Ralph McTell England (Slide Show). English National Anthem candidate?

[lugnavatten63]

Whatever else it is, or may become, England is always home. Nuff said!

[Clawjaw]

She still has her problems Ralph but your songs always make me proud to be an Englishman. Cheers for the upload Trevennor.

[Inglese001]

The facts:

It is true that it is the country of Shakespeare, Darwin, Newton and Faraday.

It is true that it invented the modern world (Industrial Revolution)

BUT...........................­you can't trade on past glories!

[iglagol]

Well, the song contains this verse, but strange thing, Ralph never performs it. Here it is:

What is it about you that took men into war?

Rows and rows of crosses, who remembers why what for?

The corners of these foreign fields,

The dust in them concealed.

Out of sight but not out of mind,

Don't you know that England feels?

[Trevennor]

@iglagol

Well, the version with this video was released as a single record, so I would suppose that there is a longer album version which perhaps includes that missing verse?

Alan T

[iglagol]

This might be the best performance by Ralph. Anyway the others I've heard before leave lots to want. Thank you for showing it here!

[hedcam]

superb.

[IPW02]

This music was the closing titles from Billy Connolly's World Tour of England, Ireland & Wales. I have tried to find this song without success.

[Poopaloo55]

I have a lump in my throat.

[quicksilver300]

A wonderful song, I wish we could hear more of him, such talent.

Do you have the "B" side of this single? it is called "The Grey Sea Strand" I only came across this once on the radio some +25 years ago.

[mymolepuss]

beautiful song and wonderful slideshow...... Im proud of my country,My England

[Tescos444]

hahaha loved the little chef

[unclechristmas]

@Tescos444 Oh yes little chef get in

[TheDannymac1]

Two words - WELL DONE!!!

[Malc1602]

I heard this sound on radio 2 onSt George's Day, it a wonderful song and embraces all that good anout England

[revol148]

@Malc1602 Me to! Good old Ken Bruce eh - even he said he was moved by it!

[Abbotts99]

Today, April 23rd, St. George's Day, this really is the most appropriate song for a still great country that has been let down by it's politicians, but never by it's people - Thank you for posting.

[jimthefirst5]

I've always loved this song, this version can be found on the album Water of Dreams, but their is a great live rendering of this song on an album called "Mike Harding and Friends". My favorite though would have to be the version which plays during the end credits of Billy Connolly's world tour of England, Ireland and Wales.

[FrenchHenri]

A haunting, beautiful song.

[Britfever]

If you like this song maybe listen to 'here's to you sweet england' as well (also on youtube)

[Britfever]

I'm from Northern Ireland but my mother is English. I have always felt English and whatever problems England may have it is still the best country in the world with the richest of heritage. That said, the English, Scots, Welsh and Irish should hold onto our unity as Britishness is something we should all take pride in

[desertstar987]

Great video and song. I'm an Aussie but almost all of my family came out from England to South Aust. in the 1800's. I think that anyone who came from England originally never really left. I'll never vote for an Australian rebublic.

[Trevennor]

@desertstar987

Ah yes, you can take the Englishman out of England, but never the reverse eh 8-)

Glad you liked the video, Ralph must take the Lion's share of the credit though for the great song and lyrics.

ALan T

[revol148]

@desertstar987 you can still like England and yet want your own country to be a Republic at the same time! - it doesn't have to be a case of either/or!

[TUNEMAKER1701]

I've been searching for this song for years !!!

Thanks for uploading it, you made my day :)

[Trevennor]

@TUNEMAKER1701

I'm glad, it's been a favourite of mine since it was released. Celebratory rather than jingoistic. Just what we need for a new national anthem.

Alan T