I am listening. Liam and the Clancy Brothers were part of my childhood. My Dad had strong Irish roots and this music was part of my growing up. I loved it. The music was wonderful and the stories the songs told, I’ll never forget.
Been listening here in ol Kentucky for about 15 yrs...sorry to be so late to the party..👍👍up to our Aussie cousins - fight for our god given rights and not for the military oligarchy that has kept us all in conflict for generations now....
I know that there's probably nobody paying attention but everytime I hear this song it brings a tear to my eye. I'm old enough and my grandfather lived long enough to share his experiences in the Great War. Those conversations left an indelible impression on the young man that I was back then and the lessons I learned from him very much created the man that I am today. Bless all those who served and may their memories never be forgotten
I am a Korean War vet, and have listened to this song many, many times and the comment"I see these old men tired sick and sore marching for a forgotten war, and young folks ask what are they marching for? and I ask myself the same question" strikes a sad note with me .
Edward I know I’m reading your post 3 years later so I hope you are still in good health, first class post by you and it sums up war in general..As a veteran you have our appreciation and thanks for your service👏
"The Two Sides of War" All wars are planned by older men In council rooms apart, Who call for greater armament And map the battle chart. But out along the shattered fields Where golden dreams turned gray, How very young their faces were Where all the dead men lay. Portly and solemn, in their pride The elders cast their vote For this or that, or something else, That sounds the warlike note. But where their sightless eyes stare out Beyond life's vanished joys, I've noticed nearly all the dead Were hardly more than boys. *-Henry Grantland Rice (1880-1954), "The Two Sides of War," (1921)* [Quoted from a later version of the poem; 1921 wording differs.]
It wasnt your war ,you were just called to fight in it,the rights and wrongs werent for you ,doesnt affect that what you did called for great courage .You were marching for you and your comrades,keep marching.
@@padraichorgan Thank you and others for your very kind words. They are much appreciated. I am approaching my ninety-second birthday. My family as was and continues to be the case for millions of families around this world were and continue to be deeply affected by wars. Brothers Jimmy and Richard joined the U.S. Navy when they turned seventeen . Jim wounded at Okinawa while serving on a LST. Richard as a Seabee saw action in the invasion of the Philippians. Their stories are the same as for millions of others. They left home as boys and came back as old men. They never enjoyed those late teenage years that I did. Jim and Richard took me aside when I was home on delayed in route to Korea. Both my brothers took on air about them, and spoke in a manner that I had never seen or heard before. They both expressed the hope and prayers that I would not see and/or be exposed to combat, but if so be prepared for the fear, horror, and, they expressed it, the shear stupidity of war. Their finale advice was write mom often, but keep light, and no crying in your beer or looking for sympathy. And if I did, and they heard about, they would kick my ass when I returned. To this day I still see the pain in my mothers eyes, (But no tears) when she said goodbye to Jim, Richard and me when we departed for overseas. The tears came when we returned. I saw my and experienced my share. .he night I returned home from Korea, Jim and Rich came over gave me a big brotherly hug, and neither then or in the future asked my experiences. Many thanks again for your mail Ed .
@@maggiebreen1945 I am honoured you took the time to reply.Delighted that those unspeakable experiences and the passing years have not overcome you,nor dimmed what is obviously a fine intellect.I wish you many more years of health ,which are richly deserved.
A pub in Carrick-on-Shannon (Co. Leitrim) in about 1980, a group of us were attending a wedding and, among the crowd was Liam Clancy. When he discovered I was Australian, he invited me to sing a duet with him of this song. The best experience of my life! A wonderful, generous man, sadly missed but the memory of singing with him will last forever
They used to do tours off all ireland and me grandad said he used be in kilshelan in tipperary and after all the gigs they would pull in there for few and a sing song ..he always said they were the best he always said they were men who no how to sing.
As an Army Medic I’ve see some awful things without a tear in my eye. This song brought out years of welled-up emotions. God Bless the soldier and his widow. We’re all to pass soon.
I first heard this on a Princess cruise a few years ago. The captain stopped the ship and all activities off Gallipoli to play this at the wreath laying ceremony for any Australians on board and in memory of the veterans. After the wreath hit the water, a pod of dolphins started leaping and was incredible!!!
I had to explain this and the lyrics to a young American lad who knew nothing about this battle of war....He couldn't understand why they had never been told about this at their school or in their history lessons.....amazing isn't it that history can be selective
We Irish people know know what the Brits did to our ancestors thank god not anymore Australia wouldn't get these songs or USA maybe someday if you read history you'll learn
They always said that those men that served in WW2 never spoke about it when they came home,, but @The_Resistance_1961. NOBODY EVER EVER spoke about THAT. This is my first ever comment on you tube. Mind yourself. You have your time served.
My dad died in January aged 89. He would have turned 90 in June. At his funeral his grandkids spoke. My daughter Róisín spoke. She told a story about how in music class her teacher asked them to talk about an Irish song. Róisín started to talk about “the band played waltzing Matilda “. Her teacher said - “think again Róisín. That’s not an Irish song.”. And Ró was thinking - of course it’s Irish, it’s my grandads favourite song, and he’s as Irish as Irish can get”. So her teacher told her it was actually an Australian song. So. Róisín decided - it doesn’t matter whether it’s Irish or Australian, In her eyes it will always be “Grandads Song”. So, this is my dads song. My lovely dad. End of.
As a combat veteran of Vietnam, this is the most moving war song ever written. To the war dead of all nations. Rest in peace. The answer is blowing in the wind....
You are not the only one who will be brought to tears by this song. Ten or more years ago I started to sing it whilst looking over ANZAC Cove on the shores of the Gallipoli Penisular.
Every soldier comes back a broken soul. My grandpa was drafted to fight for the Wehrmacht in Russia on the Eastern Front from 1942-1943. To his death in 1984 he woke up screaming every other night. There's no glory in war. Only death, tears and misery.
@@veganbutcherhackepeter Thank you so much for sharing that. It was almost a miracle that he came home. We forget how few choices a young man on either side had.
@@hughsegrave3979- Thanks Hugh. I had the same problem every time I went to the Arizona Memorial and read the names of those who were killed. Brothers who died together fathers and sons who died together. Too much emotion to contain.
Hey man a brilliant heart wrenching tune no doubt. With respect i remember in the late 60's early 70's in Aust. the many men who returned home from Nam. I was a pick and shovel laborer and saw two types of men return from Nam... Number one were the sad souls that always sat alone silently at smoko because of the effect "that war" had upon them. It's sad because was very difficult back then to place a well meaning hand upon a cobbers shoulder? (Due to the shit many received when came home i guess!) The second type i witnessed many times had too much of a good time over there and had no time for them. Even today whenever i hear or see the word Vietnam i get a mental picture of a Vet sitting alone eating his smoko? Weird i guess but that was my way or whatever? As they post these days i'm... Just saying. Peace.
Is anybody still here in 2019? I wonder how many times he sang that without bursting into tears. Such a beautiful ballad and incredibly moving, I could picture the whole scene as he sang, Now I'm in bits.
I don't know if he ever burst into tears singing this song but IMO Liam's version is the defining version of this song even though Eric Bogle's version is the original and very good in it's own right.
Hi, yes our generation will never forget the sacrifice that millions of troops died for us to give us the freedom we have today, but do many appreciate that?
My father was a WWII vet, shot and crippled. My parents and I went to my neighborhood pub (years later) and Brian sang this song. I'd never seen my father so closed in on himself. I thought of him coming home on a big ship to a wife and son, crippled and wondering how he would go forward. I cried then, and every time I hear this song. He was the most positive man I've ever known. He eventually succumbed to his wounds, I miss him still.
My grandad was there with the Norfolks and carried his till he died never said a thing about what he saw but you could see his pain.. Thanks for your service
After learning the history of the Anzac forces as a youngster from my dad, and then serving and training with Aussies/ Kiwis as a soldier, I'm an American who celebrates ANZAC day annually. Only ones who went with the US to the massive mistake and hell hole that was Vietnam. Absolute embodiment of "Ally". Not to mention some of the finest soldiers this planet has ever seen.
I'm a Yank, living in the American Southwest desert. And even though it may seem I couldn't be more disconnected to the men and occurrences detailed in this song, with this listening I find myself given over to free-flowing tears.
It is so sad and australia has fought 2 world wars . Have 😢 given so many lives for our beautifl country. 😢their love and duty and their lose of life and the AWFUL HEARTBREAK TO THEIR FAMILYS BEING TOLD THEIE MEN AND WONEN WOULD NEVER COME HOME . IT IS WITH MY HEART FELT THANKS I AM SITTING HERE .😢❤ MAY OUR BRAVE R.I. P. AND LEST WE FORGET. AND NEVER STOP THANKING THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE AND THEIR FAMILYS FOR THEIR SERVICE FOR THEIR HARD ship in being left worring. 😢❤my love to all .
My great-grandfather was one who never returned from that battle, so I can only imagine what horrors he endured. RIP brave warriors :(..... Humans -- we should be aiming for the stars, not each other. A universe awaits us.
We have not all forgotten the sacrifice you made. My friends father was blinded and an old friend of mine had his hearing damaged by the tanks firing over his head. He came back on the ship as the beer bottle VC may he rest in peace . Lest we Forget
To my cousins and kinfolk from a Philadelphia Irish- American. Best wishes. We are so very proud of you. Some of my people served then, and in every subsequent strife; we will strive that you are always remembered, and never forgotten. So let the band play Waltzing Matilda. Thank you kindly, Mr. Clancy.
Love and best wishes sending right back to you from your cousins and kinfolk here in Ireland. You are one of "our exiled children in America" whom we cherish so dearly, and refer to directly in our most important historical document, the Irish Proclamation of 1916. You will always be an integral part of the global Irish family. Xx
My husband and I visited Gallipoli this year with very little knowledge of the battle. The biggest impression of the battle, apart from the impossible position of the Australians and the Brits was the retreat, the Turks sat back and let them them go. Also the Turkish memorials were to all who died in the conflict not just the Turks. I cannot explain how I felt, it was an unique moment.
The turks respect bravery, any decent human being should! Im Irish and "Righteously do " respect even those that oppressed me and mine, why? Because im against sustained hate. Only when you want to be them, or join them are you beat.
A song about an Aussie, written by a Scot and sung by an Irishman. That in itself tells us a great deal about the human experience. Thank you Eric Bogle for holding up that mirror. And thank you Liam for this moving memorial to my grandfather's mates.
It was very appropriate who it was written and sung by because the Australian soldiers who fought in the wars were the descendants of the Scots and Irish
@@billnevill1988 I don't know, possibly a RUclips channel dedicated to the Armistice , Remembrance of the soldiers, not just at Gallipoli but other wars as well , etc., with Waltzing Matilda being the remembrance song.
I read the letter that the leader of Turkey sent to the families in Australia after the war. That will bring tears to your eyes also. He mentioned that they were all sons of Turkey and would be respected and honoured forever.
yes the letter that the great ataturk sent,being a australian born turk this song brang tears to my eyes, dont know if you read the letter from a martyred anzac soldiers mother back to ataturk.
Sadly, ole Ataturk was a lot less generous to the Greeks when he was involved in their massacre. Words are cheap but actions tell the real story of this man who was a bigoted muslim before anything else.
@@davidparris7167 dont forget the greeks tried to invade turkey and ataturk sent them back to the sea they came from.go check out jfk's speech about ATATURK.
This masterfull performance had me hypnotised and speachless for 6 minuts and 48 seconds..then i came around and felt tears streaming down my face..May all the fallen of The Great War rest in peace, as well as the great Liam Clancy!
He is definitely among the elites of folk singers. Finbar Furey, Patsy Watchorn, Jim McCann and of course the Luke Kelly. These are some of the Irish but then through country music and other Genres there exists great ballad singers.
This is 2022 and the ANZACS still resonate in my heart. These "diggers" had more courage than I could have ever have. The Colonials never received the glory the Brits enjoyed. Please honor and remember them.
"When the ship pulled into Circular Quay, I looked at the place where my legs used to be.. And thank Christ there was *no one* there waiting for me" I’m not crying, you are.
I'm an old Friary boy who went to school in Dungarvan 1976 to 1982 Liam Clancy and Tommy Mackem did a gig in the gym during that time. He sang this song and it melts me to this day. Bob Dylan said Liam was the greatest folk singer of all time. I agree. PD class of 1982
I served in the USMC in the early 60's. Did not go to Nam. Honestly, I'm glad I did not. Too many of my friends were either killed or deeply impacted by the war, and not in a good way.
I heard this song in US history class. The teacher made it a point to play songs and news clips from the era we covered. The first time I heard it, the melody grabbed me and stayed with me for almost 20 years. This song is haunting and beautiful and I'm so glad I tracked it down. It still puts a lump in my throat.
My father was a korean war vet we didnt see eye to eye about me joining the army and i never understood his middle of the night screaming " charly horses" till i came back and woke my own wife up screaming and to not upset her told her it was charlie horse. But my father knew and we both talked of things we couldnt talk about and we helped each other heal as a father myself now i secretly and with some guilt thank god for my sons autism and that ill not have to go through what i put my father through when i joined
Robert Brodie , my Dad had some pretty bad “Charley Horse,” issues, too. Dad’s mother had three of her four boys serving in two different theaters of war during WWII. Probably because they were named Smith, she endured two erroneous death notifications in 5 weeks’ time, both regarding my Dad. He was a Fwd. Observer in the Italian Campaign. Grandmom was born in Minnesota in 1896, the oldest girl in a family of nine kids. She lived to be 106, and she didn’t have an easy life, by any stretch. She told me that watching her youngest son leave for Korea was worse than having three sons leave at once. I asked her if she loved him best, and she said no. It was that after the three oldest all came back, safe and sound, she didn’t think she could be that fortunate a 4th time. Second, if she had lost a son in WWII, she would have sacrificed him in a righteous war that had to be fought. However, if something had happened to the youngest, it would have served no legitimate purpose. My Uncle came home in one piece, and at 86 years old, and living 3,000 miles away from me, he is still my best friend and most trusted confidant. My grandmother was wrong about one thing, though: None of her boys really came home “in one piece.” It turned out they all came home with Charley Horses”.
Technically, listen to how quiet his voice gets...down to a whisper at points....but you can understand every lyric. And when he sings in full voice, he is never overbearing. He works the mike beautifully...you never hear him pop a P or a T....Yet his emotional accuracy is spot on...young acting students should watch this...too bad Liam never did any film acting....he would have been marvelous. This is a perfect rendition of one of the most powerful songs of the 20th century....a song that warns people of the absurdity of war, and the reality of men being led to slaughter in order to achieve a false glory, sold to them by the older men and women who have already marked out where the new factories will go......Bob Dylan called Liam the greatest ballad singer he ever heard. There's no way you can see this and argue against that opinion.
You know, I was just looking at a video of the selling of Leonardo Da Vinci's Salvador Mundi. It sold for 400 million dollars, despite the necessity of it being restored at great cost, and some nagging questions about its authenticity. And when I saw this video on the recommended list, I couldn't help but think that some day, a video like this might be cherished by people in the future, and sell for a great amount.
I cry every time I hear this song, especially the Pogues version with the brass band. Heart wrenching song, possibly the saddest song ever written. Genius and tragedy together. Never forget, they will not grow old.
Liam had a powerful voice. I spent a night at a house session with Liam and Tommy Makem in Creigneish, NS after they did a concert in the old community collage auditorium (trade school then). They were a remarkable duo. Liam got into recitations that night and the sun had risen before they called it a night, or if you wish,. called it a morning.
As a former USMC officer, my Dad landed at Omaha, and was on the last bridge into germany on 3/17/45....war: started by the power hungry and money hungry, and who's blood is shed? GOD bless ALL who served, all nations who fought for freedom!
As a nation of immigrants, we have to acknowledge a bitter-sweet irony that the best song about the emergence of the Australian and the New Zealand sense of self- identity from being formerly British, was written by a Scot and the very best version of that song was sung by an Irishman. Liam Clancy's version always brings a tear to my eye.
Yes, the writer of this great song was born in Scotland. But he has lived in Australia since he was 25 - that is 45 years ago! Eric's version singing it is great too, though different. His gravelly, haunting voice makes for a great listen. What a wonderful song writer- and a pretty good singer too. He puts on a really good concert.
I first heard this song as a kid in the 70’s and it grabbed me the very first time. My Irish Mom just passed and it will be played on the day of her funeral - along with The Green Fields of France it is one of the greatest songs ever written. Full of meaning, emotion and heart.
As a far out relative ,my great grandfather died in Villers Brettoneux in 1918 , as an Englishman fighting for the Anzacs , I can only hope his soul approves this song about every friend that died whatever country they died in . For them , god bless and comfort them .
My Grandfather on my Father's side ....served in Gallipoli as a signaller... luckily he survived..or my Dad wouldn't have been born in 1923... and I would not have been born in 1956...... I feel so sorry for all those who were not allowed to be married, have children , grand children etc etc.... this needs to be told to everyone!
Was fortunate to hear the great man sing this live many years ago, wasn't a sound in the place as he painted and sang probably the greatest anti war song ever! RIP Mr Liam Clancy.
You and me both, the only comment I have about Gallipoli is that the Brits and the French suffered more casualties during the campaign, however as a % of population the ANZAC's suffered the most. The only reason I bring this up is that if you talk to most Aussies or Kiwis, They don't even know that there were Brits and French engaged. Having said that "Advance Australia Fair"! It's the only country I've visited that after 12 hours I've thought I could live here. Unfortunately, wrong age,wrong skills, Que Sera Sera.
The one song I have to listen to in private is Eric Bogle "it's as if he knows" - the soldiers had to leave their horses behind after the war, & rather than leave them to a life of further ill treatment & starvation, they shot them. Red eyes every time. . .
This to me is the very best version of the song ever done!! Love from Nova Scotia Canada!!❤ Very deep song ,we should all listen to the lyrics and appreciate
I lived at No Harm Farm, on the road from Saltsprings to West River Station, in 1971-2. I was a refugee from the draft to Vietnam. Finally, I had to sing "Farewell Nova Scotia" in my mind, and come back to the U.S. But will never forget the beauty of your province. Thank you.
In 1915 my grandfather was a 17yr old Petty Officer RN. He was there. He rarely spoke of it but I remember him describing the bloodstained water. 30 years later he was to experience the concentrated bombing of Ipswich where he served in the fire brigade. No wonder this song evokes such powerful emotions and reminds us of the debt we owe that generation.
Filmmakers spend millions of dollars in special effects trying to evoke a scene like this. Liam Clancy does it with just a guitar and his voice. Amazing. I bet if angels can sing, they sound like Liam Clancy.
the Dutchman is one of the best songs ever written and nobody will be able to do it true justice but Liam Clancy. If you never had to deal with a family member who develops Alzheimers then its hard to understand its true meaning
Tommy Guilfoyle Oh boy do I ever know,I live with a once very brilliant man who now, is abusive and so cruel at times, we have been married 50 years. He accusers me of terrible things, I have a rare kidney disease and have severe handicapped, he can hide my walker mixed my phone even my lamp and leave in the dark, not even able to go to bathroom, I am told I am so Lucky to have a husband still, news flash I am the most tragic of widows, Anyone in my shoes will agree. We are the most awful type of widow, They are gone but not buried,
+John Benton if you ever saw him up-close, you'd know he meant every word. he lived a song and was in a world set apart at that moment. that goes for the Brothers and Tommy too. the world of Clancy has turned to beach and blown off into the stratosphere.
I am an American 12 year old, and I love this song. Even though my peers barely know anything about ww1. I study Gallipoli and its events frequently. God bless all the men on both sided at Gallipoli. Rest in Peace
This song came to me one night in a dusty hotel in rural Thailand. My dads favourite song. I listened on repeat thinking about him until i fell asleep. Next morning woke up and my phone had missed calls and messages from back in oz. My dad died that morning. RIP dad 💓.
We are all there when we listen to this beautiful version ❤️ of this song. Thank you to Clacy and Eric for telling us this story of our brave soldiers in such a beautiful and emotional way.
Born in Ireland and lived all my life in ireland. But when I've been abroad i can really see the meaning of "the irish abroad become more irish than the irish Themselves at home". I read this comment months ago and Ive found it again. It struck with me coz with modern technology I don't think the irish or anyone will ever have the same level of home sickness as past generations, which i suppose is a good thing. But I'm envious that I'll never get to experience an atmosphere like u did in Harp'nBard bar back on the 1970s. I can only imagine how special it was 🙂
We need many more songs ANTI WAR...and we need to hear them often...! Our world...our societies...our leaders are all deaf to that message...But they sure listen to the "kachings" of money..! I was lucky to do my years of enlisted idiot in a colonial war and come back whole...BUT learned a lot about war..and that was over 60 years ago.. Make love...not war..!
"...and we buried ours and the turks buried theirs... then it started all over again." This line is so powerful. That's what war is all about, right there. Pointless slaughter.
As a young woman soldier I did my early reserves training with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The Regiment shares battle honours for Gallipoli, something many Canadians tend to forget. The museum installation called the Scale of Our War at the National Museum in Wellington was perhaps the most most moving tribute to that historic battle I have ever observed. I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in history.
I was at Anzac Cove on Gallipoli Peninsula earlier this year, and the tour director played this song by Liam Clancy as we approached the area. The cemetery and memorials there were profoundly moving, as was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's tribute to the nearly half a million fallen war dead of both sides, quoted below: “Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... you, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
With the passing of all of the Clancy brothers as well as Tommy Makem we have lost a lot of the heritage of Irish Folk music. They were staples at every IrishFest in Milwaukee and I enjoyed seeing them every year . . .especially Liam and Tommy Makem. May they all rest in peace knowing that their music will carry on.
My grandfather was landed at Suvla Bay. He was in the South Staffs Regiment part of Kitchener's Army . He was wounded and evacuated.. I suppose he counted himself lucky to be out of that hellhole but never spoke about it. This emotional song makes me think what they all must have gone through. Brill.
Who's listening 2024. Liam 🙏
I watch this clip regularly, it really speaks to me and many others.
I am listening. Liam and the Clancy Brothers were part of my childhood. My Dad had strong Irish roots and this music was part of my growing up. I loved it. The music was wonderful and the stories the songs told, I’ll never forget.
this is always the finest way to teach people of that hell
@@evelyneaton4968
Hi ya
Where would your Irish roots be,
What county, I live in Leinster, born and live all my life.
Where are living now
Been listening here in ol Kentucky for about 15 yrs...sorry to be so late to the party..👍👍up to our Aussie cousins - fight for our god given rights and not for the military oligarchy that has kept us all in conflict for generations now....
I know that there's probably nobody paying attention but everytime I hear this song it brings a tear to my eye. I'm old enough and my grandfather lived long enough to share his experiences in the Great War.
Those conversations left an indelible impression on the young man that I was back then and the lessons I learned from him very much created the man that I am today. Bless all those who served and may their memories never be forgotten
I’m hearing
We’re paying attention 😥 such a wonderful song 🙏🏻 makes me cry every time
Beautiful words mate.
We're listening...
hear hear. love from england.
I heard him sing this live, and I cried. I'm in a wheelchair. I understand this song, and Liam Clancy was the finest folksinger who ever lived.
God Bless you sir.
Bob Dylan thought he was the best ballad singer he ever heard.
I envy you.
Blind Willie McTell. That is Dylans real legacy. And then there is Liam Clancy. Let us all love our own ways of being. 😊.
My wife was a nurse! The doctors had to move on,while she had to comfort the wounded and give them strength,especially the paralyzed!
"I don't think I ever heard a better ballad singer than Liam." - Bob Dylan
subg88 Bob Dylan would know
Not a bad Epithet...
Alf robertsson
@@martinboersma763 Irish songs
This is a fantastic version , love from Scotland
Perhaps the BEST anti-war song ever written...
Yes
Along with The Green Fields of France
Yes
I am a Korean War vet, and have listened to this song many, many times and the comment"I see these old men tired sick and sore marching for a forgotten war, and young folks ask what are they marching for? and I ask myself the same question" strikes a sad note with me .
Edward I know I’m reading your post 3 years later so I hope you are still in good health, first class post by you and it sums up war in general..As a veteran you have our appreciation and thanks for your service👏
"The Two Sides of War"
All wars are planned by older men
In council rooms apart,
Who call for greater armament
And map the battle chart.
But out along the shattered fields
Where golden dreams turned gray,
How very young their faces were
Where all the dead men lay.
Portly and solemn, in their pride
The elders cast their vote
For this or that, or something else,
That sounds the warlike note.
But where their sightless eyes stare out
Beyond life's vanished joys,
I've noticed nearly all the dead
Were hardly more than boys.
*-Henry Grantland Rice (1880-1954), "The Two Sides of War," (1921)* [Quoted from a later version of the poem; 1921 wording differs.]
It wasnt your war ,you were just called to fight in it,the rights and wrongs werent for you ,doesnt affect that what you did called for great courage .You were marching for you and your comrades,keep marching.
@@padraichorgan Thank you and others for your very kind words. They are much appreciated. I am approaching my ninety-second birthday. My family as was and continues to be the case for millions of families around this world were and continue to be deeply affected by wars. Brothers Jimmy and Richard joined the U.S. Navy when they turned seventeen . Jim wounded at Okinawa while serving on a LST. Richard as a Seabee saw action in the invasion of the Philippians. Their stories are the same as for millions of others. They left home as boys and came back as old men. They never enjoyed those late teenage years that I did. Jim and Richard took me aside when I was home on delayed in route to Korea. Both my brothers took on air about them, and spoke in a manner that I had never seen or heard before. They both expressed the hope and prayers that I would not see and/or be exposed to combat, but if so be prepared for the fear, horror, and, they expressed it, the shear stupidity of war. Their finale advice was write mom often, but keep light, and no crying in your beer or looking for sympathy. And if I did, and they heard about, they would kick my ass when I returned.
To this day I still see the pain in my mothers eyes, (But no tears) when she said goodbye to Jim, Richard and me when we departed for overseas. The tears came when we returned.
I saw my and experienced my share. .he night I returned home from Korea, Jim and Rich came over gave me a big brotherly hug, and neither then or in the future asked my experiences.
Many thanks again for your mail
Ed .
@@maggiebreen1945 I am honoured you took the time to reply.Delighted that those unspeakable experiences and the passing years have not overcome you,nor dimmed what is obviously a fine intellect.I wish you many more years of health ,which are richly deserved.
A pub in Carrick-on-Shannon (Co. Leitrim) in about 1980, a group of us were attending a wedding and, among the crowd was Liam Clancy. When he discovered I was Australian, he invited me to sing a duet with him of this song. The best experience of my life! A wonderful, generous man, sadly missed but the memory of singing with him will last forever
They used to do tours off all ireland and me grandad said he used be in kilshelan in tipperary and after all the gigs they would pull in there for few and a sing song ..he always said they were the best he always said they were men who no how to sing.
Gary M what a fabulous memory! Best version ever of this great anti war song.
What a wonderful memory, my father in law played with them for years. Liam Clancy was a legend.💚
@@krath9767 he ain't answered yet i smell bullshit
I hope you didn't make the bride jealous. It was supposed to be her occasion.
This, without a doubt, is the best version of this song ever recorded in the history of mankind. Absolutely stunning.
Eric Bogle wrote it; listen to him sing it. Mind you, some singers have butchered it, too.
I agree.
It would just take a man from a little island in tipperary .carrick on suir to sing that .what a ledgend
You haven't heard Eric then?
Agreed personally I prefer Clancy’s version over the original
As an Army Medic I’ve see some awful things without a tear in my eye. This song brought out years of welled-up emotions. God Bless the soldier and his widow. We’re all to pass soon.
in a year of combat, I never saw a medic flinch or hold back.. Thank you.
We're all too pass soon
???
Thanks for your service to your country
@@sloughlin721 I’m of Irish heritage. Galic name O’Doignan.
I first heard this on a Princess cruise a few years ago. The captain stopped the ship and all activities off Gallipoli to play this at the wreath laying ceremony for any Australians on board and in memory of the veterans. After the wreath hit the water, a pod of dolphins started leaping and was incredible!!!
I had to explain this and the lyrics to a young American lad who knew nothing about this battle of war....He couldn't understand why they had never been told about this at their school or in their history lessons.....amazing isn't it that history can be selective
@@sandratuffs3734 I’m American, never heard of it ever
@@CliffTooth just shows how much Americans know about anything
And the pricks sent our blokes there for the Czar of Russia, what a waste of lives.
We Irish people know know what the Brits did to our ancestors thank god not anymore Australia wouldn't get these songs or USA maybe someday if you read history you'll learn
Saddest song ever written about war veterans. My father was a WWII veteran, had serious PTSD and was never ever treated for it. Us kids paid for that.
I know the feeling, my dad never dealt with his time in the war
They always said that those men that served in WW2 never spoke about it when they came home,, but @The_Resistance_1961.
NOBODY EVER EVER spoke about THAT.
This is my first ever comment on you tube.
Mind yourself. You have your time served.
Poor you all that truama and suffering...awful
😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅0
My dad died in January aged 89. He would have turned 90 in June. At his funeral his grandkids spoke. My daughter Róisín spoke. She told a story about how in music class her teacher asked them to talk about an Irish song. Róisín started to talk about “the band played waltzing Matilda “. Her teacher said - “think again Róisín. That’s not an Irish song.”. And Ró was thinking - of course it’s Irish, it’s my grandads favourite song, and he’s as Irish as Irish can get”. So her teacher told her it was actually an Australian song. So. Róisín decided - it doesn’t matter whether it’s Irish or Australian, In her eyes it will always be “Grandads Song”. So, this is my dads song. My lovely dad. End of.
Australians and Irish are very very similar. We share many customs from Irish influence and we Australians also have a lot of Irish blood in us
It was actually written by a Scotsman, Eric Bogle.
A anti war song
As a combat veteran of Vietnam, this is the most moving war song ever written. To the war dead of all nations. Rest in peace. The answer is blowing in the wind....
Thomas Pinto..Well said.
Amen Will man ever learn?
Thomas Pinto me too!
Welcome home. God bless you men. 🙏🇺🇸
Thomas Pinto well said , message from Ireland
i clicked on this by mistake; i thought i'd listen to a fun version "Waltzing Matilda". In two minutes I'm in tears...
No kidding. I was just browsing around, but you can't stop listening once you've started. Usually I find this kind of song boring, but not this one!
@@E3ECO Me to.
I'm sure you're not the only one!!
You are not the only one who will be brought to tears by this song. Ten or more years ago I started to sing it whilst looking over ANZAC Cove on the shores of the Gallipoli Penisular.
It is So heartfelt.
My grandfather fought in Gallipoli and in Egypt with the 5th Lighthorse. This song brings me to tears because he came back a broken man
Ui
Every soldier comes back a broken soul. My grandpa was drafted to fight for the Wehrmacht in Russia on the Eastern Front from 1942-1943. To his death in 1984 he woke up screaming every other night. There's no glory in war. Only death, tears and misery.
A Man ..slaughtered by the people in charge..your Pa was a real man//with a heart ❤🔥
All Honour to Him for his service .
@@veganbutcherhackepeter Thank you so much for sharing that. It was almost a miracle that he came home. We forget how few choices a young man on either side had.
I can't tell you how many times I have watched this video, but.... I've never gotten through it without tears. Vietnam Veteran, 1966 - 1967.
Good man Barry, all the best my friend.. Hugh
@@hughsegrave3979- Thanks Hugh. I had the same problem every time I went to the Arizona Memorial and read the names of those who were killed. Brothers who died together fathers and sons who died together.
Too much emotion to contain.
Hey man a brilliant heart wrenching tune no doubt. With respect i remember in the late 60's early 70's in Aust. the many men who returned home from Nam.
I was a pick and shovel laborer and saw two types of men return from Nam... Number one were the sad souls that always sat alone silently at smoko because of the effect "that war" had upon them. It's sad because was very difficult back then to place a well meaning hand upon a cobbers shoulder?
(Due to the shit many received when came home i guess!)
The second type i witnessed many times had too much of a good time over there and had no time for them. Even today whenever i hear or see the word Vietnam i get a mental picture of a Vet sitting alone eating his smoko?
Weird i guess but that was my way or whatever?
As they post these days i'm... Just saying. Peace.
Bless you.
The best version of the most emotional song ever written🇦🇺
A song about Australian hero's, composed by a Scotsman and sung superbly by an Irishman.
Thank you for sharing.
The composer/author was Eric Bogle. Just type his name in at the top. A few of his excellent songs are on y/t video.
Walter Gray A
up the irish
Walter Gray your all Irish
An anti/war song
Liam is visualizing as he sings. This is the best rendition ever.
That is so true Allen Steinberg 👍
Is anybody still here in 2019? I wonder how many times he sang that without bursting into tears. Such a beautiful ballad and incredibly moving, I could picture the whole scene as he sang, Now I'm in bits.
I am here sixteen hours of your post.I was listening to Shane McGowan Version when I read a comment that Liam Clancy sang it beautifully.
Yep. It's always a good thing, albeit painful, to be dragged back into the reality of war.
I don't know if he ever burst into tears singing this song but IMO Liam's version is the defining version of this song even though Eric Bogle's version is the original and very good in it's own right.
Don't write them like that anymore!
Hi, yes our generation will never forget the sacrifice that millions of troops died for us to give us the freedom we have today, but do many appreciate that?
My father was a WWII vet, shot and crippled. My parents and I went to my neighborhood pub (years later) and Brian sang this song. I'd never seen my father so closed in on himself. I thought of him coming home on a big ship to a wife and son, crippled and wondering how he would go forward. I cried then, and every time I hear this song. He was the most positive man I've ever known. He eventually succumbed to his wounds, I miss him still.
He is up there with his friends and looking over you and your family every day god bless you and your family X Pam Wells Or Armstrong xxx
Marian... blessings sweetheart ❤
This song breaks your heart. No matter, how often you hear it.
And still we ask young people to march off to war to fight for the ideologies of a few people. What are we marching for?
So very, very true...certainly hits home!!
Doesn't matter how many times I hear this song, my eyes still leak a little.
27 yr, 5 tour soldier, The wounds are invisible but still there.
U must be American
@@ozzy85Mpower sorry I'm Canadian Eh?
My grandad was there with the Norfolks and carried his till he died never said a thing about what he saw but you could see his pain.. Thanks for your service
After learning the history of the Anzac forces as a youngster from my dad, and then serving and training with Aussies/ Kiwis as a soldier, I'm an American who celebrates ANZAC day annually. Only ones who went with the US to the massive mistake and hell hole that was Vietnam. Absolute embodiment of "Ally". Not to mention some of the finest soldiers this planet has ever seen.
amen
I'm a Yank, living in the American Southwest desert. And even though it may seem I couldn't be more disconnected to the men and occurrences detailed in this song, with this listening I find myself given over to free-flowing tears.
It is so sad and australia has fought 2 world wars . Have 😢 given so many lives for our beautifl country. 😢their love and duty and their lose of life and the AWFUL HEARTBREAK TO THEIR FAMILYS BEING TOLD THEIE MEN AND WONEN WOULD NEVER COME HOME . IT IS WITH MY HEART FELT THANKS I AM SITTING HERE .😢❤ MAY OUR BRAVE R.I. P. AND LEST WE FORGET. AND NEVER STOP THANKING THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE AND THEIR FAMILYS FOR THEIR SERVICE FOR THEIR HARD ship in being left worring. 😢❤my love to all .
War is universal my friend, your tears are worthy.
That was beautifully said my friend, im a Midwestern myself and couldn't agree more
My great-grandfather was one who never returned from that battle, so I can only imagine what horrors he endured. RIP brave warriors :(.....
Humans -- we should be aiming for the stars, not each other. A universe awaits us.
I don't think anyone can get a wider range of emotion in a song better than Liam Clancy.
Massive respect to our Australian & Kiwi brothers and sisters all the way from Ireland.
A great nation down under ✊
Don't forget the Kiwis!
Love the ☘️
Massive respect back to you, from an Australian McMahon.
Cheers mate
@@michaelburgess6556 Of course not . NZ is right in the middle of ANZAC .
"Weary old soldiers marching for a forgotten war" As a Korean War vet it sadly reminds me of those men whose great sacrifice is seldom mentioned.
I served in Kapyong Barracks in SA. Those of us who were posted there won't forget you and your mates Edward, thanks for your service.
We have not all forgotten the sacrifice you made.
My friends father was blinded and an old friend of mine had his hearing damaged by the tanks firing over his head.
He came back on the ship as the beer bottle VC may he rest in peace .
Lest we Forget
Thank you for your service. I'm a USMC vet...I agree with you. We're disposable but to our friends and families.
Best version ever. Love from Ireland to all in Australia 🇦🇺 🇮🇪
Not just Aussies died in Suvla. A rake of Our boys got slaughtered too. Lest we Forget.
Australia had a very high percentage of Irish immigrants back in the day.. Might explain why Australia is so cool 😎
@@paulfri1569 Ex pats/ surely
To my cousins and kinfolk from a Philadelphia Irish-
American.
Best wishes.
We are so very proud of you.
Some of my people served then, and in every subsequent strife; we will strive that you are always remembered, and never forgotten.
So let the band play Waltzing Matilda.
Thank you kindly, Mr. Clancy.
Love and best wishes sending right back to you from your cousins and kinfolk here in Ireland. You are one of "our exiled children in America" whom we cherish so dearly, and refer to directly in our most important historical document, the Irish Proclamation of 1916. You will always be an integral part of the global Irish family. Xx
In 2004, I walked the grounds of Gallipoli - not until today, now 2023, through this song, have I understood the voices I heard while I walked...♡
There's something about an Irishman's voice that translates well to deeply emotional stories and tributes
Ireland has a very tragic past
We have the gift of the gab because of all our tragedies
As well as a fine singer Liam has a background as an actor and it shows.
They used to say that the Irish were well known for their fighting and singing. I think our welcoming caring personalities should also be mentioned.
Great guitarist too.
My husband and I visited Gallipoli this year with very little knowledge of the battle. The biggest impression of the battle, apart from the impossible position of the Australians and the Brits was the retreat, the Turks sat back and let them them go. Also the Turkish memorials were to all who died in the conflict not just the Turks. I cannot explain how I felt, it was an unique moment.
The turks respect bravery, any decent human being should! Im Irish and "Righteously do " respect even those that oppressed me and mine, why? Because im against sustained hate. Only when you want to be them, or join them are you beat.
A song about an Aussie, written by a Scot and sung by an Irishman. That in itself tells us a great deal about the human experience. Thank you Eric Bogle for holding up that mirror. And thank you Liam for this moving memorial to my grandfather's mates.
It was very appropriate who it was written and sung by because the Australian soldiers who fought in the wars were the descendants of the Scots and Irish
And a spanish here almost crying
Beautiful , so heartfelt .
Man sitting at work with tears in my eyes on this 11th day of the 11th month.
This song deserves to be the official Armistice Day Rememberence song.
Could not agree more!!!! How do we push that idea? Let's talk please!
@@billnevill1988 I don't know, possibly a RUclips channel dedicated to the Armistice , Remembrance of the soldiers, not just at Gallipoli but other wars as well , etc., with Waltzing Matilda being the remembrance song.
This one and Green Fields of France are beautiful songs
I read the letter that the leader of Turkey sent to the families in Australia after the war. That will bring tears to your eyes also. He mentioned that they were all sons of Turkey and would be respected and honoured forever.
yes the letter that the great ataturk sent,being a australian born turk this song brang tears to my eyes,
dont know if you read the letter from a martyred anzac soldiers mother back to ataturk.
Sadly, ole Ataturk was a lot less generous to the Greeks when he was involved in their massacre. Words are cheap but actions tell the real story of this man who was a bigoted muslim before anything else.
@@davidparris7167 dont forget the greeks tried to invade turkey and ataturk sent them back to the sea they came from.go check out jfk's speech about ATATURK.
This masterfull performance had me hypnotised and speachless for 6 minuts and 48 seconds..then i came around and felt tears streaming down my face..May all the fallen of The Great War rest in peace, as well as the great Liam Clancy!
the way every time the band plays waltzing matilda in a different context for a different reason is ridiculously genius
Liam Clancy was the best folk singer that there ever was and there ever will be 😊, the likes of him will never be seen again with his unique voice..
The thing is with that ever stuf it's a long time ⌛ 😜
He is definitely among the elites of folk singers. Finbar Furey, Patsy Watchorn, Jim McCann and of course the Luke Kelly. These are some of the Irish but then through country music and other Genres there exists great ballad singers.
Much respect from Canada.
I visited Gallipoli when I went to Turkey.
Much respect to this song.
I am an American, and this version makes me weep for lost brothers at arms, whom I have no connections. God bless Australia 🇦🇺.
Lest We Forget
Fuck
I am sorry to hear that
Australia's big brother will always find a connection to here!
@@minghuiwang1474 Red China is 💩
This is 2022 and the ANZACS still resonate in my heart. These "diggers" had more courage than I could have ever have. The Colonials never received the glory the Brits enjoyed. Please honor and remember them.
"When the ship pulled into Circular Quay, I looked at the place where my legs used to be.. And thank Christ there was *no one* there waiting for me" I’m not crying, you are.
Stunning piece of Music... Yeah when I was only 9 I heard this song my dad loved makem and Clancy...
While that is sad, the next line is truly the heart breaker.
"And then they turned all their faces away."
I'm an old Friary boy who went to school in Dungarvan 1976 to 1982 Liam Clancy and Tommy Mackem did a gig in the gym during that time. He sang this song and it melts me to this day. Bob Dylan said Liam was the greatest folk singer of all time. I agree. PD class of 1982
In war there are no winners, only survivors. A Marine corpsman in country for two tours (1968-1970). Ira Lee, Ph.D.
Thank you for your service. I just wish it hadn’t been necessary. God bless you
I was there with you 2 tours in Nam the Usmc the world will never leaf
I served in the USMC in the early 60's. Did not go to Nam. Honestly, I'm glad I did not. Too many of my friends were either killed or deeply impacted by the war, and not in a good way.
Thanks for your service mate
I heard this song in US history class. The teacher made it a point to play songs and news clips from the era we covered. The first time I heard it, the melody grabbed me and stayed with me for almost 20 years. This song is haunting and beautiful and I'm so glad I tracked it down. It still puts a lump in my throat.
I think this is one of the greatest ballad songs ever written, sung by the greatest ballad singer who ever lived!
"I see the old men weary and sore and the young people as k what are they marching for"
As a Korean war vet that line sadly strikes home.
My life my blood
I think every combat vet feels that way
My father was a korean war vet we didnt see eye to eye about me joining the army and i never understood his middle of the night screaming " charly horses" till i came back and woke my own wife up screaming and to not upset her told her it was charlie horse. But my father knew and we both talked of things we couldnt talk about and we helped each other heal as a father myself now i secretly and with some guilt thank god for my sons autism and that ill not have to go through what i put my father through when i joined
Robert Brodie , my Dad had some pretty bad “Charley Horse,” issues, too. Dad’s mother had three of her four boys serving in two different theaters of war during WWII. Probably because they were named Smith, she endured two erroneous death notifications in 5 weeks’ time, both regarding my Dad. He was a Fwd. Observer in the Italian Campaign. Grandmom was born in Minnesota in 1896, the oldest girl in a family of nine kids. She lived to be 106, and she didn’t have an easy life, by any stretch. She told me that watching her youngest son leave for Korea was worse than having three sons leave at once. I asked her if she loved him best, and she said no. It was that after the three oldest all came back, safe and sound, she didn’t think she could be that fortunate a 4th time. Second, if she had lost a son in WWII, she would have sacrificed him in a righteous war that had to be fought. However, if something had happened to the youngest, it would have served no legitimate purpose. My Uncle came home in one piece, and at 86 years old, and living 3,000 miles away from me, he is still my best friend and most trusted confidant. My grandmother was wrong about one thing, though: None of her boys really came home “in one piece.” It turned out they all came home with Charley Horses”.
@@robertbrodie5183 Is he not allowed to join?
Has there ever been a voice more worthy of performing this masterpiece? Thank you Eric Bogle and thank you Liam Clancy
Technically, listen to how quiet his voice gets...down to a whisper at points....but you can understand every lyric. And when he sings in full voice, he is never overbearing. He works the mike beautifully...you never hear him pop a P or a T....Yet his emotional accuracy is spot on...young acting students should watch this...too bad Liam never did any film acting....he would have been marvelous. This is a perfect rendition of one of the most powerful songs of the 20th century....a song that warns people of the absurdity of war, and the reality of men being led to slaughter in order to achieve a false glory, sold to them by the older men and women who have already marked out where the new factories will go......Bob Dylan called Liam the greatest ballad singer he ever heard. There's no way you can see this and argue against that opinion.
You know, I was just looking at a video of the selling of Leonardo Da Vinci's Salvador Mundi. It sold for 400 million dollars, despite the necessity of it being restored at great cost, and some nagging questions about its authenticity. And when I saw this video on the recommended list, I couldn't help but think that some day, a video like this might be cherished by people in the future, and sell for a great amount.
I cry every time I hear this song, especially the Pogues version with the brass band. Heart wrenching song, possibly the saddest song ever written. Genius and tragedy together. Never forget, they will not grow old.
He doesnt just sing a song he tells a story!!
Liam had a powerful voice. I spent a night at a house session with Liam and Tommy Makem in Creigneish, NS after they did a concert in the old community collage auditorium (trade school then). They were a remarkable duo. Liam got into recitations that night and the sun had risen before they called it a night, or if you wish,. called it a morning.
RIP, Liam. Your voice and song will live on forever.
Obviously, Liam Clancy had a fantastic voice, but he did not write this song. It was written by Eric Bogle.
My uncle's drank with this song playing...no wonder they cryed... Incredible...they served
As an amputee from war, I think This song is the most touching war song I’ve ever heard. I’m happy as hell- no regrets. But wow
Thank you doc.
Thank you.
my dear old mate died south of Kandahar in 2002,both legs gone...before we joined ,we used to run plenty of miles , for fun and fitness
@@roostersbays95 thank you very much for sharing. Sorry for your loss
Good on you Doc
Every time I listen to this, some bastard cuts onions.
+cosawanty There too?
+cosawanty , Yeah every time.
+cosawanty Yep.. LARGE ONIONS at that.. Lest We Forget.. Simple answer.. NEVER..
+cosawanty
no shame in that mate,Gets me too.
+cosawanty same here. wish they were just onion rings instead of the raw one that brings tears to out eyes
As a former USMC officer, my Dad landed at Omaha, and was on the last bridge into germany on 3/17/45....war: started by the power hungry and money hungry, and who's blood is shed? GOD bless ALL who served, all nations who fought for freedom!
As a nation of immigrants, we have to acknowledge a bitter-sweet irony that the best song about the emergence of the Australian and the New Zealand sense of self- identity from being formerly British, was written by a Scot and the very best version of that song was sung by an Irishman. Liam Clancy's version always brings a tear to my eye.
Yes, the writer of this great song was born in Scotland. But he has lived in Australia since he was 25 - that is 45 years ago! Eric's version singing it is great too, though different. His gravelly, haunting voice makes for a great listen. What a wonderful song writer- and a pretty good singer too. He puts on a really good concert.
***** It was ethnic hatred that caused the Balkans conflict which led to the war
***** As an Aussie,I love the flag just the way it is.
***** that is the best part of the flag. GSTQ
***** I saw you on that Icke video about lizard people
I first heard this song as a kid in the 70’s and it grabbed me the very first time. My Irish Mom just passed and it will be played on the day of her funeral - along with The Green Fields of France it is one of the greatest songs ever written. Full of meaning, emotion and heart.
Bless you
Both songs were composed by the same man - Eric Bogle
@@oldbutbeautiful Eric Bogle sings a version of this song, accompanied by a guitar. Gorgeous.
As a far out relative ,my great grandfather died in Villers Brettoneux in 1918 , as an Englishman fighting for the Anzacs , I can only hope his soul approves this song about every friend that died whatever country they died in . For them , god bless and comfort them .
I am a vet of 22 years and this song and glorious voice takes me back to my service brothers. Thank you
My Grandfather on my Father's side ....served in Gallipoli as a signaller... luckily he survived..or my Dad wouldn't have been born in 1923... and I would not have been born in 1956...... I feel so sorry for all those who were not allowed to be married, have children , grand children etc etc.... this needs to be told to everyone!
Was fortunate to hear the great man sing this live many years ago, wasn't a sound in the place as he painted and sang probably the greatest anti war song ever! RIP Mr Liam Clancy.
I have been listening to this song since 45 years and still cry every single time i listen to it
You and me both, the only comment I have about Gallipoli is that the Brits and the French suffered more casualties during the campaign, however as a % of population the ANZAC's suffered the most. The only reason I bring this up is that if you talk to most Aussies or Kiwis, They don't even know that there were Brits and French engaged.
Having said that "Advance Australia Fair"! It's the only country I've visited that after 12 hours I've thought I could live here. Unfortunately, wrong age,wrong skills, Que Sera Sera.
Peter Tunks mm
The one song I have to listen to in private is Eric Bogle "it's as if he knows" - the soldiers had to leave their horses behind after the war, & rather than leave them to a life of further ill treatment & starvation, they shot them. Red eyes every time. . .
This to me is the very best version of the song ever done!! Love from Nova Scotia Canada!!❤ Very deep song ,we should all listen to the lyrics and appreciate
I lived at No Harm Farm, on the road from Saltsprings to West River Station, in 1971-2. I was a refugee from the draft to Vietnam. Finally, I had to sing "Farewell Nova Scotia" in my mind, and come back to the U.S. But will never forget the beauty of your province. Thank you.
In 1915 my grandfather was a 17yr old Petty Officer RN. He was there. He rarely spoke of it but I remember him describing the bloodstained water. 30 years later he was to experience the concentrated bombing of Ipswich where he served in the fire brigade. No wonder this song evokes such powerful emotions and reminds us of the debt we owe that generation.
Filmmakers spend millions of dollars in special effects trying to evoke a scene like this. Liam Clancy does it with just a guitar and his voice. Amazing. I bet if angels can sing, they sound like Liam Clancy.
Spot on!
You have taken the words out of my mouth, Liam was an artist, a poet and a singer. Listen to "the Dutchman" to really appreciate his talent.
the Dutchman is one of the best songs ever written and nobody will be able to do it true justice but Liam Clancy. If you never had to deal with a family member who develops Alzheimers then its hard to understand its true meaning
Tommy Guilfoyle Oh boy do I ever know,I live with a once very brilliant man who now, is abusive and so cruel at times, we have been married 50 years. He accusers me of terrible things, I have a rare kidney disease and have severe handicapped, he can hide my walker mixed my phone even my lamp and leave in the dark, not even able to go to bathroom, I am told I am so Lucky to have a husband still, news flash I am the most tragic of widows, Anyone in my shoes will agree. We are the most awful type of widow, They are gone but not buried,
Tommy Guilfoyle n
Still love this
Anyone who witnessed this should be blessed, and lucky to have heard such a rendition from such a great man rip. Liam
He sings it like he means every word.
+John Benton if you ever saw him up-close, you'd know he meant every word.
he lived a song and was in a world set apart at that moment. that goes for the Brothers and Tommy too. the world of Clancy has turned to beach and blown off into the stratosphere.
I am unfailingly overpowered by his sincerity. He was a true master of his genre. I'm sorry to say that I never saw him live.
+John Benton
he was a master performer. you feel he lived every song. watch his face, his expressions. blows me away every time...
Without a shadow of a doubt. No-one can fake sincerity!
+John Benton he does
I am an American 12 year old, and I love this song. Even though my peers barely know anything about ww1. I study Gallipoli and its events frequently.
God bless all the men on both sided at Gallipoli. Rest in Peace
Bless you my young Justin
Not only singers but poets and novelists The Irish have produced men and women of singular courage and brilliance.
+Keith Bickerstaffe Éirinn go brách
The Irish may have produced men and women of singular courage and brilliance but it was an ex-pat Scot who wrote this one. Look up Eric Bogle.
Thanks for all the great songs Liam Clancy rip.
Eric Bogle's other great anti-war song "The Green Fields of France" is also up there with this one. Genius to produce two such pieces.
If it wasn't for an Aussie war hero he wouldn't have sung this
This is the most powerful song that I've ever heard. Brings tears to me eyes.
This song came to me one night in a dusty hotel in rural Thailand. My dads favourite song. I listened on repeat thinking about him until i fell asleep. Next morning woke up and my phone had missed calls and messages from back in oz. My dad died that morning. RIP dad 💓.
That's beautiful and sad ..sry for your loss.
Wow - a great sad story - - He was with U
We are all there when we listen to this beautiful version ❤️ of this song.
Thank you to Clacy and Eric for telling us this story of our brave soldiers in such a beautiful and emotional way.
Liam Clancy sang this song with so much emotion and passion, such a great artist and person ❤️
I lost eight second cousins .Irish who fought at Gallipoli .This song always tugs at my heart.RIP
This rendition is enough to rip the heart out of a stone
A masterpiece..Liams Voice is stunning..Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪
Had the pleasure of seeing Liam sing this at the Harp’n’Bard in Massachusetts I the 70’s. Could have heard a pin drop in this great Irish Pub😪
Born in Ireland and lived all my life in ireland. But when I've been abroad i can really see the meaning of "the irish abroad become more irish than the irish Themselves at home". I read this comment months ago and Ive found it again. It struck with me coz with modern technology I don't think the irish or anyone will ever have the same level of home sickness as past generations, which i suppose is a good thing. But I'm envious that I'll never get to experience an atmosphere like u did in Harp'nBard bar back on the 1970s. I can only imagine how special it was 🙂
I saw the band at Carnegie, unbelievably moving
2021..and here I am back still listening to the BEST anti-war song of all time..Bless you Liam
@2529john Me too. I despair at the current Ukraine crisis of useless deaths. They never learn unfortunately.
October 2022-still here
We need many more songs
ANTI WAR...and we need to hear them often...!
Our world...our societies...our leaders are all deaf to that message...But they sure listen to the "kachings" of money..!
I was lucky to do my years of enlisted idiot in a colonial war and come back whole...BUT learned a lot about war..and that was over 60 years ago..
Make love...not war..!
The most emotional I've ever been listening to a song, performance of a lifetime masterpiece.
I can never listen to this song without shedding a tear...so beautiful...so apt...so true.
As a veteran this is a song out of my heart and this version is the best. Tears and chivers
"...and we buried ours and the turks buried theirs... then it started all over again." This line is so powerful. That's what war is all about, right there. Pointless slaughter.
Amen to that.
The other line that sends a shiver down my spine is "And the young people ask what are they marching for".
The line that hit me was "there are worse things than dying
"But, year after year, old men disappear." That line breaks my heart every time.
Sadly a moving song it brings tears to my eyes every time
If you can listen to this without a tear in your eye you have no soul. A fitting tribute to the fallen of any country or creed.
As a young woman soldier I did my early reserves training with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. The Regiment shares battle honours for Gallipoli, something many Canadians tend to forget. The museum installation called the Scale of Our War at the National Museum in Wellington was perhaps the most most moving tribute to that historic battle I have ever observed. I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in history.
Darwinsmom-----I think that you lost a lot of men in World War #1.
I bought Liam a drink in a bar once, just to say thank you. A very small payback for an immense man, his work and generosity of spirit.
I was at Anzac Cove on Gallipoli Peninsula earlier this year, and the tour director played this song by Liam Clancy as we approached the area. The cemetery and memorials there were profoundly moving, as was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's tribute to the nearly half a million fallen war dead of both sides, quoted below:
“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives... You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side now here in this country of ours... you, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well.”
The Turks are able to forgive and honour former foes yet many haters who post anti-British comments here are not...sad
For those who like metal I recomend Sabaton - Cliffs of Gallipoli
Both sides payed a heavy price... but the love of two foes live on
You sir have my upmost respect
Ray Gruszecki
Thanks for sharing this moving tribute. Restores faith in our common humanity and offers us hope for living together in a future.
WHEN LIAM SINGS THIS THE LOOK ON HIS FACE TELLS THE WHOLE STORY OF THIS SAD SONG!!!!!!BRILLIANT RENDITION 💓
With the passing of all of the Clancy brothers as well as Tommy Makem we have lost a lot of the heritage of Irish Folk music. They were staples at every IrishFest in Milwaukee and I enjoyed seeing them every year . . .especially Liam and Tommy Makem. May they all rest in peace knowing that their music will carry on.
Finbar Clancy, Liam’s nephew, is part of the High Kings. The torch is passed to a new generation.
Every Irish child receives free tuition on a musical instrument. Irish music heritage is safe in the hands and hearts of the young generations.
My grandfather was landed at Suvla Bay. He was in the South Staffs Regiment part of Kitchener's Army . He was wounded and evacuated.. I suppose he counted himself lucky to be out of that hellhole but never spoke about it. This emotional song makes me think what they all must have gone through. Brill.
Such a beautiful heartfelt version, his voice is perfect for the storytelling of such an incredible song
I can't remember any other song that has moved me so much. It's brilliant. It's touching. It's universal.
Every time I hear this I find myself in tears. Liam Clancy. Incredible performance. R.
ritaggn Same here.
ritaggn Me too.
David Perks
David Perks follow your arrow
Same here
There will never be another Liam Clancy. What a voice. What a song
This might be the most beautiful version I've ever heard of this song!