The 80s spoiled us…Proof! Here I go again. Great song. Chris delivered a song us 80s kids will remember forever. After all, we are listening to it right now (now is relative to when you are hearing it). Don’t Pay The Ferryman is exactly what the 80s was in terms of music. Our music was all over the place. A little pop-rock with a British sound. It was so great to have the 80s musical landscape unfolding around us. If nothing else in the world was good, our music always was. The 80s spoiled us…
I actually had forgotten about this song. I haven't heard it in decades...but once I started playing it, I was singing along. Music has an amazing ability to transcend time. Such a great tune.
Hadn't heard, Don't Pay The Ferryman, since i can remember, never thought to play i on RUclips or Alexia, timing?! but the song would come into my mind now and then, a lot more than any other song... amazing how the mind works, or doesn't work... good song for my funeral...
Well, for starters, this wasn’t necessarily a big hit. It barely cracked the top 40, and Classic Oldies/80s radio never plays it. Heck, Classic Rock radio doesn’t play it any more. But it’s a fantastic song, indeed!
What a classic from the '80s! Chris De Burgh's character in this video reminds me so much of Barnabas Collins from the Dark Shadows series! Thanks for posting!
It reminds me of Barnabas Collins too ..lol...I used to watch all the Dark Shadows shows with my mom... I'm now 58 years old and she passed away 4 year's ago and she died at the age of 72. I still remember that show among others like it was yesterday..lol...the shows,music, everything..
There is a station I love called Lost 80s on iHeartRadio and they play this song at least once a day. Always thrilling to hear it and it’s still one of the best! Honestly this song is better than Lady In Red. I miss the 80s!!
Ahhh. The 80s was a great to be alive. All those concerts and new music videos and new groups coming out out every week. Here in Cali we used to go to a club called Dillions of Westwood. Richard Blade from KROC 106.7 was there every weekend to introduce new bands. It was awesome.
Hi raggededge82, I also saw him on 2 July 2023, near Hamburg, Germany. Of course he sang this great song. Even talked a few words to him at the reception of the hotel where we ran into him 😊.
“You don’t wait three years to see a Chris De Burgh concert and then MISS the encore of Don't Pay the Ferryman because I'm in the foyer talking about stolen shopping carts? I'm the one Bubbles, not you.”
I loved this song, and one day I saw him at the airport where I was working. He was so gracious and even sang to me at my gate! 😍😊 He indulged me with a selfie.
My dad would play this in the car when I was a kid. The song and story about crossing the river Styx tickled my imagination. It has a special place in my heart. As a child i was *certain* that thanks to Chris De Burgh i would have an edge when I encountered the ferryman 😂
The interesting thing is that it's actually the Acheron that the ferryman carries you across, not the river Styx. The Romans changed the original Greek legend.
This song now has new meaning for me. On 6/11/23, through no fault of my own, my house caught fire and burned to the ground. It was devistating. I lost all the content and house. All that being said, the most devistating part, I lost 2 of my cats. Both were sisters from the same litter, they just turned 3 years old and they were the most precious kittens I've ever had. Loving, sweet and so cute. Hearing this song now, I WOULD pay the ferryman right now, if it would bring those 2 girls back to me. I'm so heartbroken about this.
I remember thinking back in the day that this song must have been about Charon shuttling the dead across the Rivers Styx and Acheron from Greek Mythology (I loved studying that stuff as a kid). I don't remember ever having seen the video back in the day, but it appears to be a more modern take on that story than I thought, now that I have seen it. Still, kickass! Especially for 1982. I always loved the banshee howl!
I know exactly what u mean! It's by far my most favorite also of his songs. I'm 58 yrs old, in my late teens or early 20's when it first came out. I just love him singing it....😘
Here here! I agree about The Lady in Red song. He should Not of switched to that sort of mush. Now I like High on Emotions but my favorite one will always be Don't Pay the Ferryman. It'll always have my heart.
One of my favorite 80's songs, but sometimes I forget how powerful Chris' voice was. And I don't care if he has denied it, that is definitely Tom Baker as the Ferryman. The nose, the teeth, the smile, the hair.
Love this song. I first heard it when this video was played at a Doctor Who convention back in the '80s. (Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor, is the Ferryman.)
My buddy Garry waited three and a half years to see Chris de burgh. Only to miss the encore of don’t pat the ferryman because he was on the phone in the foyer talking about stolen shopping carts
Wow! I can't believe it's been 40 years since I've last heard this song. It's sad how easy it is. To forget great tunes like this. When life gets busy and it doesn't get as much air play as it should. But listening to it now is thrilling. Chris De Burgh's voice has so much power and he just draws you in and it's like your there with him in that particular time. It gives me chills and I love it. 🥰 It's such a timeless classic that should never be forgotten. 🩷🩷🩷
"We were dead of sleep and all clapped under hatches; where, with strange and several noises of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains and more diversity of sounds, all horrible we were awaked; straightaway at liberty; where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld our royal, good, and gallant ship..."
OMG!!! Thank you for reposting this orignial video!!! I've LOVED this for YEARS!!! I remember seeing this on MTv back in the 80's!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!!! I just bookmarked this and will be running this on LOOP FOREVER!!! The song is incredible and the video is just SO COOL!!! For those of us old enough to remember, you could wear out an album, cassette or 8-track tape by over playing them. Hopefully, this cannot happen to RUclips, because I'm going to be testing it with this video!! 🤣 Well, the end of day 3 of binge listening/watching this video during my lunch hour. Still cannot get enough of this!!! THANK YOU CHRIS FOR THIS AWESOME SONG!! 3 weeks later: still listening to this during my lunch time. I will never get enough of this song/video.
@spedc Latest Headline: RUclips Crashes After Unknown Person Plays "Don't Pay The Ferryman" On Continuous Loop For 5 Months Straight. It Has Been Suggested That This Person Go Buy A Cassette Or Record For A More Long-Lasting Performance. 😂😂😂
@spedc I couldn't agree more! This song is truly one of the best I've ever heard and this is the first I've heard this song since the 80's. How sad is that huh? It's amazing how quickly we forget these great classics when we don't hear them as much. But I remember seeing/hearing it on MTV as well and how excited I was. Because it makes you feel like your there sharing that time and experience and no you can never get enough of this tune. Because it's just the darn good! I too remember the records/lp's, cassettes and 8 track tapes I wore out. Gosh those were the good days! I miss them so much. 😊 ❤
The album version of this song is about 20 seconds longer and includes actor Anthony Stewart Head reciting lines from Shakespeare's "The Tempest" in a low vocal tone.
I do remember that version. Even with that not included, I'm overjoyed that the video is back on to view again!! Do you know what was being read? I always heard it but never knew what was being said.
@@spedc Here's what is said: "I'd strive to tell you. We were dead of sleep And (how we know not) all clapp'd under hatches; Where, but even now, with strange and several noises Of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains, And moe diversity of sounds, all horrible, We were awak'd; straightway at liberty; Where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld Our royal, good, and gallant ship;"
@@dagdogg Thanks for that. I've been listening to this song for years and I heard the talk in the background but never knew what was being said. Thanks!!
This would have been on the Billboard chart around the same time as his brother *Murray* Head had a big hit with "One Night in Bangkok" from the musical "Chess."
We made it to the State finals in 1983. We got to our hotel room. I was only 16. When I turned on the radio in my room this was the first song I heard. Such great memories!!
It's about Greek mythology, specifically Charon, the ferryman of the dead to the underworld. That's why the ancient Greeks put coins over the eyelids of their dead, so they could pay the toll across the River Styx.
lol, to find this post 5 hours before I clicked the link thinking the same thing. I thought the song was slower and a bit more dark. This is when Music videos were awesome.
First video I ever saw. I lived in a little town that took forever to get MTV, and my friend Chris took me to his house to let me watch. I thought it was amazing---little 3-minute movies set to music! This particular video doesn't quite hold up as a life-changing event, the tiny budget is obvious, but it sure rocked my world at the time, and I still remember every line and every shot.
I haven't heard this in almost 40 years. Completely forgot about it until it came up on an early 80's channel on Tidal. Couldn't believe I forgot about it...great song!
I have never seen this video before. Chris DOES look like he is from Dark Shadows (either that or Dracula)! But I have always wondered WHAT exactly is this song about?? It sure is wicked good! I am 65 now but the 70s and 80s were SO much fun. So many nice memories, so many people and animal friends long gone.
High on emotion is my fave Chris de Burgh song. I remember those songs back on the good old MTV in the 1980s. I like all his songs, Lady in Red as well. I wonder what became of him.
It was late at night on the open road Speeding like a man on the run A lifetime spent preparing for the journey He is closer now and the search is on Reading from a map in the mind Yes there's the ragged hill And there's the boat on the river And when the rain came down He heard a wild dog howl There were voices in the night, ("Don't do it") Voices out of sight, ("Don't do it") Too many men have failed before "Whatever you do Don't pay the ferryman Don't even fix a price Don't pay the ferryman Until he gets you to the other side" In the rolling mist then he gets on board Now there'll be no turning back Beware that hooded old man at the rudder And then the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared And people calling out his name And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned On the water And then the ferryman said "There is trouble ahead So you must pay me now, " ("Don't do it") "You must pay me now, " ("Don't do it") And still that voice came from beyond "Whatever you do Don't pay the ferryman Don't even fix a price Don't pay the ferryman Until he gets you to the other side" Yeah! Don't pay the ferryman Don't even fix a price Don't pay the ferryman Until he gets you to the other side Don't pay the ferryman Don't even fix a price Don't pay the ferryman Until he gets you to the other side Don't pay the ferryman Don't even fix a price Don't pay the ferryman Until he gets you to the other side Don't pay the ferryman
It's been over 30 years since I've heard this song. As someone else said. Music has an amazing ability to transcend time. The lyrics came rushing back. Singing along! Don't do it!!
40 years ago at my High school prom they gave out Record Albums as prizes to some. I was given this album as a prize for dancing good at the prom. Memories. Wow.
I always love the 80 ever yet because of the Rock music. It's logical cause that I was born in the early 80's. 🎶😎🎧 And my first time with the music from Chris de burgh was that one. Since my first best gift was a Walkman as i came in the school in the late 80's. 🚸🏫🚸🧱🏘️📻🎶🎸📼📺 Because such devices were a highlight in the first school year back then, I wasn't alone with the fact, Musical development, at the end of the 80's. At the time, no one suspected that this was a roller coaster of emotions that was very sensitive in the minds of growing children. 🛋️📻🎶🐝🦋🌇🕰️🌔
Oh my goodness😯, I haven't heard this amazing song since I was in High School back in 1984. I'm so proud and happy to have gone through the 80's as they were best times and GREAT and AWESOME music.😀🤘
Had this song on "45" back in the day, I love this song. I remember watching this video on Much Music back in the 80's, and I remember dancing to this song at the bars I went to back in the 80's too, great memories! MTV gold!! :)
Chris played for us back in the 70's at the Armadillo World Headquarters. Don't think he knew what to think of all us hippies there in Austin Texas. But I got to keep the poster from the gig. Talked a little bit with him backstage after the show. 😎✌ I had a great time, hope he did too
Many years ago a n old friend told me she thought this song was about some people who had been sent to hell by mistake, whatever the story behind it is a FANTASMAGORICAL song!!!
I recall seeing this often in the early MTV days, and was glad to be able to track it down after 40-odd years. Amazing how the erie music and imagry has stuck with me as if it were yesterday.
Back when videos only cost a buck fifty and one large pizza to produce. Still, I love this song; it reminds me of playing Dungeons and Dragons back in the early eighties. 😁
What a shame that all these people who fondly remember the song from 1982 didn't translate that love into record sales. He should have been as big a star in the US as he is in the rest of the world. Yes the song is badass - I bought his album "The Getaway", a true lost classic.
This song came out my freshman year at university. Still remember the lyrics after all these years. Another great one by Chris DeBurgh is “Spanish Train.” If you like “Ferryman,” you’ll like Spanish Train.”
How so? When it came out, every radio was playing it. Everyone was talking about it. It was an awesome hit loved by millions. The term 'underrated' is so overused.
@@paulrosebush9137you are , in my opinion correct. I have seen this word used a lot. I went from a teenager, into my early twenties in the 80s. Underrated is the word people use that didn’t live in that era. I have come to the conclusion, underrated means- I have just discovered it, and I like it.
Even though I've always been primarily a metalhead (although I also love a lot of early electronic music from the likes of Vangelis and Jarre), I've always had a soft spot for stuff like Chris de Burgh, Meatloaf, and Queen
@@filter021 wNormally, I would say that people on here would not know who Barnabas Collins was, but it seems to be 80s people that are commenting on this video, so I'm sure a GREAT deal of us know who Barnabas is!!
as a 7 yr old in 1986 in a hospital ward for 2 weeks recovering from an op, this album was played over and over again by one of the other patients and I hated it but now its strange its a nice memory and the song is amazing!
I loved the original and have it on a playlist; came across this on RUclips and know who Chris de burgh is. This is a great rendition of this great song he does it justice.
2024 .. remembering when he opened for Asia in Philly. Underrated talent...😊
I saw him open for Aisa outside of Chicago at an old outdoor amphitheater
@@philipwaspi1470 Poplar Creek?
Haven't heard this in 35 years and still as badass as I remembered it..great memories
He;s totally rocking the Barnabas Collins look.
DeBurgh is the original Euro-Goth storytelling badass!
Amen Brother.
Yes! I feel the same way u do.
I got you on that 1, close though by a little
" a lifetime preparing for the journey"...as I approach retirement, this feels like me, and I recall this song from my youth.
I had no idea " the journey " was even in the cards!
@@tatianalyulkin410Could you explain what you mean by that? I'm not understanding.
Working your ass off, or not, to die and pay your final tax bill. The only two things for sure in this life.
The 80s spoiled us…Proof!
Here I go again.
Great song. Chris delivered a song us 80s kids will remember forever. After all, we are listening to it right now (now is relative to when you are hearing it).
Don’t Pay The Ferryman is exactly what the 80s was in terms of music. Our music was all over the place. A little pop-rock with a British sound.
It was so great to have the 80s musical landscape unfolding around us. If nothing else in the world was good, our music always was.
The 80s spoiled us…
Bingo! Well said 80s have had so many #1 hits than any other decade and still timeless!!!
The music from the 60s 70s 80s and early 90s was great. It was happy music, it was good music. Today's music is awful.
@@user-nu8in3ey8c songwriting was great too.
@@bobbonj1171 Agreed
I cranked this up on my 1977 nova whenever it came on. Our music holds up!
Takes me back to old days when MTV actually played music. Good music, that is
real "old man yells at cloud" energy in your comment. "good music" wtf does that even mean?
Don't Pay the Ferryman 😊@@CRneu
@@spikeal5296nice 😎
@@CRneu Why do Millennials never seem to know wtf anything means?
I actually had forgotten about this song. I haven't heard it in decades...but once I started playing it, I was singing along. Music has an amazing ability to transcend time. Such a great tune.
I started singing with it too.
Hadn't heard, Don't Pay The Ferryman, since i can remember, never thought to play i on RUclips or Alexia, timing?! but the song would come into my mind now and then, a lot more than any other song... amazing how the mind works, or doesn't work... good song for my funeral...
Very well said.
☮
G damn this is a stupid song
@@byelevenseas Wrong. It is a stupid song to you.
There is no such thing as 'stupid' art.
Bye, troll.
☮
Great song . I remember watching this video on MTV in its early days . The 80’s were good times 😎😎😎
I’ve had video killed the radeo star stuck in my head all day . No regrets.
How did I not hear this song before? I’m a 40 year old man who loves 80’s music! What a fantastic song!
Well, for starters, this wasn’t necessarily a big hit. It barely cracked the top 40, and Classic Oldies/80s radio never plays it. Heck, Classic Rock radio doesn’t play it any more. But it’s a fantastic song, indeed!
Miss Old Mtv of the 1980's that is how I heard this song. ❤
You never heard it before? 😳🤯
You're too young dude for when it was popular. Plus this wasn't a huge hit, even though it's definitely an 80s defining song
What a classic from the '80s! Chris De Burgh's character in this video reminds me so much of Barnabas Collins from the Dark Shadows series! Thanks for posting!
I was wondering why he felt so familiar!
Hanging out at The Old House
And the ferryman is doctor who tom baker
Yes our favorite Dr. Who. Tom Baker.
It reminds me of Barnabas Collins too ..lol...I used to watch all the Dark Shadows shows with my mom... I'm now 58 years old and she passed away 4 year's ago and she died at the age of 72. I still remember that show among others like it was yesterday..lol...the shows,music, everything..
Why isn't this gem of a song never played on the radio or Sirius XM?1? It was fantastic then and still is!
Because Sirius XM merged and watered down good music.
There is a station I love called Lost 80s on iHeartRadio and they play this song at least once a day. Always thrilling to hear it and it’s still one of the best! Honestly this song is better than Lady In Red. I miss the 80s!!
If you request it, they'll actually play it.
The 80s on 8 channel played this song back in 2020.
Oh my, I haven't heard this ..like since high school, I just came up on my feed on RUclips. Holy shit totally forgot about this song 🎵 😮
Rushing home after school, hoping to catch my favorite videos on MTV 💃🏻GenX!
I had vhs tapes full of them
Ahhh. The 80s was a great to be alive. All those concerts and new music videos and new groups coming out out every week. Here in Cali we used to go to a club called Dillions of Westwood. Richard Blade from KROC 106.7 was there every weekend to introduce new bands. It was awesome.
Yep this video aired early back during the MTV days for sure!!!
Same!!!!
@William HELLHASEYIS I didn’t like it either, I always felt it was a ripoff of Wonderful Tonight.
saw him last night, April 6 2023 in Halifax NS. at 74 years old he can still rock!
Hi raggededge82, I also saw him on 2 July 2023, near Hamburg, Germany. Of course he sang this great song. Even talked a few words to him at the reception of the hotel where we ran into him 😊.
Trailer Park Boys brought me here. Glad you had a good time at the show dude.
Does he play in States?
Saw him at the Rebecca Cohn once. Just him and a 12 string.
I missed the encore because i was on the phone with my boss about shopping carts
i don't think I've heard this gem since the 80's. I was in my late 20s and hooked on MTV. Great memories! Thanks for posting.
A big nod to the 80s...what a great decade. Maybe the ferryman can guide me back there someday.
Just don’t pay him until he gets you there. 😁
@@little1942 Right!
“You don’t wait three years to see a Chris De Burgh concert and then MISS the encore of Don't Pay the Ferryman because I'm in the foyer talking about stolen shopping carts? I'm the one Bubbles, not you.”
Well turn your phone off Gary
Gary, someone’s masturbating in the food court!
@@capttrouble Don't fuck with me, Bubbles...
Hey! I'm the mall manager!
I loved this song, and one day I saw him at the airport where I was working. He was so gracious and even sang to me at my gate! 😍😊 He indulged me with a selfie.
Chris is a nice guy.
My dad would play this in the car when I was a kid. The song and story about crossing the river Styx tickled my imagination. It has a special place in my heart. As a child i was *certain* that thanks to Chris De Burgh i would have an edge when I encountered the ferryman 😂
The interesting thing is that it's actually the Acheron that the ferryman carries you across, not the river Styx. The Romans changed the original Greek legend.
Actually it's the boat that carries you across. Archon was an 80s video game.
This man is an amazing singer and song writer! Lady in Red is mesmerizing.
Check out "Spanish Train" from "Spanish Train And Other Stories"!
Classic!
👍🏻
And yet so very different to this track. Could be by two separate artists.
He actually can’t sing for shit 😂
This song now has new meaning for me. On 6/11/23, through no fault of my own, my house caught fire and burned to the ground. It was devistating. I lost all the content and house. All that being said, the most devistating part, I lost 2 of my cats. Both were sisters from the same litter, they just turned 3 years old and they were the most precious kittens I've ever had. Loving, sweet and so cute. Hearing this song now, I WOULD pay the ferryman right now, if it would bring those 2 girls back to me. I'm so heartbroken about this.
😢😢😢
So sorry for such a devastating loss.
I have a cat too and I feel your pain. So sad.
So sorry to hear this. Time heals all, they say. But I don't know.
So sorry. Love is everything, it will always be there between you and them...more priceless then gold. Keep loving .
Mystery Science Theater, thank you for bringing me here.
This and Ambrosia's "Biggest Part of Me" are on my list of "great songs I discovered because of MST3K."
One of the coolest most underrated song from the 80's.
I remember thinking back in the day that this song must have been about Charon shuttling the dead across the Rivers Styx and Acheron from Greek Mythology (I loved studying that stuff as a kid). I don't remember ever having seen the video back in the day, but it appears to be a more modern take on that story than I thought, now that I have seen it. Still, kickass! Especially for 1982. I always loved the banshee howl!
To all the people who say this song is badass... You're right! One of my favorites from the 80's. Love the melody that winds through it.
I remember this video playing on MTV (back when they played music.)
Love MTV I’m hearing impaired and this is visual radio to us! 🤘🏻
Is MTV even still around?
@@AJ-tp9bk it is,but not the MTV we all remember. :(
Back when MTV was great.
I haven't heard this song in 42 yrs.. Crazy! What a cool song!
This is, by far, my favorite Chris DeBurgh song.
It's a pity that he switched to mushy stuff like Lady In Red.
I know exactly what u mean! It's by far my most favorite also of his songs. I'm 58 yrs old, in my late teens or early 20's when it first came out. I just love him singing it....😘
Here here! I agree about The Lady in Red song. He should Not of switched to that sort of mush. Now I like High on Emotions but my favorite one will always be Don't Pay the Ferryman. It'll always have my heart.
Mine also...😊
And " High on emotion"....
One of my favorite 80's songs, but sometimes I forget how powerful Chris' voice was. And I don't care if he has denied it, that is definitely Tom Baker as the Ferryman. The nose, the teeth, the smile, the hair.
I remember how often MTV played this video in the 80s. Ah, I miss those times.
Me and my brother always stopped fighting when this song played on MTV, if only for a few minutes.
Luv this song & video. Miss the 80's
Love this song. I first heard it when this video was played at a Doctor Who convention back in the '80s. (Tom Baker, the Fourth Doctor, is the Ferryman.)
Apparently Baker and De Burgh both deny it is Tom in the video...
An eighties classic! I couldn't wait for this video to play daily on MTV back then.
Legend has it that if you sing this song in a movie theater, Michael J. Nelson appears and picks you up and throws you across the room.
This is so junior high era for me...that classic 83-85 era
I miss old Mtv of the 1980's that is how I heard this song. ❤
Still remember this video on MTV like yesterday!!!
My buddy Garry waited three and a half years to see Chris de burgh. Only to miss the encore of don’t pat the ferryman because he was on the phone in the foyer talking about stolen shopping carts
😂. He's never gonna live that one down! Where did you see Chris at?
Unfortunately our society has failed to heed Chris De Burgh's wisdom. Till this day ferrymen still require an upfront fee.
I saw him perform live this spring. The entire audience was singing this song! An amazing artist!
Wow! I can't believe it's been 40 years since I've last heard this song. It's sad how easy it is. To forget great tunes like this. When life gets busy and it doesn't get as much air play as it should. But listening to it now is thrilling. Chris De Burgh's voice has so much power and he just draws you in and it's like your there with him in that particular time. It gives me chills and I love it. 🥰 It's such a timeless classic that should never be forgotten. 🩷🩷🩷
what a great song this is one of my all time favorites. probably the best song chris deburgh ever did.
That’s it! I’m going back to the 80’s!!
Forty two years ago and this song and video are incredible
i love this wonderful song. de burgh is just too good!!
"We were dead of sleep
and all clapped under hatches;
where, with strange and several noises
of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains
and more diversity of sounds, all horrible
we were awaked; straightaway at liberty;
where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld
our royal, good, and gallant ship..."
Don't pay the ferryman a great song. But then in November 2022 I died 3 times from a brain aneurysm. But each time I was brought back Thank God
One of my favorites!! 80’s rule!!
The first Chris de Burgh song I had heard and even after 40years still a real favourite
For absolutely no reason today, I recalled this song out of the blue. This and "Ship to Shore" So big in my high school days.
I forgot about that one. Kudos.
Same album
I remember hearing this for the first time, I was 14 and till this day it stays in my head when I hear it. 5/2024 still here, you?
OMG!!! Thank you for reposting this orignial video!!! I've LOVED this for YEARS!!! I remember seeing this on MTv back in the 80's!!! Thank you SO MUCH!!!! I just bookmarked this and will be running this on LOOP FOREVER!!! The song is incredible and the video is just SO COOL!!! For those of us old enough to remember, you could wear out an album, cassette or 8-track tape by over playing them. Hopefully, this cannot happen to RUclips, because I'm going to be testing it with this video!! 🤣 Well, the end of day 3 of binge listening/watching this video during my lunch hour. Still cannot get enough of this!!! THANK YOU CHRIS FOR THIS AWESOME SONG!! 3 weeks later: still listening to this during my lunch time. I will never get enough of this song/video.
@spedc Latest Headline: RUclips Crashes After Unknown Person Plays "Don't Pay The Ferryman" On Continuous Loop For 5 Months Straight. It Has Been Suggested That This Person Go Buy A Cassette Or Record For A More Long-Lasting Performance. 😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣@@aspirecan4829 I wonder how many people will read your comment and say, "What is a cassette???" LMAO
I would listen to songs on my turntable and repeatedly play them. We still have our albums.
@spedc
I couldn't agree more! This song is truly one of the best I've ever heard and this is the first I've heard this song since the 80's. How sad is that huh? It's amazing how quickly we forget these great classics when we don't hear them as much. But I remember seeing/hearing it on MTV as well and how excited I was. Because it makes you feel like your there sharing that time and experience and no you can never get enough of this tune. Because it's just the darn good! I too remember the records/lp's, cassettes and 8 track tapes I wore out. Gosh those were the good days! I miss them so much. 😊 ❤
@@aspirecan4829
That's hilarious! 👍🤣 Thanks I needed the laughs today! 😉
The album version of this song is about 20 seconds longer and includes actor Anthony Stewart Head reciting lines from Shakespeare's "The Tempest" in a low vocal tone.
I do remember that version. Even with that not included, I'm overjoyed that the video is back on to view again!! Do you know what was being read? I always heard it but never knew what was being said.
@@spedc Here's what is said: "I'd strive to tell you. We were dead of sleep And (how we know not) all clapp'd under hatches; Where, but even now, with strange and several noises Of roaring, shrieking, howling, jingling chains, And moe diversity of sounds, all horrible, We were awak'd; straightway at liberty; Where we, in all her trim, freshly beheld Our royal, good, and gallant ship;"
@@dagdogg Thanks for that. I've been listening to this song for years and I heard the talk in the background but never knew what was being said. Thanks!!
This would have been on the Billboard chart around the same time as his brother *Murray* Head had a big hit with "One Night in Bangkok" from the musical "Chess."
We made it to the State finals in 1983. We got to our hotel room. I was only 16. When I turned on the radio in my room this was the first song I heard. Such great memories!!
Oh my god Chris de Burgh ! I had a co worker who was his Neighbor in his native country he lived in a castle . He is a very good singer .
I have no idea what this song is really about, but I have loved it for 40 years.
It's about Greek mythology, specifically Charon, the ferryman of the dead to the underworld. That's why the ancient Greeks put coins over the eyelids of their dead, so they could pay the toll across the River Styx.
I would love to see King Diamond cover the song that would be awesome🤘🤘🤘🤘
havent thought of this song in 40 years. i vaguely remember flashes from this video. interesting how some songs grow and some vanish
lol, to find this post 5 hours before I clicked the link thinking the same thing. I thought the song was slower and a bit more dark. This is when Music videos were awesome.
First video I ever saw. I lived in a little town that took forever to get MTV, and my friend Chris took me to his house to let me watch. I thought it was amazing---little 3-minute movies set to music! This particular video doesn't quite hold up as a life-changing event, the tiny budget is obvious, but it sure rocked my world at the time, and I still remember every line and every shot.
My favorite from de Burgh. Chris is such a talented musical artist! 🎸🎸
Wow. I haven’t heard this song in many years. Thank you for sharing.
Loved this song and his voice as a young teen when it was released. Pure majestic power 💥💥💥
I haven't heard this in almost 40 years. Completely forgot about it until it came up on an early 80's channel on Tidal. Couldn't believe I forgot about it...great song!
Love this song! It's a classic!
I love this song, but no one I know has ever heard of it.
I have never seen this video before. Chris DOES look like he is from Dark Shadows (either that or Dracula)! But I have always wondered WHAT exactly is this song about?? It sure is wicked good! I am 65 now but the 70s and 80s were SO much fun. So many nice memories, so many people and animal friends long gone.
Charon, the ferryman who transported the dead over the Styx to the underworld. If you paid _before_ the crossing, he might tip you out of the boat.
I was 20 in 1982 and it sounds as good to me now as it did then. Must have a listen to his other stuff, thanks for the posting.
I forgot about that song. Such good music 🎶
Classic!! And Chris sounds like a gentleman
High on emotion is my fave Chris de Burgh song. I remember those songs back on the good old MTV in the 1980s. I like all his songs, Lady in Red as well. I wonder what became of him.
He was messing around with 19 year old nanny, while his wife was in hospital, and since then sort of became a laughingstock.
It was late at night on the open road
Speeding like a man on the run
A lifetime spent preparing for the journey
He is closer now and the search is on
Reading from a map in the mind
Yes there's the ragged hill
And there's the boat on the river
And when the rain came down
He heard a wild dog howl
There were voices in the night, ("Don't do it")
Voices out of sight, ("Don't do it")
Too many men have failed before
"Whatever you do
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side"
In the rolling mist then he gets on board
Now there'll be no turning back
Beware that hooded old man at the rudder
And then the lightning flashed, and the thunder roared
And people calling out his name
And dancing bones that jabbered and a-moaned
On the water
And then the ferryman said
"There is trouble ahead
So you must pay me now, " ("Don't do it")
"You must pay me now, " ("Don't do it")
And still that voice came from beyond
"Whatever you do
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side"
Yeah!
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side
Don't pay the ferryman
Don't even fix a price
Don't pay the ferryman
Until he gets you to the other side
Don't pay the ferryman
It's been over 30 years since I've heard this song. As someone else said. Music has an amazing ability to transcend time. The lyrics came rushing back. Singing along! Don't do it!!
40 years ago at my High school prom they gave out Record Albums as prizes to some. I was given this album as a prize for dancing good at the prom. Memories. Wow.
I'm sorry I had forgotten this song. I have added it to my playlists and will have to see if they have it at karaoke. Still a great song.
I always love the 80 ever yet because of the Rock music.
It's logical cause that I was born in the early 80's.
🎶😎🎧
And my first time with the music from Chris de burgh was that one. Since my first best gift was a Walkman as i came in the school in the late 80's.
🚸🏫🚸🧱🏘️📻🎶🎸📼📺
Because such devices were a highlight in the first school year back then, I wasn't alone with the fact, Musical development, at the end of the 80's.
At the time, no one suspected that this was a roller coaster of emotions that was very sensitive in the minds of growing children. 🛋️📻🎶🐝🦋🌇🕰️🌔
Oh my goodness😯, I haven't heard this amazing song since I was in High School back in 1984. I'm so proud and happy to have gone through the 80's as they were best times and GREAT and AWESOME music.😀🤘
Had this song on "45" back in the day, I love this song. I remember watching this video on Much Music back in the 80's, and I remember dancing to this song at the bars I went to back in the 80's too, great memories! MTV gold!! :)
Chris played for us back in the 70's at the Armadillo World Headquarters. Don't think he knew what to think of all us hippies there in Austin Texas. But I got to keep the poster from the gig. Talked a little bit with him backstage after the show. 😎✌ I had a great time, hope he did too
Many years ago a n old friend told me she thought this song was about some people who had been sent to hell by mistake, whatever the story behind it is a FANTASMAGORICAL song!!!
my sister and mother loved this singer and went to a concert. i was so disappointed i wasn't asked to go with them.
I recall seeing this often in the early MTV days, and was glad to be able to track it down after 40-odd years. Amazing how the erie music and imagry has stuck with me as if it were yesterday.
Still love this song in 2023
Back when videos only cost a buck fifty and one large pizza to produce. Still, I love this song; it reminds me of playing Dungeons and Dragons back in the early eighties. 😁
One large pizza, with extra cocaine. You have to have the right toppings.
Great song and video from the 80s. One of our favorites. We hadn't seen this video many years. Great to see it again.
This is great video for the early MTV days.
What a shame that all these people who fondly remember the song from 1982 didn't translate that love into record sales. He should have been as big a star in the US as he is in the rest of the world. Yes the song is badass - I bought his album "The Getaway", a true lost classic.
I remember he was way more popular here in Canada (particularly in Newfoundland!) than in the US. This was a minor top 40 hit in America, though.
What a blast from the past 😳 great memories with this one 💝
This song came out my freshman year at university. Still remember the lyrics after all these years. Another great one by Chris DeBurgh is “Spanish Train.” If you like “Ferryman,” you’ll like Spanish Train.”
Songs from the never gets old. This one is wonderful.
This is a brilliant song and is still awesome to listen too.
This track is just so underrated!
How so? When it came out, every radio was playing it. Everyone was talking about it. It was an awesome hit loved by millions. The term 'underrated' is so overused.
@@paulrosebush9137you are , in my opinion correct. I have seen this word used a lot. I went from a teenager, into my early twenties in the 80s. Underrated is the word people use that didn’t live in that era. I have come to the conclusion, underrated means- I have just discovered it, and I like it.
This is me being surprised that there was a video for this song, a fan for 35 years...😮
Wow! I have"t heard this for so long. Great memories. 😇👍👍👍👍
My cousin and I used to listen to this album constantly. Good memories. He died of an OD in 2004.
Even though I've always been primarily a metalhead (although I also love a lot of early electronic music from the likes of Vangelis and Jarre), I've always had a soft spot for stuff like Chris de Burgh, Meatloaf, and Queen
He's rocking the Barnabas Collins look.
@@filter021 wNormally, I would say that people on here would not know who Barnabas Collins was, but it seems to be 80s people that are commenting on this video, so I'm sure a GREAT deal of us know who Barnabas is!!
true legend that can weave music and a story to create a lasting memory
as a 7 yr old in 1986 in a hospital ward for 2 weeks recovering from an op, this album was played over and over again by one of the other patients and I hated it but now its strange its a nice memory and the song is amazing!
The Getaway was an all timer of an album.
I loved the original and have it on a playlist; came across this on RUclips and know who Chris de burgh is.
This is a great rendition of this great song he does it justice.