All this talk about whether he was english or scottish is silly. Ewan was a marxist and an internationalist and so agreed with the notion that workers have no country.
Nationalism is a bosses tool to keep working people divided.
Ewan sang for all workers and oppressed people everywhere.
I had always assumed that Maccoll was a Scottish guy, but, in fact, "Maccoll" was a showbiz name. He was born James Miller in Salford, now part of Greater Manchester.
Born in Salford to two Scottish emigre parents , and raised in the Scottish emigre community in Salford, Scottish by the birth and blood and culture of both his parents, Albainn Gu Brath
Wee sleekit cowrin' Cheery Davie, I believe he was born on English soil, of Scottish parents. I don't know if this makes him English or Scottish, which in his case is perfectly appropriate since he was a sort of Everyman.
This is just an interesting bonus fact; Captain cook was half Scottish (father's side) but was born on English soil and is called English.
@astronomerroyal It could make him both. My wife put Scottish and English on the census form last week which you could do. The important thing is how folk define themselves.
Yeh, know what you mean but not for this song. McColl sings it with an understated power and emotion which makes for a very moving and the best rendition.
While Ewan MacColl wrote some great songs, Luke Kelly was the only singer who really did them justice. He brought life to the songs in a way nobody else could even dream of.Listen to Luke's version of this for proof of that.
Have Listened to Liam Clancy's, and Luke Kelly's versions - they phrase it exactly this way, give credit to the man for writing it, and think the other two do it justice too. We all have Our own favourite Singers
ewan maccoll brilliant folk singer ,born in scotland and brought up in salford,manchester lancashire england,probably the best british folk singer ever
Have it on vinyl, better than this. Pretty good, even so. Treat yourself, listen to his recording of 'The first time ever I saw your face' and die happy.
One of the greatest folk singers and songwriters
All this talk about whether he was english or scottish is silly. Ewan was a marxist and an internationalist and so agreed with the notion that workers have no country.
Nationalism is a bosses tool to keep working people divided.
Ewan sang for all workers and oppressed people everywhere.
Workers of the world unite!
redpaulxx 1 year ago 2
@redpaulxx Right on the money, mate. These daft buggers arguing about Ewan's roots are just fodder for the cannon.
noushitaisa 1 year ago
What a song - working people rejoice that someone coulf give voice to our experiences so authentically!!!
micha3lw 2 years ago 2
He certainly was a great song writer ;),wish i was half as good.
spiralisedcat 2 years ago
It's not exactly herring, but it's a good video.
Yannick20 2 years ago
Beautiful Vid astronomerroyal 10/10+++
dragonking134 2 years ago
did ewan maccoll play any instrument
fearghus66 2 years ago
Cut out blessing him with god. Listen to his songs. He was an atheist.
FellingPX 3 years ago
I had always assumed that Maccoll was a Scottish guy, but, in fact, "Maccoll" was a showbiz name. He was born James Miller in Salford, now part of Greater Manchester.
TerrySleeper 3 years ago
Born in Salford to two Scottish emigre parents , and raised in the Scottish emigre community in Salford, Scottish by the birth and blood and culture of both his parents, Albainn Gu Brath
Macangusagain 2 years ago
. . . but English by nationality and birth.
TerrySleeper 2 years ago
like all those irishmen in america
pvuf431 2 years ago
a great song writer great singer passes his music on to millions thanks.And Ewan McColl was SCOTTISH aye that he wis
cheerydavie 3 years ago
Wee sleekit cowrin' Cheery Davie, I believe he was born on English soil, of Scottish parents. I don't know if this makes him English or Scottish, which in his case is perfectly appropriate since he was a sort of Everyman.
This is just an interesting bonus fact; Captain cook was half Scottish (father's side) but was born on English soil and is called English.
astronomerroyal 3 years ago
@astronomerroyal It could make him both. My wife put Scottish and English on the census form last week which you could do. The important thing is how folk define themselves.
gaconnochie 10 months ago
Born near Salford. Original name was James Miller. Lived in England too.
simmo303 3 years ago 2
Dick Gaughan sings this very well. And he covers The 30ft Trailer magnificently.
BongoPedro 3 years ago 2
Yeh, know what you mean but not for this song. McColl sings it with an understated power and emotion which makes for a very moving and the best rendition.
A66omd 4 years ago 2
While Ewan MacColl wrote some great songs, Luke Kelly was the only singer who really did them justice. He brought life to the songs in a way nobody else could even dream of.Listen to Luke's version of this for proof of that.
dubb1995 4 years ago 3
would agree with most of what you say re;luke, luke was the best, but this is a great version.
mtsongs 4 years ago 2
Have Listened to Liam Clancy's, and Luke Kelly's versions - they phrase it exactly this way, give credit to the man for writing it, and think the other two do it justice too. We all have Our own favourite Singers
jesscheckin 3 years ago
Your on the boat with him in this one chugging along the North Sea.Pure folk magic.
andybirtwistle 4 years ago 4
Lovely! Now how about some of his renditions of Jacobite or Child ballads?
jessyquedens 4 years ago 3
No matter how many times I listen to this piece I still marvel at how evocative it is. I just wish I had footage that was, well, more British.
astronomerroyal 4 years ago
One of the many folksongs I was born n bread on, this one. Heard quite a few variations by a lot of singers but none can compare to this.
PY3wacket 4 years ago 3
This isa wonderful song, that sends us to another time. ewan Mccoll was brilliant.
tafwj 4 years ago 4
surely the inspiration for bob dylans times they are a changing .
stupmylumpy 4 years ago 2
Thank you for posting this wonderful rendition by MacColl.
figaroles 4 years ago 5
ewan maccoll brilliant folk singer ,born in scotland and brought up in salford,manchester lancashire england,probably the best british folk singer ever
merseyside 4 years ago 5
he's a great song writer granted, but Luke is deffo the best folk singer, be it english or irish folk!
kellyoneill 4 years ago
Have it on vinyl, better than this. Pretty good, even so. Treat yourself, listen to his recording of 'The first time ever I saw your face' and die happy.
simmo303 4 years ago 2
Great song. You can't beat MacColl's original version.
raymondcrooke 4 years ago 4
have you heard Luke kelly singin it?
kellyoneill 4 years ago 2
yes kelly ,lukes a great singer without doubt but ewans definate a better version ,yes ive heard lukes version
merseyside 4 years ago