The Green Fields of France - Declan Hegarty

[Philoaussie08]

Great song, enjoyed listening to Declan, and best wishes to his Mum, regards P in Aus

[henrythenavig8r]

Stunning. Brings one close to tears. Been listening repeatedly since discovering yer boy here a few days ago, Maureen. Would love to hear any and all versions he does of the ballads of Planxty, sea shanties, and other great old tunes. Does he sing in sean nos or do any lilting perchance? Rare talent.

[jdizzlepizzle1]

Saw Declan Hagerty in a pub in Glasgow last week - one of the best singers I have ever heard with an incredible range of material

[maureenderry]

Yes.....that's my boy!!!

[bennyboyshaw]

Nice song.

[oldbikersrule]

Nicely done. One of my favorite songs. Lost 2 great uncles in that one.

[sl8r]

I don't suppose anybody knows of Willie McBride's reply?

Ive read the lyrics but never heard a recording, i don't even know if there ever was a recording, its to the same tune and everything but Willie's reply saying how proud he was to have served and that while war is mindless, his part in it was necessary (or to that effect)

A recording of the reply would amaze me, next project maybe Declan?

[maureenderry]

I shall pass on your suggestion to Declan.!!

[hanshotfirst1138]

@sl8r I've heard of it, I've read the lyrics, but I've never heard it performed.

[RPenta]

@sl8r Some pro war stooge came up with a lame reply he put into Willie McBride's mouth-misses the point of the song-McBride like so many soldiers in the centuries before him, his contemporaries, and those millions who followed him to graveyards around the world are often told that a war is for some great noble and glorious reason but they are told a pack of lies-which makes their suffering and sacrifice in vain.

[sl8r]

@RPenta It wasn't for King or for England I died,

It wasn't for glory or the Empire's pride.

The reason I went was both simple and clear:

To stand up for freedom did I volunteer.

I think whatever your point of view its worth hearing/reading others. I think the point of the reply, while adnittedly making certain assumptions about Willie McBride is a fair point of view and worth reading/hearing. I'm a fan of exploring all sides of a discussing regardless of my own view on it

[RPenta]

@sl8r It is militarist fantasy the kind of which there was too much of in 1914, all the years since, and sad to say today.

[ssdyve]

I think this is better than the Fureys version. Plus Stoopid 585; the Fureys version is a cover not an original. Eric Bogle the great Australian (&Scottish) folk singer wrote the original. He sings it beautifully too. Declan does Eric proud, thanks so much. Beautiful posting Maureen

[maureenderry]

Thank you. I love this version myself.....and not just because Declan is my son!.

[witchofrollright]

declan has such a sweet voice

[bufc123]

Great singing there. I love to see all different types of singing this great song.

Thanks

[jayrite777]

This is one of my favourite songs. Beautifully sung here, and all the more poignant for it's simplicity. Great vid too.

[maureenderry]

Thank you

[DanOblacksmith]

Might you be Ronan's nephew?

Sweet.

[Marchawc]

Beautiful singing.

[maureenderry]

I shall pass your comment on to Declan (my son)

[Marchawc]

Declan's got real singing talent and makes an excellent job of "The Green Fields". I prefer his version by far to the one by The Furies(no disrespect to them, it's just my personal preference). Declan captures perfectly that quiet moment of reflection upon the loss and regret that lingers years later with those who are left looking back on war and its aftermath.

[maureenderry]

I do agree with you. It is one of those songs which should be sung with gentleness and feeling. Thanks for your comment.

[stoopid585]

the furey's original is better

[maureenderry]

So...what is your point. We don't stop singing a particular song because someone else sings it better!

[stoopid585]

my point is the fureys is better in my opinion. what u gettin defensive for? i wasnt saying that this version should not be sung lol.

[kipperhouse]

The Fureys' version, though perhaps the most well known., is not tthe original.

It was written by Eric Bogle, who called it "No Man's Land". I saw him perform it last night, absolutely wonderful. He's one of the greatest songwriters of modern times. Catch him if you can, he's doing his final tour of the UK thtis Summer.

[spudseamus]

beautiful breath control and very very nice guitar playing and not forgetin' lovely diction

amy God Bless your gift for many years ,Slainte!

[graham1281]

Excellent Declan

[brotherdevil]

oh my, its sad but beautiful but listen to those lyrics, did you really believe that this war would end wars, well the sorrow, the suffering, the glory, the pain, the killing and dying was it all done in vain. for willie mcbride it was done again and again and again and again. its so true.

[clarebannerman]

Great song. Great singing.

[maureenderry]

Yes, It is so sad - many young lives lost. It becomes more real when telling the story of one person.

[bmcneese45a]

Thank you for sharing this. Beautifully sung, but so sad. The words really make you think.