@Corrie121 It is indeed by Percy French, who wrote many sentimental and funny Irish songs despite holding down a day job. He was from Co. Roscommon and lived most of his life in Co. Cavan. Although this was written from the PoV of an Irish immigrant to England, French lived his whole life in Ireland.
I love his recorded version of this great song, so soulful and emotional, so it was great to see this performance, thanks for posting. You don't have to be Irish either, I,m Welsh, and it conjures up a feeling of 'hiraeth', a longing for home.
This is my favourite of all the songs I've heard him singing. Ironically, I'm from Glasgow, I've seen him in concert many times in Scotland, but mostly in California, and he never did this song! 1 won a St. Paddy's Day song contest in Missouri in 2005 singing this!
Wonderful video - many thanks for sharing. I am going to see Don in Brighton and London next week and am pleased he is doing some acoustic numbers - not all songs with the noisy band. Cheers!
An Idiot has called this classic a `Mournful Grind`
HammertheHeretics 1 year ago
What a dirge this is. This mournful grind is really beneath him.
pilgerman 2 years ago
Maybe it's just that it's above you.
eilcur 2 years ago
@pilgerman This version is slightly too slow, but McLean himself recorded better versions of this song.
neotenousape 5 months ago
I think this song was composed by Percy French, but whoever did so has gifted us with a lovely melody.
Corrie121 3 years ago
@Corrie121 It's beautiful isn't it? I think however the melody is at least 200 years old; it has that ancient folk feel to it. Very sad.
dabble778 2 years ago
@Corrie121 It is indeed by Percy French, who wrote many sentimental and funny Irish songs despite holding down a day job. He was from Co. Roscommon and lived most of his life in Co. Cavan. Although this was written from the PoV of an Irish immigrant to England, French lived his whole life in Ireland.
neotenousape 5 months ago
@neotenousape
Thank you for info. Much appreciated.
Corrie.
Corrie121 5 months ago
I love his recorded version of this great song, so soulful and emotional, so it was great to see this performance, thanks for posting. You don't have to be Irish either, I,m Welsh, and it conjures up a feeling of 'hiraeth', a longing for home.
broomybank 3 years ago
Dob Mclean is still alive, who knew?
luckycharmsyummy 3 years ago
I did.
Well, me and millions of others! :D
dmfan1111 3 years ago
This is my favourite of all the songs I've heard him singing. Ironically, I'm from Glasgow, I've seen him in concert many times in Scotland, but mostly in California, and he never did this song! 1 won a St. Paddy's Day song contest in Missouri in 2005 singing this!
aweecoldcanofcoke 4 years ago
so sorry I missed this! thanks for video.
gr8film 4 years ago
I saw him at Brighton and will see him in London tomorrow. Disappointed at the low turnouts for this magnificent artist.
lildoozcoop 4 years ago
Wonderful video - many thanks for sharing. I am going to see Don in Brighton and London next week and am pleased he is doing some acoustic numbers - not all songs with the noisy band. Cheers!
Lancing2007 4 years ago 2