Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms

[hoodswamp]

I first heard this song on the "Andy Griffith Show". I found you here and have listened your rendition maybe more than 100 times. No other version that i have heard compares to yours. I can hear the lyrics in each cord that you play. You are a talent that would humble the worlds finest musicians .

[oldwhtman]

@hoodswamp I think I heard Chet Atkins roll over in his grave after I read the last sentence of your comment. But I appreciate the intent behind the comment. It makes me want to be a better guitar player.

[jmulcahy7]

@oldwhtman

My guess is Atkins would applaud

[TheFearco]

niceeeeee

[MR2LAK]

where was this from? im certain i have a cd with it on it somewhere including things like black eyes something or another...something with lots of cellos...all great celtic music...id like to look those songs up again...home is a green hill is one of them too if that helps anyone...

[oldwhtman]

@MR2LAK I have no idea where this tune comes from. I just stumbled upon Mace Gill's video of it and liked it.

[MR2LAK]

@oldwhtman well you play it beautifully anyway

[alohachristine]

I agree... I love your slower tempo of this song. You played it beautifully. I wish you had played longer though.

I'm planning to sing this soon as Jenny Lind (an old time singer) for a re-enactment. This song is haunting, and I'm glad you shared it.

[AndanteLargo]

Hey Mike! I'm back. And so are you!! LOL I like your new look. As my students say: COOL man! Can I take that idea from you?

And what a beautiful tune! And so well played, I now realize what I have been missing for three weeks. Ahhh the joy of returning "home".

5 stars and a hug!

Per-Olov

[oldwhtman]

Welcome back, sir. You may use my disguise, if you wish, but you have nothing to hide from. I on the other hand ...

[knules2]

very nice

[MaceGill]

You are a much cleaner guitarist than I - WONDERFUL version, and I am so honored that you would like my little arrangement so much!

[oldwhtman]

Thank you for the compliment, but after listening to what Youtube has done to the sound quality it is surprising to hear yu say that. They made it worse than when the video was originally uploaded, as though they make multiple passes that incrementally denigrade the sound quality. I'm planning to give "Minstrel Boy" a try next. You did a great on that one too.

[Gangly1]

Wonderful Mike. I wouldn't change a thing.

Those shades take 30 years off you!!

Regards,

Paul

[oldwhtman]

I think I'll make this my Youtube uniform. I should have worn the hat from the beginning. It's appropriate. The glasses help conceal my ugliness. Never should have had the Lasik surgery.

[AnotherSchmoe]

Absolutely beautiful! I also have listened to Mace Gill's recording and I think you both played fantastically, there is not a single thing I'd change about either of your recordings (no, not even the hat and sunglasses). =)

As always, thanks for sharing with us, you have a definite gift for music, a lot of people who play instruments on YouTube end up rushing through things and playing too fast, thus losing the beauty of the song or piece, not you! A very touching performance as always. =)

[AlphaTiger101]

haha you look awesome! great job on the music too

[oldwhtman]

Not the right look for a celtic tune, but I thought I'd try a disguise.

[DamianNixon]

....one of the tunes in 'the Quiet Man'...nicely played

[oldwhtman]

Maybe that's where I heard before. I sounded familar.

[billkilpatrick]

fabulous! - melody was familiar but i'd never heard its name - same as - or similar to - "never grow old," right? gratz'

[oldwhtman]

I'll have to look up the lyrics. The title seems to be an incomplete sentence.

[MaceGill]

The lyrics are about love standing the test of time even when beauty fades.

Its taken from the first line of the song:

"Believe me, if all those endearing young charms, which I gaze on so fondly today, were to leave by tomorrow and fleet in my arms like fairy gifts fading away; thou would still be adored as this moment thou art. Let they loveliness fade as it will, and around the dear ruin each beat of my heart would entwine itself verdantly still.

[MaceGill]

It is not while Beauty and youth are thine own, and thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear, that the fervor and faith of a soul can be known to which time will but make thee more dear. No, the heart that has truly loved ne'er forgets, for truly love's on 'til the close. As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets the same face that she turned when he rose.