Thank you, Colm, for covering this song. Daniel introduced me to the original several years ago, and its kinda special to us, given that he was a Cav Scout. You are one of our favorite music makers, so having your voice belt out this song will be nothing less than amazing. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Lyrics, for anyone interested: I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds and I hear the cannons' roar I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I want a horse in the volunteer force that's riding forth at dawn Please save, for me, some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone And I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long I'd not a good foot soldier make, I'd be sour and slow at march And I'd be sick on a navy ship, and the sea would leave me parched But I'll be first in line if they'll let me ride. By god, you'll see my starch Lope back o'er the heath with the laurel wreath underneath that vict'ry arch I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds, and I hear the cannons' roar I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war Let me earn my spurs in the battle's blur where the day is lost or won I'll wield my lance as the ponies dance and the blackguards fire their guns And a sabre keen, and a saddle carbine and an army Remington Where the hot lead screams with the cold, cold steel let me be a cavalryman I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds, and I hear the cannons' roar I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war Let 'em play their flutes and stirrup my boots and place them back to front For I won't be back on the rider-less black and I'm finished in my hunt I wanna be in the cavalry if I must go off to war I wanna be in the cavalry, but I won't ride home no more
I always loved the pairing with the Reprise at the end of the album I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I wanna good steed under me like my forefathers before Courageous at first we took their worst, our positions we held stout We clung to belief and we hung on the speech from our trusted leaders' mouths Overwhelming odds and a hopeless cause and our cities overrun There were them that said we was badly led and God were we outgunned I lost count of the worthy mounts that from under me were cut My favourite mare with her head in the air took the cannons in her gut In the first two weeks on that bloody creek my brother lost his arm Was only sixty days till all we prayed was get us home unharmed O for the day that we signed our names and the well that we were wished The men's congrats and the pats on the backs and the ladies that we kissed The band that played and the grande parade and the patriotic shouts All faded fast, didn't even last till the uniforms wore out And there were none to replace nor to help us face the winters cold and bleak That chilled to the bone the pneumonia prone and froze our bootless feet Then the typhoid hit with its fevered fits, TB and dysentery That proved in the end to have killed more men than the vilest enemy We were finally forced to feed on horse and carcass we could scrounge When the wagons stopped and we'd burnt their crops to charred and barren ground With morale in doubt and our pride run out no honour did I see All I seen were a thousand dreams piled dead in front of me
Great to hear Corb getting covered! He's an Albertan treasure! (Anyone who likes this song, go listen to the entire album 'Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!' The title track alone is great.)
Horse Soldier immediately shoots down the notion that horses are a girly thing. Thousands of years of riding strong, and we're meant to be dismounted, now?
@@asliwins337 Well then, where are the horse guys - future cavaliers, if you will - in this day and age? Have you heard of a masculine horse-movie? I see in other climes boys calling each other riders, but they don't know their way around a saddle.
@@hallowedbeyourdays, I live in rural Australia and see no shortage of people of any gender that ride horses. I'm also not sure why you want to make this a gender thing?
My daughter is in love with your vocals, she just turned 18 and she's autistic, her father is a veteran from the airforce and your songs help with her moments of overstimulation, this is her favorite song
Historically, most of the plains war army was Irish recruited from the boats. Go watch the Director Ford Cavalry movie trilogy and you will see it depicted.
@@caper2x This song is about the civil war as well, with this version being focused on the union and the reprise being focussed on the confederates. Either way, the Irish were fighting in both wars.
@@pintoffanta2510neither song was intended to be about either specific side , just about what it was like to be in the Calvary during said war for both side
@@fanofthingsingeneral4670 I'm not saying that corb Lund meant it in a certain way or not but if you listen to the lyrics it's very clear that each version portrays one side of the war.
A piece of trivia that's interesting to me is that Corb Lund gave a writing credit to Stan Rogers for the tune. The original called "The Idiot" is a song of rare excellence in its own right but these lyrics give it a whole new life. Colm gave it a stunning treatment as always. :D
I don’t think we’ve got much in the way of horses or lances these days, unless you want to get *really* creative, of course, that just means our mounts are steel these days, and often the cannon’s roar comes from said mount.
@@The_Murder_Party Well in Britain we have, Horse Guards and Life Guards and Dragoon Guards who still have horses during ceremonies, but those are hard to get into.
Is Colm not the most underrated cover artist? He's far more skilled than most and yet still doesn't even have a million subs? What kind of sense does that make.
Hi colm Mcguinness I'm proud of my Irish ancestory I've always loved Irish music and Scottish Music it's so relaxing and magical I wish I lived in Ireland 🇮🇪 I love your music videos on RUclips best videos ever keep up the great work mate and make Ireland proud I wish I could travel on a plane because I would come visit Ireland and see the highlands and see the medieval history behind it always being fascinated in Irish Music could sleep and listen to it all day god bless you mate and God bless Ireland 🇮🇪 bye.
🎶"I want to be in the cavalry," he would say before the war, "I want a good steed under me," said my brother proud and sure, When that bugle did sound and it all came down to the cannon's thunderous roar He rode away on a stallion grey, but he won't ride home no more. 🎶
@@aaronsanborn4291 Nice, I've been a big fan of this album ever since I started hearing some from it on the CBC Radio 3 podcasts (that sadly no longer exist). They played a few songs before the album even released.
I know my unit's history is in field artillery, but as one of a select few active duty soldiers who actually rode horses for a living, there rly is something special about horse soldiers. Probably similar to MP dog handlers, you really get a connection with your horses. And those Caissons go rolling along!
"I Wanna Be In The Cavalry" is a unique entry in the realm of folk songs. It was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Corb Lund and released in 2007 on his album "Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!". The song's lyrics are a captivating mix of historical longing and gritty determination, painting a vivid picture of a man yearning for the cavalry battles of a bygone era. The song's popularity grew among both folk fans and those who simply admired its raw energy, and it quickly became one of Lund's signature tunes. Secondary Source: Grant, Kieran. "Corb Lund Wants to be in the Cavalry, so do I." The Toronto Sun. July 9, 2009.
I was in the cavalry -- 2nd.of the 7th. Air Cav, Div. Vietnam 66/67 --not on horses but in Helicopters. Key the song--Garry Owens--still gives me goosebumps at 76 years old.
I was in the Navy and never saw any combat but man do I want to be in the cavalry. This song makes me want to go back in time and ride with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders
This brings back pleasant memories of serving in a calvary unit. My M1A1 was old and cramped but I got a free trip to Europe, and a degree out of my service
Colm, this is amazing. If you enjoyed making this, I'm sure the rest of your fans and I would love to hear "Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier" also by Corb Lund.
I personally think this version sounds more motivated and passionate than the original, but then again I am more familiar with Colm R. McGuinness! Either way I still love this song! Especially because I am still considering a military career when my time does come!
My oldest remembered Irish ancestor was a union officer in the civil war. He was held in Andersonville at one point. Bad time and place and uniform to be an Irishman. If you know anything about American culture at that time. However, I’m not really incredibly Irish myself. I’m 93%something else. But there is interesting piece of history for a family member I am somehow a direct descendant of, without being incredibly Irish
I'd like to imagine there's a version of this song based in Poland with someone wanting to ride in the Calvary like the legendary Winged Hussars only to end with being the Cavalry force that may or may not have charged the German tanks during the Blitzkrieg.
Bless you Colm, this is outstanding work. My son and I started horse riding a couple of months ago and every time we drive there this is blasting in the car, he really loves this song. Stay awesome mate.
When I was 18 I wanted to be a tanker (Leopard 2), the two english regiments in Canada are the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and Lord Strathcona's Horse. I should have done it, but oh well. I'm 27 now so although I'm not too old, being a private pushing 30 is rough.
Colm, remember to do the Reprise, too. That's the other side of the coin. This was inspired by the Union side. Reprise for the rebels. I am surprised by the number of cavalry-related songs you found around.
I always took it as this was the young recruit with his mind full of adventure and glory, while the reprise was the weary veteran who only wants to go home and put it all behind him.
Honestly, I don't think that's really the Confederate version. If you're putting it as that? Guy, I'm going to tell you that war sucks for all involved. Even the "winners" good people coming home in caskets doesn't have a side. And before you call me a neo-confederate! My dad was a green beret, and I served in the Navy. I wanna be in the cavalry is the optimistic new recruit, Reprise is the "lucky" cavalry man that comes back.
Oh whooho you listened to me!!! Well probably not but I've literally been waiting a year for you to cover this masterpiece now give me your goddamn patreon you deserve money for this. *Edit* commented before listening to this. After listening, holy shit that kicked ass. This has made me so happy. You have the seal of approval from a humble veteran.
So if you're doing "I Wanna Be in the Cavalry", does this mean you're also going to do the Reprise of it at a later date? And of course, since they're related musically, how about "The Idiot" by Stan Rogers?
@@stantrien8106 couldn't agree more. Beautiful song. Beautiful message, would love to see someone more recent do it the justice it deserves. Can't tell you how much I was disappointed about what happened with the *other* cover artist*
@@fallingskies8991 another cover artist by the moniker seth station made a cover of 'the idiot' by stan rogers A beautiful piece about a working man who left his home to grind away in a factory chose to do so because he wouldn't compromise his morals by living off of government wellfare. Featuring it's most iconic line "I could have stayed to take the doll, but I'm not one of those. I take nothing free and that makes me, an idiot, I suppose" This is most commonly interpreted as meaning 'some may call me an idiot for turning down money, but it goes against my morals' Seth had the bright idea to write an extra verse on top of it that essentially translated to 'yes, you are an idiot' and put up a karl marx quote on screen. You know... the guy who created the concept of socialism, an authoritarian governing system that's the basis for both communism and classical fascism. Because that's definitely the message a song about hard work in spite of the government was trying to send, that everything should be owned and controlled by the government. TLDR: he covered a very libertarian song about hard work and added literal communist propaganda to the end of it
Amazing as always. Mr McGuinness, you should try doing Battle Hymn of the Republic in your Irish Trad style, preferably the original full version. I think it'd sound spectacular.
Holy muesli, I just listened to the original for the first time, and now that I know how much you spiced up the song, it's even more awesome! Those vocal harmonies are glorious!
Glorious cover, as always! I hope you cover the reprise version eventually, I love the contrast of the two versions and would love to hear your take on it.
Part of it is lighting but you have one of the more expressive faces I've seen. Plus your sheer range. Going from wrathful song of an undead damned soul to relegious hymnal that is mourning, to this jaunty little tune of wanting to join up and be part of the cavalry. You are a man of many talents. Any chance yo ucould do more tracks of you and the lady because your vocal overlap is just plain amazing to listen to.
1st Squadron of the 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) checking in. Just completed our Spur Ride to induct our troopers into the grand traditions of the Cavalry. Our Spur Holder played this on loop for a fair amount of the 23 hours we spent rucking over the hills of Alaska. Before this was just a neat song, but now it make me incredibly proud to be a Cavalryman. Thanks for such a great cover Colm!
Found this in my release Radar on Spotify. When i saw the tilte i clicked without Hesitation! I love this song. And now i love it even more. Your Version is the best to date.
I was telling my mates at work that there this man colm not only can sing songs that makes your bone shiver, but he also has the sweaters to warm them right up too
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I wanna good steed under me like my forefathers before I wanna good mount when the bugle sounds and I hear the cannons' roar I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war I wanna horse in the volunteer force that's riding forth at dawn Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long I'd not a good foot soldier make, I'd be sour and slow at march And I'd be sick on a navy ship, and the sea would leave me parched But I'll be first in line if they'll let me ride, by god, you'll see my starch Lope back o'er the heath with the laurel wreath underneath that vict'ry arch( repeats chorus) Let me earn my spurs in the battle's blur where the day is lost or won I'll wield my lance as the ponies dance and the blackguards fire their guns A sabre keen, and a saddle carbine and an army Remington Where the hot lead screams with the cold, cold steel let me be a cav'lryman( instrumental solo/ repeats chorus) Let 'em play their flutes and stirrup my boots and place them back to front For I won't be back on the rider-less black and I'm finished in my hunt I wanna be in the cavalry if I must go off to war I wanna be in the cavalry, but I won't ride home no more
I'm a Hussar, I'm a Hun, I'm a wretched Englishman; Routing Bonaparte at Waterloo. I'm a Dragoon on a Dun, I'm a Cossak on the run; I'm a horse soldier, timeless through and through.
I was waiting for this to come to RUclips! I’ve listened to your version about 30 times on Spotify in the past 2 days. Love it! I listened the the original by Corb Lund so much I can’t play it around my wife anymore. This will likely be the same!
I wonder if there are artillery, navy, and infantry versions of this song? If so, I'd love to hear them in Colm's voice. Best representative.🥺😂The cavalry song you sang made me want to join the cavalry. 😍🤩👍
There aren't version of this song for those, but the US Artillery has "The Caissons go rolling along", and the Infantry has a couple of official songs, but I think "Dogface Soldier" might be what you're looking for.
Thank you, this and the reprise are some of my favorite songs! I would love if you eventually follow this with the reprise, I think you would sing it beautifully.
@@evilspoons So is Dean Brody, Shania Twain, and several others. American country was meant to describe style vs nationality. Keith Urban's auzzie but is Nashville legend.
I love this channel, and so does my girlfriend, who's of Irish descent. Never change man, you're a beacon of light and a great source of joy in an age where music has lost its beauty.
Halfway down the trail to Hell, in a shady meadow green - Are the souls of all dead troopers camped near a good old-time canteen - And this eternal resting place is known as Fiddler's Green. Marching past, straight through to Hell, the Infantry are seen - Along with the Engineers, Artillery & Marines - For none but the shade of Cavalrymen dismount at Fiddler's Green. Though some go curving down the trail to seek a warmer scene - No trooper ever gets to Hell 'till he's emptied his canteen - And so rides back to drink again with friends at Fiddler's Green. And so, when Man & Horse go down beneath a saber keen - Or in roaring charge of fierce melee, you stop a bullet clean - And the injuns come to claim your scalp, just empty your canteen - And put your pistol to your head and go to Fiddler's Green!
What's your horse's name??? GO GOI GO!
Sunset, that way I'm always riding off into it
I own three Walker, Bill, and Skip
the only horse i have is on red dead redemption 2 and he's called riRder
Bliss
I would totally name my horse "COLM"
I... am a US Army Veteran. 10 years... as a Cavalry Scout.
This... is... my... JAM!!!
Thank you, Colm, for covering this song. Daniel introduced me to the original several years ago, and its kinda special to us, given that he was a Cav Scout. You are one of our favorite music makers, so having your voice belt out this song will be nothing less than amazing. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Don't miss the follow up reprise to this one and Corb's Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier.
2nd Cav Jan 97 to March 02, 14th Cav April 02 to Dec 05
we just got shitfaced to this song after a ftx lol
This goes hard
hooah and all that shit
Lyrics, for anyone interested:
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before
And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds and I hear the cannons' roar
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I want a horse in the volunteer force that's riding forth at dawn
Please save, for me, some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone
And I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
I'd not a good foot soldier make, I'd be sour and slow at march
And I'd be sick on a navy ship, and the sea would leave me parched
But I'll be first in line if they'll let me ride. By god, you'll see my starch
Lope back o'er the heath with the laurel wreath underneath that vict'ry arch
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before
And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds, and I hear the cannons' roar
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
Let me earn my spurs in the battle's blur where the day is lost or won
I'll wield my lance as the ponies dance and the blackguards fire their guns
And a sabre keen, and a saddle carbine and an army Remington
Where the hot lead screams with the cold, cold steel let me be a cavalryman
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I want a good steed under me like my forefathers before
And I want a good mount when the bugle sounds, and I hear the cannons' roar
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
Let 'em play their flutes and stirrup my boots and place them back to front
For I won't be back on the rider-less black and I'm finished in my hunt
I wanna be in the cavalry if I must go off to war
I wanna be in the cavalry, but I won't ride home no more
Thanks!
Thank You!
I always loved the pairing with the Reprise at the end of the album
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I wanna good steed under me like my forefathers before
Courageous at first we took their worst, our positions we held stout
We clung to belief and we hung on the speech from our trusted leaders' mouths
Overwhelming odds and a hopeless cause and our cities overrun
There were them that said we was badly led and God were we outgunned
I lost count of the worthy mounts that from under me were cut
My favourite mare with her head in the air took the cannons in her gut
In the first two weeks on that bloody creek my brother lost his arm
Was only sixty days till all we prayed was get us home unharmed
O for the day that we signed our names and the well that we were wished
The men's congrats and the pats on the backs and the ladies that we kissed
The band that played and the grande parade and the patriotic shouts
All faded fast, didn't even last till the uniforms wore out
And there were none to replace nor to help us face the winters cold and bleak
That chilled to the bone the pneumonia prone and froze our bootless feet
Then the typhoid hit with its fevered fits, TB and dysentery
That proved in the end to have killed more men than the vilest enemy
We were finally forced to feed on horse and carcass we could scrounge
When the wagons stopped and we'd burnt their crops to charred and barren ground
With morale in doubt and our pride run out no honour did I see
All I seen were a thousand dreams piled dead in front of me
@Thomas Lucey Same here! First time I heard it was a cover by Seth Staton Watkins and I listened to the pair like 3 or 4 times on repeat lol
@@Nmc01236 the while album of Corbs is fun, I highly recommend it
Duuude! I found this song a couple weeks ago, and thought “dang, Colm would love this.” Sooo hyped
Lol I actually suggested he do this song quite a while back on another of his videos
Here's another one of Corbs songs. ruclips.net/video/c3rANplXiCM/видео.html&ab_channel=CorbLund-Topic
ruclips.net/video/BiMUOuYUy1w/видео.html
Now he needs to do Battle Hymn of the Republic
@@Sapphiros I think the original version of the Battle Hymn is best, John Brown's Body.
Ahh, another fine song from the man. Colm delivers more consistently than the freakin mailman!
Amen
As a Canadian, I am happy to see the love for Corb Lund!
He’s got some Stan Rogers too!
@@wanderdragon1075 weirdly enough I found this song because.of a comment on a Stan Rogers song.
Great to hear Corb getting covered! He's an Albertan treasure!
(Anyone who likes this song, go listen to the entire album 'Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!' The title track alone is great.)
Horse Soldier immediately shoots down the notion that horses are a girly thing. Thousands of years of riding strong, and we're meant to be dismounted, now?
I grew up not far from Taber. That boys an actual legend.
@@hallowedbeyourdays, nah, it just doesn't view girly as innately bad.
@@asliwins337 Well then, where are the horse guys - future cavaliers, if you will - in this day and age? Have you heard of a masculine horse-movie? I see in other climes boys calling each other riders, but they don't know their way around a saddle.
@@hallowedbeyourdays, I live in rural Australia and see no shortage of people of any gender that ride horses. I'm also not sure why you want to make this a gender thing?
My daughter is in love with your vocals, she just turned 18 and she's autistic, her father is a veteran from the airforce and your songs help with her moments of overstimulation, this is her favorite song
Retired Armored Cav 21 years Abrams crew. My steeds name. Chivas Regal III. Gold and silver spurs. Well done sir you did the song justice.
Dude as a Cavalry Scout thank you, this song means a lot after waking up to it every morning with my platoon during training rotations.
20 years a Cavalryman, 44 countries. Doesn’t matter the nation or people this song is timeless and all I have to say is best job I ever had 😘
I love how he can make any song sound like it originated from Ireland
Historically, most of the plains war army was Irish recruited from the boats. Go watch the Director Ford Cavalry movie trilogy and you will see it depicted.
@@caper2x This song is about the civil war as well, with this version being focused on the union and the reprise being focussed on the confederates. Either way, the Irish were fighting in both wars.
the irish man sounds like he is from ireland....huh
@@pintoffanta2510neither song was intended to be about either specific side , just about what it was like to be in the Calvary during said war for both side
@@fanofthingsingeneral4670 I'm not saying that corb Lund meant it in a certain way or not but if you listen to the lyrics it's very clear that each version portrays one side of the war.
A piece of trivia that's interesting to me is that Corb Lund gave a writing credit to Stan Rogers for the tune. The original called "The Idiot" is a song of rare excellence in its own right but these lyrics give it a whole new life. Colm gave it a stunning treatment as always. :D
You Never fail to rouse the Irish blood, within me! Thanks Colm! G'day from Australia. 🙋♀️ 😍 🇦🇺
This is what I'll sing to my draft officer when WW3 starts.
I don’t think we’ve got much in the way of horses or lances these days, unless you want to get *really* creative, of course, that just means our mounts are steel these days, and often the cannon’s roar comes from said mount.
@@The_Murder_Party Well in Britain we have, Horse Guards and Life Guards and Dragoon Guards who still have horses during ceremonies, but those are hard to get into.
@@catthomas3097 you know what, that's fair
Honest to God respect 🫡
The Ukraine has shown how vulnerable modern cavalry is to drones. $10 million Abrams tanks get blown up by $500 drones.
You know…the subtle desperation in these lyrics…it reminds me of how my dad avoided being drafted into the Army.
He joined the Marines.
Then you’ll love the reprised version of the song. Get your tissues.
“Give me a horse, and a Volunteer Force!”
-USMC, 2009-16
Now do the reprise! And Corb's Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier while you're at it, would love to hear your take on that one!
I second this
Definitely second Horse Soldier!
Yes, please!
Hear, hear!
My first thought was "horse soldier, horse soldier when"
Is Colm not the most underrated cover artist? He's far more skilled than most and yet still doesn't even have a million subs? What kind of sense does that make.
Hi colm Mcguinness I'm proud of my Irish ancestory I've always loved Irish music and Scottish Music it's so relaxing and magical I wish I lived in Ireland 🇮🇪 I love your music videos on RUclips best videos ever keep up the great work mate and make Ireland proud I wish I could travel on a plane because I would come visit Ireland and see the highlands and see the medieval history behind it always being fascinated in Irish Music could sleep and listen to it all day god bless you mate and God bless Ireland 🇮🇪 bye.
🎶"I want to be in the cavalry," he would say before the war,
"I want a good steed under me," said my brother proud and sure,
When that bugle did sound and it all came down to the cannon's thunderous roar
He rode away on a stallion grey, but he won't ride home no more. 🎶
Nice!
A third song in this style from the POV of a civilian would be neat. Too bad I think Corb Lund ded.
@@ParasaurolophusEwanquick search says hes not Dead.
Might not have written anything but hes alive
Epic song.
I rode horses for the 11th ACR Horse Detachment for the US Army and would sing this song as we warmed up in the morning
Oh, I can't WAIT for this!! Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier would be so good with your voice too... Perhaps for a future video?
I already know this is going to be absolutely amazing.
You put a tear in this old Cavalryman's eye Colm...2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment Jan 1997 to March 2002, 14th Cavalry April 2002 to December 2005
You should listen to Corb Lund's entire original album, "Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!". There's a bunch of amazing songs on there.
@@evilspoons been there done that got the t-shirt old son. I actually suggested Colm do this song quite a while back.
@@aaronsanborn4291 Nice, I've been a big fan of this album ever since I started hearing some from it on the CBC Radio 3 podcasts (that sadly no longer exist). They played a few songs before the album even released.
I know my unit's history is in field artillery, but as one of a select few active duty soldiers who actually rode horses for a living, there rly is something special about horse soldiers. Probably similar to MP dog handlers, you really get a connection with your horses. And those Caissons go rolling along!
I can FEEL the pride and righteous fury of old Erin in this.
Oh my God I needed this and I never even realized. Great song!
"I Wanna Be In The Cavalry" is a unique entry in the realm of folk songs. It was written by Canadian singer-songwriter Corb Lund and released in 2007 on his album "Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!". The song's lyrics are a captivating mix of historical longing and gritty determination, painting a vivid picture of a man yearning for the cavalry battles of a bygone era. The song's popularity grew among both folk fans and those who simply admired its raw energy, and it quickly became one of Lund's signature tunes.
Secondary Source:
Grant, Kieran. "Corb Lund Wants to be in the Cavalry, so do I." The Toronto Sun. July 9, 2009.
I was in the cavalry -- 2nd.of the 7th. Air Cav, Div. Vietnam 66/67 --not on horses but in Helicopters. Key the song--Garry Owens--still gives me goosebumps at 76 years old.
I was in the Navy and never saw any combat but man do I want to be in the cavalry. This song makes me want to go back in time and ride with Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders
This brings back pleasant memories of serving in a calvary unit. My M1A1 was old and cramped but I got a free trip to Europe, and a degree out of my service
Colm, this is amazing. If you enjoyed making this, I'm sure the rest of your fans and I would love to hear "Horse Soldier, Horse Soldier" also by Corb Lund.
I heard this already on RUclips music and you completely nailed it. It sounded amazing
I personally think this version sounds more motivated and passionate than the original, but then again I am more familiar with Colm R. McGuinness! Either way I still love this song! Especially because I am still considering a military career when my time does come!
OH MY GOD YES!!! The crossover I never knew I needed!
Never heard a war song have such a vibrant tone to it; you did this justice Colm!
My oldest remembered Irish ancestor was a union officer in the civil war. He was held in Andersonville at one point. Bad time and place and uniform to be an Irishman. If you know anything about American culture at that time. However, I’m not really incredibly Irish myself. I’m 93%something else. But there is interesting piece of history for a family member I am somehow a direct descendant of, without being incredibly Irish
I'd like to imagine there's a version of this song based in Poland with someone wanting to ride in the Calvary like the legendary Winged Hussars only to end with being the Cavalry force that may or may not have charged the German tanks during the Blitzkrieg.
Bless you Colm, this is outstanding work. My son and I started horse riding a couple of months ago and every time we drive there this is blasting in the car, he really loves this song. Stay awesome mate.
This was... sad in one hand, but just so beautiful in the other, can't stop replaying!!
If I had to be in the cavalry, the good steed I’d want under me would be an M-1 Abrams.
Thats a silly name for a horse tho.
But then you'd have to change the lyrics to 'I wanna be inside a good steed', and that would otherwise give it a *very* different meaning.
When I was 18 I wanted to be a tanker (Leopard 2), the two english regiments in Canada are the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and Lord Strathcona's Horse. I should have done it, but oh well. I'm 27 now so although I'm not too old, being a private pushing 30 is rough.
Most cavalary units now deploy by helicopter or IFVs.
@@crapparc Bradley is still works as a horse name at least lol
Colm, remember to do the Reprise, too. That's the other side of the coin. This was inspired by the Union side. Reprise for the rebels. I am surprised by the number of cavalry-related songs you found around.
Came down here to make sure that this was said. We need the second half of the story.
I always took it as this was the young recruit with his mind full of adventure and glory, while the reprise was the weary veteran who only wants to go home and put it all behind him.
Honestly, I don't think that's really the Confederate version. If you're putting it as that? Guy, I'm going to tell you that war sucks for all involved. Even the "winners" good people coming home in caskets doesn't have a side. And before you call me a neo-confederate! My dad was a green beret, and I served in the Navy. I wanna be in the cavalry is the optimistic new recruit, Reprise is the "lucky" cavalry man that comes back.
Pretty sure both versions are supposed to be by the same person, but yes, Colm, please do the reprise too!
The reprise is so depressing but it really shows the other side of the coin, which I personally love
Oh whooho you listened to me!!!
Well probably not but I've literally been waiting a year for you to cover this masterpiece now give me your goddamn patreon you deserve money for this.
*Edit* commented before listening to this. After listening, holy shit that kicked ass. This has made me so happy. You have the seal of approval from a humble veteran.
A real boot to boot, heart to heart, ride to glory and a handsome grave foot stomper, well done!
So if you're doing "I Wanna Be in the Cavalry", does this mean you're also going to do the Reprise of it at a later date? And of course, since they're related musically, how about "The Idiot" by Stan Rogers?
Seconding the latter.
Just so long as he doesn't have the ego to flip the message, like a certain other artist....
Colm doing a cover of “The Idiot” would be great
@@stantrien8106 couldn't agree more. Beautiful song. Beautiful message, would love to see someone more recent do it the justice it deserves.
Can't tell you how much I was disappointed about what happened with the *other* cover artist*
@@imperialphoenix1229 what happened?
@@fallingskies8991 another cover artist by the moniker seth station made a cover of 'the idiot' by stan rogers
A beautiful piece about a working man who left his home to grind away in a factory chose to do so because he wouldn't compromise his morals by living off of government wellfare.
Featuring it's most iconic line "I could have stayed to take the doll, but I'm not one of those. I take nothing free and that makes me, an idiot, I suppose" This is most commonly interpreted as meaning 'some may call me an idiot for turning down money, but it goes against my morals'
Seth had the bright idea to write an extra verse on top of it that essentially translated to 'yes, you are an idiot' and put up a karl marx quote on screen.
You know... the guy who created the concept of socialism, an authoritarian governing system that's the basis for both communism and classical fascism. Because that's definitely the message a song about hard work in spite of the government was trying to send, that everything should be owned and controlled by the government.
TLDR: he covered a very libertarian song about hard work and added literal communist propaganda to the end of it
Love this even more than the original. World star
Why does this song slap so hard, I have zero military background, have no idea how to ride a horse but can’t stop listening to the song.
Passion and bravery are contagious.
Amazing as always. Mr McGuinness, you should try doing Battle Hymn of the Republic in your Irish Trad style, preferably the original full version. I think it'd sound spectacular.
YES!!!! This is going to be AWESOME!!!!
Hell yes!! So much spirit!!! You do it proud sir! Way to sing it from your chest!!!
Former sailor, I was fortunate enough to transfer to the Army and be posted with a aviation recon unit and managed to earn my golden spurs in Iraq. :)
That mustache is something I did not think I needed but now that you have it I really want it to stay!
Holy muesli, I just listened to the original for the first time, and now that I know how much you spiced up the song, it's even more awesome! Those vocal harmonies are glorious!
I really wish you had more of these on iTunes
You jerk I just got this song out of my head. Now there is 3 excellent versions of this banger
Corb rocks. He's got dozens of excellent songs.
This is a great cover!
Glorious cover, as always!
I hope you cover the reprise version eventually, I love the contrast of the two versions and would love to hear your take on it.
The reprise version resembles the confederacy and the this version resembles the union in the civil war. Thats why there is such a contrast
Brings me back to when I was in the service as a Cavalry Scout a few years ago. Best worst times of my life. Thanks for covering this sir.
Part of it is lighting but you have one of the more expressive faces I've seen. Plus your sheer range. Going from wrathful song of an undead damned soul to relegious hymnal that is mourning, to this jaunty little tune of wanting to join up and be part of the cavalry.
You are a man of many talents.
Any chance yo ucould do more tracks of you and the lady because your vocal overlap is just plain amazing to listen to.
1st Squadron of the 40th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) checking in. Just completed our Spur Ride to induct our troopers into the grand traditions of the Cavalry. Our Spur Holder played this on loop for a fair amount of the 23 hours we spent rucking over the hills of Alaska. Before this was just a neat song, but now it make me incredibly proud to be a Cavalryman. Thanks for such a great cover Colm!
Seriously. What a talented singer, amazing stuff. 🙂
Found this in my release Radar on Spotify. When i saw the tilte i clicked without Hesitation! I love this song. And now i love it even more. Your Version is the best to date.
Great Voice! Good job!!!!
You are a Very Talented young man - bravo!
One of my favorite songs? Covered by one of my favorite artists on youtube?
This was a treat to listen to, I salute you sir!
I was telling my mates at work that there this man colm not only can sing songs that makes your bone shiver, but he also has the sweaters to warm them right up too
I found this song a few weeks ago. Absolutely love it
The voice of where i'm from, and the song of where i'm at, bravo as always.
Your music is so amazing! Your voice is incredible and the whole rendition captivated me start to finish. 10/10 No notes.
I was in the 1st Calvary Div. for my time in the Army. A company 8th Engr BN and 2nd Batt 7th Cavalry Regiment
This is glorious.
Only the Infantry...💪
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I wanna good steed under me like my forefathers before
I wanna good mount when the bugle sounds and I hear the cannons' roar
I wanna be in the cavalry if they send me off to war
I wanna horse in the volunteer force that's riding forth at dawn
Please save for me some gallantry that will echo when I'm gone
I beg of you sarge let me lead the charge when the battle lines are drawn
Lemme at least leave a good hoof beat they'll remember loud and long
I'd not a good foot soldier make, I'd be sour and slow at march
And I'd be sick on a navy ship, and the sea would leave me parched
But I'll be first in line if they'll let me ride, by god, you'll see my starch
Lope back o'er the heath with the laurel wreath underneath that vict'ry arch( repeats chorus)
Let me earn my spurs in the battle's blur where the day is lost or won
I'll wield my lance as the ponies dance and the blackguards fire their guns
A sabre keen, and a saddle carbine and an army Remington
Where the hot lead screams with the cold, cold steel let me be a cav'lryman( instrumental solo/ repeats chorus)
Let 'em play their flutes and stirrup my boots and place them back to front
For I won't be back on the rider-less black and I'm finished in my hunt
I wanna be in the cavalry if I must go off to war
I wanna be in the cavalry, but I won't ride home no more
I was in the cavalry when I served. Never knew my grandfather, but apparently he was in the cavalry too. The little things
Bro Yes! Corb Lund is already killer, you made it 1000x times better!
Love this song! And, bruv, that scarf!
I am binge-listening this masterpiece today. 💜💜
Amazing as always!
Horse soldier! Horse soldier! When?
The soldiers ride the horses
Why cant i stop listening to this? WHAT KIND OF MIND CONTROL POWERS DO YOU POSESS MAN!!!! All that aside this song is damn good
Your harmonizing and instrumental work continue to blow me away! Would love to see your take on Horse Soldier.
Such a great song spent meant hours listening to it while in the military
Once again an amazing rendition, also nice stache, you are now qualified to be a detective 😁
I was a Medic for a Cav unit. So awesome to hear you covering this song!
HORSE SOLDIER, HORSE SOLDIER!!!
I'm a Hussar, I'm a Hun, I'm a wretched Englishman;
Routing Bonaparte at Waterloo.
I'm a Dragoon on a Dun, I'm a Cossak on the run;
I'm a horse soldier, timeless through and through.
This. Favorite song by Corb Lund, hands down.
Man, this really made my school day less crap. Thanks.
Been listening to this on Spotify all week and it blows the original out of the water.
I find it fascinating, how sometimes you can make a good guess on what part of a Songs melody sounds like solely from the title.
i've said this before but i think a cover of oak and ash and thorn would be great, love your work!
I was waiting for this to come to RUclips! I’ve listened to your version about 30 times on Spotify in the past 2 days. Love it! I listened the the original by Corb Lund so much I can’t play it around my wife anymore. This will likely be the same!
I wonder if there are artillery, navy, and infantry versions of this song? If so, I'd love to hear them in Colm's voice. Best representative.🥺😂The cavalry song you sang made me want to join the cavalry. 😍🤩👍
There aren't version of this song for those, but the US Artillery has "The Caissons go rolling along", and the Infantry has a couple of official songs, but I think "Dogface Soldier" might be what you're looking for.
@@tearzaloren8194 Thanks a bunch! ❤
Cheers from Alberta, home of Corb Lund. Awesome. Consider Horse Soldier
Thank you, this and the reprise are some of my favorite songs!
I would love if you eventually follow this with the reprise, I think you would sing it beautifully.
As soon as I saw Corb Lund I knew instantly to like and share this.
Hells yeah! There's a lot of classic American country music I thought you'd sound awesome with, this being one of them! Look forward to the release!
Hey now, Corb Lund's Canadian my dude.
@@evilspoons So is Dean Brody, Shania Twain, and several others. American country was meant to describe style vs nationality. Keith Urban's auzzie but is Nashville legend.
Love your music! You are my baby's favorite lullaby, he hears you and immediately calms and starts to fall asleep ❤
May you please put your own unique twist on the song mountain dew by the Dubliners, that would be dope AF
BET!
I love this channel, and so does my girlfriend, who's of Irish descent. Never change man, you're a beacon of light and a great source of joy in an age where music has lost its beauty.
Halfway down the trail to Hell, in a shady meadow green -
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped near a good old-time canteen -
And this eternal resting place is known as Fiddler's Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell, the Infantry are seen -
Along with the Engineers, Artillery & Marines -
For none but the shade of Cavalrymen dismount at Fiddler's Green.
Though some go curving down the trail to seek a warmer scene -
No trooper ever gets to Hell 'till he's emptied his canteen -
And so rides back to drink again with friends at Fiddler's Green.
And so, when Man & Horse go down beneath a saber keen -
Or in roaring charge of fierce melee, you stop a bullet clean -
And the injuns come to claim your scalp, just empty your canteen -
And put your pistol to your head and go to Fiddler's Green!
Beautiful