The Corries The Green Fields of France (No Man's Land)

[MrHaggis03]

cindy....plastered hair is cool. ok

[cindybambini]

beautiful song, but this guy's plastered hair annoys the hell out of me :/

[swinler]

For me, Ronnie Browne's rendition of this song is the definitive version. My grandfather died in the Second World War, and this song still makes me cry every time i hear it. We have just passed Nov 11th and I was thinking of him on that day, even though he died long before I was born. One day we will get the message and stop killing each other.

[melly1690]

prod or tim what a song

[rdvqc]

A lovely cover amongst so many others. It's time to cover some of Bogle's other songs - there are 30-40 years worth of them around - many of a caliber equal to No Man's Land. His "best of" collection is 5 CD's long.

[gallica3]

This tune hit home when I walked the Western Front

[xCExSRx]

@gallica3 :)

[MrRusshere]

Beautiful song... Still relevant these days I think,will never age.so haunting thanks for posting these vids.

[SuperListener123]

There's a gorgeous new version of this. Sung by a young woman - completely different take on it - sounds like she's singing into Willie McBride's ear. Have a look at Shaefri - The Green Fields of France.

[Brenngunn]

This is a fabulous song, masterfully written but the performance, for me, leaves something to be desired. Forgive me, but this performance seems nasaly and indifferent. However, Mr. Eric Bogle has given us many songs, hundreds of us have offered our renditions but the gentle nature of this version is a wonderful portrayal and Mr. Bogle would be proud. I didn't care for this version but the The Corries have my deepest respect. P.

[Bawhair1]

@Brenngunn While I respect your opinion, this is without doubt my favourite version of this song. The way they execute the harmonies (live) brings to the table the mood with which the song(poem) deserves.

[Bawhair1]

@Brenngunn No worries at all.Music is all about individual perception and there is no right or wrong view. Im pleased it has grown on you. Music has a habit of doing this. Thanks for the response. 

[beau1815]

Who cannot respond to this beautiful, aching message...the futility and the waste, the hopes and the dreams captured in a moment of complete, meaningless loss. I cry every time I hear it.

[beau1815]

Who cannot respond to this song...the futility and the waste, the hopes and dreams lost in a moment of complete meaningless loss. I cry every time I hear it.

[freefromenvy]

This piece is moving whoever the artist or however the construction. There is no one version 'better' than the other. It's for each of us to take on board the importance of the message.This is sung by a folk group in my church each Remembrance Sunday and is far more powerful for it .

[elliepete]

Amazing, unbelievable 4 complete idiots thumbed it down lol

[mpredwing]

@elliepete They must have clicked the wrong button by mistake ~ or they have no soul

[tracy070991]

I've got the original Vinyl and it No man's Land - Eric Bogle. Met him in Sydney back in the 80's round the folk circuit.

[recruiter40]

I like the Corries versions of all these songs best, what I like is their smooth melodies, I guess because I like vocals, other bands just dont have it.

[worldrimroamer]

If anyone wants to hear the correct chords, google this song by the Fureys and Davie Arthur. Or by Eric Bogle, the writer.

[endora60]

@worldrimroamer "Correct chords"? Come on, you're not one of those hardcore types are you? One who doesn't realize that songs--especially folk songs--evolve to please different audiences as time goes by? Whether the Corries played the song exactly as the Fureys and Arthur did or not, it's a lovely tune that moves nearly everyone who hears it. The "correct" versions by the Fureys and Arthur matter only to those who prefer those versions. This gentle version is just as valid as any others.

[worldrimroamer]

@endora60 Sorry, endora. With all due respect, you happen to be as wrong as sin. Eric Bogle -- a very real flesh-and-blood person -- wrote "The Green Fields of France." Bogle was born in 1944 in Peebles, Scotland, and he emigrated to Australia in 1969.

Sadly, changing the chords to a song is done not out of voluntary "evolving"; it is done out of ignorance and having a "bad ear" for music. This version is NOT as valid as the others which incorporate Bogle's original, correct chords.

[beckels89]

@worldrimroamer I would have accepted your opinion with respect--disagreed, but still respected it--had you not referred to the Corries as having a '"bad ear" for music.' Anyone who has seriously listened to them over the course of their career will see that as an incorrect assessment of their talents and their work.

You seem a thoughtful poster,worldrimroamer. Perhaps give the Corries another listen, one in which you listen more for audience appreciation than for exact copies of other's work.

[worldrimroamer]

@endora60

 By the way -- I don't want to belabour the subject -- but it is quite important to note that this is one of the most beautiful songs ever written (in my opinion). To eviscerate this sublime song of some of its most beautiful chords and chord changes is to pale -- nay, to spoil -- the perfect beauty of the song.

[beckels89]

@worldrimroamer It IS one of the most beautiful songs of all time--but for me, the Corries' version is by far better than either Arthur's or the Fureys'. They didn't eviscerate the original; they perfected it.

Thing is, it's a matter of personal taste. This is a no-win argument; ultimately it all comes down to what each listener is looking for in the tune. The gentleness and sweetness that characterized the Corries is what attracts me to this version. Obviously you're looking for something else.

[beckels89]

@beckels89 ::::sigh::: I'm sorry, worldrimroamer, but this is Endora60. Didn't realize my daughter had gotten onto YouTube and changed the screen name to hers. These beckels89 posts are Endora60.

[worldrimroamer]

The singing and playing and sweet, but unfortunately this attempt at the song is absolutely fraught with wrong chords. They play wrong chords, and they leave out chord changes that should have occurred. There is no excuse in the world for this. It just ruins the song. The song has only about five or six chords in it, all simple triads. I just don't get it.

[wandereruk44]

@sleaponit21

Think the Furies were better. Like LaFarfalla246, my grandad's lungs were ruined in WWI but he lingered on until 1957. It sleeted on the day of his funeral and they fired shots over the grave. I was a child but being the firstborn male of two generations, I had to be keep the stiff upper lip.

[sleaponit21]

this is the finest version of this song Iv ever heard

[smokeymcgibz]

they shall not grow as old as we that are left grow old, age shall not wiery them nor the years condem. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them. we will remeber them.

[yukonnahanni]

Thank-you Smokeymcgibz ,,

It is from a Poem , In Flanders Fields , wriiten during the 1st World War , by A Canadian.. Thank-you for knowing this & quoting it !!! It is & has been , the most Rembrance Remorial , that we use ... God Bless ....

[whinridge]

@yukonnahanni its actually from the poem For the fallen by Laurence Binyon an englishmen who died in 1943 but yes its one of the best war poems ever written

[CelticthunderRules]

great song like this one and celtic thunder versions the best out of all ive heard so far

[sandymark2]

I prefer the Furey's version, but this version comes close. Eric Bogle hs to take the plaudits though.

[wimpous]

There are so many examples for peacful solving of problems: Ghandi, Dalai Lama, jesus etc ....

But it seems that mankind doesn't want to learn ....

[JonnyTTV]

nice music-but that guy totally look likes a Star Trek character:)

[LaFarfalla246]

This is such a sad & deeply moving song that really makes you think about the horrors of WW1& WW2 & all the poor young men who fought & died for our freedom. My grandfather fought in France during WW1-he was only 16 but lied about his age in order to join up. He was lucky to come back but his lungs were

badly damaged by mustard gas. I never knew him as he died 10yrs before I was born. I grew up listening to The Corries as my dad was a big fan & I used to sing & play guitar with him. Memories.

[24934637]

Your grandfather was obviously a very brave young man. Full respect to him and all forces people who go off to fight for the government.

[LaFarfalla246]

Thank you for your very kind comments. Yes, he was but perhaps if they knew the full horrors of what lay ahead of them, they might have had 2nd thoughts. I wasn't born until after the mid 60s & he died 10yrs before so I never knew him & my dad doesn't talk much about things. I just know his lungs were severely damaged by mustard gas & he suffered with chest problems for the remainder of his life. He was approx 58 when he died. We owe our freedom to all the young men who fought in both WW1 & WW2.

[katyyyyeth]

i heard this on my last night of my mercat tour aswell, cried all the way back! wendy all the way! ;)

[bityerbum]

This is a piece of wonderfull music history. Witten by Eric Bogle who is a genius writer and the Corries who can bring forth the haunting reality of this very sad but wonderfull song

[Yeractualpatience]

It's time for a revival of those understated outfits, surely.

[MRPSPRYAN]

Mercat Tours to the trenches with school.

we listened to this on the coach on the last night there, coming back from the menin gate when we had our own last post.

Best thing ive ever done

will always remember this song from the sunset across the fields and visiting all the graves!

[uggyoggy9]

Beautiful!

[HarmAllShip]

I didn't know this song, thank you!

For another anti-war song, may I suggest you " La chanson de Craonne ?" It's quite moving too.

[astrase2]

I'm going to Ypres and the Somme next week and will be visiting MeninGate and other areas. I expect it to be emotional and will remeber this song. The Corries rendition is so haunting.

[bremner006]

Im just back with my school, we were with Bibby's (Mercat Tours) Im sure we ran into you once or twice I expect

[astrase2]

I also was there with a party from my school. We also visited Vimy Ridge, Theipval & Tyne Cot cemeteries etc. It was a very moving trip for adults and pupils.

[bandz08]

The #1 anti-war song of all time! It should be mandatory listening for all!!

[weecoby3]

Superb comment mate.

[Drewhelen]

So poingant yet so apt still.

[anniesgranny2]

So sad, but so beautiful!

[shynyanga]

love this version of a very moving song.

we will remember them.

[kallegu]

This is simply beautiful! I've saw a few people in the audience quietly weeping when this song was performed. It's often hard-headed, greedy politicians who start wars, but it's young, innocent, brave soldiers who end up dying for their country. What a tragic waste of life!!

[thunzie]

HAIL from Australia. Much respect. Thank You.

[mmlelievre]

So sad.... nearly a hundred years on.....and nothing has changed....weep for you Willy Mc Bride....and all those continuing to follow..WAR SUCKS!!!

[1234Krueger]

Genial!

Besonders von den Corries!!!

Wonderfulst!!

[kiltoon]

It was written by Eric Bogle, HE can call it what he wanted, still a brilliant song. Spent half an hour looking for it here under various names, lol.

[JohnMcCash]

In my opinion this is the way this fantastic song should be sung.Fantastic!I sing this on here myself,love it!

[Camillus419]

I LOVE THIS SONG

[ElAmanuensis]

excelso!

[Birivalos]

OK listen i went thru hell trying to get my account to work JUST so i could comment so you all WILL listen. The song is originally by Eric bogle and is Called Green fields of France its nickname is no man's land but the name IS green fields of france. so plz dont ruin a song and get your facts straight before commenting, and by disrepecting the song you disrespect all those who died on BOTH sides...

[Destinare3]

um.. yah... i agree ._.

I havn't a clue who it was by,

but its called "The Green Fields of France"

>_>

[Larenthi]

ahaha, hey destii! Lawl.

But yeh. I first heard of this song as 'The Green Fields of France' too, I haven't really heardit referred to as No Man's Land before.

[scotcelt56]

I believe you have this the wrong way round. Eric Bogle calls the song No Mans Land. My understanding is that the name changed to The Green Fields of France when the Fureys made their cover version. Both titles are now used interchangeably.

The song is fantastic and incredibly moving and ranks alongside "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" (also by EB) as the best anti war songs ever. Not bad for a Scots lad from Peebles (even though he's lived in Australia for many years).

[tamhamilton]

great song

[AllyMelling101]

just visited the cemetries in Ypres and Somme. this song is so moving to me, when it was played to our group almost everyone cried. it is a wonderful tribute to all the commonwealth troops, and to the french and belgiums aswel.

[robbie5136]

listen to this song alot still get get goose bumps outstanding music

[pretieststar]

I really love their accent. Fantastic group. And the song is superior...

[Punorss]

Its the bee gees

[OctoberSaint]

Now more than ever.

[kjcon54]

I never understood WWI. As far as I can see the whole world went mad. The more I learn about this war, the firmer my conviction becomes.

This is a great song, beautifully sung, about the futility of war.

Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame,

The killing and dying it was all done in vain.

Oh Willie McBride, it all happened again,

And again, and again, and again, and again!

This, to me, sums up the usefulness of 'The War to End All Wars.'

[guitardode]

great singing with great feeling music can really highlight the crazy modes of this world millions spent on death still happening today our eyes are really closed

[debil90]

"Well the suffering, the sorrow, the glory, the shame,

The killing and dying it was all done in vain.

Oh Willie McBride, it all happened again,

And again, and again, and again, and again!

This, to me, sums up the usefulness of 'The War to End All Wars.'"

Hear hear

[Bawhair1]

Back to the music for a minute, Is that not just a beautiful harmony by Roy Williamson from 5mins 02 seconds to the end. They were good were they not?

[DreadedEd]

it seems this Nagra-person would rather buckle down to oppression, do the bidding of the powers-that-be. Suck the cock rather than stand up and FIGHT! You would be thier slave?

You're telling us you'll never fight?

You'll take what injustice and tyranny comes your way- - Nazi - - English - - Ect

you week little faggot!

i'm not talking about sending the poor

You and me, lets go!

[dondons9]

Great song, Great scottish singers enough said!

[milkman9866]

fantastic song it makes you think as im ex army and fought in many wars but im suffering for it now and the army dont give a toss now

[holl781]

this song is beautiful sung by lovely voices :)

[mullofoban]

The best anti war song ever written and the Corries version is just awesome. Mullofoban

[sonoffergus]

makes you think!

[Canswine]

One of the most beautiful songs on the tragedy of war. A wonderful rendition of Eric Bogle's song. i love it.

[padster1982]

Beautiful

[kricolma]

Listen to this and many Bob Dylan songs and ask yourself why we still have wars?

[NorthernSoulGer]

so people can write great songs about them?

[sonoffergus]

hormones

[mollyrox27]

yeah its an Eric Bogle song called no man's land

[blackbird7600]

its called the Green Fields of France

[lgcrooks]

Actually, it's "No Man's Land" by Eric Bogle. Same song; different name.

[mingay1956]

great song by the great Corries

[fourfourtwo1972]

LEST WE FORGET

[cabarfeidh]

I worked cleaning up a grave yard in Iraq, took photos and put this song to it. Have a look at Habbaniyah War grave. Great song

[eastergaveny]

playing it once again, long ago but so true to that terrible war

[eastergaveny]

wonderful music

[4evadelayed71]

A sad tune, my heart salutes all the valiant young men who have died defending Scotland and what we stand for.And to those Scots soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, our leaders may be misguided but you are still great patriots and heroes, God bless you all.

[russhere]

haunting song...so beutiful

[scottishnat]

Still relavant today with our troops still in Iraq, the sooner they come home the better.

To coin a phrase 'It's time to bring the troops home from Iraq.'

[alastairppcli]

we don't come home from a war till the works been done to ask us to come home before its done with is to dishonor and deny the momory of the men and women who have served and died, having been to flanders, somme, vimy and other battlefields over europe and myself being deployed to kandahar afganistan I can say that we are doing now as soldiers have always done.

[alastairppcli]

don't let the media sway you from the truth this is a war we need to win. the same way they fought and died in europe, to secure a better future for our children

[hansel22]

they died to make a few thousand aristocrats richer. when will people understand that we could stop many wars if we just don't let propaganda wash our brains.

[alastairppcli]

ok that is the most ignorant thing i think i have ever read, with german agression into france and flanders what was the west to do, the germans had been building an army for the single and solitary purpose of war in europe, it was a reactive war which while we reacted we had the conviction of our cause being right, It is no misguided education of mine that has led me to these conclusions, it is facts and hard evidence.

[nagraimachMor]

so why are you not a soldier for life I know because your a war pig.... give us peace, a lot of my family died in these useless wars to make the rich richer and the poor cannon fodder, most of the elite families of the day including our own beloved Queens family supported and sponsored old Adolph, although as she is German its hardly surprising...anyhoo go get your gun there's an unmarked grave waiting for your kind somewhere in the middle east

[alastairppcli]

I had family that fought in thoses "useless war's" Gordons, Camerons and Frasiars not to mention a Morrision killed over germany for you to speack so poorly of your own ancestors and cast away their sacrifice so cheaply is a disservice to them above all that they fought and died for I need no more words to speak against you your own voice does that on its own crooked legs

[nagraimachMor]

Im afraid tis you, who are the hollow man, what did they died for nothing, my Grandfather survived and was a life long anti royalist and communist because of it.I see you haven't bothered to argue any of MY points which speaks volumes.... As Rudyard Kipling wrote "If they ask why they died, tell them because their fathers lied."

[alastairppcli]

And to stem the tide of Facism I supose but that never really mattered much did it

[nagraimachMor]

As the war machine keeps turning Death and hatred to mankind Poisoning their brainwashed minds, oh lord yeah! Politicians hide themselves away They only started the war Why should they go out to fight? They leave that role to the poor Time will tell on their power minds Making war just for fun Treating people just like pawns in chess Wait till their judgement day comes, yeah!

[HolyMercenary]

go live in russia u communist traitor

[nagraimachMor]

go gete a brain and come back and speak to me little man..here's something for you to learn before you go off and die for some one else you no brainer Generals gathered in their masses

Just like witches at black masses

Evil minds that plot destruction

Sorcerers of deaths construction

In the fields the bodies burning

[HolyMercenary]

nobody reallly cares about what u think, back in the day they would execute u for being such a traitor and writing poetry will not protect u.these things happened in the past and are happening today, if it bothers u that much go become an mp

[mudpitboarder]

OZZY wrote it , you ass.

[nagraimachMor]

He who joyfully marches to music rank and file, has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, how violently I hate all this, how despicable and ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part of so base an action. It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder.

[OctoberSaint]

Communist traitor ??? WTF ???

It's this kind of mentality thats been getting us into trouble since day one.

ALL WARS ARE CIVILE WARS........ because all men are brothers .

[HelmetHuns]

WTF??? that comment was months old, so get lost, you go live in russia then and see how good communism is

[J2OLDS]

There will always be war, as long as one brother forces his opinion on the other. There will always be war as long as one brother thinks he knows whats best for the other. There will always be war as long as as one brother feels he is "morally" superior to the other. There will always be war as long as one brother has something the other wants.

In the old west (U.S.), the saying goes keep yer powder dry, and mind your own business.

[nagraimachMor]

here's your gun away you go and join the rest of the grunts

[nagraimachMor]

Now in darkness, world stops turning

As the war machine keeps burning

No more war pigs of the power

Hand of God has sturck the hour

Day of judgement, God is calling

On their knees, the war pigs crawling

Begging mercy for their sins

Satan, laughing, spreads his wings

All right now!

[Iain40]

there is different clip of this song posted by iMdReSSediNdEcAy

[irishmcnamee]

great song

i prefer the fureys version nonetheless a great song

[urphyma123]

The corrct title is "No man's land" at least that's what Ericle Bogle told m at the Komedia in Brighton earlier this year

[comrade95]

Very beautiful song... I am french and I'm very recognizing towards the soldiers, men and weemen who helped us and saved us during WW1 and WW2... Thank you, we will never forget you...

[scodee]

The Men They Couldnt Hangs version is the best bar none...and thats fae a passionate Scot !You can find it on their `A Night of a Thousand Candles`Album !

[murrmac]

as good a performance of the song as I have heard, but it's a pity you don't credit the song to Eric Bogle, and also give it the correct title, which is "The Green Fields of France"

nonetheless, all power to you for putting up these evocative videos of Ronnie and Roy.

[alliekiwi]

Actually the song has various titles, none more correct than the other, although 'No Man's Land' appears to have been the first incarnation. It may be called 'William/Willie McBride', 'No Man's Land' or 'Green Fields of France'. The lyrics also change from version to version.

[murrmac]

Actually, the correct title is in fact <No Man's Land> .

The Fureys recorded it as <The Green Fields of France>, allegedly to escape paying royalties, but I am certain that is an urban myth.

What is certain is that the title of the song is not and never has been <Willie McBride>.

ong is in

[alliekiwi]

Er... it was recorded under the name 'Willie McBride' by Makem & Clancy. You can buy CDs with the song titled as such.

But if you want to insist it has never been called Willie McBride, feel free to continue to delude yourself.

[Iain40]

All three titles have been covered on this clip, hope this pleases everybody.

[alliekiwi]

Don't be too troubled. Iain.

I think that as the song has been recorded under different titles all are valid, and that the most valid title of each version is what the artist who performed it called it. So really, what The Corrie's recorded it as is the only issue. Yes, Bogle wrote it and named it No Man's Land, but other people are entitled to call it something else.

[xSecretChordx]

err, i think you'll find that the person who wrote it is more entitled to name it than anybody else!

its called no man's land

other titles arise just cos the bands were probably confused as to what the title was themselves.

[moominpic]

I believe the Furey's heard the song from another singer, as this is how they mess the lyrics up (but do a great job in every other way). In the Furey's songbook they credit it as Bogle's song, learned from someone else.