John McDermott (Canadian) - Song for the Mira

Your ratings and comments are welcome! This video is from John McDermott's live DVD "A Time to Remember" (2002) where he sings a nice rendition of "Song for the Mira". This folk song is about the Mira River in Nova Scotia Canada, and also mentions the community of Marion Bridge. The song was originally written by a local songwriter named Allister MacGillivray, and has also been recorded by Nova Scotia native Anne Murray. The studio (not live) version of this song is also on the CD (also released in 2002) that has the same title as the DVD. This DVD version omits one chorus and the third and fourth verses of the song:

"Out on the Mira on soft summer nights,
The bonfires blaze to the children's delights.
They dance 'round the flames, singing songs with their friends-
I wish I was with them again.

And over the ashes the stories are told,
Of witches and werewolves and Oak Island gold.
The stars on the river, they sparkle and spin-
I wish I was with them again."

To view this video in a high quality mode (for those with computers capable of displaying it), just click on the blue text "watch in high quality" that appears beneath the "views" counter. The video quality is dramatically better! I hope you will agree.

"JOHN CHARLES McDERMOTT is a Canadian tenor best known for his rendition of "Danny Boy." Born the ninth of twelve children to Irish parents in Glasgow Scotland in 1955, John and his family moved to Canada in 1965. Growing up in a musical family, his only formal musical training was at St. Michael's Choir School in Toronto, Ontario in 1971 and 1972."

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Irish
• Scottish
• Canadian
• Tenor
• Folk
• macrosent

[McKissackMusic]

Actually, he is Scottish and transplanted to Nova Scotia

He has one one the best 'Croonin' celtic voices ever..........

[macrosent]

@McKissackMusic -Hi there! If you expand my notes about this post, I included a short bio about John McDermott. Yes, he is indeed Scottish by BIRTH...his parents were both Irish and had moved to Scotland. His family then immigrated to Canada. I agree completely with your assessment of his "croonin" abilities!

[macrosent]

Apologies to you folks for the last comment posted by "LightTheWay2010" that contained some "salty," non family-friendly language. I removed it as quickly as I saw it, and barred him from making any further comments on any of my posts. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

[LightTheWay2012]

Here's another opinion for ya, I personally can't stand John McDermott's singing. To many of us down home he sounds like the Canadian version of Lawrence Welk but having a furball, but hey that's just another "opinion" And I totally agree with Doug's comments below. Macrosent, as a musician and a songwriter, if you think other versions of this song sound similar, you need to get your hearing checked, no offense, go listen to the Barra Macneils or the Rankins when you have a chance.

[macrosent]

@LightTheWay2012 By the way - I like the music of the Rankins AND Barra Macneils. But please, don't punish yourself further by listening to any more of McDermott's music. Life is too short. Find something you enjoy to occupy your time. Peace to you.

[macrosent]

@LightTheWay2012 Wow, if you can't stand John McDermott's singing, then why did you even bother opening this post, let alone comment on it? I like most types of music except rap and hip-hop. But you won't find me making negative comments about a rapper or anyone who likes that genre. I am not a critic who feels the need to denigrate anyone who doesn't share my opinions. Different strokes. Most have made positive comments about John's songs, so you appear to be in the minority.

[ArtNatureMusic]

Great song and singing 5*

[00baygirl00]

still brings a tear to my eye.. Oh how i miss being back home=/

[jamesrfraser1]

Re: LightTheWay2012, the majority never has an IQ above 100. Mine is 185. He sucks!

[Trancemaniac3000]

I sang this in high school with women's choir

[australianfan]

Beautiful easy listening love the video thanks for the share strawman8..

[kelticmick]

A Great Song and very well done by john, My Husband Mick Feeney "Kelticmick" Has just put up a version of the Song hope you will visit ,and also hope you like his version Good luck john In all you do, Maureen Feeney

[landl47]

This is a great song by Allister McGillivray, a wonderful Nova Scotia songwriter. His work deserves to be better known.

[HillsBru]

Great job -- great song! What a way to relax from a hectic afternoon. Thanks.