Loreena McKennitt - Raglan Road

[Mjollnir50]

By all means let us give Kelly his fair dues. But it's a marvelous song, should we stop singing it now that he's left us? I've heard Aussies and Canadians cover it very credibly, and I aspire to sing it myself one day.

[klemen026]

Which city is this?

Thnx.

[toffeenosejbw]

in my opinion this song belongs to Mr luke kelly, as good a singer she is no one should try to compete with lukes version, it is pure art, a beautiful poem come to life by who is probably the best singer to ever come out of ireland. his song should never be touched.....

[ERRORno17]

@toffeenosejbw oh, come on. I do think you should be more easy on artists. They can perform whatever they want provided they do not ruin it; and LM definitely does not

[toffeenosejbw]

@ERRORno17 I disagree. This song belongs to Luke Kelly and for aslong as the earth survives no one will ever come close to his version. Pure genius.

[jt60srn]

i get goose bumps every time i hear her do this song and stolen child.

[gasmeter1947]

Beautiful beautiful X X

[Joey14ification]

I love you Loreena!

[CisaMalfoy]

@Joey14ification I love her too, she is like a fairy queen who whispers a secret message in every note. Is not easy to explain how this wonderful being called Loreena makes me feel, her voice has a power that has helped me so many times. Maybe, this is what magic is

[Dewie101]

Nice version! Luke Kelly and Patrick Kavanagh would be proud!

[TheDong1010]

will any of the ten dislikes please tell me how you could possibly miss the like button?

[Reiffan]

Not from this time... not from this earth... what afascinating voice, what an aura, what a woman...

[zsuzsiwd]

@Reiffan can you see auras?

[frostytincan99]

sings the socks of sinead oconnor has a angelic mystery sound.

[pansagittarius]

my god what a voice!

[keratokampitis]

Τι λες τωρα...

[ptbuggy]

I've never heard of her before today, and have saved all these videos to my own playlist. She's incredible!

[sjalampe]

to solsticecelt: if you like Loreena, you owe it to yourself to get her live concert video "Nights from the Alhambra" - MAGNIFICENT!!

[viajesmusicales]

que linda cancion

[RockAngel7878]

she has my sisters hair !! lol

[dragonkem]

This song really moves me. Her voice is crystal clear. It brings me back to Ireland. Such a great country and wonderful people.

[shiny4127]

I met, that lovely man Luke Kelly, and i hold him supreme in any songs he does........but this version is grand too!.well done loreena

[romina71620]

semplicemente incantevole brava loreena

[PrayForWales]

she inverts the gender of the poem till the last two lines - makes for a very strong lyrical representation - certainly different from the poets original - love it!

[MrBlood86]

Amazing song and amazing performance! :-)

[dagda54]

Wonderful version; Loreena's talent is touched by grace..BUT--I can't help but think this is a young man's song about "the creature made of clay" who broke his heart because he romanticized her angelic looks! I don't think the version by Van Morrison and the Chieftains on "Irish Heartbeat" will ever be surpassed...Van and that "midnight-in-the-pub" whiskey croak...

[207Emily]

awsome

[Seamus2410]

Grand job!!

[MorrisseyRT]

"Come To Me Now" Sheryl Crow

[pocketsnatcher]

loooooveeelllyyy

[42casablanca]

beautiful ... Thanks ! ****** !

[berrier123]

its not better then luke tho

[margaretkingable]

even better then luke kelly.

[SPAREPARTSCENTRE]

@margaretkingable - now I KNOW you CAN'T be serious - better than Luke??????

[berrier123]

best irish song ever by a mile, no english in it....nice version

[transformersjohnny]

lol

[ApparentAptitude]

Helluva song

[Portlaoise50]

Thank you.

[Corrie121]

So beautiful.

Thanks for sharing.

[duudsuufd]

Well, the sound is not that good. It is live, so the problem has to do with the studio sound technicians. Or maybe the recording was not perfect. There is a really fantastic version of this song by LM, posted by 'SheerFolly' here on Youtube.

And i also like Luke Kelly's version!

[MsDragon53]

@duudsuufd My fantasy, to see/hear Luke and Loreena do a duet. What is it about the voices of red-haired people? Different genre but same red hair-- Bonnie Raitt. helluva bunch of music.

[hjeriksen]

She is a fantasic singer and at this song she is much better the other

[cosmicarbiteroftaste]

Not so much 'overproduced' as 'overblown'. Sung emotively, but not emotionally..

[Lumebe48]

Es esta la música más delirante y hermosa. Gracias Loreena por deleitarnos a quienes hemos podido llegar a conocerte de alguna forma.

[GetinHighOnLife]

For me, I enjoy Loreenas version more than Luke Kelly's. I just feel the instrumentation and voice have more emotion.

[phjost]

Is there really a Luke Kelly version? I only know a Dubliners' version with Sean Cannon. By the way, I prefer none, both are horribly overproduced.

[GetinHighOnLife]

What do you mean by "horribly overproduced" out of curiosity.

[phjost]

"overproduced" means a complete perfect production which sounds very synthetic. In this case it's the keyboard-brass sound which doesn't make me vomit, but I dont't like it.

Perhaps "overproduced" is a wrong translation of the german word "überproduziert". My english is not the best, you know.

[GetinHighOnLife]

I actually think it is far from overproduced. Especially compared to many artists. Just Loreena playing the piano and someone on the guitar. A little reverb on her voice but thats all. It is simple and beautiful! But of course this is just my opinion!

[juicer404]

@phjost

yes, its at played at the end of the movie in bruges with colin farrell

[solsticecelt]

I am an Irish singer, and from what I've heard of her so far, she certainly does our music justice. well done Loreena.

[Wim1031]

You gave her the right words, it is really beautifull!!!

[GabrielDhalaman]

@solsticecelt "well done"?

come on,she is a light for humanity...go say well done to your dog,ahahah

[PatrickWhite85]

I love Luke Kelly's version. I think this version is over produced and somewhat embarrassing.

[randyIII]

this is beautiful thanks for posting . I also enjoy Van Morrison and the chieftains version If you have not heard that one check it out.

[daflotsam]

Agreed, the VM and Chieftains version is fantastic, as well as is this one here.

[weatherheadnoel]

great song, Luke's song but this is very very good

[theresonly1utd]

way way way up there with luke for pure feeling

well done loreena

[rickpre74]

Perfeita Interpretação!!

Não ouvi nada igual em termos de emoção!.

Loreena é maravilhosa!!!

[conormull]

This is not Luke Kellys song, awesome and all as he is. Very old melody that Paddy Kavanagh put lyrics too

[DruidRobur]

What is everyone talking about? This is a tradtional song. You can't cover a traditional song. The song is her own interpretation of the traditional version of it

[anneyre]

Awesome, truly awesome, but somehow I still like Luke better.

It's very hard to do someone's else cover, and she's doing a beautiful job.

However, this is his song.

[seyabot]

But she is the best! I only like this song when Loreena sings it.

[ASwordAndAKey]

comeee onnn?

Luke Kelly? Its awesome...

[malicant123]

I don't think she can be compared to Luke. She's a soprano while luke was, I'm guessing, a tenor. They're both great.

[mergaman4]

Gorgeous singer best version I've heard anyway I walk in heaven whenever I hear her sings

[malicant123]

She sings it wonderfully want it's a hard song to sing.

[kathleentherose]

Her albums are fab- it's hard to do a cover of someone elses

[TheIrishToffee]

i gotta say im shocked that anyone could even begin to suggest she does this better than luke, no one will ever have anything on luke kelly, he's the best singer to ever walk the face of the earth and this was one of the song which made him stand out as all time irish hero, i love the man, r.i.p luke, there will never be anyone like you again god bless yehs.

xxx

[imeldagreen]

Well I've listened to Luke Kelly and was not particularly impressed.But just as someone mentioned below that "being a Luke Kelly fan nobody will convince him that anyone can do it better than him",I am a Loreena-fan and nobody will convince me that she can be outperformed. Besides, I'd like to respond to that, it is possible that some personal reasons made her change the lyrics into "him" instead of the original "her", after the tragedy of losing her fiancé. This is just a personal suspicion :)

[yvonnem1987]

yes she is excellent-lovely flow,light and appropriate.BUT its gotta be said...LUKEY WINS HANDS DOWN

[rossanaicosta]

Wonderfull!!

[espenbeek]

Beautiful song, beautiful voice.

This song is also recorded in dutch dialect by Rowwen Heze.

[fallenangil1]

A beautiful lady with a beautiful voice..love her singing

[BlueBoyToffee78]

never

be

as

good

as

luke

[joye25]

Beautiful voice, thanks for sharing Michael!

[Elfgris]

Really an exceptional voice ! Perfect performance. Wonderful.

[basculalibra]

This is one of her best songs!!!

[Chuloloc]

Beautiful.

[guyphawkes]

Sorry friend, She is a friend of mine, and one of the most wonderful people I have ever met. AND, should I say, she sings this one rather well. The wonder of it all is the great span that celtic songs can cover. I am being polite here BTW..

[Lonelyone67]

Beautiful, haunting voice......

[slaytheinfidels]

This actually surprised me. Very much. I never thought that there could be any version other than Luke Kelly's. What she does with this song is incredible, however: she honestly creates her own version, yet while still keeping a minimum of faith to the original Luke Kelly version. Bloody well done.

[breedlom]

I wonder if this song had some personal meaning to her since she lost her fiance in a boating accident

[UnforeseeableSilence]

Wonderful song ! Loreena Mckennitt really has a very good voice !

[mimichou53]

une voix limpide ,comme une eau d'un ruisseau ( michel ,france )

[pumitabsas]

if i say brilliant it`s not enough..

[Tutone66]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but not sure how one can say "she does ok" with this song as it is simply beautiful. One shouldn't let their loyality to a particular singer affect their ability to judge a song covered by another artist. I also like Mary Black and Luke's versions. Beautiful applies to all three.

[SheerFolly]

I really am trying to understand the numerous negative comments on Loreena's performance here. I have listened to all three artist's renditions of this piece as critiqued here, and all are different and all are wonderful. I love Loreena's music and have since 1990. What is so cool about her is how she can take a piece from anywhere and work it out and make it her own. I am so glad she returned to performing after the sorrow she endured several years ago. This is a wonderful performance.

[sarg42001]

A beautiful lady singing a beautiful song. It doesn't get better than this.

[jellab]

She does ok with the song, Mary Blacks version is a much better female version and of course you can't beat Luke

[incanto101]

jesus she butchered that...luke and ronnie all d way!

[littleredstuff]

It may be different than what your narrow mind can conceive of, but is hauntingly beautiful nonetheless. Part of what makes a real artist, is their ability to take well known, familiar songs and use their talent to create something new, all the while remaining true to the original beauty. Loreena does this time & again with many traditional songs and poetry, and is also an accomplished composer of her own original music. Stop being so closed-minded & appreciate what the world of music can offer!

[incanto101]

still butchered it! jesus its cat...

[alurne]

evryone is owed their opinion sir, your text doesnt really convey that. enjoy it reguardless

[alurne]

lyrics and insane vocal's... cant beat that

[Zylophila]

Loreena is simply THE BEST!!!

[MartyCullen145]

ehhhh im Glad ye said she was Canadian.... because I wudnt b proud t call er Irish... Luke and Ronnie all d way

[chumbawumba16]

that is shite, luke kelly would be turning in his grave

[CelticMusings]

What makes this so terrible? Just because Luke sang the first version (very amazingly) why can't others sing this song in their own interpretations? I love Luke's and Loreena's versions!

[chumbawumba16]

i can appreciate other peoples versions, i even like the mary black version but that ginger cunt loreena is taking the piss, when i heard this i thought it was a spoof

[mariometelloaquila]

i love Loorena......she is the great singer in the world

[Maxful1]

EVERYONE, she's 100% Pure Canadian. Stratford is in Ontario, which is a Province. Stratford also exists obviously in the UK, but she is from Canada. And yes, she is THE best hands down, no question.

[hettscan]

The writer of this song was an Irish poet called Patrick Kavanagh.....I had to learn it at school....Loreenas version is very good but check out the luke kelly version....if that doesn't make you cry, nothing will.

[6MemoryOfForever9]

PROUD TO BE CANADIAN!

[toterola451]

Dammit! That girl can sing!

And she ain't too hard on the eyes, either.

Thanks for posting this!

[alurne]

agreed, most emphaticaly!

[bgold1943]

Love this modern song but forget writer?

Used to stay in Stratford be4 I knew of her, my bad!

A Brit living in Calif. spent 2yrs in Ontario.

Great version

[Maxful1]

That's right. She's from from Ontario, and now lives in Stratford-on-Avon, in Ontario again. Canadian musicians rock.

[Endrance88]

.... are you sure it isnt ontario california...

[otakuhobbit]

No. Stratfor is in Ontario, as in the province. IN CANADA.

[Endrance88]

god damnit i know, gah, i shouldnt have posted that stupid comment, okay where is it im deleting it

[Endrance88]

nope, cant, oh well, anyways yah, i was only playing around when i said that

[amabilis77]

i heard that she lives in Canada...is that true??

[otakuhobbit]

Yes, she lives in Canada. I don't get why this is so hard for people to believe......

[Tessietots]

This song never fails to choke me up. Loreena sings it with such feeling, it soars the soul. I love Loreena and her music. Wonderful:)

[joshtu]

thats exactly true! love you loreena!

[rkhobo]

Gorgeous voice, gorgeous song (love the poem anyway....)!

[esied1957]

Loreena is the best. A song about love ..... LOL

[NancyBN]

she is like a songbird! so sweet! wish i had lyrics!thanks for sharing! can you get back to me on this? LOL, PS my hair is the same color as hers, only much more curly.

[fenian08]

im a die hard luke kelly fan and theres no point telling me anyone does this better than he did, but i give credit where its due. fair play to that woman

[mlpeterso]

Thats hilarious... I love Luke as well and I these two by far have given us the best versions God has to offer!

[Arlecchino123]

Why does she have to change the sex of the character in the poem? "I saw "him" first and knew, that "his" dark It ruined it for me. It would have been better to stick to the original. It doesn't matter if your a man singing a song about a man or woman about a woman. Nobody cares either way. There is a version of Danny Boy renamed Eily Dear so a man can sing it. Sickening. Leave the words alone and concentrate on conveying the emotion.

[misskittie1313]

interesting you bring this up, i've always thought the same. when i sing a cover, i like to keep the words the same, regardless of the sex of the characters, it's a cover, obviously you are not the original writer. i too think emotion is what is really important :)

[tooth1999]

we wer made learn dis song nd many oda irish songs in skool ha

[budelke]

THE song,, Awesome.

[JoeyPencils]

Amazing...thanks for the post.

[MASCARA82]

ES LA PISTOLA

[bandruid]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[finneganslad]

Jays, Luke Kelly does this song sooooooooooooo much better.

Paddy and Luke would find this appalling

[alsgnor]

Respect for your opinion, but, believe me, such talented artists would find this beautiful, as this is and as are their renditions of this song.Maybe you should reflect...

[apriloreilly13]

Tooooootttalllllly agree!  Sinead's version isnt bad either...

[legolas84]

I've listened to the other versions but i prefer this one...this one brings me to tears, the others are just more "folk music"..this singer is great!

[sailorsdoxy]

luke kelly owns this song!

[nurselondon]

i dont like this version but i hav to say its a very difficult song to sing! im in the process of learning the words i love it

[gramach]

Nice voice. Now try this Luke kelly singing the same song.

[llrsensei]

Loreena, thank you for your soulful, wistful interpretation of the poem. My dear Irish American mother also thanks you. We continue to grieve losses in our family, but the poet asks us to let our grief go, just as the tree lets her leaves go, knowing that others will come next spring, just as life brings joy and sorrow to all of us: "I saw the danger yet I walked along the enchanted way and I said 'let grief be a falling leaf at the dawning of the day'--We thank you. May God bless you.

[Mercernarymouse]

of all of Lereena's songs, this one just touched my soul. I Love all her songs, But this one... just holds my heart.

[thepoeteamon]

Sorry... she has a nice voice but her version just does not compare to Sinead O'Connor or the great Luke Kelly's... and when she sings of "him" instead of "her" as in the original poem the whole context is lost.

[stardappledgreen]

I prefer the tempo of Loreena's version to Sinead's

[nurselondon]

i totally agree with you!

[Vogtalicious]

I had never heard this complete song until I saw Loreena live in Copenhagen. I burst into tears when she did--it reminds me so much of the English man I dated while I studied abroad. Such a beautiful delivery--wonderful!!

[8899sven]

wunder schön um die ruhe zu geniesen

[bigsineadfan1]

Fantastic, nearly as chillingly beautiful as sinead oconnors version.

[shangqinli]

Ever so beautiful ! So soft, so sensitive, so romantic, so enchanting, so magical. Goes right down into the inner core of your soul. I can't resist Loreena. Her voice and talent are beyond any possible dreams, and in addition she plays all sorts of instruments(how many ?) as a true virtuoso. Can't beat her, no way.

[lacotaboru]

this lady has a fantastic voice but the late luke kelly sings this song with pure clarity and spirit.

[dangmills]

Loreena does a great job, but Orla Fallon has a great version in which you can understand the words.

[damiencale]

Maybe you could understand the words if you opened your ears.

[Blaser56]

Great song, great singer!

[flatcat47]

McKennitt's version is heart-tugging as music....but I can hardly make out a word of her precious delivery. Gotta listen to Van for the actual torch song, which this is a killer one of...

[hbrunner07]

bellissimo

[haraldharry]

Is a even better version than on the new live cd/dvd!

Thank you for sharing it with us!

[voddka]

Loreena McKennitt fait partie de mes artistes préférés. Toujours fidéle à ces arrangements superbement bien soignés.

C'est la meilleure version de cette chanson que j'ai entendue.

[morleigh13]

Which CD is this on?

[Muppz]

None of Loreena's recordings, but it was included on all concerts on the AAM tour, I think :)

[cyberpett]

This was a bonus Track Included on a separate CD sold by Barns And Noble as part of the initial release of An Ancient Muse. It alone was worth the price of admision.

[Zylophila]

I gave An Ancient Muse (plus Ragland Road) to a friend and she played it at night to fall asleep to. The next day she called me and said, "Boy all these songs sound the same." I asked, "Did you play the first CD?" The answer was "Yes" and I said, "It was the same song, Ragland Road is the only song on the CD." We had a good laugh and she loved both CDs.

[rescuelinds]

i love this women... a great voice.. thankyou for sharing her

[Muppz]

"Lancelot mused a little space, he said She has a lovely face..."

Loreena McKennitt is one of a kind with her music and unforgettable voice :)

[convoy81]

all the loreena's performance are always the best

[GetinHighOnLife]

This is the best preformance Ive seen of this song!

[chumbawumba16]

what the hell were you smoking when you wrote this comment