piece and a fine example of what music can be.
The eloquence is immortal!
This one of my top favourites songs - so close to what we all feel, if we still do feel by looking into the world. Thank you so much Paul, hope to hear you playin' it live some day again! Markus
Awesome song, from one of Ulster’s most cherished songwriters
just readin some of these comments Seems we have still got a long way to go nobody wins war just lots of pain and sufferin so much blood has been spilled already on both sides of this i dont wanna cause any disrespect lets remember and honour the dead with peace and Great songs like this one they remind us violence is not the answer Thanks Paul for a Great Great song peace
heard this on the radio today .and just had to have another listen .beautiful lyrics and melody
this era of James Taylor, Michael Franks and Paul Brady.... songs of yesterdays future undying... may you live longer.....
makes me cry
Me too
The unofficial national anthem of Northern Ireland. Superb music, lyrics and delivery. Pain in the arse that it's so true, though.
This is an agonizingly painful but beautiful song
Although I can't share the emotion expressed in the lyrics, perhaps because I know too much of the situation back then, I do feel how emotionally powerful this music is and it's truly beautiful.
Wonderful, heartfelt singing and playing.
this is my dad's song that listened to as kids. i miss him so much xxx
Describes Northern Ireland perfectly at that time which, thankfully , is behind us -- but still not quite yet!
This should be on the syllabus of every college in every country. Worldwide.
A beautiful timeless classic, but the deep sadness of the reality of what we see on tv ringing still true makes it such a special song... And i once walked that beach he speaks of... Thank you for the song. x
Saw him 1986 during an open air concert in Hannover, Germany, with the headliners "bap"....but the most impression I took away was Paul brady....he made my day! Thanx
Tremendous work. This is a song for peace, peace is our freedom, not the wreckage down on Main Street.
Absolutely brilliant song. It really puts things into perspective. It is a shame more people don't take it's message to heart.
Worth listening to this one once in a while to remember the bitterness (in every sense) of our recent past and just why all the compromises of the last decade are worth it.
Es klang damals für mich wie von einem anderen Planeten❤
A Beautiful Song❤️🇮🇪❤️
One of the best irish songwriters of all time..his songs take on a life of their own.
Here 21st February 2021 so beautiful relaxing Sunday hope everyone is well during these crazy times love from Bernie in the garden in Ireland
Powerful lyrics. "up here we sacrifice our children..." Thank god those days are gone. Éireann abú.
So appropriate today, Good Friday, 19/04/2019, after the murder of Lyra McKee a journalist in Derry. I thought that these dark days were long gone.
Holy moly! PB and Rufus Wainwright? Wow...utterly brilliant.
Heard this song over 20 years ago in a pub in the South Side of Glasgow.
Reminds me of working in a wee village called ballenamore in letrim..we were building houses and we stayed in a hostel above a resturant..this song and the album.played every night..in memory of a great boss and friend john devine..rest easy boss x
I love u always john and i tell all how good u were to me.
NO LINE DEVINE..rest easy john and maura
I think of u at times great memories john rest easy
If you have have POWER, Then you have Freedom
But if you believe in Freedom ,and you have no road to MARCH .
Wonderful kinetic, emotive work....what it must feel like. To possess such a gift!
Thank you, Mr. Brady
this song ... no words for how beautiful it is..
Beautiful song. Sad and yet uplifting. Lovely.
"I guess these young boys dying in the ditches
Is just what being free is all about..."
There's an Irish chat show called "The Late Late Show" which Paul was scheduled to appear on a few years ago to promote his latest single but there was a tragedy in Ireland that day (I think it was the Omagha bombings)and Paul sang The Island instead. Its a shame its not available on youtube as it is by far the best he has ever performed the song... straight from the heart!!
My dad used to play this song on the piano. Its a really beautiful song, and its quite sublime the way the parts work together. I haven't heard many songs like it, and quite a lot pales in comparison.
So beautiful and emotional
i love this song...it makes me cry...i heard it at a Celtic Thunder concert and fell in love with it...i like this guy too
paul brady = legend encapsulates several emotions in one song a-m-a-z-i-n-g brings a tear to the eye so heartfelt x
Islands I’ve been to off the island of Ireland - Clare, Achill, Aranmor, Valentia, - that’s all I can remember after four cans of Thatcher’s Gold. Might have even been to more Scottish islands. Definitely been to more Greek islands. I grew up as a young girl with young boys dying in the ditches. Or shagging in the ditches.
missing home......thank you Paul.......proud to be Irish and hopefully I can go back home something soon....
mezmerising...a great tune sung so beautifully..incredable
i love the way paul is a fantastic guitarist as well as singer and songwriter. a rare combination of talents!
I have heard this beautiful song for years, but, shamefully, never listened to the lyrics. Admittedly, the beautiful melody overwhelms the lyrics. Certainly, Brady's version of his own song is emotional. Young Keith Harkin does the song a favor because his singing diction is good. He brings out the anti-war message well. I need a copy of Brady's album now!
Great post thank you...a masterpiece!,
one of the greatest songs ever
Just lost the love of my life in 6weeks second time in this boat hard to process
"Still trying to carve tomorrow with a tombstone". That is the best expression of what happened in the North that I have ever heard
Paul Brady Crazy Dreams Great Music
If this song does not pull at your heart and make you stop then you will never see the issues with the world. Learn from the past, and we shall create a greater future. I find myself paused in movement, the moment I hear the starting bars of this song.
Beautiful lyrics. Beautiful melody. Beautiful song. Real music.
Ballycolman man who now lives in England since 92. Married my Strabane sweetheart from Lisnafin. Paul tells a story of a fucked up time but also hopes we will go back and be free. I look forward to that day. X
That man is my hero! Wonderfull song. Brings me back to the time when I was just a child!