The High Kings Auld Triangle

[hammerwest1010]

absolutely superb



[rlane1212]

Their sound is definitely a bit too polished, but it's quite lovely all the same.

[DaveMcG]

Not a fan of this... Sounds closer to Westlife than the Dubliners. Too polished, doesn't sound authentic !

[finderoftreasures]

New Irish band CASTLECOMER do an AMAZING a capella version of this song.

Check them out by typing in "The Auld Triangle - Castlecomer"

[Hosenfan91]

Einfach nur unglaublich berührend diese Version !

[aussieprideization]

When are these guys coming to Australia....

[MeadeCora]

the bald dude is fab n gorgeous i love his cheeky grin in the middle of the song fab singing from all well done the clancy brothers n tommy would be so proud xx

[shadowstrider43]

It's awesome when they sing separately, and then go into harmony. Then you can tell how they each add to the one sound. Simply beautiful

[SylarGrimm]

i'll just lay on my floor, staring at the celing, and start singing this song.

then my mom will come in and tell me to get up and clean up my room; im not in prison... coulda fooled me.

[Deanbass77]

What's the bald dude's name? I like his singing the best. And he rocks a banjo and bowler hat like no other as well.

[jt465465758]

This version 9/10

Luke Kelly's Version 10/10

[tony10396861]

@jt465465758 This version 2/10, Bonos version 1.5/10

[Deanbass77]

@jt465465758 Hear hear.

[KeshHarp]

..." For the love of Jesus, increase me wages..from thirty shillin's up to two pound - ten"...

[OverlordMD]

beautiful ='D

[Fleet1912]

amazing harmonies!!! awesome video

[downey8888]

Great version but you still cant beat good auld Luke Kelly

[zwerverbeer]

though the high kings are perfectly synchronised and they have beautiful voices, but the dubliners, and specially Ronnie Drew, will for always be the best. Drew's version of the auld traingle will always bring a tear to my eye.

[vapypr]

You want to hear a great version, check St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, particularly when they follow it up with Ballintore Hornpipe and Pumpkins Fancy. This version is nice, but way to clean.

[SasoriB5]

This song is just amazing. The Dropkick Murphys' version is absolute shite. It doesn't get anything across in the way this does.

[uctuba9013]

this is so awesome. thank you rgh79 for posting the information. this is how irish folk songs should sound!

[gsrgod]

1:50 gives me the shivers

[Lorrie1955]

handsome and talented.. what more can you ask for .. plus great music

[hamey2K8]

aaah hungry feelin'

came o'er me stealin'

and the mice were squeelin'

in my prison cell

[rebelmusic2]

No emotion in this version to be honest...

[InsanityatanInstant]

real talent, it pisses me off that Kanye west and lady gaga are big and these guys ain't.

[t4r0n]

They're only humans, how can they produce such perfect tones? Guess it's because they're irish :)

[tulebox929]

naw, naw, naw,these guys are just good,band and all,there are other vids of them not so produced,and they sound good. they could play in your kitchen and sound great.

[daryl2901]

this is an ok version, but nothing will ever top luke kelly.

[irishpride9999]

@daryl2901 Ronnie Drew's is the best. Not Luke.

[DL9498]

@daryl2901 rite on ya rip luke

[fla1990]

Shite......

[KeshHarp]

..." For the love of Jesus, increase me wages..from thirty schillin's up t' two pound-ten...and the auld triangle.."

[mistermucky17]

There's a market for this, but it's very 'poppy'. Designed to appeal to riverdance fans. Good luck to them, but it's a million miles away from Brendan Behan writing a song about masturbation. Rather sugary considering the subject matter.

[kobbsno10]

They are very good together, interesting to see if they would make it each on their own. Luke still owns this one!

[djklasen]

You are somewhat misinformed, my friend! All of these guys are of tradition-musical families, one of them is one of the Clancys. They all have solid foundation in traditional Irish music and do venues together with people as the WolfeTones. They are NOT the result of some audition, and they all can play Irish music very well.  This is Irish music in a contemporary wrapping and it sounds very good!

[tony10396861]

@djklasen No, not all of them are from traditional music background, but I wouldn't hold that against them. They WERE created, by the same people who created celtic woman, and they seem quite proud of that for some reason...

[dubb1995]

Do yourselves a favour...forget this and listen to Luke Kelly's version...you may never look back...Luke has a passion and power that these guys couldn't match in a million years.

[neb250]

No offense, but Luke Kelly sounds terrible. Your ear for music is even worse.

[kobbsno10]

What are you talking about neb250? Have you actually ever listened to Luke Kelly properly? He had more passion in his little finger than any modern band/group.

I'm not knocking these guys though, they are good, but Luke was THE man!

[tony10396861]

@neb250 Offense taken!!!! When does Luke sound terrible? I honestly cant believe that anyone who has heard him sing could say he was terrible....Are you just trying to piss people off??

[dubb1995]

Hey neb250...no offence either, but you haven't a clue. Luke Kelly was as great a singer as you will ever hear. Try to find a negative comment on youtube about him. The High Kings are a bunch of chancers the like of which you can see in touristy pubs all over Ireland. Luke Kelly was the genuine article and a hero to people worldwide so i'm sorry, but the one with no ear for music is you my friend.

[glanzav6]

just wondering dudd1995 how many tickets have been sold for people to listen to u singing

[dubb1995]

@glanzav6 Since when were ticket sales any kind if barometer for talent?

Look at Take That, Boyzone etc....they sell out concerts all the time, yet they are talentless puppets one and all. As long as people are taken in my the likes of them and The High Kings there is little hope for the future of music.

[TheTruffledog]

Agree 100%... These guys are so fake and awful. It's like American Idol meets The Quiet Man. They were just put together in auditions by people who want to make money from American tourists. Sure none of them can actually play irish music. Poor old Luke Kelly would have a good laugh if he was around, or a good cry..

[DMEB]

an interesting version of one of my favorite songs.. beautiful harmonies..

i love luke kellys version though live with the dubliners on german tv in 1976..

[t4r0n]

I first heard this song as I went from germany to belfast to see the wolfe tones live at their 45th anniversary. Befor them played "the legend of luke kelly" and he did a really good version too! Since then i liked this song ;)

[Diamondhoof1]

Get your mind out of the gutter people.

[Goatmon]

Oh god, hahahah It actually makes sense if you pay attention to the lyrics.

[rgh79]

The Auld Triangle by Dominic Behan introduces his brother Brendan's play The Quare Fellow, about life in Mountjoy Prison the day a convict is to be executed. The title refers to a big metal triangle used to wake the inmates. It still hangs in the prison. The song laments oppression, suffering and death under British rule. Wishing to be jailed with the women is the male prisoner's daydream, especially when he faces execution. Great version of a great song! Thanks, High Kings!

[sandinmyears1]

@rgh79 Thanks. Never understood the song before now. I love their harmony though-- whether I understand it or not. :)

[mypassionisswords]

@rgh79 Thank god we aren't like that now.

[mistermucky17]

No, dsedd's got the song confused with the fields of Athenry. Behan was in goal for attempted murder. You need to go and have a jingle jangle on your ould triangle. When he says the ould triangle went jingle jangle, he's talking about a wank.

[craigennis90]

Its an amazin song and its not about wankin you stupid stupid people, its easy to know whos not gettin anything when they try twist the words of a song to sound dirty ur pathetic go get a life djsedd sumed the meaning of the song up in his first line

[djsedd]

Such a great song about poverty ,hunger and a grá for the woman you love,and no it is not about masturbation - if you look at its lyrics,it describes being locked up in a prison for stealing to feed people!

[madraven123]

lmao this song isnt about masturbation, the reason they grin at the part about the woman , is because the auld triangle was used when food was being served, and they say and tis among them i wish i did dwell, then the auld triangle could go jingle jangle .. meaning lunch time ! lol anyway amazing song, by amazing artists well done

[peeledeyes1]

Years ago it was well understood that this song was about masturbation. It was always sung with a big grin, especially the last verse, where he dreams of being let loose among the female prisoners.

Brendan Behan was supporting himself wriing pornography in Paris, just before he wrote it, so it shouldn't come as any surprise.

[darkvelvet8]

I think its beautiful... the harmony is so soul wrenching I love it....

Im just sorry that you humans out there have to ruin everything you touch... of those of you who couldnt listen and keep your aweful comments to yourself...

Just appreciate something for once in your life....

[mistermucky17]

Well, my original post was about interpretation, that's all. This is an extremely raunchy song, sung in a sugary sweet lullaby fashion. It's harmonious, but it's all wrong.

[McAleen]

am a irish performer, have asked the older performers about this song. Yes it is a song about masterbation...no one is being kinky....it just happens to be the truth. sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, and isn't always pretty. that being said...beautiful arrangement, beautiful harmonies.

[ainso]

nice version but perfer luke kelly singin this song

[joeygsmom]

true. but i have to say if I hadnt heard these boys first i never would have 'discovered" Luke, Ill drink to them all!

[CTDragoon]

Everyone knows what the word is, my comment was in reference to a suggestion made in earlier threads.

[CTDragoon]

A 'horny' feelin' came on me stealin'? That makes no sense at all. Everything that Behan does in the song - he happens to be dreaming about. Then the 'Auld Triangle' wakes him up - as it was used in the very same prison he stayed in. Mount Joy Prison - feel free to look it up.

[mistermucky17]

There's two meanings of dreaming, asleep, and awake. And in prison, with nothing to do, you do a lot of daydreaming, and that's what this song is about. The last verse makes it absolutely clear what he means by the old triangle going jingle jangle.

[heatherwind]

Mistermucky, considering the number of times you've posted this theme in the thread it's sadly obvious you're a little preoccupied. Please stop trying to ruin a good song for others with your own crude fetishes.

[mistermucky17]

People replied to my comment, I replied to them. This is a discussion forum, dummy!! I like this song. I don't like this sugary version. It's crap, and these guys are rip-off artists. Even their name is a steal from the cheiftains. I hate to see a good song spoiled.

[Biverix]

this is NOT a discussion forum DUMMY this is just to coment the song you pillock

[mistermucky17]

Ok, the song is great, the band is shite, and you're a prick.

[celticdreamdancer]

"hungry feelin'" not horny.

[mlaunder]

"hungry feeling..."

[kssx33]

"a horny feelin came on me stealin" = a horny feeling came stealing over me is another way it can be said.

[Cregsy]

it's hungry you fool

[kssx33]

WOOPS thats right haha. i was taking words from another comment haha. sorry. hungry hungry hungry!

thank you :]

[mistermucky17]

I agree, this is totally the wrong song to do such a sugary version of. It's an earthy song Behan wrote about wanking in prison. The 'auld triangle' is your you-know-what.

[clbrown1971]

Mayhaps, good sir, you have spent too much time cleaning your slide-whistle and it has left you addle-pated. I'm sure good Behan had more respect for his craft than to write a soulful piece such as this in regards to tugging the tadger.

[mistermucky17]

Good lord, did you come from the past just to comment? In that case, you should know, Sir, that Behan wasn't known for his respect, and also, a clean slide whistle plays the best. I suggest you listen again to the lyrics, and bid you good morrow.

[CTDragoon]

Doing your research you'd find that the Auld Triangle was just that - a metal Triangle that they use to use to wake the prisoners, the Triangle is still there to this day, you can view it on a tour of the Prison out in the courtyard.

[mistermucky17]

And ' a jingle jangle on the old triangle ' became prison slang for a wank. Change the word 'hungry' to 'horny' in the first line, and the song makes sense.

[stdeclan]

They're tryin to gentrify the tune, trying to make it acceptable to their well healed audience. Pretty sounds without a soul. I'll take the Pogues or Dubliners versions anyday over this too well done site.

[howdofolks]

wow blooming brilliant

[dcoachk]

the hing kings are legend was at the concert wednesday night in dublin there not trying to be ronny drew or anyoneelse there doing a tribute paying there respects to legends who have past before them

[wickedplaylist]

One thing I have learned during my many years online is that you will never have everyone agree on anything. Sometimes the disagreements are just more surprising than others. The High Kings aren't trying to be the Dubliners, Pogues, Thin Lizzy or your mom in the shower. They are simply the High Kings singing Irish songs and doing a damn fine job at it.

I honestly don't understand how you can hear those 4 voices singing these wonderful songs and not smile.

[MiaIsTheMoon]

I completely agree.

Instead of them getting praised for this,

people are argueing over the meaning.

I don't care if the song is about someone dreaming about being out of prison or wanking off, The High Kings did a wonderful job and it sounds beautiful.

[ljeisley]

These men have some of the most pure, beautiful voices I have ever heard... And the harmonies are so spot on.... I love it, I love it, I love it.... But I love the recorded one better....

[TyAllyn]

I agree, the recording is exceptionally well done.

[mistermucky17]

I'm with ramblingbloke. This is utter crap. They overdo every sylable, and it all ends up the same. They might as well be singing the phone book, they would do it just the same

[Lyiat]

Ok, the High Kings does -not- equal the Dubliners. If you want a band trying to keep the Dubliner's style, look for the Orthodox Celts. The High Kings are using their own style to tell the same stories in their fashion.

It's like saying that when Metallica remade "Whiskey in the Jar" they were trying to rip off the Dubliners....

[ramblingbloke]

this is crap, really. I mean, the singing is obviously great in terms of hitting the notes, but the whole thing is nothing compared to the Dubliners or the Pogues. What I miss is the magic that hits me in the heart when I listen to a Pogues song. This is just some professional vocalists trying to act like Dubliners. Bullshit.

[MaxInTransition]

agreed.

[lightguyforever]

they aren't going for the dubliners sound, they are doing it how they want to. if you can't see that and aren't going to have enough respect for an amazing group then shut up and stop watching

[mistermucky17]

All this talk of tossers is quite relevant really, because this is a song about wanking. A jingle jangle on the auld triangle was prison slang for a wank. Brendan Behan wrote this, after a spell in Jail, as an intro for his play, 'The queer fellow'.

[aflute0509]

Beautiful vocals!!!!

[fidelmaines]

The only tosser on this site is you sheafferhistorian.

now run back to the fake 5 piece you belong to.

[MadAl0]

Ur dead rit sheafferhistorian is a tosser. Im only 18 and dont tell me I dont know my trad music. its about time we saw someone revive Irish trad music. They are unreal.

[joeygsmom]

I first heard the High Kings perform on St Patricks day, and they really nail this song. Its supposed to be mournful and slow, and it is. Well done fellas!

[jim2t6]

amazing song! Shows respect to those who where innocent but still arrested - most of them Cathlolics in the North of Ireland who wouldnt obey the "British rule" -R.I.P of those who died in prisons everywhere on both sides

[BlessedThistle]

Pay no attention to thse that will try to tell you you're wrong. I am here to tell you at least I agree. Bristish Rule is for those not strong enough to come up with their own.

Alba Gu Brath

[Sidewalk777]

voices as clear as bagpipes... absolutely great!

greets from germany

[NicktheIrishman]

Barbershop version of The Auld Triangle!

[caper55]

A moving rendition of a great tune..........cheers b'ys

[johnfinbarburke]

i fuckin loooooove this ,,, IMMMM IRISH AND PROUD OF IT <<<<

[djrchay]

Check out the late Luke Kelly of the Dubliners version on this site.

[gunnerglory]

I don't understand. What do you mean they are being fooled?

[sheafferhistorian]

Led to believe these guys are a good irish band. Ronnie Drew passes and most of the people in the states, listening to the high kings, barely bat an eye.  Sad.

[joeygsmom]

Fair enough, but unfortunately Ronnie, Luke and those gents are no loger around, if you want to see a real live concert, these guys are the closest thing. They really are decent (compared with another group I wont mention lol) give them one more chance??? At least they dont do falsetto haha!

[willspear1564]

exactly! Let it be said that one youngster hasn't been fooled! The Dubliners, especially Luke and Ronnie (not necessarily in that order) are the best in the business!!!

[eireluke]

Not a bad version alright. Not as good as the Dubliners version though.

[hughzy11]

dropkick murphys are awful, this is how irish traditional music should be sang!

[orckiller91]

TY TY TY TY TY!!!!! I have been saying that for a while

[irishpride9999]

@hughzy11 No doubt. These lads follow in The clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem Tradition.

[tony10396861]

@irishpride9999 Yeah by being overly stagey plastic paddies.....and Lukes versions were the best.Not Ronnie

[irishpride9999]

@tony10396861 strong opninion mate...cant be proven. plus, Ronnie is the face of this song. When this song is mentioned, they think of him.

[tony10396861]

@irishpride9999 of course it cant be proven and if you prefer Ronnies version thats fair enough, but have you listened to Lukes versions? Just on youtube therse a live version from 1976 thats amazing but earlier versions as well when he sang alone i think are just as good...I love Ronnie, he had a class unique voice but when it comes to power,passion, and presence no one can match Kelly, in my opinion the greatest singer ever.I think for most people he becomes the face of whatever songs he sang

[irishpride9999]

@tony10396861 Ok truly, I think Tommy Makem is better than both. He is after all, the Godfather of Irish Music, and the Bard of Armagh.

[tony10396861]

@irishpride9999 Id have to disagree with you there

[zapper922]

@hughzy11 ya irish "traditional" dropkick murphys isnt traditional irish they are irish "rock" so why would you ever expect their version to be like this

[theNewTomSawyer]

@hughzy11

Its just a different style, nothing wrong with it. Dropkick doesn't claim to be traditional. Its only a matter of opinion but you don't have to out a band publicly because you don't think they are traditional.

[SUNHEE12]

I actually prefer the way the High Kings sing compared to Dropkick with The Auld Triangle because you can admire the beauty and harmony of their voices...I would personally love to hear them do the Fields of Athenry. They are soo good

[Hyunie]

this was the 1st time I'd heard this song done so slowly.I have it by dropkick murphys.its on their cd the warriors code.this concerts is on again tonight on PBS at 10pm.

[jalyssa007]

really its coming on tonigt?

well thx for the info..itll be a good way to finish off st. patricks day :+]

[rocknrollstar328]

the song is actually a slow song, dropkick murphys sped it up.

[orckiller91]

they do that to EVERY song it drives me nuts

[Albertarocks]

Those voices are so pure. They are as good, if not better than Larry Gatlin and his brothers. "All The Gold In California". And these 4 aren't brothers. What incredible talent!

[MermaidPrincessMeg]

This is beautiful....

[thkfan]

Great job, mates. Love it. Awesome harmony!!