The Ballad of John Williams - Johnny McEvoy

Johnny McEvoy, singing The Ballad of John Williams. 1981. written by Johnny McEvoy. The Ballad of John Williams {Johnny McEvoy}

When last I saw John Williams, a young man full of pride
His lovely bride of just four days was standing by his side
He smiled and slapped me by the hand, saying "Boyo can't you see
I've seen the last of windswept bogs and bogs the last of me!
And the peelers and the landlords and the risings of the moon
And if ever I return again, 'twill be too bloody soon".

Rich man , poor man, beggar man, wife
Sailed away into the night
Where they'll wind up no-one knows
Round and round the story goes.

He said "I'll go and take my chance in far off New York Town
For they say there's lots of work there and a good man's not put down
And with my lassie by my side we'll build a better home
And when the sea trip's over lads we never more will roam"
So we said farewell upon the quay, there was nothing left to do
But to pray for John and his lovely bride, that their dreams might all come true.

How I envied you, John Williams, and your lovely fair haired bride
To be sailing on that mighty ship across the ocean wide
For she's the finest liner, that was ever built by man
And they say there's naught can sink her, no not even God's own hand
Man's pride can be his own downfall, that big ship sailed from home
And I thought I heard the banshee cry, that chilled me to the bone.

Rich man , poor man, beggar man, wife Sailed away into the night
Where they'll wind up no-one knows
Round and round the story goes
Round and around the icebergs flow.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• titanic
• ballad
• john
• williams
• ireland
• iceberg
• johnny
• mcevoy
• irish
• music
• song
• folk
• irishfolk
• balladeer
• machree01

[draoi1]

Thanks for posting. This is the first time I have heard Johnny McEvoy. He is great. 5 stars.

[machree01]

Johnny is the best, very good singer, i just had to put him on. thanks for the comment Rex.

[catalpa]

Johnny McEvoy is the most under rated singer/songwriter from Ireland.

He is up there with Christy Moore, Brian Warfield and Shane MacGowan.

What a talent

[machree01]

I seen him in concert in The Stables, Lurgan, 1987, at the end of it he came over and sat down beside me , and we talked for awhile, and got my photo took with him, he is gentleman. it was a brilliant night.

[foggydew27]

I find it odd that their isn't more Johnny McEvoy material on youtube - as compared to The Dubliners, Clancy's, Planxty, Christy Moore etc etc. He is such a great singer. I saw him last year when he was in St.John's. The Ballad Of John Williams is a great song.

[larrydoris1]

used to sing this among friends forgot the words,but now have it back. hope I do it justice

Agree with everyone a great artist. larrydoris

[lanetemple]

BRILLIANT!....In my opinion, I think Johnny Mc Evoy is one of the most underrated artists on the Planet.

[dubbigot]

the only reason the titanic is known as an irish ship is beause it sank , do you really think it would be known as an irish ship if it sailed it's expected life span , it would be retired in a dry dock as a model of british greatness , but the piece of shit sank because of bad british steel , so the blame is on the micks , the irish only painted it with red lead , the prods had the trade jobs , they built it and they dis- owned it , but thats what we expect frm them , they always hid away

[JBurdoo]

I've only heard a little of McEvoy, but I love what I hear.

[madfortrad5958]

great to see this video thanks for posting

have a look at my friend tony mccabe version i put up

[machree01]

Yes. I seen Johnny only once in concert over 20 years ago, it was a brillanit night, i got talking to him after it, a gentleman and great balladeer.

[2field3]

there's not a soul on the face of this revolving planet that comes close

[Mary2009PC]

best ever

[Trili8]

I have always loved to listen to Johnny McEvoy since I first heard him performing at the Abbey Tavern back in 1965. I have a collection of most of his CD's. Thank you for this song.

Viele Grüße aus Deutschland

[swedeboy19]

I really enjoyed this song!

Thank You :)