my mother and father are buried up in the mournes. the old man used to sing this. always makes me think of them and the great parents they were. billy the boy from the hook and ankle and kit gal the girl from cloyne-the capital of hurling and the clash of the ash. many thanks for this.
This song was played at my Dads funeral did not even know he liked this song! but now i know and what a lovely song, will always remind me of my Dad, RIP Dad xx
All this nationalist bickering is so sad. My dad used to sing this to me as a lullaby when I was a baby. I sang this to my girlfriend when she was upset. I plan to sing this to my own children as a lullaby some day.
Is there any more you can ask from a piece of music?
heard it on radio today had forgotten about it but was transported back to when i first heard it it still stirs the heart a beautiful song and a beautiful voice
don mclean is one of my fav. singers of all time 4 me bec. his songs are xtraordinry & very pleasnt to hear!and very lovely melody indeed!i like listening to his music ovr & ovr again.
Lovely rendition, superb vocal, very evocative, heart felt and full of melancholy pathos. The song has a timeless charm that McLean serves faithfully. Lyrical and honest.
Oh my God.....this is why I SO love Youtube....for finding again these long lost favourites of mine, and to know that there are actualy others out there who love them also. Thanks again folkman123!!!!
I love this song when interpreted by Don McClean. He brings such sincerity and gets to the truth of the song which in my opinion is deep homesickness. What a talent and what a voice. The man is a poet and a star.
just another beautiful song, and yes I was one of those fellows digging and asphalting those ole streets, of London, one of the most lonely, cities of the world,
I wish the Irish here would get over themselves. Just a beautiful song about the simpler ways of life. Could be anywhere where the pace of life is too fast, which is just about anywhere in the western world.
@keithhennessy75 As I said, get over yourself. This started because another of your ilk thought it wrong for 'a yank' to sing it. Do I care who sings it as long as he does credit to the song, & Don does, in spades!! 'Danny Boy', another great Irish song. Best version by a Scot, Josef locke. does this detract from the song?, NO.
@keithhennessy75 So you served in the RAF, what is this this , a pissing contest? We know the song is about Ireland, this version by a 'yank'. That's what this was all about, someone who didn't like the fact that an American was singing a song about his beloved Ireland. So I just put it to the general listening public that you can relate to this song if you are far from home. The voice, delivery, all transport you to where you would want to be. I can relate to 'Honey', wife didn't have to die.
I really worshipped this man's self titled L.P., and I was eagerly awaiting his next release, which was "Playing Favorites", and honestly, I felt ripped off until I heard this song for the first time, and realized that whatever I paid for the album was worth it for this song alone, that was nearly 40 years ago, and to this day, his rendition of this Irish classic still knocks me OUT!
When I was a child I lived at the foot of the Mourne mountains , by the sea and my bedroom window faced the mountains and I thought God lived at the top.
Technically a Scotchman or a Welshman would not be an immigrant in London also but the Scots for the most part miss the Beautiful sights of the Highlands and the Welsh get homesick for their Beautiful wee Country. In a City as big and anonymous as London they are apt to team up with their fellow countrymen with their own clubs and pubs etc.
When Don McClean appeared on the Gay Byrne show, Gay asked him would he like to sing a song, he replied "Of course, I'll sing the Mountains of Mourne" Gay was lost for words for once, he though oh another Yank singing an irish Song but what could I do, he was a guest. However, Gay was very moved by it and the audience took the House down. Gay also said that Liam Clancy (R.I.P) singing "And the Band played Waltzing Matilda" was the bestn ever on his show. That's quiet a compliment.
"he stopped the whole street with a wave of his hand" certainly implies that his friend
is a police officer.
The author of Mountains O'Mourne was Percy French - who wrote a number of songs on the Irish diaspora - and he was known to use humorous hidden messages to poke fun at the English.
Also, the Mourne mountains are in Northern Ireland and northern Irish did often
take jobs like police officers in London. Technically a Northern Irishmen in London would not have been an immigrant.
@Seversonronald8 Percy French wrote this song when all 32 counties wre occupied by the British so according to your logic none of the irish settlers would be classed as immigrants .Try not bto take the lyrics so literal . for instance hundreds of irishmen wre digging in London and the rest of the uk for that matter but it definitely wasnt for gold.
You can see the hidden messages - humorous or maybe a Irish poke at the the
English ... for example the references to ladies and beautiful girls in London -- that the English girls are fake .. and the reference to his Irish friend who is now a cop in London .. how he can stop the whole town of London with 1 hand. Furthermore, no matter how much gold, beautiful girls or power you can find in
London ... it pales in comparison to the much simpler but better life back home in Ireland.
@Seversonronald8 I think your mistaken about hidden messages in this song especialy the line about stopping all the traffic whith a wave of his hand.When he comments about the rest of the force he means the other irish immigrants in london .not the police force. Very few irish immigrants joined the police force in england. not like the usa.
Try living and working in at least 6 other countries in 5 continents for a period of at least 3 years in each. At that stage, you may have discovered who you think you are and the 18 year period may have changed your views on life. At this stage, you may realise that Don Mclean's version of "The Mountains of Mourne" has appeal to all cross-sections of communities, never mind his excellent guitar playing. Appreciate now - you will be a long time dead.
@phonesure What has that got to do with it!! A great rendition of a great song. We can all appreciate the feelings generated by this song. So again, how can anyone NOT like this! Whether you come from Ireland or flippin' Mars the words tell a story.
While living in London after having left home in Ireland about 10 years previous. I woke up one morning and while still laying in bed I switched on the radio and this tune started playing. It was the one and only time I ever felt homesick in my life. I quickly remembered that Ireland was a desolate country torn apart by hatred. So I picked myself up and continued with my life elsewhere, anywhere but Ireland.
I went to see the man himself at a concert in Southport many years ago with my family. We got to meet him after the concert. He just sat on the back steps of the theatre under the stars talking in his quiet way. He'd broken a couple of fingers on his fret hand and he apologised if he'd not played his best. He made a fuss of album for her and said he's sing it next time.
I went to see the man himself at a concert in Southport many years ago with my family. We got to meet him after the concert. He just sat on the back steps of the theatre under the stars talking in his quiet way. He'd broken a couple of fingers on his fret hand and he apologised if he'd not played his best. He made a fuss of album for her and said he's sing it next time.
I know this is an Irish song but Don McLean did such a good job with it. He certainly sang it with his heart and soul. My mind drifts along with his moving music. He sang with such emotion that you can't your mind from moving along. Love this and all his good works in his music. And thanks for sharing.
I know this is an Irish song but Don McLean did such a good job with it. He certainly sang it with his heart and soul. My mind drifts along with his moving music. He sang with such emotion that you can't your mind from moving along. Love this and all his good works in his music.
This is a stunning verson of this song. McLean sings this as if he had actually experienced the story of this song. McLean shows that not only is he a great song writer and singer, but also a great interpreter of songs.
And this one is for you, Jeff. The McLean version of a sung-to-death Irish sing-along. Again a revival of a trashed treasure - remember "Western Shore"?
When Don sang this on the Gay Byrne show, Gay was very apprehensive, he explained that he was under the impression that it would jast be another Yank ruining a good song. hr thought, what can I do? He's a guest on my show and I have to let him make the choice. Lo and Behold, Gay was mesmorised by Don's rendition. Gay also remarked that Liam Clancy(R.I.P.) singing "And the band played Waltzing Matilda" on his show was the best ever.
@Paddzster Thanks for the heads up, I just checked out The Celtic Thunder version, and believe me I was impressed, BUT, I'll have to apologize Don Mc lean's version is miles ahead, plus it is more understated, the instumentation and the vocal especially! Thank you You Tube for the forum with which to debate the merits of the renditions of a genuine classic from The Emerald Isle! Long Live and God Save all concerned, especially DON MC LEAN!
Great strums coupled with more than respectable hums complete with stunning visuals, damofino folkman123 I truly believe you have uploaded a By God winner! After hearing this gem nearly 40 yrs. ago, I still doubt if anyone could produce a better version! So thanks to: fm123, you tube for the space, Don Mc for being the artist that Don Mc is, and slow dance away you Emerald Isle Shindiggers!
That's your opinion and you are entitled to it, but to me it's not worth a pinch of nanny goat shite, everybody has their own likes and dislikes, that's what makes us all individuals.
This was written by Percy French - and Im from the town he wrote it about!! Newcastle Co. Down in Northern Ireland. Theres a pub there named after him - The Percy French :)
@closbastinos if you listen to the lyrics the songs about the mourne mountains in IRELAND and the IRISH people that emigrated to london to live and work . no mention of newcastle co down.
Im aware where the mountains are..its my home town. If you google Newcastle Co. Down you will see on the promenade a memorial to Percy French, close to the bar of the same name where he apparently wrote the song.
Gay Byrne, the Irish TV presenter. tells the tale of Don Maclean singing this on the Late Late Show (iconic Irish chat show). Byrne said Maclean's version moved him to tears 'coz it was the first time he had heard anyone sing it with such pathos. It was a staple of irish sing-a-longs and parties for years but sung much more uptempo. Thus it's significance had been lost. Maclean's version showed the true sadness in immigration that song originally had.
@legspin I see what you are saying in your last few words, but for me this song shows the beauty and innocence of the Irish migrants. Sadness can be found in all walks of life but there is hope and beauty too. :) x
@legspin nicely said. Gay Byrne initially thought 'Oh God, this is all we need, an American coming in and singing an Irish song again'. That was his initial thought, then Don McClean started singing you could hear a pin drop in the studio & it was one of the great moments of the Late Late... it was just a guy with a guitar and a voice and a version, and it was magic.
@legspin Gay Byrne said that 'you could hear a pin drop in the studio' during the performance. Perfection is often clothe neath simplicity & sincerity.
This is SUCH a beautiful arrangement. I first heard it sung by Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder; he's a beautiful young blonde Irishman in his early 20's and also does much justice to this song. Check out his rendition........
I'm glad you took the time to listen to Keith! My uneducated opinion is that McClean's is not the original, just because I'm incllined to feel that this may be an old Irish folk song. I do love to listen to it...... :)
I actually heard and loved Keith's version first, then discovered Don's. But you're right, this song goes way, way back. Wikipedia says the lyrics to the song "The Mountains of Mourne" were written in 1896 by the 19th Century Irish musician Percy French, and sung by many people since then.
You're right; I stand corrected. Being the mother of 2 'blondes', I always tend to think in the feminine gender. As much of a grammar and spelling stickler as I am, I appreciate the lesson........ :)
For such a stickler for proper grammar and love of the English language, why on earth would you pick such a classy screen name regarding your dick? So call me an asshol. I'm male, thus no 'e' at the end of asshole,right? Thanks for the heads -up or, in your case, down and to the left.
How beautiful his interpretation is ... I was an ignorant Australian when we went to the Ring of Kerry. How lovely that Don maintains his conection. God Bless.
Wrings tears from my eyes, so soft and a most wonderful interpretation of such a beautiful song, sends an arrow of emotion into the heart of every Irishman.
Stick Percy French into Wikipedia and you can also read about "Are Ye Right There Michael, a song ridiculing the state of the rail system in rural County Clare".
I do not think of this song as amusing but a lighthearted and heartwarming note back to a sweetheart in Ireland. Very good song and the tempo is fine. Thanks for posting.
Sorry I upset you fella. The thanks for posting was meant for folkman123 for posting the song. Gold in the streets became a sort of rallying cry for Irish in America who were upset by the working conditions. Many Irish came to America with the thought there was gold in the streets - jobs with real money in the city. Irish were prominent in USA labor movement because of the bad way they were treated. Not really that amusing to me. Sometimes humor doesn't translate well. Wonderful song.
"Sometimes humor doesn't translate well." That's very true. In my childhood this song was sung with a twinkle in the eye. This is from Wiki on Percy French:
"...French's long and successful career as a songwriter and entertainer began. He became renowned for composing and singing comic songs and gained considerable distinction with such songs as Phil the Fluther's Ball, Slattery's Mounted Foot, and The Mountains of Mourne."
I had been away from home about 5/6 years. I woke up one morning, switched on the radio and this tune started playing. It was the closest I ever came to returning back to Ireland. I,ve been away now over 40 years, but it would take more than a turn to get me back, even such a lovely tune.
The wife and i are off to stay at annalong this wknd for our third wedding anniversary, and i think ill take this song on my ipod to play to her. who said romantic Ireland is dead and gone??
Absolutely beautiful - the best version of this song I have ever heard. Don McLean is amazing and I love his work. Thank you for this posting this clip - I just love it.
Well done, I have this song on Don McLean's Favorites and Rarities box set of 42 songs released in 92. McLean was probabally best known for "American Pie," and "Vincent," aka Stary Stary Night.
I don't know why that comment by "jasonscorsese" got a negative vote. Of course the lyrics are amusing. Percy French meant them to be. He wrote amusing songs. And this is a lovely version, but I wish Don (or anyone else) wouldn't change the lyrics. Also, by singing it this slow, it sounds nice, but makes an amusing song into a dirge.
Just listened to Keith Harkin. His tempo is better for a tongue in cheek song like this. You don't think the singer was really so stupid as to think they were digging for gold in the streets? Never mind ... Read some more Percy French lyrics.
@Cem0305 I think it would tug at the heart strings of every human who has a love for their homeland.
I'm from NZ and I can tell you it brings tears to my eyes, not cos it's about Ireland but because I relate so so strongly to that which this song is really about. Namely; that everyone of us needs & longs for a place where we "belong". A place where were it's simple to understand and be understood . A place where all the simplicity and familiarity of childhood totally surrounds us.
@birdstuckinchimney Might I suggest you look towards the Democratic Right Movement in Ireland - there is no point in harking back to the famine years. This is now and Ireland is living the 3rd world immigration. Check the DRM You Tube reports.
That`s a given I do understand, I did mean in the geographical sense. and let me say Your homeland /country, is one of my ravourt parts of the world.I have crossed the border many times to holiday with my wife and two young daughters, and we enjoyed evry moment. mountains of mourne giants causeway, and so many more,only ever dissapointed on the last day by the fact that we have to go. any way I hope I did not offend, and I am glad to know there are others who love good music.
fair play. im not that bothered either way, but it does need to be said. thats like an ulsterman saying ''ben nevis is in england isnt it?'' cause its on the same island! i love the north and the south but think the north has more to offer.
my mother and father are buried up in the mournes. the old man used to sing this. always makes me think of them and the great parents they were. billy the boy from the hook and ankle and kit gal the girl from cloyne-the capital of hurling and the clash of the ash. many thanks for this.
dermot1961able 3 weeks ago
This song was played at my Dads funeral did not even know he liked this song! but now i know and what a lovely song, will always remind me of my Dad, RIP Dad xx
loza238 1 month ago
A song of longing for home....and we ALL know all about that, don't we...a beautiful Irish song, and a great version by American Don McLean.
TheE8gisell 1 month ago
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TheE8gisell 1 month ago
All this nationalist bickering is so sad. My dad used to sing this to me as a lullaby when I was a baby. I sang this to my girlfriend when she was upset. I plan to sing this to my own children as a lullaby some day.
Is there any more you can ask from a piece of music?
atheissimo 2 months ago
Love this ..... really LOVE this track !
breffnipark 2 months ago
Boring boring people! Just listen to the song! Irish this. Scottish that. Sad little people!!! I AM ENGLISH!!!
vanhalan1 3 months ago
...mournes...county down...so its Northern ireland.
Rockabilly65000 3 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Don McLean
@Rockabilly65000 Oh MARY this Londons a wonderful sight . nuff said
mrmagicroundcircle 2 months ago
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dermot1961able 3 weeks ago
I have an instrumental version of this song on a CD of Irish Fiddle that I got. What a wonderful surprise.
Salmon0fKnowledge 3 months ago
beautiful song ithat corresponds to the nations feelings this song represents the 99%
herasmarket 3 months ago in playlist YouTube Mix for Don McLean
heard it on radio today had forgotten about it but was transported back to when i first heard it it still stirs the heart a beautiful song and a beautiful voice
ruairisean1 3 months ago
love this song ever since i've heard it...tks!
soulsisterxxx1 4 months ago
don mclean is one of my fav. singers of all time 4 me bec. his songs are xtraordinry & very pleasnt to hear!and very lovely melody indeed!i like listening to his music ovr & ovr again.
chestean 5 months ago
What a gem of a song! And what a great artist!
victorio1940 6 months ago
Lovely rendition, superb vocal, very evocative, heart felt and full of melancholy pathos. The song has a timeless charm that McLean serves faithfully. Lyrical and honest.
Juliuscheessa 6 months ago
Oh my God.....this is why I SO love Youtube....for finding again these long lost favourites of mine, and to know that there are actualy others out there who love them also. Thanks again folkman123!!!!
ecurb10 6 months ago
Percy French's song is tuneful, humorous and melancholic. Don Maclean's interpretation more than does it just ice.
saunders2159 7 months ago
Excellent. No one can top this.
BTBHSOHBOY 7 months ago
lirics please!
michatoyota 7 months ago
I love this song when interpreted by Don McClean. He brings such sincerity and gets to the truth of the song which in my opinion is deep homesickness. What a talent and what a voice. The man is a poet and a star.
samiskim 8 months ago
just another beautiful song, and yes I was one of those fellows digging and asphalting those ole streets, of London, one of the most lonely, cities of the world,
coursing100 8 months ago
I wish the Irish here would get over themselves. Just a beautiful song about the simpler ways of life. Could be anywhere where the pace of life is too fast, which is just about anywhere in the western world.
rafhenlow 9 months ago
@rafhenlow It's an Irish song. Idiot ! about Ireland
keithhennessy75 3 months ago
@keithhennessy75 As I said, get over yourself. This started because another of your ilk thought it wrong for 'a yank' to sing it. Do I care who sings it as long as he does credit to the song, & Don does, in spades!! 'Danny Boy', another great Irish song. Best version by a Scot, Josef locke. does this detract from the song?, NO.
rafhenlow 3 months ago
@rafhenlow my Ilk ? I served 12 years in the RAF and I was born in gIbraltar
keithhennessy75 3 months ago
@keithhennessy75 So you served in the RAF, what is this this , a pissing contest? We know the song is about Ireland, this version by a 'yank'. That's what this was all about, someone who didn't like the fact that an American was singing a song about his beloved Ireland. So I just put it to the general listening public that you can relate to this song if you are far from home. The voice, delivery, all transport you to where you would want to be. I can relate to 'Honey', wife didn't have to die.
rafhenlow 3 months ago 2
I really worshipped this man's self titled L.P., and I was eagerly awaiting his next release, which was "Playing Favorites", and honestly, I felt ripped off until I heard this song for the first time, and realized that whatever I paid for the album was worth it for this song alone, that was nearly 40 years ago, and to this day, his rendition of this Irish classic still knocks me OUT!
redsfanstu 9 months ago
When I was a child I lived at the foot of the Mourne mountains , by the sea and my bedroom window faced the mountains and I thought God lived at the top.
annysvan 10 months ago 2
Any Irishman northern or southern would be an immigrant in London
jimdh67 11 months ago 2
Such pathos, anyone missing home would identify with this, regardless of nationality or geography. He's such a fab singer- could listen all day.
Oh, and theres no such thing as a Scotchman- I am a Scot, scotch is a drink :O)
sheilaburslem 11 months ago 3
@sheilaburslem 2 right sheila! ;-)
cunningsophie 10 months ago
Such pathos, anyone missing home would identify with this, regardless of nationality or geography. He's such a fab singer- could listen all day.
sheilaburslem 11 months ago
Technically a Scotchman or a Welshman would not be an immigrant in London also but the Scots for the most part miss the Beautiful sights of the Highlands and the Welsh get homesick for their Beautiful wee Country. In a City as big and anonymous as London they are apt to team up with their fellow countrymen with their own clubs and pubs etc.
liamthedream 11 months ago
When Don McClean appeared on the Gay Byrne show, Gay asked him would he like to sing a song, he replied "Of course, I'll sing the Mountains of Mourne" Gay was lost for words for once, he though oh another Yank singing an irish Song but what could I do, he was a guest. However, Gay was very moved by it and the audience took the House down. Gay also said that Liam Clancy (R.I.P) singing "And the Band played Waltzing Matilda" was the bestn ever on his show. That's quiet a compliment.
liamthedream 1 year ago
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mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
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mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
"he stopped the whole street with a wave of his hand" certainly implies that his friend
is a police officer.
The author of Mountains O'Mourne was Percy French - who wrote a number of songs on the Irish diaspora - and he was known to use humorous hidden messages to poke fun at the English.
Also, the Mourne mountains are in Northern Ireland and northern Irish did often
take jobs like police officers in London. Technically a Northern Irishmen in London would not have been an immigrant.
Seversonronald8 1 year ago
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mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
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mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
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mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
@Seversonronald8 Percy French wrote this song when all 32 counties wre occupied by the British so according to your logic none of the irish settlers would be classed as immigrants .Try not bto take the lyrics so literal . for instance hundreds of irishmen wre digging in London and the rest of the uk for that matter but it definitely wasnt for gold.
mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
You can see the hidden messages - humorous or maybe a Irish poke at the the
English ... for example the references to ladies and beautiful girls in London -- that the English girls are fake .. and the reference to his Irish friend who is now a cop in London .. how he can stop the whole town of London with 1 hand. Furthermore, no matter how much gold, beautiful girls or power you can find in
London ... it pales in comparison to the much simpler but better life back home in Ireland.
Seversonronald8 1 year ago
@Seversonronald8 I think your mistaken about hidden messages in this song especialy the line about stopping all the traffic whith a wave of his hand.When he comments about the rest of the force he means the other irish immigrants in london .not the police force. Very few irish immigrants joined the police force in england. not like the usa.
mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
I had the pleasure of seeing Don McLean perform at a small club in upstate
New York. This was in the early 1980's. It was the best live show or concert
that I had ever attended. He is truly an artist and an entertainer -- in the purest
sense of those words.
Seversonronald8 1 year ago
To all previous correspondents.
Try living and working in at least 6 other countries in 5 continents for a period of at least 3 years in each. At that stage, you may have discovered who you think you are and the 18 year period may have changed your views on life. At this stage, you may realise that Don Mclean's version of "The Mountains of Mourne" has appeal to all cross-sections of communities, never mind his excellent guitar playing. Appreciate now - you will be a long time dead.
plane747f 1 year ago
Don's best songs are not 'hits' but great songs performed by one of the best of his generation of musicians. What a terrific talent.....
trishmcginn 1 year ago
I'm sorry, but how can ANYONE dislike this?!
rafhenlow 1 year ago 2
@rafhenlow coz ur not irish buddy...
phonesure 1 year ago
@phonesure What has that got to do with it!! A great rendition of a great song. We can all appreciate the feelings generated by this song. So again, how can anyone NOT like this! Whether you come from Ireland or flippin' Mars the words tell a story.
rafhenlow 1 year ago
@rafhenlow maybe so but ad rather hear a paddy sing it rather than a yank..
phonesure 1 year ago
Love your comment legspin
dannyanddi 1 year ago
While living in London after having left home in Ireland about 10 years previous. I woke up one morning and while still laying in bed I switched on the radio and this tune started playing. It was the one and only time I ever felt homesick in my life. I quickly remembered that Ireland was a desolate country torn apart by hatred. So I picked myself up and continued with my life elsewhere, anywhere but Ireland.
PS, I have also seem the man himself live.
inisk 1 year ago 2
@inisk and your not much better mate..ur a paddy and u should b proud of ur country..we have came a long way in recent years.
phonesure 1 year ago
@phonesure
Why would being born in Ireland mean I should be proud of being Irish? I have no fond memories of Ireland, other than my parents and family.
inisk 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I went to see the man himself at a concert in Southport many years ago with my family. We got to meet him after the concert. He just sat on the back steps of the theatre under the stars talking in his quiet way. He'd broken a couple of fingers on his fret hand and he apologised if he'd not played his best. He made a fuss of album for her and said he's sing it next time.
mrschalky 1 year ago
I went to see the man himself at a concert in Southport many years ago with my family. We got to meet him after the concert. He just sat on the back steps of the theatre under the stars talking in his quiet way. He'd broken a couple of fingers on his fret hand and he apologised if he'd not played his best. He made a fuss of album for her and said he's sing it next time.
mrschalky 1 year ago
I know this is an Irish song but Don McLean did such a good job with it. He certainly sang it with his heart and soul. My mind drifts along with his moving music. He sang with such emotion that you can't your mind from moving along. Love this and all his good works in his music. And thanks for sharing.
Kenchinl 1 year ago
I know this is an Irish song but Don McLean did such a good job with it. He certainly sang it with his heart and soul. My mind drifts along with his moving music. He sang with such emotion that you can't your mind from moving along. Love this and all his good works in his music.
Kenchinl 1 year ago
Robin, Oh Robin this is for you my dear girl
wastedlife123 1 year ago
I love this song very much.
MsAndi63 1 year ago
OK, but Charlie Landsborough's version has more feeling, Don't take my word for it. Listen to Charlie's version.
silverstartrucker 1 year ago
Sat in my flat in Edinburgh on St Patricks day and cried my eyes out when this came on the radio. Never missed home so much before.
ladycblack1 1 year ago 2
This is a stunning verson of this song. McLean sings this as if he had actually experienced the story of this song. McLean shows that not only is he a great song writer and singer, but also a great interpreter of songs.
grpvn8 1 year ago 3
And this one is for you, Jeff. The McLean version of a sung-to-death Irish sing-along. Again a revival of a trashed treasure - remember "Western Shore"?
Blaustruempfe 1 year ago
tune! heard this when i was a kid! (bairn) haha just an inoccent song that wasn't out to make the millions of todays "tunes"
xmsjmx1 1 year ago
Beautifully done. I really do like Don McLean very much. I also really like the Irish Tenors version with Anthony Kearns.
geneobug 1 year ago
masterpiece
TheMonadaniel 1 year ago
It's an Ulster song.
gerryarmstrong82 1 year ago
@gerryarmstrong82 oh MARY this londons a wonderful sight.
mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
It sweeps down to the beautiful town of Rostrevor and out the road to Warrenpoint, a beautiful partn of the Emerald Isle.
liamthedream 1 year ago
I love the innocence which this song conveys so beautifully.
brianofoz 1 year ago
One of my most favorite songs through the years.
mdaeleman123 1 year ago
When Don sang this on the Gay Byrne show, Gay was very apprehensive, he explained that he was under the impression that it would jast be another Yank ruining a good song. hr thought, what can I do? He's a guest on my show and I have to let him make the choice. Lo and Behold, Gay was mesmorised by Don's rendition. Gay also remarked that Liam Clancy(R.I.P.) singing "And the band played Waltzing Matilda" on his show was the best ever.
liamthedream 1 year ago
The Mountains of Mourne Sweep down to the Sea........Necastle or Rostrevor????
frankeeg83 1 year ago
Celtic thunders keith harkin does a better version :)
Paddzster 1 year ago
@Paddzster Thanks for the heads up, I just checked out The Celtic Thunder version, and believe me I was impressed, BUT, I'll have to apologize Don Mc lean's version is miles ahead, plus it is more understated, the instumentation and the vocal especially! Thank you You Tube for the forum with which to debate the merits of the renditions of a genuine classic from The Emerald Isle! Long Live and God Save all concerned, especially DON MC LEAN!
9erfandex 1 year ago
@Paddzster
In your opinion!. Which is of corse your right.............
nitramsnimmuc 1 year ago
beautiful song, thanks
beschev 1 year ago
Great strums coupled with more than respectable hums complete with stunning visuals, damofino folkman123 I truly believe you have uploaded a By God winner! After hearing this gem nearly 40 yrs. ago, I still doubt if anyone could produce a better version! So thanks to: fm123, you tube for the space, Don Mc for being the artist that Don Mc is, and slow dance away you Emerald Isle Shindiggers!
9erfandex 1 year ago
absolutely beautiful,strikes a cord in anyone that had to leave home,i did but thankfully i got back...many didn't....
kevos65 1 year ago
Not sure what all the contraversy around this is? Insightful folk song, thoughtfully delivered, ho hum
Kenentigern7 1 year ago
This was on the radio yesterday, I haven't heard it for years.
Beautiful song beautifully sang
porridgeable 1 year ago 6
@ dominicamidgley
That's your opinion and you are entitled to it, but to me it's not worth a pinch of nanny goat shite, everybody has their own likes and dislikes, that's what makes us all individuals.
RayBushfox 1 year ago
beautiful.....the best...
ssku57 1 year ago
makes you wish you were irish
spbsteve 1 year ago
Nice!
Have you heard Daniel O'Donnell's version?
It's really good.
I can't find it on Youtube :(
RayBushfox 1 year ago
Daniel O'Donnell is a joke
dominicamidgley 1 year ago
This was written by Percy French - and Im from the town he wrote it about!! Newcastle Co. Down in Northern Ireland. Theres a pub there named after him - The Percy French :)
closbastinos 1 year ago
holy crap i live in Ballyjamesduff, of which he wrote a song!
Nice to meet ya ^_^
furrydisciple 1 year ago
@closbastinos if you listen to the lyrics the songs about the mourne mountains in IRELAND and the IRISH people that emigrated to london to live and work . no mention of newcastle co down.
mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
@mrmagicroundcircle
Im aware where the mountains are..its my home town. If you google Newcastle Co. Down you will see on the promenade a memorial to Percy French, close to the bar of the same name where he apparently wrote the song.
closbastinos 1 year ago
Oh, Mary, this London's a wonderful sight
With people here working by day and by night
They don't sow potatoes nor barley nor wheat
jimwest1968 1 year ago
But there's gangs of them diggin' for gold in the street
At least when I asked them, that's what I was told
So I just took a hand at this diggin' for gold
But for all that I've found there, I might as well be
In the place where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea
I believe that when writin' a wish you expressed
As to how the fine ladies of London were dressed
But if you'll believe me, when asked to a ball
They don't wear no tops to their dresses at all
jimwest1968 1 year ago
Oh, I've seen them myself and you could not in truth
Tell if they were bound for a ball or a bath
Don't be startin' them fashions now, Mary Mochree,
In the place where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea
There's beautiful girls here, oh, never you mind
Beautiful shapes Nature never designed
Lovely complexions of roses and cream
But let me remark with regard to the same
That if at those roses you venture to sit
The colors might all come away on your lip
jimwest1968 1 year ago 2
Don't be startng them fashions MARY MACHREE(Mary of My Heart).
liamthedream 1 year ago
@jimwest1968
you venture to SIP
whitesidehill1 1 year ago
So I'll wait for the wild rose that's waitin' for me
In the place where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea
You remember young Diddy McClaren, of course
But he's over here with the rest of the force
I saw him one day as he stood on the strand
Stopped all the traffic with a wave of his hand
As we were talking of days that are gone
The whole town of London stood there to look on
But for all his great powers, he's wishful like me
To be back where the dark Mourne sweeps down to the sea
jimwest1968 1 year ago
You Remember young "DENNY McCLAREN" of course.
liamthedream 1 year ago
Of course.
BADBOYCH 1 year ago
what does ''mourne'' mean?
robinbackerofficial 1 year ago
MOURNE is a mountain range in Co Down, northern ireland.
henley900 1 year ago 2
@henley900 Well thanks!
i always used the name as my Gaming nickname so that why i was wondering
robinbackerofficial 1 year ago
well done yank great version
just kidding
remember Don McClean playing in Cork in the 80s great man and really liked the Irish culture
walrus502353 1 year ago 3
Great gift. Thanks for the music.
lblmer 2 years ago 2
Beautiful. Damned Irish tears in my eyes now even though I have 'been' there in 170 years.
dabble778 2 years ago 2
Beautiful!
mymagnoliatree 2 years ago 13
Thank you so much for posting : )
Rogeyl 2 years ago
cem0305 I am in Dunners well done me too
Helmieization 6 months ago
Gay Byrne, the Irish TV presenter. tells the tale of Don Maclean singing this on the Late Late Show (iconic Irish chat show). Byrne said Maclean's version moved him to tears 'coz it was the first time he had heard anyone sing it with such pathos. It was a staple of irish sing-a-longs and parties for years but sung much more uptempo. Thus it's significance had been lost. Maclean's version showed the true sadness in immigration that song originally had.
legspin 2 years ago 55
@legspin I see what you are saying in your last few words, but for me this song shows the beauty and innocence of the Irish migrants. Sadness can be found in all walks of life but there is hope and beauty too. :) x
thelastdalek1 1 year ago
@thelastdalek1 Very true.
btw I can see them from my bedroom window most days.
legspin 1 year ago
@legspin nicely said. Gay Byrne initially thought 'Oh God, this is all we need, an American coming in and singing an Irish song again'. That was his initial thought, then Don McClean started singing you could hear a pin drop in the studio & it was one of the great moments of the Late Late... it was just a guy with a guitar and a voice and a version, and it was magic.
glossy104 1 year ago
@legspin Gay Byrne said that 'you could hear a pin drop in the studio' during the performance. Perfection is often clothe neath simplicity & sincerity.
glossy104 9 months ago
gooseflesh all down my arms/back Oo
teezbeatz 2 years ago 5
BEAUTIFUL
oooSAMBOooo 2 years ago
This is SUCH a beautiful arrangement. I first heard it sung by Keith Harkin of Celtic Thunder; he's a beautiful young blonde Irishman in his early 20's and also does much justice to this song. Check out his rendition........
dwndbayou 2 years ago
Don McLean's version is very sweet (is his the original?), but I like Keith's even better because it's more uptempo.
tenossos 2 years ago
I'm glad you took the time to listen to Keith! My uneducated opinion is that McClean's is not the original, just because I'm incllined to feel that this may be an old Irish folk song. I do love to listen to it...... :)
dwndbayou 2 years ago
I actually heard and loved Keith's version first, then discovered Don's. But you're right, this song goes way, way back. Wikipedia says the lyrics to the song "The Mountains of Mourne" were written in 1896 by the 19th Century Irish musician Percy French, and sung by many people since then.
tenossos 2 years ago
He is a "blonde"?
Are you sure he is a he?
Blond/e is a loan word from French, and retains the gender-specific spelling in English.
So, a male is blond and a woman is blonde.
Easy, isn't it?
Limpandtotheleft 2 years ago
You're right; I stand corrected. Being the mother of 2 'blondes', I always tend to think in the feminine gender. As much of a grammar and spelling stickler as I am, I appreciate the lesson........ :)
dwndbayou 2 years ago
Grammar stickler?
Well, yes. But things are either accurate or inaccurate; correct or incorrect.
Regrettably, few kids are taught grammar in schools. In part because their teachers don't know how to write cogent English.
But, to me, grammar is important because it tells you how to construct sentences properly. It's the framework or scaffolding.
Anything else is like showing kids a huge pile of bricks and timber and expecting them to build Buckingham Palace.
Limpandtotheleft 2 years ago
@Limpandtotheleft
For such a stickler for proper grammar and love of the English language, why on earth would you pick such a classy screen name regarding your dick? So call me an asshol. I'm male, thus no 'e' at the end of asshole,right? Thanks for the heads -up or, in your case, down and to the left.
Mranthr0pe 1 year ago
How beautiful his interpretation is ... I was an ignorant Australian when we went to the Ring of Kerry. How lovely that Don maintains his conection. God Bless.
BrizSheelz 2 years ago
from a paddy mountains of mourne not in kerry
coljames1 2 years ago
Wrings tears from my eyes, so soft and a most wonderful interpretation of such a beautiful song, sends an arrow of emotion into the heart of every Irishman.
Jurassicpals 2 years ago
Don's version is the best....
Kevinchng08 2 years ago 3
I agree this is a lovely version of the song :o)
oooSAMBOooo 2 years ago
have to love this
oooSAMBOooo 2 years ago
very nice I love his music
manudoll987 2 years ago
Beautiful song, thank you for posting :)
Thelmcguinness 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
love this song!! :D
vidssesw 2 years ago
man i dunno who marked your comment as spam but their a sad sad person anyway. this is a good sond and theres nothing wrong with stating that fact
bigtj555666 2 years ago
very beautiful. images are splendid. Excellent video.
rosesredvioletsblue 2 years ago
Stick Percy French into Wikipedia and you can also read about "Are Ye Right There Michael, a song ridiculing the state of the rail system in rural County Clare".
jammy50 2 years ago
I do not think of this song as amusing but a lighthearted and heartwarming note back to a sweetheart in Ireland. Very good song and the tempo is fine. Thanks for posting.
lowemk 2 years ago
I don't really care how you think of it, mate. I'm Irish, in Ireland, and know the song well for over 50 years. Thanks for posting.
jammy50 2 years ago
Sorry I upset you fella. The thanks for posting was meant for folkman123 for posting the song. Gold in the streets became a sort of rallying cry for Irish in America who were upset by the working conditions. Many Irish came to America with the thought there was gold in the streets - jobs with real money in the city. Irish were prominent in USA labor movement because of the bad way they were treated. Not really that amusing to me. Sometimes humor doesn't translate well. Wonderful song.
lowemk 2 years ago
S'ok, I'm not upset. :)
"Sometimes humor doesn't translate well." That's very true. In my childhood this song was sung with a twinkle in the eye. This is from Wiki on Percy French:
"...French's long and successful career as a songwriter and entertainer began. He became renowned for composing and singing comic songs and gained considerable distinction with such songs as Phil the Fluther's Ball, Slattery's Mounted Foot, and The Mountains of Mourne."
jammy50 2 years ago
yeoooo
up the mournes
i live round the mournes
:d
ashleys4414 2 years ago
I had been away from home about 5/6 years. I woke up one morning, switched on the radio and this tune started playing. It was the closest I ever came to returning back to Ireland. I,ve been away now over 40 years, but it would take more than a turn to get me back, even such a lovely tune.
inisk 2 years ago
The wife and i are off to stay at annalong this wknd for our third wedding anniversary, and i think ill take this song on my ipod to play to her. who said romantic Ireland is dead and gone??
bigmac9aac 2 years ago
An absolutely beautiful song written by Percy French and the great Don McLean was born to sing it. It always brought a tear to my parents eyes.
You have excellent taste in music, folkman123.....and keep up the good work!
lanetemple 2 years ago
a masterpiece by an american master...don mclean is one of my all-time favorites...the pictures with this video were stunning...
jillyhawk 2 years ago 2
Absolutely beautiful - the best version of this song I have ever heard. Don McLean is amazing and I love his work. Thank you for this posting this clip - I just love it.
samiskim 2 years ago 2
Well done, I have this song on Don McLean's Favorites and Rarities box set of 42 songs released in 92. McLean was probabally best known for "American Pie," and "Vincent," aka Stary Stary Night.
RainySundayEvening 2 years ago 2
very funny lyrics
jasonscorsese 2 years ago
you wouldnt understand
dantesonofmicheal 2 years ago
I don't know why that comment by "jasonscorsese" got a negative vote. Of course the lyrics are amusing. Percy French meant them to be. He wrote amusing songs. And this is a lovely version, but I wish Don (or anyone else) wouldn't change the lyrics. Also, by singing it this slow, it sounds nice, but makes an amusing song into a dirge.
jammy50 2 years ago
Just listened to Keith Harkin. His tempo is better for a tongue in cheek song like this. You don't think the singer was really so stupid as to think they were digging for gold in the streets? Never mind ... Read some more Percy French lyrics.
jammy50 2 years ago
heart tearing song.
I almost cant take it. so beautiful
billmacaulay 2 years ago 5
Anyone living outside their country will certainly be able to relate to this beautiful song.
Brennna 2 years ago 3
Don't bring any freakin issues or blues to this forum on this particular song...Please, no fights...geography aside, it's an awesome song.
Cem0305 2 years ago 3
I tink if you av even an inkling of Orish blood, this song tugs at the 'eart strings. Oh my sweet Da...Does remoind me so much of you.
Cem0305 2 years ago 8
@Cem0305 I think it would tug at the heart strings of every human who has a love for their homeland.
I'm from NZ and I can tell you it brings tears to my eyes, not cos it's about Ireland but because I relate so so strongly to that which this song is really about. Namely; that everyone of us needs & longs for a place where we "belong". A place where were it's simple to understand and be understood . A place where all the simplicity and familiarity of childhood totally surrounds us.
birdstuckinchimney 1 year ago 12
@birdstuckinchimney
cracking post,
sums it up perfectly
MrMontonman 1 year ago
@birdstuckinchimney So true.....
ornatusvaranid 1 year ago
@birdstuckinchimney I'm from New Zealand to
Fantastic song, to
TheKiwiKnight 4 months ago
@birdstuckinchimney my point exactly!!
rafhenlow 3 months ago in playlist play 27
@birdstuckinchimney Might I suggest you look towards the Democratic Right Movement in Ireland - there is no point in harking back to the famine years. This is now and Ireland is living the 3rd world immigration. Check the DRM You Tube reports.
deno914 1 month ago
a truly great sone, one of my late grandmother's fav songs, really reminds me of her
CChallinor 2 years ago 4
Love this version of the song,thanks for the post
montonman1 2 years ago 4
No disrespect intended, but northern Ireland is in Ireland.
nitramsnimmuc 2 years ago 6
also no disrespect, but northern ireland is part of the uk, its an important distinction in this part of the world :)
johnisfun 2 years ago
That`s a given I do understand, I did mean in the geographical sense. and let me say Your homeland /country, is one of my ravourt parts of the world.I have crossed the border many times to holiday with my wife and two young daughters, and we enjoyed evry moment. mountains of mourne giants causeway, and so many more,only ever dissapointed on the last day by the fact that we have to go. any way I hope I did not offend, and I am glad to know there are others who love good music.
nitramsnimmuc 2 years ago 4
what a nice and civil post.. thank you
johnisfun 2 years ago 3
the mountains of mourne are a mountain range in Ireland
when the Irsh had to emmigrate to get jobs they wrote songs to remind them of their lost land
these songs are sung today to keep alive those feelings of those lost generations who had to leave Ireland
walrus502353 2 years ago 6
This comment has received too many negative votes show
the mournes are in northern ireland, not ireland.
johnisfun 2 years ago
fair play. im not that bothered either way, but it does need to be said. thats like an ulsterman saying ''ben nevis is in england isnt it?'' cause its on the same island! i love the north and the south but think the north has more to offer.
bigmac9aac 2 years ago
@johnisfun the Wicklow mountains wre once in the uk not in Ireland . Not any more though.
mrmagicroundcircle 1 year ago
Don's version is the best and original.He has a very great voice.
Kevinchng08 2 years ago
Whats the dark morn? cool song :,]
googoo120 2 years ago
dark morning
danimal511 2 years ago
A river in Ireland. [Mourne]
Volkmoidruk 2 years ago 2
Mourne mountains, County Down
desmonddoodle 2 years ago