Amanda McBroom: Errol Flynn

[@PatrickFerguson-z9d]

This blows my mind. Stunning. This is the definitive recording of this song. I LOVE how she speaks some of the lyrics and sings the majority of it. She flips in and out of that skill as though you're having a conversation with her. What a gift. You rarely see this.

[@cargin59]

My Brother phoned me last night and said go on You Tube and listen to this singer and this song, he knew I would love it, he was right, beautiful Song, Singer and Lyrics.

[@melissamarks7319]

@amandamcbroom Your song touched my heart deeply! God bless you and your dear Father 💞

[@Bariebel]

Amanda; This is a divine wonderful heart warming tribute to your father David Bruce and indirectly to Errol Flynn. One of the best tributes in a long long time! You are a wonderful composer and singer! I hope Rory and Deirdre Flynn would listen to it too.

[@lns55]

This song is very dear to me. One Christmas,my daughter had ordered something for me,and by Christmas Eve it was obvious that it wasn’t gonna arrive on time. So she printed off the lyrics to this song,and dug out a photo of me holding her when she was just a little baby,and framed it,to give me as a make do present until my “proper” one arrived. Needless to say it is more precious to me than any present she could have given me ❤️

[@drrotella]

Thank you Amanda , for a song from the soul that says how much our dads love mean so much to us all,

[@christineszecowka9751]

I caught the end of this beautiful song on the Graham Norton show at luchtime today, and just had to hear it again. I lost my wonderful Dad just three days ago. I am in tears writing this, Amanda McBroom you are amazing, I'm sure today thanks to "tune with a tale" you have gained many new fans.

[@cuchelo1]

This song has haunted me for years, and a conversation with a good friend last night made me think of it again. His father died when he was three, and he remarked how it's strange for him that he's now his father's age. Every line of this song is pure poetry, and even more amazing is that it's so personal to the songwriter and yet accessible to so many others. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@jessied44]

I first heard this song on NPR and started crying about half way through as she could have been singing about my father even down to the locations. Since I hadn't heard the intro I didn't know the singer. It took me a long time to find the song, but I've now been a fan for 20 years. It is still My love song for My father.

[@hardyfh1]

I once worked with a woman who had never heard of Errol Flynn. No one else in the office seemed to have much idea either. I mentioned that the actor Herbert Mundin, who appeared with old Errol in Robin Hood, once lived in the road I live in and so I generated a little interest. I suggested they find and play this song. You could have heard a pin drop. Brings a tear to a glass eye.

[@paulwarner2194]

Just beautiful. 'Remember life's over before it begins' always makes me tearful.

[@tonydale3182]

Since Ms. McBroom reads these comments, I have to say that this is my favorite song - out of all the songs ever written, and that's a lot of songs. Every year, since my father died five years ago, I have sung this song in our church at each memorial service. It's a beautiful piece, Its message is timeless. Amanda's performance is perfection.

[@chadhannah1579]

Amanda McBroom puts the heart and soul in this song. Such a beautiful voice.

[@326kjk]

Dear Amanda, This may not mean much to you, but I knew who your Dad was being a major Flynn fan & he was always a major part of showing the camaraderie in his movies which evidently existed off screen as well; without him there would have been something missing. Your song is simply brilliant in evoking the love of a daughter for her father which continues to this day and the emotion & talent you bring to it show that you're as much the artist as you father was & I mean that in every good way!!!

[@samspencer582]

I am curious of who the man was she is singing about. I am a great Flynn fan and I love this amazing song.

[@Mr54nomore]

Just beautiful...What a solemn and tender song of a love one gone. Great to see that with this one song actor David Bruce who appeared in a couple of Errol Flynn movies will be remembered. A great tribute from a loving daughter to a father, how refreshing to see daddies are just as important as mothers. Brilliant!

[@amandamcbroom]

Thank you so much for this lovely message! Delighted to know my songs are sung in my FAVORITE city!!!! Amanda McB

[@ericbecker710]

One of the best love songs to a father ever written. Amanda sings with such heart-touching emotion. Her Dad and Errol must be smiling down from Hollywood Heaven!!

[@jessied44]

The first time I heard this song, I sobbed when she got to "he kissed me goodbye at the old Union Station". That was me saying goodbye to my daddy. Such a tender song.

[@ers586]

In a few months I will be older than my father was when he died. In another year, I'll be older than my mom was. It IS a sad and strange feeling because you never ever think of your parents as your peers.

[@una_10bananas]

I heard this on the radio years ago and I've never forgotten it

[@wheels719]

I switched on radio got the last few lines of this song never heard it before the words now i am older than him shone out went home looked up U tube such a beautiful song every word in place told the story he was some father thanks Amanda Gabriel Ireland

[@ItalianWiseguy55]

The words are beautiful in so many ways, if you have been blessed in life to have wonderful parents song hits you straight to the heart.

[@jmk61fhs79xu84]

This is so lovely. A new favorite and a new singer to me. What a beautiful song, voice, and woman!

[@TennesseeMelanie]

This is my favorite Amanda McBroom song.

[@Mass.Spiritual]

What a beautiful song. I'm in floods of tears here. Absolutely magnificent

[@aidanmccarthy6883]

I remember years ago my Mother-in-law telling me that one of her prayers at night would be for all the old stars of the "Silver Screen" for all the wonderful entertainment they provided during those hard times. Going to "the pictures" back then was a treat to be enjoyed for all young couples.. They would all have had their special stars, I remember her mention Franchot Tone in particular, as one of her favourites...

[@katbark]

This is the first song of Amanda's I ever heard - on the radio. The last time I saw my father was at a railway station, a month before he died, so it's very personal to me. From this, I discovered her other work. What a treat to see her 'in person' at last! I'll probably never get to see her live, so this kind of makes up for it -almost! Thanks so much, Amanda - your voice is very special indeed. Kate xx

[@maymac2012]

Thank you for this touching melody. The sentiment you conveyed is just so sincere and beautiful for your father and for that bygone era. I am a fan of Errol Flynn. Your song made me cry a little bit.

[@heathermoore9162]

One of my favourite songs , reminds me of my late father who was a big fan of Errol Flynn

[@austinlocke1]

So agree with all the positive comments, this is a truly beautiful song and ballad, truthful, loving and oh so realistic........

[@paulobrien5911]

Your song about your father was played on Bob Rodgers 2ch radio show in Australia yesterday... he said it was one off his favourites' i loved it to. I kept thinking how your life and your fathers life would have been so different if Errol Flynn had stayed in Sydney.

[@zhuyan0704]

I was commuting to work this morning, when I came across this song on Spotify. It is simply beautiful and touching! For a moment the pure and passionate voice of Amanda is all I have around me. Think it's one of those magical days in life, when one has unexpected yet wonderful encounter with something most touching and enlightening.

[@sorrystaunton]

Amanda, your talent knows no boundaries....you are a brilliant song writer and singer....WOW!!

[@GlobalHawkeye]

Absolutely exquisite. Viewing this brings me back to some very special years spent at the Pasadena Playhouse where I had the privilege to meet and spend some memorable time with Amanda and the cast from Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris. Amanda, you were my favorite artist to grace the stage at the Playhouse. A beautiful person down to the soul and that beauty came through your music in every single performance.

[@waltzingwally]

Dear Amanda, I heard this song once, many years ago, when you were on "A Prairie Home Companion" and have never forgotten it. I just posted it on FB as my Christmas wish for my friends and anyone who is important to them-to "remember, life's over before it begins . . ." and that all would stay as close to those people as your Dad did to Errol Flynn. I send great thanks to you, and all involved, for a wonderful reminder of life's brevity and what should be most important, while we're in it.

[@J-BombRob]

i have had the wonderful experience of meeting Amanda and her husband several times. They are both awesome people.

[@pagalley1]

Amanda's voice reminds me of Anne Murray's, one of my favourite singers...Amanda is a good singer...I like her soft and comforting voice...When she first started talking to the audience about her father, I thought she was going to say her father was Errol Flynn...Her face is not dissimilar to Errol's...This song is a sad but beautiful one...I'm now a fan of Ms. McBroom, and I happened across this video just by happenstance...Lucky me! :)

[@cuchelo1]

I used to work in a cabaret room in New York City, and someone sang this song in a show once. I thought about it for years afterward- especially the line "disappointment and bourbon are hard on the heart." At the time I had no idea who wrote it, but when I found out later I thought, "Of course! Amanda McBroom is a brilliant songwriter!" Now I see she is also an amazing vocalist, as well..... absolutely wonderful....

[@bourne2468]

This is just amazing. Some people are able to see so clearly what is valuable in life and recreate it with words full of feeling. Amanda, you are a light In a time of increasing darkness.

[@REDWHITEBLUEAUDI]

Thank you Graham, and especially the listener who requested this - it made me stop what I was doing! An unlikely idea for a song, but what wonderful poetic words and a lovely voice! Emotional thoughts.

[@cagsy0105]

Thanks to Graham Norton and the listener who recommended this on Radio 2 today. What a beautiful song and well written. Yes, life is short and we should all love our nearest and dearest

[@alanfischer1948]

I have loved this song since the first time I heard it, and I get misty-eyed every time. Beautiful performance! Because I loved it so much, I programmed your song in one of my school's Cabaret concerts, and posted the video of the young lady who sang it. I have always cherished the fact that one of the comments about that video was yours, and that you enjoyed it. I'm retired from teaching now, and just watched that video again after I watched yours today...both still make me cry at exactly the same place, in the last stanza. What a beautiful piece. And this remembrance all happened because I saw a Star Trek FB post today that it was your birthday. So Happy Birthday, Ms. McBroom, and Live Long and Prosper.

[@harris1234100]

Beautiful song, and beautiful voice! Love your parents!

[@bairns1234]

Beautiful song, beautifully sung. Always makes me cry. Says more about life in four minutes than any 500 page book could. Love one another. Would that everyone would; still here's hoping.

[@hopedecleene9949]

I just love Amanda McBroom! Her voice is clear and bright. This song tribute to her father is touching and just lovely. I also love her version of "My Father Always Promised Us," but I'm sorry to say I can't find that anywhere on the web. Some day, maybe. . . . I hope.

[@temptagetemptage]

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. Yet another shout out for Graham Norton. Brilliant choice of song.

[@davrench8612]

Beautiful personal lyrics.. You need to be strong to sing so deep from your heart.. With a loving irony.. LOVE THIS SONG

[@Jussibfan]

One of my favorite songs, The terrific lyrics say SO much. I love this number. It's a great arrangement, too.

[@a.visgil9306]

What an incredible song.

[@spenser330]

I just heard this on Radio 2 too.....Disappoimtment and Bourbon are hard on the heart...............what a line, what an observation - and, what a song!!!!!

[@koosiecrackers]

Desmond Carrington played this song tonight on BBC Radio 2 and was quite adamant that it be given attention by listeners not familiar with it. How correct he was! One rarely hears life's bittersweet truth expressed so beautifully. It is really odd being older than the missed. So missed too. Still, it's a good ride isn't it? Only ride in town.

[@intercity73]

Working irregular hours lately has introduced me to some radio shows here in the UK that I wouldn't normally listen to. A few months ago after the end of a late shift, I heard you singing 'Carousel'. By coincidence, coming off the end of a similar long and late shift last week, I heard you singing this song. I hope you won't be offended when I say that simple songs affect me the most...and this one has done just that. My mother passed three years ago. This has touched me so much. Thank you. Andy

[@Bariebel]

This is the most wonderful tribute to a father from his daughter and to Errol Flynn, I wish that the the Flynn Family could do something like this to a tribute to their father Errol Flynn! Do they have it like all together like Amanda McBroom, she sure has it all together to honor her father, can the Flynn family can come up with something to honor their patriarch ?

[@yoginimaura]

Lovely. Simply lovely. Vocal, lyrics and sweet melody. Jonathan Schwartz played it on his show, this afternoon on WNYC (NPR)

[@mythagoman]

I love this song - it's the first AMcB song I heard on British radio, and was my introduction to this wonderful singer. I bought the album Portraits which is probably the CD I play the most. It is both musically and lyrically superb. Amanda, your voice is that of an angel!

[@amandamcbroom]

@TonyDale Thanks very much Tony for your kind words. As you can imagine, performing this song is a very emotional process for me as well. We find catharsis where we can, and I'm thrilled to hear that you are moved to perform this one yourself. Perhaps you'd care to post a video of your version?

[@juancho229ify]

Beautiful voice, presence, soul and sentiment.

[@davidleblanc3536]

...you got me good with that one Amanda..love your spirit..take care please..thanks again..

[@robertlevinson9188]

Maybe the most deeply emotional song ever. WHY was that kiss in the train station “the last time I ever saw my father?” What, my lord, happened???????

[@shilo39]

Beautiful Song by a Beautiful Singer the Melody reminds of that lovely Irish Song. *The Mountains Of Mourne*

[@MrMusicguyma]

I hear that, and "the Rose of Tralee", too.

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

The melody is beautiful but the lyrics are truly amazing. It's hard to write a song that has this much humor and melancholy. It's so clear it comes from the heart. Thank you for sharing your heart with us all.

[@jessied44]

The first time I heard this song on NPR, I cried because so many of the lines were my daddy. I immediately became a major fan of the "have to have every recording" type and Errol Flynn was my favorite until replaced by "Here and Now". I only wish there was a video of that beautiful song with its message of living and loving in present time.

[@Diosprometheus]

Dear Amanda, I just watched your father in the funny and fan Salome Where She Danced. I thought your dad gave a terrific performance as Cleve the gentleman bandit. It was the first time I have ever seen this movie but will not be the last. Not ever movie is meant to be taken seriously and this was was as fun and entertainting as they come despite the less tattered print I watched. God bless you.

[@kenkrausse3624]

Thank you!!! Oh my ,let me wipe the tears, yes yes yes

[@amtrakjohn]

Just found your Song- (actually the version by Donnie Fritts) which led me here to see the Original. It's a wonderfully emotive song; I love the reference to the LA Union Station, where I worked for my whole working years. I saw countless hellos and goodbys there, many involving families, as in your Song. Great work, Amanda- and thank you.

[@errolfan]

As far as I know, this is the only song that has Errol Flynn in its lyrics. In a positive sense. Beautiful and haunting and a lesson in life and thereafter.

[@salmarciano6198]

Genesis' Blood on the rooftop is another one

[@kenkrausse3624]

The ghost of errol flynn =leon stilrag

[@colleenjanehepburn3808]

Australian Crawl-Errol..is another.

[@colleenjanehepburn3808]

Australian Crawl Errol a story of his life.. Convict state It just don't rate He want to get higher Apple Isle, the inbred smile He's going to get by'a His mother's hand He could not stand He left for the islands To fish and hunt He take a punt The New Guinea Highlands Ohhh Errol I would give everything just to be like him He had to go The Sirocco He's sailin the high seas Hollywood, Captain Blood He's billing the Nazi's Took a rebel stand Contraband Coast of Mexico He want to pounce Like an animal To girls he just can't say no Ohhh Errol I would give everything just to be like him(x2) He had them all Screamin for more He play the wild scene Ah scandalise, no compromise He's down on his knees Swashbuckling He was the King The toast of Tinseltown They build him up They took it all And then they just cut him down Ohhh Errol I would give everything just to be like him(x2) Don't tell me it's true I don't wanna hear about it (4x) Ohhh Errol I would give everything just to be like him(4x)

[@davidhalldurham]

What a gorgeous song, beautifully sung. Your daddy would be so proud.

[@wrightgregson9761]

oh my god===how beautiful. i just discovered you because i did a bit of research about The Rose, particularly the rendition done by the LA Gay Men's Chorus because the chorus was singing in parallel an ancient song about a rose that i had sung in High School Chorus and the song has lived in my soul for the last 60 years. It worked so well with your song The Rose. thanks so much.

[@IKC2003]

To take nothing away from Ms. McBroom's wonderful performance of a magnificent work of art- credit should also be given to the song's co-author, Gordon Hunt who wrote the lyrics.

[@MrMusicguyma]

Amen.

[@cabaun1]

FABULOUS, WHAT A TOUCHING MELODY 👍

[@harris1234100]

I think writing and singing a song about your Mom, or Dad is great! That's the cream!

[@HSPD0235]

Dear Amanda, A dear friend of mine sent me "Errol Flynn' on a CD. To settle an argument (she had you listed as simply Amanda Broom and I knew better) I found this video. I've always had a special place in my heart for "Captain Philippa Louvois". Your portrayal of her helped open up the philosophy of the show to me. I cannot explain why finding this song now is important, but that special place widened a bit today.Thank you ever so much.

[@edrick826]

OH....just happened to flip this one on. yes it is a beautiful song and she must have loved her daddy very much...…...and she is correct....LOVE ONE ANOTHER because when loved ones are gone , they are gone!

[@trov85]

So very beautiful, moved me to tears

[@teddyoneills]

What a wonderful evocative song, the saddest part of this song is when Amanda sings about sitting alone in a house in Receda, please tell me this beautiful person, in soul and body, is sharing that wonderful heart with someone? Amanda please come to Dublin Ireland for a concert soon. Meanwhile, I am off down to the video store to rent some old Flynn/Bruce movies. Teddy O'Neill

[@judy18k]

Rory Flynn is on facebook. You can send this to her on FB. Beautiful song, beautiful singer. I too had a wonderful father and miss him every day.

[@WOODDDDDDDYAKHAN6]

heard this yesterday on the graham norton show great emotional record well sang well done graham for playing it.

[@w520520]

When I watched Hawaii Five-O, I knew you~the beautiful woman. Your voice is the sound of nature. perfect...

[@steveallen3655]

I saw you sing this song recently at Crazy Coqs in London. A wonderful evening, thank you

[@grahamhowes6904]

We exchanged some hilarious faxes awhile back and it’s a pleasure to hear you sing this. We have just finally produced A QUESTION OF ERROL FLYNN and part of the pre show music was this song … hope all is well with you Amanda. So glad you did PIZZA ON THE PARK we were both on tour so we missed it - having suggested it to you it was frustrating!

[@therealpattibowie]

That was just lovely. Thank you for posting it!

[@rbheiss]

Damned if this didn't bring tears to my eyes. I've never heard this song before today and did a search for you because there was another song floating around KZbin that came to mind which was recorded by someone else. I read credits and liner notes and was sort of pissed off that you, being the songwriter, weren't included in the credits. I think I blurted out loud for only myself and the dogs to hear, 'Amanda McBroom wrote this one!'. So I searched and I'm glad I did. Simply and sincerely... thanks, Rolland B. Heiss

[@amandamcbroom]

Hi all, I'm afraid we don't have any video "The Portait." We'll figure something out, Amanda says maybe we should set up a camera in the garage and we'll record her singing it. Though we might be able to work out something a bit higher quality for you. ~ Chris

[@danielstanwyck2812]

Gorgeous! Both she and the song. Referred hereafter listening to the wonderful Barbara Cook. Not familiar with McBroom, but I will become so now.

[@amandamcbroom]

Thank you David! I so appreciate your kind words! Amanda

[@Garfield37ful]

Very beautiful!

[@cfreeman106]

I'll always remember the first time heard this song. It was about a year ago when the radio presenter here in the UK was interviewing a listener. The listener, whose name was Heather, related a story about when she was on holiday in New Zealand and had a chance meeting with Amanda McBroom and her husband who were guests in the same hotel. The song was played by the presenter. Lovely song and very moving. I've since become a fan of all her composition. Especially The Rose.

[@patrickevrard58]

Wunderful song !

[@JacquelineBaylis1948]

heard this song on Graham Norton show, how lovely is it.x

[@jacqueline5424]

Absolutely beautiful

[@Garfield37ful]

Very nice and very moving!

[@amandamcbroom]

Hi samichon, I'll ask Amanda if we have "the Portrait" in video form that we can digitize and upload. Thanks for the request. And yes, Amanda reads all of these comments and replies when she can. :) - Chris

[@msymsed]

I hope you do get a video of her performing THE PORTRAIT. I love these two songs. Very sweet and heartbreaking.

[@rarebudgetrecordsbrianmcfa3180]

I wonder if your father ever knew how many fans he had? As kids in the fifties my brother and I first became aware of David Bruce because of his horror movies, which were being released to TV for the first time. We also used to watch him all the time on reruns of the "Beulah" TV show. I'm sure we weren't the only home where David Bruce was a star.

[@Alfonso1764]

Brilliant song from the heart

[@amandamcbroom]

@bairns1234 Thank you so much! ~ Amanda

[@frankcanyon1203]

So right, so nice, so beautiful. At that time... Love your way...

[@lizdoyle7158]

EXCELLENT⚘FABOULOUS ⚘AWESOME ⚘💛💙💜💖💚

[@jessied44]

Shall we make that 15 years. Looking at Katbark I have to wonder what it is about departing fathers, Union Station, and daughters waving goodbye?

[@amandamcbroom]

@ERROLCUSTERFLYNN4EVR Hi, I had to go into the file cabinet to answer that one! 1995 was the copyright, so I must have been working on it 1994/95. Thanks xoxo ~ Amanda