The Lakes of Pontchartrain - Paul Brady 1977

[youtareatube]

My Irish niece, now living in the carolinas with an american husband just loves this song, as i love her

[FredPilcher]

Brilliant.

[jimbeanbeam]

Class,thanks for putting this up

[sakkorig]

Is there an accurate tab of this? I can't find one.

[sirfranny]

i used to smoke dope and sniff coke but punchy trains the best party song ever.

[LeeSwim09]

im 18 years old and love to listen to drum and bass, dubstep, trance, dance and hip-hop - this is my favourite song of all time.

[gambetti100]

I am 54 years old now. Live here in Germany and heard this song for the 1st. time on British Radio 30 years ago. This is the best song i have ever heard in my Life !!!

[curliceoil]

best ever version cannot b defeated!!

[hermitagegreen]

they could never have known that 35 years later we'd still be sitting here loving this

[TheMikehealy]

brady was so good ere. kind of went away from this style as he got older which is natural i suppose as he progressed with his music. prefer him like this

[sid77ie]

Definitive version without a doubt.

[DG61343]

best ever recording



[samsonteacher]

Thanks for sharing!

My guitar has been tuned into Open D because of this song.

[Yaaxhe]

Awesome!!!!!

[saoirseterri]

Good warm up going to see them[Andy Irvne and Paul brady] in Vicar Street tonight

[Kavycat]

Just listening to this (again) and a few others for good measure as I whet my appetite for tonight's gig in Vicar St. (DUB).

To say I'm looking forward to this reunion would be the understatement of my year.

[chuckles2223]

fine song!! i

[hermitagegreen]

Don't



[tony10396861]

Funny coincidence that probably the two best vocalists ever to come out of Ireland have the exact same hair :-/

[licensedtochill1]

@dawnchorus Thank You kindly!

[raiderjblakk]

This was written about an Irish man who came to the states and fought in the Civil War and fell in love with a Louisiana Creole girl. Beautiful lyrics and a Beautiful voice

[licensedtochill1]

Does anyone know what these chords are or if the guitar is custom tuned...this music is so sophisticated...but I just want to be able to play it in this key? Help. Thanks!!

[dawnchorus22]

@licensedtochill1

Just learning this - it's an open tuning: DAGF (sharp)AD

I can post my super talented instructer doing it if that would help :)

[blindsunden]

Probably the best performance/version of Lakes I've ever heard. This is such a moving a perfect rendition. I go back to it over and over again. Its a shame Brady's original album version doesn't live up to it. I love the Planxty version, but this still beats it. Does anyone else have a favourite version by anyone else?

[TrueeColourssx3]

@blindsunden check out the coronas version!

[439514]

Excellent , excellent performance,...and yes, there is a suggestion of the 'Lily of the West' by Marl Knopfler.

the best thing is, it is first class Irish music without any Republican, Nationalist crap,...just damn good music !!

[TheSuperintendant]

Inspirational (full stop).

[Acoustomatic]

@hetaios Andy Irvine might very well be the finest bouzouki player ouside (or possibly even inside) Greece.

[geemailMossman]

i thought cat stevens was the case for defence of the human race ...

[hetaios]

What is this bouzouki? Viva la Grecia...



[joeygsmom]

I had a Planxty cd with Christy singing this ,which was quite good but I think this version with Paul is even better.

I love this genre, and this group were the best of it <3

[Bolt0103]

genius. class song class singer.

[Susq15]

This definitely belongs on a "best of YouTube" list, if there is such a thing, because I keep coming back to it (and Arthur MacBride).

[ODubhthaigh1]

One of Ireland's finest..... Sublime !

[betz1511]

Surely there can be no other Lake Pontchatrain than the one in New Orleans.

[flynners1011]

Absolutely beautiful :-)

[MrCraigIsles]

beautiful, Joel Plaskett does a great cover. worth checking out

[dubstepfilthhunter]

Has anyone done a dubstep remix to this - think it would adapt quite well actually.

[bunaninver]

Agreed-an amazing musician and song-writer!

[briancolhoun]

there's rare a song that sings me to sleep better than this

[fortuenti]

I've had the album this from in my collection 30+ years. so great to see songs performed live!!!

[graconis]

so love this song the music is awsome

[tombnelson]

Goosebumps, without fail, every time I listen.

[pepper4950]

34 yrs and no one has bested it

i dare ya!!

[dubstepfilthhunter]

@pepper4950 - You're saying this is the best song of the last 34 years... do you live in a cave?

[Songsmirth]

Some young musicians had this man on their site for which I am ever in their dept as corny as that sounds. I don't offen find music I instantly love. Their site is jmcm 02' Channel. Hope I put that up correctly. :) I've never heard of this man but I have a feeling I'm going to be sitting in this chair until I've heard everything posted here on YT! :) Thank you Bilko for sharing.

[pjotr60dvd]

@Songsmirth He has been around for 45 years or so. Starting with The Johnstons, later joining Planxty and then having a vast solo career (rock). Has been singing along with Tina Turner, for instance.

[bluesalon]

anyone know the chords played here? and the tuning? the tabs I found till now are all different to this version here??

[fleminnj]

@bluesalon The tuning is open D (D A D F# A D). I don't have the chords but if you tune your guitar that way its easy to learn just watching him play it on this video (basically thats how i did it).

[kajunmoon]

The Lakes of Pontchartrain is an Irish ballad about an unfortunate immigrant from Ireland who is given shelter by a beautiful Louisiana Creole woman. He falls in love with her and asks her to marry him, but she is already promised to a sailor and declines the offer

[Songsmirth]

@kajunmoon Thank you. How rare a story. :)

[sinbadmcbasterpolish]

I first heard this song on the radio while in the car. It was so captivating, I had to pull over. I sat in the car, just listening til the song was over. That was three years ago. How wonderful to find it again.

[Paddyslippers]

super stuff! what a fabulous song. paul brady is a legend!

[mcmbook]

I came across this song sung by the hothouse flowers, listened to it a dozen times and decided to check out the original! Wow...

[lindamon8]

Delighted to have stumbled upon this gem. Irvine and Brady at their best. Time for a reunion tour? Seen Andy many times but have not seen him play a Greek bouzouki before. This vid has made my day!

[shempenstall]

Prefer the caronas version and what with playin with the Yorkshire ripper

[drylunchable]

8 people were so overcome with emoton they accidentally hit thumbs down

[Theturflover]

Unbelievable song, no one can sing it like him. Christy Moore buthered it.

[aftermath842]

@Theturflover Well said....have been trying to get that point across to a couple of people. It seems christy can do no wrong strumming his four chords and talking through songs while brady has few admirers and is amazing. Could be another Rory Gallagher. Not taking his rightful place among Irish music legends until after he is gone. Such a shame.

[brelfan]

@aftermath842 Maybe Paul Brady needs another public relations firm. He is excellent, isn't he? Just found him. People like Bob Dylan have known about him for years.

[joeygsmom]

@brelfan isnt it amazing the hidden little gems you can find when you are transported via Youtube back to 1970s Ireland?

[Songsmirth]

@brelfan And how come we didn't at the time? What you said must be the truth because I was into it all in the 60's and never heard of him I'm angry to say. Do you know what I mean? I could have been enjoying him for 40 years. ho hum. Some things you just have to let go but I still want to take a bat to someone, child-of-peace that I am! lolol and a ha  Happy 4th everyone. Have you heard George Pap. . .(can't spell)? Pure-dee-excellent as well. :) Songs

[thepumpdontwork]

@Theturflover LOL he did I agree and you butchered the verb :D

[WinIronRose]

I still weep when I hear this as I did the first time I heard it...after all these years

[andybdub]

The coronas are doing a cover of this as far as i know. lovely song

[oxdanexo]

Beautiful song. And it sounds so good live..

[chamberlandbigshtyle]

The Lakes... For my friend Norm Martell My FIend...The Singer>>>

[shatchett0]

That red headed son-of-a-bitch can play.

[jexplink]

"Different class..." Jimmy Magee.

[angeltread]

sweet. learned about this song from an artist called gregory page. i like it alot.

[JOSSELINCARLIER]

So beautiful !!! I knew this song but I didn't know Paul Brady !! I'm discovering his music and he's definitely great !! 

[Lisnageeragh]

@JOSSELINCARLIER He has been great since the early 1960s....great memories ..where are they all now ??

[truthero]

Peter Case did a great cover of this gem a while back. while it doesn't really put a different spin on it -- in fact sounds and feels pretty faithful to this version in most respects -- his huskier, creakier, almost-whispery-at-times vocal approach gives it a very intimate feel, personal feel. just as much yearning as here.

[aereolus]

I am from Australia and the bleeding lurch of this our culture blinded by sun makes a black room I believe in. As moving as trance.

[OggyStoop]

@aereolus have ya tried goin for a jog?

[gazloader]

Was there ever another song that fills your heart with love, heartbreak and desire as much as this? Paul Brady was born to sing this song. A true calling if i ever heard one!

[gazloader]

one of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung. Amazing. Cant come close at all on my guitar at all

[lightn56]

brady himself told the story in an interview back in the nineties and I was a little taken aback when I heard it myself perhaps he was cocking a snook at Bob.....

[lightn56]

According to the story Bob Dylan couldn't get the tuning of his guitar quite right and had to ring Brady up and enquire about the tuning for the final chords of the song...one great song performed by two Irish legends.....

[Lisnageeragh]

@lightn56 Nice story ...but a bit unlikely!

[grope4luna]

@lightn56 I find It hard to believe Bob Dylan could not figure out simple D tuning.

[jackdanielson7]

it is a sad time it is... ahhh but I love this song <3

[sandycats99]

And the tar balls are now arriving on Lake Pontchartrain.. Be still my breaking heart.

[SharpayBaby2k8]

brendan brogan

[VidaMusicDivision]

what a great poem, paul defo got one of the best voices, understated, fantastic, don't stop!

[jrs1675]

I love Planxty;s version, but Paul's playing, along with Irvine, just unbeatable...

[whackfoldeediedo]

Truly exquisite! Two talented Irishmen.

[1973Emmet]

American song

[goaskalice83]

he is soooo amazing ,why cant i get this on itunes,his voice never changed this as beautiful as this

[UberDeathTurtle]

I think this is a Creol song. Maybe and Irish immigrant wrote it while in Louisiana. I don't know who wrote it though.

[Joebycool]

@UberDeathTurtle It's an Irish song. Supposedly brought back by soldiers who fought in the War of 1812

[laurabrake1]

Just beautiful. I really like this. Laura

[MusicMadGuy2010]

@laurabrake1 I agree, a stunning song, an excellent rendition of a lovely ballad. Patrick.

[Pwecko]

Absolutely wonderful. I first heard this back in the seventies and it still makes me cry. Sob, sob. Exquisite.

[earsaucemusic]

no one but paul brady should be allowed to sing this song. i can't believe this is live. he didn't hold back at all and the vocals are still executed perfectly from start to finish.

if you want to feel sad for the next few hours, look up the lyrics to this song.

[UberDeathTurtle]

@earsaucemusic have you ever heard Mary Dillon's version? It is awesome as well, but Paul is the man!!

[EamonnDoran1]

Just beautiful. Andy and Paul pure magic.

[conorreid1995]

the best of irish music

[MATWrehearsals]

Musical and artistic perfection from Paul and Andy.

Whenever it seems that the world is sinking into the mire, it's moments like this that serve as a reminder of the heights we are capable of aspiring to. This performance is the case for the defence for the human race!

Happy Paddy's Day, everybody. :)

[kylethompson4]

I didn't know Danny Bonaducci sang !

[StackInWhite]

Sorry, but actually its a bit boring :S xD

[br0z31x]

Hermoso....

[fergalms]

Ginger and from strabane, but what a voice.

[gorillabiscuits1818]

It's DADF#AD

[Cuttle1]

Anyone know what tuning he's using in this?

[nathonjones]

DADGAD I'd say.

[CountryQuestion]

now those are flares to be proud of

[madfortrad5958]

top class video

[sangolt88]

What tuning does Brady use in this video?

[epiphone06]

DADF#AD

[whosnext1234567]

just great i want to shake this mans hand

[yeekins]

There are very few ballad singers that can keep the passion of youth as they age. Paul Brady still sings this song as beautifully if not more beautifully as he did in this 1977 performance

[mikekelly1000]

It's Christmas 2009 and I'm listening to ..still Irelands best ballad singer . . Paul Brady. . he is as good today as when I first heard him in '77. God Bless You Paul. Mike Kelly

[sawabojo]

@yeekins so very true

[TheSuperintendant]

@yeekins salute to your comment sir, a fine wine he is indeed.

[themachinist1000]

@yeekins Couldn't agree more!

[blindsunden]

Utterly perfect. Gets me every time.

[bamsdram]

Aye, tae gild the lily .......

[epiphone06]

epic....

[KyranGeraghty]

What a great pick-up line.... If it wasn't for the alligators, I'd sleep out etc!!!

[mpd3007]

This is the same melody. It mentions this song in the insert in the CD

[laksenfranorge]

is it this melody knopfler use for the song "lily of the west"?

Very nice song this ;D

[kawlinnersnow]

yeah! I actually didnt realise that until I read your comment, but this song came before knopfler's version of lily, joan baez's version of lily of the west was different

[nathonjones]

Cheers bro. ;)

Quality.

[hawaiianivan]

This song makes me cry every time.. the loneliness it conveys is so strong.

[HaxGah]

That's very cool, I'll try this out on my bouzouki tomorrow.

[jonker236]

check out holocene81's version of this song on youtube, its the best cover since bradys on youtube

[biglad234]

thanks man . great song

[lescot2000]

good stuff

[BRIANPOWER1977]

I choke up everytime i hear this.

[aikido7]

Man, me too! It opens me up, transports me, gets me into the heart of being human...

[reidism]

galaxysoccer34 is wrong the songs origins are unknown

[cutmygrass]

I once played with Dan O'Hara ( Dano). We were goin to a gig in Carnlough and he put this tape on in the car. I thought it was brill. I still do. Reminds me of Dano (RIP). Miss you Dano. Fergie.

[jethro081]

really great pretty song

[tintrumpet]

When I was a student I played in a resident band at the Sugawn Kitchen in the Balls Pond Road, London. We played a couple of numbers with Paul Brady, which was very decent of him because he was way above our league!

[chipper30uk]

Nice story man.What a great memory to have.Big big Paul Brady fan here.

[ClannMhicCoille]

Paul Brady defines the celtic voice of the 70s and early 80s with this version. Aptly accompanied but not eclipsed by a great great vocalist and magician string player in Andy Irvine... can someone direct me to the like song about 2 jockeys balladding about a horse race?

GRMA

Dara

[francismassacre]

Plains of Kildare?

[happysham]

"the plains of kildare"

[tintrumpet]

Steeleye Span did a song called 'Skewball' which kind of fits that bill, I think. It's on an album called 'Ten Man Mop' which came out in 1973-ish.

[valcarno]

Wow...I much prefer the cover by Ludo.

[francismassacre]

That's not a cover, but rather a totally different song. There are several about Lake Pontchartrain.

[mrsinn]

That was a pure pleasure.will we see you at the electric picnic2009 paul??

[wtc175]

The Tangerine Dream version is superior in my opinion. In fact I thought it was an original by them - what a suprise that there's is just a cover version !

[h2rk]

This is a blessed audience ... wow. I was lucky to visit the Lakes just before things went down... One of the best experiences I've had, and sang this tune the whole time.

[bitoffinger]

I wonder how this song about a lake in Louisiana came to be an irish song? I know there were a lot of irish in New Orleans... I wonder if its written by irish or a new orleanian?

[kathleentherose]

From what I know, it's about an Irish man who left the famine in Ireland to find his fortune in America but found hard times instead. He was feeling very low and was chastised from every city in usa and was about to give up hope until a kind beautiful black woman from the south helped him. Then his spirit was renewed! Does that make sense of the song? I hope so. If you need any answers to any songs/ Irish history etc- just ask me ! Take care and enjoy the music xx

[shazam15]

Hurrah for brown girls!

got to represent.

[galaxysoccer34]

written by the late great tommy makem!

[galaxysoccer34]

written by the late -great tommy makem

[V081WLBlue]

Eh... don't think so!!! It's an old 19th century song with unknown origin!!!

[kathleentherose]

An álainn.. Christy and Paul xx

[mitybuck20]

saw paul brady on friday night his voice hasn't changed much since this if anything it has got better!!...check out the video on my page!..this man is unreal!

[johanjuckers]

kippevel dank je Paul

[FloraDaughter]

It cannot get any better than this...thank you.

[ponzi6]

'I cursed all foreign money no credit could I gain'

A parable for our times.

[mertz123]

i think its open d. try DADF#AD

it took me a while but i think its right.

sorry if i break your strings :)

[Gargo32]

This is a big ballad in Ireland!  Chisty Moore sings an excellent version!

[lawlor95]

christy's version is my second favourit version of this song... my aunt sings it brilliantly and hers is my favourite

[wdchrismon]

Hop to it! Record her and put it up. Great song and not nearly enough versions of it online.

[lawlor95]

have to wait till i see her again m8... could be a while... if i do ill let ya know about it

[Gargo32]

Ya my ole man does a pretty good rendition of it 2! Classic ballad!

[briancolhoun]

classic, it's the bouzouki from his version of wearin the britches. What a session it'd be with them two chaps

[levitateForever]

It's a bouzouki, I have one, lotsa fun

[myPetSquirrelz]

k thanks

[myPetSquirrelz]

i mean the 1 on the left

[grossgrabenstein]

bouzouki

[myPetSquirrelz]

isnt the instrument a mandolin

[saintsimon47]

r.i.p. paul, died last week in a care home in north tyrone :(

[yvonnemurray]

No he never!

[saintsimon47]

I think you'll find he did. Keeping it quiet cause it's bein treated as suspicious! r.i.p.

[compaverick]

Talking mince mate.

[AnabaticPat]

I'm treating you as suspicious. bull.

[danjames56]

sorry to be naive guys but what is the instrument on the left? is it called a bazookee or something?

[cianheff]

Spot on. It's a bazouki alright. not too sure how to spell it either...

[ickeboo]

Well, theres nothing wrong about it, when Irish artists interprete Irish folkmusic, and Mister "Bono" just seemed not to forgot his nationality or roots or whatever.

Remember "Thin Lizzy" with "Whiskey in the Jar" - an Irish folksong as well.

Paul and Andy play and perform excellent anyway!

Keep on singing everybody!