I lost my baby boy, Jared, 10 days ago. In the early hours of Thursday 4th Jan 2024. He was a day shy of 18 weeks. Whilst my wife was delivering his body and placenta, the chorus of this version of the song was stuck on repeat in my head. It was a distraction from the horrific experience we were going through; we'll be having it played at his funeral. No other version will ever come close to the raw passion displayed in Colm's voice.
As I read your comment I cry. I also lost a baby many years ago, it was a spontaneous miscarriage, it would have been thirty years old now... As we say in Italy, your child is an angel in Heaven, I really hope that this wonderful song can give you peace and hope.
Looking back and listening to this song now, I have really mixed feelings to say my wife gave birth two weeks ago to a beautiful baby boy 8 weeks earlier than expected. He is doing so incredibly well and we have given him a middle name that we named the boy we lost in January. Our Jared well never be forgotten and his little brother will grow up knowing exactly who he was.
By a lonely prison wall I heard a young girl calling "Michael, they have taken you away For you stole Trevelyan's corn So the young might see the morn Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay" Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry By a lonely prison wall I heard a young man calling "Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free Against the famine and the crown I rebelled, they cut me down Now you must raise our child with dignity" Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry By a lonely harbour wall She watched the last star falling As that prison ship sailed out against the sky For she lived in hope and pray For her love in Botany Bay It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
This song is sung all over Ireland . It tells a sad story of a man being transported to Australia, for stealing vegetable from a English invaders stolen land . Ironic the man was found guilty of stealing . But, it was to feed his family . Erin go braugh!
See there is some massive holes with that statement, That person broke laws, they got punished for it, if he has stole from another person that wasn't English chances are he would have been shot in Ireland so really while yes Transportation was a cruel sentence for theft, it was the law. Don't mistake your nationalist sentiment for historical facts.
@@NWTNF As if I care what you think . The fact is in the song. Complain to the writer of the song not me. Truth often hurts . And if it hurt you too bad .
@@NWTNF The famine mentioned was a "famine" in only one sense. The potato crops were blighted, but the crown refused to step in and see that wheat or barley, which were not in any shortage, be made available to Irish markets. It would have raise prices in England, perish the very thought. The choice the fellow made was to attempt to feed his family when landlords refused to sell. While the toll of deaths due to the famine is not known with certainty, the common estimates fall somewhere between half a million and one-and-a-half million. The authorities at the time were not terribly concerned if the Irish starved or not. "Breaking the law" is a hollow, morally scant justification. He and his family could have quietly sat somewhere and starved to death, or died of cholera. In Britain somewhat earlier, the poor often deliberately broke the law because in prison you ate better than in a work house. Don't mistake a handful of historical facts for an honest view of history.
A very haunting and emotional version, the best I've heard. On my fathers side of the family, I am a descendant of convicts sent from the UK to Australia, this song is very much part of my history. My however number of greats grandfather went down for stealing and my equally number of greats grandmother was transported for stealing while in service. While some were sent here for life, even a "short" sentence of 7 years was a life sentence because, once free, there was very little chance of ever returning home. The unspoken truth in this song is that Michael might never have returned home to Athenry but instead started a new life and family in Australia.
I still remember the first time hearing this song, when the Irish friends sang it in the match against spain in 2012. Our german tv commenter just stopped talking so we could hear the fans sing for whole five minutes. We were at home watching it with friends... no one talked, just listening to the fans singing. 2019 I finally managed to take my motorcycle to irland and travel the country for two weeks. And while you are a close second the 2012 stadion version of this song from the irish fans is still my favorite ;)
American with Irish ancestry, we never get to hear these songs. We have visited Ireland several times now and these songs live in the hearts and pubs of the Irish. You sir have opened this part of my history. As your passionate singing lures me into learning my history and that of Ireland. Australia and America are so similar in many ways.
I love the anger and anguish you put into this song, because those people where not to blame for the famine, not to blame for their pain, they where victims of the Lords greed and tyranny. Thank you Colm for bringing your voice to our ears ❤
@@necromancer6405 There always has to be one of you trolls, doesn't there? Everyone is entitled to their opinion (even if yours is objectively wrong), but you don't have to be a putz about it.
This song is hitting hard rn. A weird sort of mixed uppedness as it applies to my life but all the pieces are still there. Imigrating to australia, worried about governments denying me a life with my love, Tyranny worsening at home. The last piece that's missing is the atmosphere of death and desperation but I can see that around the corner. I wish I could sing. I wish could give voice to all of the grief I'm feeling...
I have heard so many covers of this song and I love this song to death. So many artists sing it as a somber ballad. You brought a different energy to it that I didn't know this song needed, but now sounds weird without it. That energy you brought to the chorus felt like anguish projecting through the lyrics and it sounds truly amazing. I can't stop listening to this
LYRICS: By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young girl calling Michael, they have taken you away, For you stole Trevelyan's corn, So the young might see the morn. Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay. Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry. By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young man calling Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free Against the famine and the Crown, I rebelled, they cut me down. Now you must raise our child with dignity. Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry. By a lonely harbor wall, She watched the last star falling As that prison ship sailed out against the sky Sure she lived in hope and pray'r, for her love in Botany Bay It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry. It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry. Low lie the fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
I really like all the irish folk covers, they sound so cozey, like something you would sing at a campfire with friends. Unfortunately I gotta work tomorrow so I sadly won't make it to the premiere but I'll listen to it on my way home:)
I will never stop spreading your music and praising you to every person on the planet that will listen. Your vocal range and music styles always both me away!
As an Australian with a lot of Irish Heritage I want to say thank you to colm for making this. Your so talented man, my favourite artist at the moment :)
I just can't stop playing this song over and over. Something about the absolutely beautiful rock base in the chorus with the anguish in his voice... I get Chills. Every. Single. Time.
This was my high school (unofficial) anthem that students sang at the end of the last class before graduation. Don't know why, as I am Italian and I attended high school in Italy, but it's nice (and makes way more sense) hearing it from you!
I discovered your channel today. It has already enriched my life. Thank you sir. Thank your for charging timeless music with the soul touching energy it deserves.
Beautiful is an understatement. I think awesome in the literal sense is accurate. Your performance changed my breathing. Mom told me that Uncle Flip used to sing The Fields of Athenry, so I learned to sing it too. It has such a strong feeling of heartbreak and powerlessness. Your performance, I feel, takes that heartbreak and rises against that powerlessness to fight, no matter the outcome. Now to share this video!
i havent heard this song in years, over 20, Colm your version bought tears to my eyes and my heart to feel the pain of the injustices done by humans to each other
I've always loved this song and your rendition of it is glorious! You convey such a great range of emotion from righteous anger at the injustice of it all to the sorrowful last goodbye. Just beautiful.
Colm u have the most supreme golden voice. I fly with every tone in this song, tho u are singing of such sorrow - I still fly upwards with such rebellion - much love
Re watched the video at least 30 times already. First thought to myself "That tremble is so beautiful", then you hit in the bass. Absolutely love your voice and the vocal range is stunning. Bravo!
Pete St. John wrote the song in 1979, basing it on a traditional story about an Irishman sent to the Botany Bay penal colony for stealing grain from a British official to feed his starving family.
Pouring one out for the blood that was spilled to give us this music. I don’t know your name, nor your face, nor when you lived exactly, but whomever you were, this one is for you. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. 🥃
"The Fields of Athenry" tells a poignant tale of hardship and love in the face of Ireland's Great Famine. Written by Pete St. John in 1979, the song tells the story of a man named Michael, transported to Australia for stealing food to save his family. Amidst the famine's devastation, the song's defiant chorus speaks of hope and resilience. It quickly gained popularity as an anthem, often sung by Irish sports fans, adding emotional weight to their games. Despite a decades-later claim of an older broadside version, no evidence was found to support this, solidifying Pete St. John's place as the song's creator. Secondary Source: Moulden, John. "Fact and Fiction in 'The Fields of Athenry'," History Ireland 9, no. 4 (November/December 2001): 34 - 36.
The first time I ever heard this song was the No Use For a Name cover version. Took me years before I heard it sung at "proper" speed. I love that version.
My jaw dropped when I heard this! I really wanted to sing along at the top of my lungs, but I couldn't simply because I was in the library. Beautiful rendition!
Absolutely killed it. It was greed and wickedness that caused so many to suffer and die and exile from Ireland. Colm sings in a way that would wake the glorious dead. Now I just need to hear him sing Johnsons Motorcar, The SAM Song, and Patriot Game
I only have a fraction of Irish ancestry, but God damn, I'm proud it! Colm, you make me proud of my Irish ancestry...even if it's just due to a great-great Irish grandmother. Much love!
Moreton Bay, or to give it it's full title "Moreton Bay or a Convicts Lament". Moreton Bay was a penal settlement in Queensland Australia which became the State capital city of Brisbane. Attributed to Francis "Frank the Poet" MacNamara, born in Cashet County Tipperary in 1810. Convicted of larceny in 1832, he was sentenced to 7 years transportation and sent to New South Wales. This is considered the first non-native song written in Australia. It is customarily sung to the tune of the early 19th century Irish ballad "Youghal Harbour" (also known as "Eochaill"). The more popular later version uses the tune for the song "Boolavogue". MacNamara himself never went to Moreton Bay but to that other garden spot of Port Arthur in Van Diemen's Land. He died in Australia on 28 August 1861. The famous bush ranger Edward "Ned" Kelly (another son of Ireland) quoted some lines from the song in his "Jerilderie Letter" in 1879. A 56 page letter, justifying his killing of three policemen, calling out police corruption and calls for justice for poor families.
I have something to confess, I only just subscribed to your channel after weeks of listening to it as all this time I hadnt even realised I wasnt supporting your channel properly yet. Just listening to this song makes me so emotional.
Wow. Honestly I wasn't so excited for another cover of this, but as another comment said, you brought an energy and a tone to it I have never encountered ini this song. Made it much more heartbreaking somehow. I also love what you did with the harmonies, adding the full spectrum only at the last chorus. They hit harder like that, and the beginning feels desolate. (Wish I could express my appreciation more, but I'm down with covid, and it's hard to be coherent.) Definitely a favourite from now on, even better for being unexpected.
You know i took a break from watching your channel for a while (Last video i ever watched from you was Daughter of the Sea. First video i ever watched by you was Lowlands away) and WOW the amount of content i can listen too and your voice is just HEAVENLY! The low notes and high notes you can hit just give me a fistful of euphoria to listen too! Keep working hard man your videos are amazing and take peoples breaths away!
I've always loved the "Bold Fenian Men". Another favorite--"Nell Flaherty's Drake". My parrot loves your voice, and stops whatever he's doing to listen. Obviously he has great taste.
What Irish songs should I Cover in the New Year??? GO GO GO!
Grace and Beeswing are 2 awesome songs
Tell me ma!
Battle of Waterloo, not sure if it’s by The Old Blind Dogs but…. th-cam.com/video/DMGMtb82wUo/w-d-xo.html
Spancil hill..
Eleanor na run!
I lost my baby boy, Jared, 10 days ago. In the early hours of Thursday 4th Jan 2024. He was a day shy of 18 weeks.
Whilst my wife was delivering his body and placenta, the chorus of this version of the song was stuck on repeat in my head. It was a distraction from the horrific experience we were going through; we'll be having it played at his funeral.
No other version will ever come close to the raw passion displayed in Colm's voice.
I'm sorry for your loss.
Massively gutted for your loss mate.
As I read your comment I cry. I also lost a baby many years ago, it was a spontaneous miscarriage, it would have been thirty years old now... As we say in Italy, your child is an angel in Heaven, I really hope that this wonderful song can give you peace and hope.
Looking back and listening to this song now, I have really mixed feelings to say my wife gave birth two weeks ago to a beautiful baby boy 8 weeks earlier than expected.
He is doing so incredibly well and we have given him a middle name that we named the boy we lost in January.
Our Jared well never be forgotten and his little brother will grow up knowing exactly who he was.
🙏💦💦💦💦💦💝
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young girl calling
"Michael, they have taken you away
For you stole Trevelyan's corn
So the young might see the morn
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay"
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely prison wall
I heard a young man calling
"Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free
Against the famine and the crown
I rebelled, they cut me down
Now you must raise our child with dignity"
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
By a lonely harbour wall
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
For she lived in hope and pray
For her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry
Thank you!
Thank you!!
Thanks mate!
thank ya mate
The hero we need
This song is sung all over Ireland . It tells a sad story of a man being transported to Australia, for stealing vegetable from a English invaders stolen land . Ironic the man was found guilty of stealing . But, it was to feed his family . Erin go braugh!
Erin Go Braugh! Long live Ireland 🇮🇪
See there is some massive holes with that statement, That person broke laws, they got punished for it, if he has stole from another person that wasn't English chances are he would have been shot in Ireland so really while yes Transportation was a cruel sentence for theft, it was the law. Don't mistake your nationalist sentiment for historical facts.
@@christianfreedom-seeker2025 Aye .
@@NWTNF As if I care what you think . The fact is in the song. Complain to the writer of the song not me. Truth often hurts . And if it hurt you too bad .
@@NWTNF The famine mentioned was a "famine" in only one sense. The potato crops were blighted, but the crown refused to step in and see that wheat or barley, which were not in any shortage, be made available to Irish markets. It would have raise prices in England, perish the very thought. The choice the fellow made was to attempt to feed his family when landlords refused to sell. While the toll of deaths due to the famine is not known with certainty, the common estimates fall somewhere between half a million and one-and-a-half million. The authorities at the time were not terribly concerned if the Irish starved or not. "Breaking the law" is a hollow, morally scant justification. He and his family could have quietly sat somewhere and starved to death, or died of cholera. In Britain somewhat earlier, the poor often deliberately broke the law because in prison you ate better than in a work house. Don't mistake a handful of historical facts for an honest view of history.
A very haunting and emotional version, the best I've heard. On my fathers side of the family, I am a descendant of convicts sent from the UK to Australia, this song is very much part of my history. My however number of greats grandfather went down for stealing and my equally number of greats grandmother was transported for stealing while in service. While some were sent here for life, even a "short" sentence of 7 years was a life sentence because, once free, there was very little chance of ever returning home. The unspoken truth in this song is that Michael might never have returned home to Athenry but instead started a new life and family in Australia.
That Rock voice at "Low lie" in the chorus tingles just right in the ears. What an incredible interpretation of this song.
I still remember the first time hearing this song, when the Irish friends sang it in the match against spain in 2012. Our german tv commenter just stopped talking so we could hear the fans sing for whole five minutes. We were at home watching it with friends... no one talked, just listening to the fans singing. 2019 I finally managed to take my motorcycle to irland and travel the country for two weeks.
And while you are a close second the 2012 stadion version of this song from the irish fans is still my favorite ;)
Always welcome my friend 🇮🇪🇩🇪
Welcome back anytime
There's the Dubliners. And then, there's Colm McGuinness.
Both making you love Irish music.
And The Chieftains?
American with Irish ancestry, we never get to hear these songs. We have visited Ireland several times now and these songs live in the hearts and pubs of the Irish. You sir have opened this part of my history. As your passionate singing lures me into learning my history and that of Ireland. Australia and America are so similar in many ways.
Look up any Irish sporting event… the fans have been singing this for decades
Athenry is a punch to the gut, and your rendition of it is moving; kudos to you as always for yet another gorgeous cover.
I love the anger and anguish you put into this song, because those people where not to blame for the famine, not to blame for their pain, they where victims of the Lords greed and tyranny. Thank you Colm for bringing your voice to our ears ❤
I think it sounds horrible.
@@necromancer6405 There wasn't really a need for this comment, was there? Click off and scroll. All you got to do
@@necromancer6405 Get your ears checked then
@@necromancer6405 you sir, don't have good taste. 👎
@@necromancer6405 There always has to be one of you trolls, doesn't there? Everyone is entitled to their opinion (even if yours is objectively wrong), but you don't have to be a putz about it.
This song evokes a life i've never lived. 1700's being shipped on a prison boat to Australia for the rest of your life.
You give this song the kind of mournful intensity that I feel a lot of covers miss. This is now among my favorite versions of this classic song.
This song is hitting hard rn. A weird sort of mixed uppedness as it applies to my life but all the pieces are still there. Imigrating to australia, worried about governments denying me a life with my love, Tyranny worsening at home. The last piece that's missing is the atmosphere of death and desperation but I can see that around the corner. I wish I could sing. I wish could give voice to all of the grief I'm feeling...
I have heard so many covers of this song and I love this song to death. So many artists sing it as a somber ballad. You brought a different energy to it that I didn't know this song needed, but now sounds weird without it. That energy you brought to the chorus felt like anguish projecting through the lyrics and it sounds truly amazing. I can't stop listening to this
LYRICS:
By a lonely prison wall,
I heard a young girl calling
Michael, they have taken you away,
For you stole Trevelyan's corn,
So the young might see the morn.
Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay.
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
By a lonely prison wall,
I heard a young man calling
Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free
Against the famine and the Crown,
I rebelled, they cut me down.
Now you must raise our child with dignity.
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
By a lonely harbor wall,
She watched the last star falling
As that prison ship sailed out against the sky
Sure she lived in hope and pray'r,
for her love in Botany Bay
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
Low lie the fields of Athenry
Where once we watched the small free birds fly
Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing
It's so lonely 'round the fields of Athenry.
Love this song, and I'm an Englishman - never better than sung by an Irish international rugby crowd.
I really like all the irish folk covers, they sound so cozey, like something you would sing at a campfire with friends. Unfortunately I gotta work tomorrow so I sadly won't make it to the premiere but I'll listen to it on my way home:)
You dont wanna be bawling your eyes out at work anyway.
Fields of Athenry is not a cosy song.
Wow..... I'm so excited!! I requested this song back in 2020 or 2021 can't remember, but it doesn't matter!!! This is going to be so good!!
Hey buddy!! It's your favorite sister!!!
Nooo! stop texting me through TH-cam on the couch from the living room 😂
least chronically online gen z siblings 😂
@@jallybwan3767 lol
This song is so beautiful. It made me cry. Well done Colm McGuinness! ☘️🇮🇪
I will never stop spreading your music and praising you to every person on the planet that will listen. Your vocal range and music styles always both me away!
I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying.
This is pretty well the story of my family 7 generations ago. Gods bless you from Australia. Freedom for Ireland and the colonies.
A beautiful man, with a marvelous voice!
As an Australian with a lot of Irish Heritage I want to say thank you to colm for making this. Your so talented man, my favourite artist at the moment :)
You must have irish soldiers in your bloodline. Alot were sent to Oz
I just can't stop playing this song over and over. Something about the absolutely beautiful rock base in the chorus with the anguish in his voice... I get Chills. Every. Single. Time.
FINALLY! This is my all time favorite Irish folk song.
This was my high school (unofficial) anthem that students sang at the end of the last class before graduation. Don't know why, as I am Italian and I attended high school in Italy, but it's nice (and makes way more sense) hearing it from you!
I pushed through the tears singing along to this...
Well done, mate!
Happy New Year from your Louisiana Irishman!
I discovered your channel today. It has already enriched my life. Thank you sir. Thank your for charging timeless music with the soul touching energy it deserves.
Oh my god, thank you for this!! Colm, you are the man!! Now that is what I call an awesome Christmas gift!!!!
Beautiful is an understatement. I think awesome in the literal sense is accurate. Your performance changed my breathing.
Mom told me that Uncle Flip used to sing The Fields of Athenry, so I learned to sing it too. It has such a strong feeling of heartbreak and powerlessness. Your performance, I feel, takes that heartbreak and rises against that powerlessness to fight, no matter the outcome.
Now to share this video!
i havent heard this song in years, over 20, Colm your version bought tears to my eyes and my heart to feel the pain of the injustices done by humans to each other
Four Green Fields....seriously. Tommy Makem said you are the only man alive who could do it justice!
One of the most powerful, liberating and beautiful songs I have ever heard.
I've always loved this song and your rendition of it is glorious! You convey such a great range of emotion from righteous anger at the injustice of it all to the sorrowful last goodbye. Just beautiful.
There's just something that hits different with Irish folk songs.
I love the deep background vocals when he sings the chorus
His voice is powerful and emotional. Exceptional performer.
Finally he sang it YES YES YES. (jumping up and down screaming)
I always get chills from Colms voice.
Paddy Reilly would be proud seeing this! Excellent performance!
Absolutely beautiful 🇮🇪❤️
Colm u have the most supreme golden voice. I fly with every tone in this song, tho u are singing of such sorrow - I still fly upwards with such rebellion - much love
It brought tears to my eyes and a chill down my spine xx and a picture in mind of a ship setting sail to Australia ❤
OMG thank you so much I'd forgotten this song existed but it's one of my favourites
Grew up in Blackpool. This song is basically ingrained in my childhood thanks to the sheer amount of Irish folk in that town.
Re watched the video at least 30 times already. First thought to myself "That tremble is so beautiful", then you hit in the bass. Absolutely love your voice and the vocal range is stunning. Bravo!
I learned this song growing up, it has a special place with me. It's amazing hearing such a lovely cover of it, great job!!
I have not heard this song in a long time. Was a great rendition.
Pete St. John wrote the song in 1979, basing it on a traditional story about an Irishman sent to the Botany Bay penal colony for stealing grain from a British official to feed his starving family.
I still get chills every time I listen to this.
I must have heard this song a million times, but it always moves me. Especially this beautiful version.
Pouring one out for the blood that was spilled to give us this music.
I don’t know your name, nor your face, nor when you lived exactly, but whomever you were, this one is for you. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord. 🥃
It's not fair... it must have millions of followers😩♥️✨🫶
"The Fields of Athenry" tells a poignant tale of hardship and love in the face of Ireland's Great Famine. Written by Pete St. John in 1979, the song tells the story of a man named Michael, transported to Australia for stealing food to save his family. Amidst the famine's devastation, the song's defiant chorus speaks of hope and resilience. It quickly gained popularity as an anthem, often sung by Irish sports fans, adding emotional weight to their games. Despite a decades-later claim of an older broadside version, no evidence was found to support this, solidifying Pete St. John's place as the song's creator.
Secondary Source:
Moulden, John. "Fact and Fiction in 'The Fields of Athenry'," History Ireland 9, no. 4 (November/December 2001): 34 - 36.
The first time I ever heard this song was the No Use For a Name cover version. Took me years before I heard it sung at "proper" speed. I love that version.
Amazing how Colm so often brings tears to my eyes...
God I wish I was even a fraction talented as you are. Just found this song and I must've listened to it 30 times already. Thanks for the music Colm. 👍
One of my favourite songs, and this is such an amazing version!!!! Really stirs the feels.
The melody is just amazinggg
My jaw dropped when I heard this! I really wanted to sing along at the top of my lungs, but I couldn't simply because I was in the library. Beautiful rendition!
I have grown up with this song since I was a child. My mother was a HUGE Paddy Reilly fan. This has made my week. Thank you so much.
The way you sing low lie the fields of athenry gives me chills every time
I first heard this in 1987, when a member of our folk trio Shiehallion introduced it. I've loved it ever since.
Lovely job!
that "low, lie" hits fucking different, excellent cover of the song Colm, never dissappoint do ya
wow so powerful. I feel my heritage
Absolutely killed it. It was greed and wickedness that caused so many to suffer and die and exile from Ireland. Colm sings in a way that would wake the glorious dead.
Now I just need to hear him sing Johnsons Motorcar, The SAM Song, and Patriot Game
I only have a fraction of Irish ancestry, but God damn, I'm proud it!
Colm, you make me proud of my Irish ancestry...even if it's just due to a great-great Irish grandmother. Much love!
Absolutely breathtaking 😍😍
Moreton Bay, or to give it it's full title "Moreton Bay or a Convicts Lament". Moreton Bay was a penal settlement in Queensland Australia which became the State capital city of Brisbane. Attributed to Francis "Frank the Poet" MacNamara, born in Cashet County Tipperary in 1810. Convicted of larceny in 1832, he was sentenced to 7 years transportation and sent to New South Wales.
This is considered the first non-native song written in Australia. It is customarily sung to the tune of the early 19th century Irish ballad "Youghal Harbour" (also known as "Eochaill"). The more popular later version uses the tune for the song "Boolavogue".
MacNamara himself never went to Moreton Bay but to that other garden spot of Port Arthur in Van Diemen's Land. He died in Australia on 28 August 1861.
The famous bush ranger Edward "Ned" Kelly (another son of Ireland) quoted some lines from the song in his "Jerilderie Letter" in 1879. A 56 page letter, justifying his killing of three policemen, calling out police corruption and calls for justice for poor families.
Honestly you've created my favorite version of this song I've ever heard.
I'm not crying, you're crying! Would love to hear a solo rendition of Hallelujah or Ronja's Lullaby
I have something to confess, I only just subscribed to your channel after weeks of listening to it as all this time I hadnt even realised I wasnt supporting your channel properly yet. Just listening to this song makes me so emotional.
I have heard many covers of this song but never one that capture the anger and hopelessness of the topic so perfectly.
Wow. Honestly I wasn't so excited for another cover of this, but as another comment said, you brought an energy and a tone to it I have never encountered ini this song. Made it much more heartbreaking somehow.
I also love what you did with the harmonies, adding the full spectrum only at the last chorus. They hit harder like that, and the beginning feels desolate. (Wish I could express my appreciation more, but I'm down with covid, and it's hard to be coherent.)
Definitely a favourite from now on, even better for being unexpected.
already got chills 2 seconds in. amazing Colm!!!
Can’t stop listening to this, a sad song sung but I feel totally enlightened and speechle…….
Great rendition. My grandpa Stephenson sang this to my grandma. Beautiful
Beautiful thank you for all the effort you put in.
This song is so beautiful and always makes me cry. You Colm sing it in a way that goes straight to the heart!
Goosebumps all over!!!!
Thank you! I have wanted you to do this song for ages
I love your Irish covers there some of my favorite songs! The story the pain the passion it's beautiful.
one of your best!
A spine chilling rendition of an absolute classic, cheers Colm! My new favourite rendition of this song
Ive listened to this an unhealthy amount of times😂
Chills. This is your best yet. It pulls your heart right to your throat.
Wow, great
oh my god the chills i got from this, i absolutely love it, youve got a new fan!
Another amazing cover!!!
This conveys so many emotions! Well done, Sir!
Always a pleasure. Great song to end the year on.
You know i took a break from watching your channel for a while (Last video i ever watched from you was Daughter of the Sea. First video i ever watched by you was Lowlands away) and WOW the amount of content i can listen too and your voice is just HEAVENLY! The low notes and high notes you can hit just give me a fistful of euphoria to listen too!
Keep working hard man your videos are amazing and take peoples breaths away!
This man has a beautiful voice glad that there are wonderful TH-cam channel like this on here
Goosebumps from the very first note. Bravo!
Absolutely beautiful song, angelic voice, outstanding job Mr. McGuinness, thank you.
Riverdance Show + Colm Mcguiness could be the best fusion next year
Hauntingly beautiful. A masterclass cover and instant new favorite!
An awesomly powerful version of this wellknown irish traditional.Wonderful sung and played.
I've always loved the "Bold Fenian Men". Another favorite--"Nell Flaherty's Drake". My parrot loves your voice, and stops whatever he's doing to listen. Obviously he has great taste.