Thanks for sharing - I had first heard this song on Gael Force, a video with Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Eleanor Shanley & Tommy Fleming. I didn't realize until I researched it that it's a Stephen Foster song; he was one of my parents' favorite songwriters so I heard a lot of his songs growing up, but had never heard this one, which I think is one of the best.
I think it is a masterpiece.It visits my musical memory more than almost any song I have heard in my 67 years of listening. That 1930s depresion was a tragedy for all humanity. May it never happen again!
Oh my, this one totally caught me off guard. When the harmonies kicked in, my tears started flowing. What a beautiful collection of musicians. Thanks so much for posting this for us to enjoy.
Looking at the viewer stats, I find it a little sad that this American song has higher viewership in the UK and Ireland than it's home country (even though this is is a BBC show). Many Americans have a short memory for our musical heritage.
If only all the souls of the famine could hear and see how we've come to this place I'm sure they'ed rest better.....simply heart breaking and so spiritually touching
Some of the best folk singers in the world here. Doesn't get much better than this. What a shame the BBC can't release the excellent Transatlantic and Highland sessions on DVD or at least CD.
they Must something to make some DVDS for the people that didn't watch the Sessions. People can learn alot about Celtic and American music from the sessions and the YouTube is not Apropriate for Long TV programes.
Much as I love the voices of Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Iris de Ment, Cara Dillon and Joan Osbourne these fabulous singers have met their match when compared to Mary Black she has the voice of an angel. She is the female equivalent of Luke Kelly and you don't get any better compliments than that.
For those who do not know yet: this song isn't just just about the Irish folks! Poles were the Irishmens' best dancing and drinking fellows on transatlantic vessels! I'm Polish and this is MY song. God bless.
Oh, yeah. :) It was quite something to stumble upon one of my childhood staples, being sung by my very favorite Celtic artists and the incomparable McGarrigles! Wow! And now you've gone and uploaded a gorgeous high-quality version of the clip. Onya and thanks!
Thanks for sharing - I had first heard this song on Gael Force, a video with Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Eleanor Shanley & Tommy Fleming. I didn't realize until I researched it that it's a Stephen Foster song; he was one of my parents' favorite songwriters so I heard a lot of his songs growing up, but had never heard this one, which I think is one of the best.
LJdeHayward 1 week ago in playlist Uploaded videos
I meant, "depression". Bloody spelling again!
jonwints 2 weeks ago
I think it is a masterpiece.It visits my musical memory more than almost any song I have heard in my 67 years of listening. That 1930s depresion was a tragedy for all humanity. May it never happen again!
jonwints 2 weeks ago
Excellent et plein de mélancolie !
birdy26100 1 month ago in playlist Liked videos
Oh my, this one totally caught me off guard. When the harmonies kicked in, my tears started flowing. What a beautiful collection of musicians. Thanks so much for posting this for us to enjoy.
Lesboop 1 year ago
Looking at the viewer stats, I find it a little sad that this American song has higher viewership in the UK and Ireland than it's home country (even though this is is a BBC show). Many Americans have a short memory for our musical heritage.
topgun1863 1 year ago
reminds me of the music I grew up with in rural NC. There's soemthing to be said for genetic memory.
Buanand 1 year ago
Such a prayer, such a masterpiece.
MsDragon53 2 years ago
Great harmonies, a pleasure to hear such wonderful singing.
TheBadgerfat 2 years ago
perfect harmonies
Lauryn74K 2 years ago 3
this is heavenly
52joan 2 years ago 5
This is amazingly beautiful - thank you for posting!
celtica99 2 years ago
Again i first heard this while watching the Civil War series... Rufus is so young here..
DRpokeme 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You know, a rather mundane treatment of a gret song.
stuartbeaton 2 years ago
If only all the souls of the famine could hear this and see where we've come to this point they'ed rest...heart breaking and soul stirring
hersaiel 2 years ago
If only all the souls of the famine could hear and see how we've come to this place I'm sure they'ed rest better.....simply heart breaking and so spiritually touching
hersaiel 2 years ago
I was fortunate to be able to record these transatlantic sessions from Scotland when they were shown on tv a few weeks ago .
I would walk for miles to hear Karen Matheson sing & davy spillane play! Pleased I don't have to tho'. :)
jessilu 2 years ago 2
Some of the best folk singers in the world here. Doesn't get much better than this. What a shame the BBC can't release the excellent Transatlantic and Highland sessions on DVD or at least CD.
duncane17 2 years ago
they Must something to make some DVDS for the people that didn't watch the Sessions. People can learn alot about Celtic and American music from the sessions and the YouTube is not Apropriate for Long TV programes.
arkhatych 2 years ago
Love Karen Matheson
Cavanpiper 3 years ago
Much as I love the voices of Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, Iris de Ment, Cara Dillon and Joan Osbourne these fabulous singers have met their match when compared to Mary Black she has the voice of an angel. She is the female equivalent of Luke Kelly and you don't get any better compliments than that.
minstrelbhoy 3 years ago
I very much disagree
Cavanpiper 3 years ago
me too!
stuartbeaton 2 years ago
For those who do not know yet: this song isn't just just about the Irish folks! Poles were the Irishmens' best dancing and drinking fellows on transatlantic vessels! I'm Polish and this is MY song. God bless.
thereisnosuchname 3 years ago
Hard Times is a song by the great American songwriter, Stephen Foster, mid-19th century. It sure fits the present economy perfectly.
jake52horn 2 years ago
Oh, yeah. :) It was quite something to stumble upon one of my childhood staples, being sung by my very favorite Celtic artists and the incomparable McGarrigles! Wow! And now you've gone and uploaded a gorgeous high-quality version of the clip. Onya and thanks!
WhiteTiger333 3 years ago
I recorded that series on video back then. This version of Hard Times still sends chills up and down my spine. MUST HAVE DVD!!!!
rudedanny 3 years ago
I think that you forgot someone
audrus177 3 years ago
Thanks for reminder - Mary Black now added :)
How couild I forget her - I've seen her several times!
tomtscotland 3 years ago