As a former Smokejumper I've heard most of the versions of this great song and, as a musician, I consider this one of the very best. I don't think it should go any slower, but- as Black Irish says- it is a dirge and the tempo is appropriate.
I'm a hot shot and we never forget our lost. Every one of us ( smokejumpers, hotshots, helitack, ect.) we are all brothers/sisters out there on fires.
I think I prefer the original or the Richard Shindell version, but this is no less moving. This is just a great song that can withstand different musical variations.
I believe Canadian folk singer James Keelaghan wrote and recorded this song. His version is a haunting and beautiful tribute to these brave courageous men. There's live version on youtube but it does no justice to the recorded CD.
I live in the City they flew out of on that day in 1949, They will never be forgotten, Nor shall others like Don Mackey who fell on Stormking mountain
With much respect Igcrooks, I would like to point out that the slow tempo is more appropriate for a dirge, and that the fatally burned died a slow agonizing death.
Also Wag Dodge surely "lingered under the agony" for years, as did Thorton's Dad(? =ret forester, sorry I cant find my book YM&F) who was incensed-gnarled by hi s sons death
I thank you for that fact. People forget that the song is somewhat of a dirge, not a story you need to tell at a fast clip. That was the reason our band performed it slow. We will never take this song fast because people need to hear every word of the story!- Patrick
As a former Smokejumper I've heard most of the versions of this great song and, as a musician, I consider this one of the very best. I don't think it should go any slower, but- as Black Irish says- it is a dirge and the tempo is appropriate.
hjfischer1 7 months ago
Holy shit, thats my dad @ 1:14!!
rxbandiit 1 year ago
I'm a hot shot and we never forget our lost. Every one of us ( smokejumpers, hotshots, helitack, ect.) we are all brothers/sisters out there on fires.
marcmason1 1 year ago
Is the last picture at the end a photo of Dodge?
Chicagoan444 1 year ago
I think I prefer the original or the Richard Shindell version, but this is no less moving. This is just a great song that can withstand different musical variations.
rlpniew 2 years ago
I believe Canadian folk singer James Keelaghan wrote and recorded this song. His version is a haunting and beautiful tribute to these brave courageous men. There's live version on youtube but it does no justice to the recorded CD.
amloft 1 year ago
@amloft You are absolutely correct. And don't think anyone gives it the soul that James does.
lgcrooks 1 month ago
I have been Smokejumping for 20 years, and we never forget. Storm King , and all the rest who died as a Smokejumper!
PlaytoLive03 2 years ago 8
I live in the City they flew out of on that day in 1949, They will never be forgotten, Nor shall others like Don Mackey who fell on Stormking mountain
widgeonslayer 2 years ago 2
Great, but sad, story. I like the vocals here but 'way too slow.
lgcrooks 3 years ago
With much respect Igcrooks, I would like to point out that the slow tempo is more appropriate for a dirge, and that the fatally burned died a slow agonizing death.
Also Wag Dodge surely "lingered under the agony" for years, as did Thorton's Dad(? =ret forester, sorry I cant find my book YM&F) who was incensed-gnarled by hi s sons death
But to each his own. Be safe amigo.
oldbearswitch 2 years ago
I thank you for that fact. People forget that the song is somewhat of a dirge, not a story you need to tell at a fast clip. That was the reason our band performed it slow. We will never take this song fast because people need to hear every word of the story!- Patrick
(Black Irish Band)
trainfire28 2 years ago 3
sad story.
kgwickings 3 years ago 5
tempo is too slow
UbiDuboi 3 years ago
yeah, I don't like this version. just the pictures that go with it.
kgwickings 3 years ago
Comment removed
trainfire28 4 years ago 2
tempo is too slow
UbiDuboi 3 years ago
thumbs up
StevenKC77 4 years ago 3
I second that, 2 thumbs up
keking13 3 years ago 3