Over the Hills and Far Away (Irish Version)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มี.ค. 2024
- I wrote these lyrics to the traditional British Army tune back in 2022, to accompany a lecture I gave on soldiers from Poyntzpass who’d served overseas (mostly with the British Army). I wanted to sing a song with a traditional feel, with a chorus people could sing along to, but one which celebrated the Irish experience in the British Army, since it was Irish soldiers I was talking about. I couldn’t find one to fit the bill, so I had write one.
The air is traditional, the lyrics are my own.
I hope you enjoy it :)
🇮🇪🇬🇧☘️💂🏻
Lyrics:
Chorus:
O’er the hills and o’er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands and we’ll obey,
Over the hills and Far Away!
1. The horn of Mars with sword and lance,
In martial strain bade us to dance,
all over the face of Spain and France,
Prime cannon; bayonets, advance!
2. Brave Irishmen did shout and cry
In Portugal we’ll fight and die
And green will flash the midnight sky
As fierce and free our colours fly
3. With fire and haste and rocket’s glow,
To stand and face Britannia’s foe,
But the lays and ballads sure shall show,
‘Twas Irishmen were first to go…
4. Our Captains up on horseback ride,
Our redcoats worn, our muskets primed,
Faugh-a-ballagh roars the tide,
With lance and spear, we’ll France divide
5. Napoleon’s ranks will glory see,
As Heaven bends them at the knee,
But from their ears will ringing be,
Our war-cry for eternity!
"God save Ireland"
~ Sgt. Patrick Harper, 95th Rifles
“Me and Pat, and Wellesley; three Irish heroes standing between Britannia and Bonaparte!”
~ Maj. Hogan ☘️
Yeah this could have been in Sharpe, its phenomenal
I thought this was some obscure rare version of the song until I read the description - you did a great job!
Thank you so much!
This is something I would have expected to be posted 13 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that there are some that still seek to emulate folk songs (or innovate upon them) and capture the aesthetic perfectly. Beautiful usage of words, flows naturally, fits the beats of the song without hiccup... And, what many seem to take for granted, the lyrics tell a story.
The juxtaposition between the calm music and soft vocals which stay consistent even upon telling the more powerful lyrics 2:20, 0:54, to name a few. It shows grace and thoughtfulness. The words need not be shouted. They are powerful enough on their own, and this is the tone you'd hear outside of battle at camp and everyone has wound down and everything is relatively quiet. Perhaps at dusk or dawn or under the moonlight. Or it could represent someone humming it casually with added music. Much like the version posted by OrlopRat42 12 years ago. It represents the individual, or a group silently associating with a solo singer perhaps around a campfire. Again, its graceful and punctual, rather than boisterous (which has its own merits) but both inspiring and perhaps this approach a bit more thoughtful as one may reflect upon the lyrics with less distraction.
Well done.
I have never had a stranger take the time to analyse any of my songs like this before; and I’m absolutely humbled. Thank you so much for listening, and for taking the time to articulate such a wonderful comment. I love folk music, and (being Irish), Irish (and British and American) history fascinates me. Like I mentioned in the description, I wanted a song that celebrated Irish achievements, but with a period-feel, I couldn’t find one so I had to write one! I was going for a more calm recording for that exact reason you mention; in order that it maybe felt like it was being sung in camp, or on a lonely march, or something. Also, I wanted people to be able to make out the lyrics as easily as possible, and I realise my Ulster accent can be difficult to make out; so the slower the better in that sense! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! Thank you so much! ☘️
Without The Celts, our British Army may never have been so great
And they still keep us in subservience ie Scotland
@@davidshaw7157The British government is neglecting even us English now.
We destroyed the mighty Roman Empire .
@@2ndcomingofFritz only in the North
The more they test the more they find Celtic DNA all over England and Great Britain
If you need someone to defend get a regiment of Welshmen or Englishmen. If you need to attack get the Irish or Scotts. If you have to do the impossible get the Gurkhas
❤️🤍💙🇬🇧🏴🏴🏴🇬🇮🇮🇪 brilliant very diffrent verison to queen anns or the very common britania version
Thank you very much!
You all forget: KGL...King's German Legion
Original, yet authentic, lyrics to Over the Hill and Far Away? Now *that's* soldiering! 😎 Seriously though, phenomenal work!
Now that means the world to me! Thank you! Although, I’m not sure if this song would impress an Englishman, never-mind a bloody Frenchman! 😄 I appreciate a good Sharpe reference! I binged-watched it to help me through my dissertation three years ago 😁
@robbmorrow we were all on the same team in these days ....
You, sir, are one skilled lyricist! They're adorable!
Thank you so much 🥹
First time I heard this tune and chorus was on Sharpe by John Timms loved it then love it now awesome adaptation cheers subbed
I absolutely love the version by John Tams, it’s by far the best! He’s got a fantastic voice. It was his version that inspired my own singing of this. Thank you so much!
@@robbmorrow tamms mate yeah awesome version keep going Rob love your work
The best version I've ever heard. More than perfect.
Love from an Irish origin (Ísle of man) born in Norway but live in Sweden.
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me. You’re far too kind! ☘️
I thought thee Isle of Man residents were Manx not Irish. Am I wrong in this assumption?
@@bigbird6039you are correct, the isle of man are Manx but they are Goidelic too which is also the family Irish and Scottish Gaelic are in 💚💙❤️
I love your soothing voice,it fits the song perfectly
Thank you very much!
This is one of my favorite interpretations of this tune yet. It feels genuine. Great work, really.
Thank you so much, that means a lot to me! I’m so glad you think it feels genuine, that was the goal when writing it!
Great job. Ireland has done so much for the benefit of the British Isles.
beautiful mate, from yorkshire
Thank you very much!
Sharpe!!!
Great lyrics, captures the imagination just like the original, well done sir!
Thank you very much!!
The British army was very diverse during the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleon war , not only did they have Irish , Scottish soldiers but also African Americans and Native American soldiers as well .
Oh wow! I really thought this was an old folk song. You guys really nailed the sound. Plus, it's literally so soothing to listen to.
Thanks very much! I tried my best to write the lyrics as period-appropriate as possible. I think the sound comes from the fact it’s literally just me in my bedroom with a guitar 😅 I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
This version of oer the hills and far away got me reflecting. If the American colonists had not rebelled can you imagine the recruiting that would have gone on here for Wellington's army? Alabama,USA.
I think if the American Colonies hadn’t rebelled, then France wouldn’t have had their Revolution; or at least not in the way it happened, and thus, no Napoleon and no Napoleonic Wars. The American Revolution really helped to precipitate the French Revolution and the 1798 Rising in Ireland. But I can certainly imagine the situation if Wellington were to have recruited in America, the army would have been massive!
Always love to hear music from the Napoleonic era/early Victorian and this version of 'Over the Hills and Far Away' was superb mate. Best regards from Portsmouth, England.
I really appreciate that, thank you so much!
Fun fact: the Duke of wellington was Irish
Beautiful song, I discovered it while playing AC Rogue, thanks for this slower, more relaxed version, especially compared to the one I used to sing along with the crew
Hey thanks so much for listening! It means the world to me that you enjoy it! :) How did you discover it if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve got a load of views and subscribers suddenly out of the blue, and I don’t know how people are finding me! 😄
@@robbmorrow oh I had discovered Loch Lomond yesterday, and then after some Irish songs (Mon Ghile Meár, The Foggy Dew), your song popped up in my home page, and I clicked on the video😄
Here's a transcription of the lyrics. (let me know of any errors)
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
The horn of a marred sword and lance,
And Marshals' strain, bay us to dance,
All over the face of Spain and France,
Bright cannons bay, and that's advance.
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
Brave Irishmen did shout and cry,
In Portugal, we'll fight and die,
And green will flash a midnight sky,
As fierce and free, our colours fly.
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
With fire and haste, and rockets' glow,
To stand and face Britannia's foe,
But the lives and valor sure shall show,
Those Irishmen were first to go.
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
Our captains up on horseback ride,
Our redcoats worn, our muskets primed,
"Faugh a ballagh!" o'er the tide,
With lance and spear, we'll France divide.
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
Napoleon's ranks will glory see,
As Heaven bends them at the knee,
But from their ears will ringing be,
Our war cry, for eternity.
O'er the hills and o'er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands, and we obey,
Over the hills and far away.
Fantastic effort! There’s a few wee mishearings there, but that’ll be my accent 😁 Here they are:
Over the Hills and Far Away
Chorus:
O’er the hills and o’er the main,
Through Flanders, Portugal, and Spain,
King George commands and we’ll obey,
Over the hills and Far Away!
1. The horn of Mars with sword and lance,
In martial strain bade us to dance,
all over the face of Spain and France,
Prime cannon; bayonets, advance!
2. Brave Irishmen did shout and cry
In Portugal we’ll fight and die
And green will flash the midnight sky
As fierce and free our colours fly
3. With fire and haste and rocket’s glow,
To stand and face Britannia’s foe,
But the lays and ballads sure shall show,
‘Twas Irishmen were first to go…
4. Our Captains up on horseback ride,
Our redcoats worn, our muskets primed,
Faugh-a-ballagh roars the tide,
With lance and spear, we’ll France divide
5. Napoleon’s ranks will glory see,
As Heaven bends them at the knee,
But from their ears will ringing be,
Our war-cry for eternity!
An Irish song about fighting with Great Briton, this is the first time I've heard of that.
Ulster regiments have always been a backbone like the Scots.
Some Irish fought Napoleon, others fought for Irish freedom.
I wrote a version of this for my Battalion.
It’s a brilliant tune. I find it’s the sort of tune that takes new lyrics very well, which might sound weird; but I’m not sure how else to describe it. Even after centuries, the tune still has this living vibrancy to it
These lyrics are freakin' superb 🏆💪🏻👌🏻
Thank you very much!
You wrote this and it came out a month ago? Wow, this feels like a musical anomaly :D. You're very talented.
Thank you so very much! I wouldn’t say I’m talented, just an Irish fella scribbling some words on a page! 😄 I originally wrote it back in 2022 to perform after a lecture I gave. I might post that live version at some stage, it was the first ever performance way back in April 2022 😁 Thank you so much for your kind comment! ☘️
Well done. Nice job with the lyrics.
Thanks so much, Brian! 🇨🇦☘️
This is an amazing version of this song. I love it.
Thank you very much!
Absolutely righteous. Greetings from a Cavanaugh descendant in Kentucky.
Another stellar cover Robb!
You’re far too kind! It’s great to say hello to you again, I hope you’ve been well!
This is great!
Thank you very much! ☘️
Good job, sir. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much!
Very nice 😊
Thank you! 😁
Fantastic!
Thank you!
Lovely 😊
Thank you!
Finally, a good version!
Thank you very much!
Wonderful
Thank you!
Love this mate, well done!
Thank you!
This one’s perfect
Thanks so much partner!
As a fellow singer and songwriter, I like the lyrics and your performance.
Thank you so much, that means a lot!
@@robbmorrow It's a pleasure. I must try this version myself.
Vive l'Empereur! 🤴 🇫🇷
Well writ, lad.
God Save The King!
Absolutely beautiful song! Would you be so kind to share the chords you're playing? I'm not the keenest with my ears alone..
Thank you very much! And certainly! I had to pull out the guitar just to double check 😄
[G] O’er the hills and [C] o’er the main,
Through [G] Flanders, Portu[D]gal, and Spain,
King [G] George commands and [C] we’ll obey,
[Am] Over the hills and [D] far away!
And then it’s exactly the same progression for the verses, too :)
I hope that helps!
@@robbmorrow Thank you so much!
You should put this on Spotify
My plan is for that to happen some day; it’s just finding the money and time to do it. Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to this!
Will you post an mp3 somewhere?
Thanks for the interest! Not likely any time soon, I’m afraid. I don’t have the money (or the time, if I’m honest) to record anything at the minute. I’ve got plans for three EPs I’d like to record and release at some stage, but, like I say, I don’t think it’ll be happening soon. Thanks again for the interest, though, I really appreciate it!
As if Mr. Harper himself were singing it..
That is praise, indeed! Thank you very much!
@@robbmorrow Praising a quality singer? That's good soldering.
Without those who hail from the great Emerald Isle I honestly don’t believe Great Britain would have been the empire it was good or bad
Thank you!
Amazing! Irelands role is always downplayed.
It really is, which is why I wanted to make my own little song for them 😄
Faugh a ballagh. Erin go bragh.
These edibles ain’t shi-
May Erin’s harp and George’s cross be united🏴🇮🇪
But independent and respecting each other.
No way. Ireland fought for independence for 800 years.
God forgive our people we have sinned and betrayed our brothers and return us to our former glory under Britannia's banner may her empire rise with the aid of loyal Irish sons. God save King Charles III Of The United Kingdom and Rightful King Of Ireland.
My dumbass thinking this would be a Led Zeppelin cover smh
A good version of the song, but not to sure about the anti Napoleon stuff though! Vive l'Empereur
It's anti-Napoleon because it's a British song from the Napoleonic Wars
@@oliversherman2414 I know but was just sticking up for the Emperor! 😁😉
@@jasonfazackarley6896 lol your emperor who died more than 200 years ago on a tiny island in the middle of nowhere
@@oliversherman2414 Oiy....do I sniff a 'Rosbif' here?! He was only on that tiny island because the Brits, Prussians, Russians etc were all scared of him!
@@jasonfazackarley6896Napoleon was brilliant but also quite foolish. The British and other allies were right to kick his arse.