Arthur McBride - Paul Brady 1977

[@bobskingle5762]

True story. In 1977 I worked for the BBC as a sound engineer on this very recording. For production reasons, Paul sang this song three times at this session Each performance was as good as this one. Truly, an amazing artist.

[@northwards2218]

That is amazing. Is there a cleaner copy of the audio to be found? I can listen to this over and over. Thank you for you work to capture this beautiful moment.

[@bobskingle5762]

@@northwards2218 This programme was hosted by Andy Irvine and Paul Brady and was recorded in mono. They went on to record the song in stereo on an album entitled Andy Irvine/Paul Brady on Mulligan Music .Well worth a listen.

[@northwards2218]

Many thanks for the prompt reply and direction. I will seek that out. And again, many thanks for being part of this lovely moment in many lives. God bless.

[@philipweinrobe]

Hi Bob! I'm really obsessed with this live version. however, this youtube upload has a lot of very bad sounding digital artifacts. Do you know where I can find a cleaner version of this mono live version? you got any tapes laying around? I have a studio and can do the transfer. i've been searching high and low for it...but can't find. the studio stereo version is wonderful...but not the same ;)

[@bobskingle5762]

@@philipweinrobe I agree, this version is really special. I know that we didn't record a "snoop" tape. As it was recorded 45 years ago the original material will be hard to locate. The original uploader says that his/her file was reduced to fit, contacting him/her might be an option. There are other versions on You Tube.

[@leocoyne8118]

Many yrars later, many's a tune, many's a singer who had made their effort, there is no-one nowhere, who can better this. Streaming, vocals the whole she-bang... this is life... ladies and gents,. Mr Paul Brady, legend.....

[@jc-16.]

Leo coyne, an honest man, True and fine, says there's Ner a man, can sing arthur Like Paul Brady can, And though I've supped Some pints of plain, And more than enough wine In my time, On this me and Leo's mind Are intertwined, For I've heard many a singer And picker play, But they don't get a turn On Christmas day. Peace

[@dogsbark5750]

My oldest boy watched and listened to this video as a baby. Today he plays acoustic guitar, slide dobro, electric guitar, mandolin, ukulele, and drums. He often goes back to his irish songs he perfered over those typical nursery songs. What 10 years can do.

[@nopenaw9835]

I'm 31, my father sang this to me as a baby. When my 2 girls were born, 11 and 7, I made sure this was the first song I ever sang to them. This is the first song they ever heard, straight from Paul Brady. I love this song deeply.

[@josephreilly6328]

I send my 2 to bed singing The Irish Girl by June Tabour

[@MikeStagg-uy7sf]

Ft ft

[@Down_with_Thatcher]

How wonderful to read of. I grew up in Tipperary, Ireland and have loved this song since childhood. Paul Brady’s version remains unmatched on every level. Best wishes to you and your son 🫱🏻‍🫲🏽.

[@kololikate]

Amazing. I love this song and Paul Brady is just the best.

[@jamesmccluskey5756]

Let not the enchanting vocals and charming storytelling blind you, this is a masterclass in acoustic guitar playing.... Ireland is the home of music

[@briankelly7984]

A true master of his craft

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I'm not exactly sure where Paul Brady got this tune, but the only historical recording I could find that uses the same tune was a Scottish one from the 1930s. I cleaned up the audio as much as I could and featured it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqWl4idpt57d9k

[@RandomTomatoSoup]

no it isn't

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject cmon now you've already been told off

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject will I go copy and paste what I said the the last one?

[@Sept1992SJB]

Do you think he knew he nailed every last second of this rendition with both vocals and guitar at the time? How he holds onto "charming" at the end of the first verse and how he sings "same" in the second verse is just talent beyond belief. I have proudly watched this video dozens of times.

[@dannynolan6841]

Genius

[@neilmunro9932]

I reckon he nailed it everytime he played it. That's just the nature of a genius. This one happened to be captured, but I bet the rest of the performances went equally as "charming".

[@rinacarty6874]

Simply a genius. Brilliant. Gerry Farry 🇮🇪🎸🎶🎤💚🇮🇪

[@alessandromilan50]

"I have proudly watched this video dozens of times" ME TOOO!!!

[@barbaradavies1171]

He is using his voice as another instrument in those places - I imagine it just comes naturally each time (as Neil says below).

[@connortyler4477]

I am so grateful as a 29 year old alcoholic new into recovery your music shows that I can be sober, thank you 🙏🏼

[@toughlikerocks]

It's amazing how ridiculously better music becomes early in recovery, isn't it? It's one of the many unexpected gifts that recovery gives to you. Hope you're doing well, friend

[@soulfullmusic100]

Keep going, I wish you the best.

[@markdavis8430]

Respect bud 🙏

[@deathmagneto-soy]

@@toughlikerocks - Is that true? Genuine question, not trying to be funny.

[@toughlikerocks]

@deathmagneto-soy Totally true. I can only speak from my experience but when you're in active addiction music just completely loses its magic. You hear it but you're not really listening to it. When you get clean you suddenly hear it for real again and it feels like you're listening to music for the first time. It's enough to make you weep with joy (I have many times)

[@philipdee1415]

In 1,000 years if mankind still exists....this will still be regarded as a classic

[@muranichanain6027]

In the worst of my daddy's dementia this song would stop him in his tracks and he was transfixed. Paul Brady is and will always be an absolute legend. This song is his masterpiece. No one else will ever come close ❤❤❤

[@theresacarr1758]

What a lovely, touching post , thank you so much. My dear brother now has Alzheimers and loves Paul Brady also ...our parents were from Ireland....bless you for your words 💚💚☘

[@Martin-tn5lm]

A legend!!! From west Ireland.

[@soulfullmusic100]

@@theresacarr1758 Your reply is equally as touching.

[@ifolkinrock]

@@Martin-tn5lm I’m visiting Galway for the first time in a couple of months from now, and I am AMPED. There was a travel show on American TV that did an episode on Galway and in the segment on nightlife (craic), the host warned, “Do not try to keep up with the locals”. I’m going to try to keep up with the locals, at least once 😅

[@deemulcahy6553]

Your words hit me hard! Such a beautiful picture ❤

[@AS256]

My grandad passed away today I can remember he told me he always listened to his cds on the bus rides wherever he went and this was his favourite song, hopefully it’s his favourite song of all time because this song is how I’m going to remember him. Fuck cancer

[@neilmccormick2064]

Your grandad was clearly a very discerning gentleman of exquisite taste in music . May he rest in peace 🙏

[@deemulcahy6553]

I agree FUCK CANCER!!! I lost my mother and brother to it..

[@estherdoyle6552]

😢❤

[@jeremyholmes3911]

Good Lord , it's just ..... well if your here and listening you already know ...

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

The song is probably English and Scottish, not Irish (as you can see here www.vwml.org/search?q=rn2355&is=1). I'm not exactly sure where Paul Brady got this tune, but the only historical recording I could find that uses the same tune was a Scottish one from the 1930s. I cleaned up the audio as much as I could and featured it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqWl4idpt57d9k

[@danieltompkins3072]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject In this video, kzbin.info/www/bejne/maHKhmmirpp6ors Paul explains finding the song in a Library of Congress book called "The Songs of Carrie Grover." Here is a recording of her from 1941: carriegroverproject.com/title/arthur-mcbride/

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

@@danieltompkins3072 Thanks so much! I was trying to research it properly but reached a dead end.

[@danieltompkins3072]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject Glad I could help!

[@ampersand6440]

Indeed. Know exactly what you mean.

[@ideaswisecopywriting1045]

One of the silver linings of lockdown is to be able to take the time to remind yourself of masterpieces like this.

[@lookintothesky123]

lol

[@eoink8387]

As the economy is being trampled into the ground and the country is being flooded with foreigners. Enjoy the song because this type of Irish culture won’t be around for much longer if things don’t change.

[@1dulchie113]

@@eoink8387 well said mo chara

[@SyMunro]

You got it right, just catching up and remembering too. Good health, Slainte

[@SyMunro]

@@1dulchie113 tha neil

[@achimzuhlke239]

Anything wrong in just loving this outstanding piece of music? I´ve been listening to this song for more than 40 years now and I never got tired of it. I never will. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany and wishing for peace all over the world.

[@steveegallo3384]

EXACTLY! Greetings too from Acapulco!

[@escherpainting8622]

There are things that this man is doing with his voice in this video that haven't been done before it, and haven't been done since. This is an absolutely mastery of melisma, pitching, phrasing, the lot. I have absolutely no earthly idea how a person can sing that way.

[@bluecurlygirl]

My best guess is that Paul was surrounded by a lot of Sean Nós singers growing up. When he sings "same" it's almost like he's cradling it with his voice. A lot of the phrasing and pitch he uses is very similar to sean nós singing, a very old Irish style of singing and all in Irish, absolutely spellbinding when sung right. There's a 17 minute video from St Patricks Festival that you might find worth a wee listen.

[@artseosamhogriobhta]

@@bluecurlygirl It's called a trill, very common in folk music from all over these islands but the gaels have certainly mastered it. It's ornamentation that is found in lots of Sean Nós as you say

[@nicnaimhin2978]

@@artseosamhogriobhta This style of singing is distinctively Irish ,as described.

[@chadjohnson-authormusician8072]

@@artseosamhogriobhta Not exactly. A "trill" is simply the alteration of two notes repeatedly and quickly. A melisma is technically any one syllable that's sung with several notes, so it's a catch-all term for many different ornaments. While a vocal trill would be a type of melisma, trills (extended ones, at least) are far more common on instruments because it's much easier to do than with the voice. What he's doing here is a melisma, but it's not just a trill, because it involves more than just two pitches. It's closer to another type of ornament called a "turn," which involves three notes: the principal note, a note above, and a note below. What he sings exactly on "same" (I slowed it down to half speed) is E - F - E - F - E - D, where the first E - F - E happens together, and then the F - E - D happens together. Of course, these groupings are much harder to hear at full speed, but at half speed, they're quite clear. Anyway, so, while it is a melisma, it's not just a trill; it's closer to a turn. On a side note, it's absolutely ASTONISHING how spot on his pitch is throughout (including this melisma) even at half speed. What an incredible talent.

[@artseosamhogriobhta]

Thank you for explaining. I didn't know it was that complicated. It's very common ornamentation in Irish music. So now I know it isn't a trill but a turn. We'd grown up learning it was called a trill, more of a watch and repeat kind of deal without understanding any of the fundamentals. As others have mentioned, it's very common here in folk music styles like Sean Nós. @@chadjohnson-authormusician8072

[@americandeluxe8181]

Found this last night. I've listened no less than 40 times in the last 24 hours.

[@feidhelmofoghladha5525]

+American Deluxe Fair play, this some song....Greetings from Ireland

[@tonyconnaghan5508]

good on ya

[@GeneralSherman64]

welcome to paradise my friend

[@aine7173]

American Deluxe is that all.

[@underfakelights]

I too have found myself in this majestic infinite loop! Having just discovered Paul Brady I am in awe.

[@GerryMATW]

I never get tired of this. Six minutes and fifty two seconds of human civilisation at its finest.

[@maireadoneill7052]

I did not believe it was half that long, and had to check the timestamp, it seemed to go by like that. A privelege to see such a level of artistry

[@albertchapar3954]

"Civilization at its finest." Indeed sir. I feel the same about your comment. Pithy perfection.

[@rorycampbell8556]

Having watched many a singer songwriter perform live on this forum from Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn etc, I can honestly say that this is the best example of a true artist who has mastered his craft. The guitar playing is sublime and the singing is beyond that. A beautiful rendition of a fantastic song from a genius of a musician.

[@christinehobson4825]

Paul Brady, a great one of Ireland who represents each one of us beautifully and graciously with such music and song.

[@flowerbomb333]

☘️☘️☘️

[@RickyKelleherMusic]

The way he sings 'same' at 1:24 is absolute magic.

[@dohertm2]

In my opinion it's not the pinnacle in an otherwise fantastic song!

[@rmbjr60]

Totally with you on your "same" comment. What is best is not so much that he masters these ornamentations, but that he uses them to express the feelings he finds in the song. It is all about the music in the heart.

[@richgouette]

nice to see another who finds happiness in some small, seemingly insignificant portion of a tune..

[@ryantheduke]

I played the “same” part for my wife 4 times and...well I’m glad to find others that care about such things.

[@nailgun4433]

I can only describe that it sounds like water flowing over stones in a river

[@medb8882]

The pace of playing such an intricate rhythm whilst singing is insane to me. Always come back to this even years later, amazing

[@04591739]

Mind boggling how he can play such a complicated piece and sing so passionately and freely at the same time. I'd say he'd be some man doing the household chores.

[@Brickcellent]

And remember all those lyrics

[@6thornberry]

He’d be some man emptying a dishwasher!

[@derekobeirnes482]

Multitasking abilities, drinking a pint of Guinness and a whiskey chaser after it, along with the quick wit of a good storey or a song, years of practice

[@Sallodeus]

don’t mean to be a stuck up ass but it’s really not a complicated piece at all. It’s in open G that gives it that magical presence. The intro is a handful but overall the song is rather easy going on... the hands anyway. The vocals are what really takes the show in my opinion.

[@michaelmccrossan5270]

Ha ) ...I don't do servants! ..

[@todddwyer3738]

My favorite Christmas song about hanging out with my cousin and bludgeoning English recruiters to death.

[@NancyDrewe]

Todd Dwyer Yay! LOL

[@555alanmc]

😂😂😂

[@450thParatrooper]

You mean “almost to death.”

[@Johnnyfive55]

Rather them than me

[@williampatrickfagan7590]

You bounder. But I love it.

[@zylaxis]

I love this song so much. It really illustrates in stark relief the absurdity of peaceable, free men being recruited to die in someone else's stupid war.

[@deejaykay1975]

David Matthew Shere exactly...

[@jamesgarvey1981]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject "someone elses war" still applies even if it is scottish or english in origin...

[@strangelove47]

It wouldn't be Christmas morning without a quick blast of Arthur McBride from the peerless Paul Brady. Merry Christmas everybody.

[@ArchStantonify]

by bob dylan, what a christmas to be be told!?

[@mrsinn2642]

Merry christmas friend

[@elizabethflynn8455]

Happy Christmas to you too.

[@rattyfingers8621]

And Merry Christmas to all of you!

[@michaelmccarron6375]

Always have to give it a listen on Christmas day

[@grantryder5463]

In 1975 I had the great experience of being Planxty's UK tour driver. Their support was the wonderful Steve Ashley. I had not been exposed to Irish folk music before. I became a fan immediately. Andy Irvine, Paul Brady, Liam O'Flyn and Jonny Moynahan. I didn't realise at the beginning of the tour how popular they were already in the UK. They were also really good company. Watched Paul play this every night. Always got a huge response from the audiences. Paul played a Yamaha acoustic and changed strings before every performance. I think his guitar tuning on this was DADGAD.

[@jamesmulhern1355]

Open g

[@grantryder5463]

@@jamesmulhern1355 yes, my bad knowledge of open tunings.

[@chrisgorman8191]

That must be why start sounds like Led Zeppelin

[@kevingillies7811]

I love this song, I love the island of Ireland and I love being Scottish because we are the same, they will never take that away from us, I am a Gàidhlig speaker, us Celts. I play this on Christmas morning. We'll all get there ; Scotland and Ireland forever!

[@mixerD1-]

A lán grá, sláinte agus sáistainach air tú féin agus do clann buíochas le Día Caoimhínn a mac.

[@1875-b6n]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇪

[@ArchStantonify]

i do the same every christmas morn

[@DavidAndrewsPEC]

Thig ar latha, gu dearbh!

[@deanmc4972]

youre a sound man Kevin

[@brucebodden513]

Wow. Never heard this guy before. At the beginning I was just thinking "this is some pretty nice guitar playing," then he opens his mouth and - what a voice! Great song, too.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

I'm not exactly sure where Paul Brady got this tune, but the only historical recording I could find that uses the same tune was a Scottish one from the 1930s. I cleaned up the audio as much as I could and featured it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqWl4idpt57d9k

[@deejaykay1975]

Bruce Bodden legend.

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject no

[@balsham137]

Would you ever fuck off no one asked you

[@josephgrady2129]

Merry Christmas folks, still enjoying this tune

[@Ailin758]

Back in 77 in ireland i used to work overtime on the week end. Destination America! Saved the money. Went! By myself! All my kin in Australia! I have no regrets. Came over alone. Never looked back. Americans are the best givers in the world! Im now 63. I came here in 83. I thought When i came off the plane that JFK was New York City!!! Also I honestly think that New Yorkers are very like the Irish! We are resiliant. We do not give in! We work to live and to strive for our children. And for the next generation.

[@ploutarkhos]

Who's watching in 2019?!!! 😍

[@theiowan5429]

Timeless

[@cameroncurrie884]

Me..shite version...Planxty own this song

[@DONAL914]

Ah Cameron. Opinions expressed in that vain???? One of the finest singers of trad ever to be dismissed like that.

[@cameroncurrie884]

Think you need your ears tested if you think that....I'd say one of the worst singers of anything...I've heard better buskers

[@DONAL914]

So he's shite and I need my ears tested. An other revelations

[@michaelpowderly5514]

March 17th 2020....who's still listening to this? Happy St.Patrick's day!

[@michaelpowderly5514]

Listening in 2025.

[@Feuerzahn]

Guys, please listen to me: This is absolute master class of musicianship. Listen carefully: The fabulous guitar playing, the singing, both together, the lyrics, everything. I don't know how to express this, since it's indescribable. Just listen and you'll see what real music is like.

[@geoffbeswick6032]

This is astonishing. I saw him perform it in October 1975 when he replaced Christy Moore in Planxty. FOURTY FOUR YEARS later I remember that thrill. It might be the single best song I have ever heard.

[@kathleenucinski6333]

If this were any more beautiful, I don’t think I could bear it.

[@quaiderz]

This is the 'Die Hard' of christmas tunes

[@schmoyoho]

full lol

[@IrisGlowingBlue]

I know this is from a year ago but you are entirely right

[@toroddrhjell598]

You're not wrong!

[@calumisdead]

@@schmoyoho what the fuck

[@wittywoo9559]

Me da shared this with me many moons ago , its a gem !!

[@ryanjoyce3957]

There is actually something magical with this song and Paul’s voice , of all the songs I love there’s just something else in this one

[@adolftostig892]

I agree

[@NancyDrewe]

Yes, he nails it with this. I love this song.

[@goatcheesebaguette2331]

That's a heck of a bit of guitar playing, everything else beside.

[@barryfitzgerald785]

You can say that again.

[@Dante3025]

Check out his re-recording on Spotify. To see how even more intricate it is after another 30 years

[@massimogiuntini1]

As simple as that !

[@massimogiuntini1]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject this is just beautiful. Thank you so much for that

[@willhennessy6842]

i dont play guitar but that looks so detailed and awesome

[@JoaoMoriera2]

The reality of press gangs in times past is something a lot of us might fully appreciate. You could be beaten, abducted and forced into service into one of Britain's many wars, never to be seen again by your loved ones. It's sobering to think of the families of men who died in foreign lands after being pressed into service, never knowing what happened to their sons, brothers or husbands. I've always loved the contempt of this song for the warmongering recruiters, for each man shouldn't have to fight and die for any King's cause or any foreign lands other than his own.

[@killercd7682]

Lol boo hoo. Our great and Glorious Empire. Oh to be part of it again!

[@JoaoMoriera2]

@@killercd7682 No

[@noelcorcoran1169]

@@killercd7682 it's dead and gone...never to return..

[@fractuss]

Yes, our draft board (in the U.S.) is so much more civilized.

[@andreahegarty9262]

Well said!

[@ciarantiger]

Oh, me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a-walking down by the seaside Now, mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning... Out for recreation, we went on a tramp And we met Sergeant Napper and Corporal Vamp And a little wee drummer, intending to camp For the day being pleasant and charming. "Good morning! Good morning!" the sergeant did cry "And the same to you gentlemen!" we did reply, Intending no harm but meant to pass by For it being on Christmas morning. But says he, "My fine fellows if you will enlist, It's ten guineas in gold I will slip in your fist And a crown in the bargain for to kick up the dust And drink the King's health in the morning. For a soldier he leads a very fine life And he always is blessed with a charming young wife And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife And always lives pleasant and charming... And a soldier he always is decent and clean In the finest of clothing he's constantly seen While other poor fellows go dirty and mean And sup on thin gruel in the morning." "But", says Arthur, "I wouldn't be proud of your clothes For you've only the lend of them as I suppose And you dare not change them one night, for you know If you do you'll be flogged in the morning. And although that we are single and free We take great delight in our own company And we have no desire strange faces to see Although that your offers are charming And we have no desire to take your advance All hazards and dangers we barter on chance For you would have no scruples for to send us to France Where we would get shot without warning" "Oh now!", says the sergeant "I'll have no such chat And I neither will take it from spalpeen or brat For if you insult me with one other word I'll cut off your heads in the morning" And then Arthur and I we soon drew our hods And we scarce gave them time for to draw their own blades When a trusty shillelagh came over their heads And bade them take that as fair warning And their old rusty rapiers that hung by their side We flung them as far as we could in the tide "Now take them out, Divils!", cried Arthur McBride "And temper their edge in the morning". And the little wee drummer we flattened his pow And we made a football of his rowdeydowdow Threw it in the tide for to rock and to row And bade it a tedious returning And we having no money, paid them off in cracks And we paid no respect to their two bloody backs For we lathered them there like a pair of wet sacks And left them for dead in the morning. And so to conclude and to finish disputes We obligingly asked if they wanted recruits For we were the lads who would give them hard clouts And bid them look sharp in the morning. Oh me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a walkin' down by the seaside, Now mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning

[@TheOrbit14]

Spellbinding, simply pure magic.

[@download77]

Fine, particularly fine. No pyrotechnics, no gimmicks, no gyrations, just talent honed by practice and joy.

[@ultimatedarkrai255]

download77 for this kind of song that’s what good but I do see why most pop singers have stupid gimmicks in concerts Need to keep the crowds attention somehow

[@psychosissafari]

I felt the one thing missing from this performance was a gyration or two

[@paulcooney1313]

B hi

[@RuB0t]

I've listened to this over two dozen times in the last 24 hours. Magic.

[@cccnieh2468]

as have I mate

[@cosbard9148]

,pure magic Paul Brady

[@mixerD1-]

Same Ruaidhrí a chara.

[@joefagan9335]

I’ve been listening for 49 years!

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject no

[@cackjollins]

Borderline perfection. That standard of guitar playing and singing is just not impossible for a normal human being to do simultaneously.

[@thejohnoreillymusic]

Great work getting this up on KZbin. Whatever you did for the edit, it definitely adds to it. And every word and note of this tune is as equally special and irreplaceable or relevant as the rest

[@dmfrench]

Every single year on this holy day of St. Patrick, I listen with eyes closed and dram in hand 🥰 🇮🇪☘️💚

[@Martin-tn5lm]

Good idea. Cheers!

[@Martin-tn5lm]

Cheers!

[@dmfrench]

@@Martin-tn5lm you said that

[@gabriellecaucutt2611]

My sweetheart share his favorite Irish album with me when we were separated by miles and no cellphones...I fell in love with this piece and after sweet 16 years of marriage, just Googled it and found it...had been looking for years!

[@brendanmccarthy8756]

First heard this song 10 years ago on a tour bus in Ireland the wife and kids were asleep. I was awake looking at the beauty of the country song has stuck with me ever since

[@rowebacon]

Same exact experience. It's forever imprinted on my brain as a result.

[@douglasharrington1250]

Those in the comments noting the open G tuning and calling this easy clearly do not understand the difficulty of playing to that degree, while delivering a flawless vocal performance and clearly are not musicians themselves. This is an example of fine talent and beautiful performance, and almost completely note perfect. Why diminish others to please your own fragile ego?

[@tommypickles218]

Yeah what? This is not an easy song to play

[@mori1166]

Oh, me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a-walking down by the seaside Now, mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning... Out for recreation, we went on a tramp And we met Sergeant Napper and Corporal Vamp And a little wee drummer, intending to camp For the day being pleasant and charming "Good morning ! Good morning!" the sergeant did cry "And the same to you gentlemen!" we did reply Intending no harm but meant to pass by For it being on Christmas morning But says he, "My fine fellows if you will enlist It's ten guineas in gold I will slip in your fist And a crown in the bargain for to kick up the dust And drink the King's health in the morning For a soldier he leads a very fine life And he always is blessed with a charming young wife And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife And always lives pleasant and charming... And a soldier he always is decent and clean In the finest of clothing he's constantly seen While other poor fellows go dirty and mean And sup on thin gruel in the morning." "But", says Arthur, "I wouldn't be proud of your clothes For you've only the lend of them as I suppose And you dare not change them one night, for you know If you do you'll be flogged in the morning And although that we are single and free We take great delight in our own company And we have no desire strange faces to see Although that your offers are charming And we have no desire to take your advance All hazards and dangers we barter on chance For you would have no scruples for to send us to France Where we would get shot without warning" "Oh now!", says the sergeant "I'll have no such chat And I neither will take it from spalpeen or brat For if you insult me with one other word I'll cut off your heads in the morning" And then Arthur and I we soon drew our hods And we scarce gave them time for to draw their own blades When a trusty shillelagh came over their heads And bade them take that as fair warning And their old rusty rapiers that hung by their side We flung them as far as we could in the tide "Now take them out, Divils!", cried Arthur McBride "And temper their edge in the morning" And the little wee drummer we flattened his pow And we made a football of his rowdeydowdow Threw it in the tide for to rock and to row And bade it a tedious returning And we having no money, paid them off in cracks And we paid no respect to their two bloody backs For we lathered them there like a pair of wet sacks And left them for dead in the morning And so to conclude and to finish disputes We obligingly asked if they wanted recruits For we were the lads who would give them hard clouts And bid them look sharp in the morning Oh me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a walkin' down by the seaside Now mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning

[@kkoo3247]

well done!

[@Givingitashot]

Love it when people post the full lyrics!! Cheers man!

[@gregorysullivan7175]

Thank you for posting the lyrics to this superb song. Something to give true pause.

[@ArchStantonify]

Love when people do this. Many thanks!

[@blzbob7936]

Excellent work! Thank you. x

[@instanceTu]

It is almost incomprehensible how good this is... absolutely jaw dropping

[@TheMfmccarthy]

Astounding

[@martifingers]

Ind4ed, if this were all he ever had done he would be up there with the finest acoustic musicians. But he did seminal work with the Johnstons and wrote The Island and on and on. A true Irish icon.

[@MrFolky77]

I was born in 1977, so this performance is as old as me!! LOL I grew up to this song and other Irish fabulous tunes throughout the whole 80's and I believe it gave me a certain sensitivity, notably to folk music in general... My dad would play the tape in the car on each of our long trips through France up to Brittany and back, and it's only last year I discovered the name of the artist, his face, the date. Thanks to KZbin! I'm moved to see how much people seem to love this song like I do :-)

[@damianpower3517]

I first heard Paul Brady in the 1960s at the Number 5 folk club on Harcourt Street, Dublin. Those were the days!

[@cliffordtheriault6483]

428 thumbs down!! Have you no musical bones in your body to thumbs down this absolute masterpiece of talent!!

[@patdainel9037]

Those 428 are everything that’s wrong with this world

[@kayakwestnow4788]

@@patdainel9037 ulster loyalists.

[@virginiahiggins6863]

Obviously had their phone upside down when giving a like..

[@richardmccarthy916]

This song is just impossible to get out of your head,you know you just got to get your fix on a regular basis.

[@jmmacb03]

I am 61 and first heard this in '76 and am back… Hard to believe I heard this on the same FM station as Led Zepplin-back in the dasy when DJ's played what they wanted! Cheers, from Toronto

[@clairecadoux324]

I couldn't agree more, I find this in turn calming, thought provoking and clever. I particularly love hearing him virtually spit 'spalpeen or brat'. SO good.

[@timothygraham4304]

I only discovered it a few weeks ago and I am making up for lost time!

[@timothygraham4304]

@First name Last name There's few if any better songs to listen to again and again!

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject no

[@dougmacpherson6732]

A once very dear friend introduced me to this song about 10 years ago. We had a falling out over where we were going to drink a beer (of all things) I often come here to listen to this song and think of him. I usually shed a tear like I am now. He moved backed to Ireland and has blocked me on social media, so I know I'm dead to him. I miss you Dave, & I still love ya. I hope all in life is going well.

[@donall5302]

Birmingham?

[@joannacorcoran1620]

Here because my dad passed away and this was one his favourite songs😢

[@pputnam100]

Once again it happens..!? After so many listenings to this song, as I'm marveling at the gorgeous guitar work in that open G, he comes in singing and the hair on my neck stands up straight, I'm usually driven to tears, not by the words, but by the emotion in his voice. As great as the guitar work is, and it's as good as I've ever heard in this genre, his singing here is magnificent , as great an instrument as I've ever heard regardless of genre. For many years my favorite singer was Kenneth McKellar, and I add Brady to the short two person list

[@MrStingray1985]

As I was listening to this for probably the 100th time right now, I was thinking the exact same thing: the voice of his singing here is absolutely marvellous, easy though it may be to sort of miss that because of how beautiful the guitar playing is at the same time.

[@bseburke1]

Dolores Keane is on my list as well! Check out Craigie Hills, she's like the Paul Brady of Irish singers

[@davidbwoo]

I love the fact that, only 2 years after this platform got started, when there was relatively so little that could be found here, good Mick Connell took the time to upload (and apologize for now-nonexistent upload limits!) these priceless, precious bits of folk culture. Thank you, sir.

[@innovativeatavist159]

That high pitched noise is killing me. Which is a shame because this is INCREDIBLE!

[@porterhall27]

stunningly good..probably the best solo guitar and voice performance i have ever heard

[@derekpink]

Holy shit! 100MB or not... this is spectacular. A voice and an acoustic guitar and it is 100 times more powerful than almost anything on the radio these days.

[@conorredmond653]

Ireland, the musical nation, owes a huge debt and and an as yet unacknowledged tribute to Paul Brady.

[@stephenbyrne3512]

This is why life is worth living. What a talent. History and music intertwined. 'Sir' Paul Brady you are truly a legend. I cannot figure out how I grew up in Ireland for over 40 years without hearing this. Just baffles me.. Its farking beautiful

[@robertloader9826]

One of the most perfect performances - in terms of execution and conviction - ever committed to tape. A genius and to be compared with the very greatest of his time.

[@desmondmcnally2104]

I've watched and enjoyed this video so many times but have never noticed how superb Paul's breathing is! He can singing two or three phrases without an intake of breath! A real singer/ musician in every sense and still as good today as he was in '77.

[@jtpinnyc]

1:24 the ornamentation on the "same" of "same to you" - outrageous, lol.

[@benjaminfoord2447]

That’s insane.

[@lmtt123]

Its sean nós

[@thedreadnoughts]

It's amazing. It's not just celtic, it's also reminiscent of the way that middle eastern singers can do those crazy trills between multiple notes over and over. Elite level stuff.

[@nicnaimhin2978]

This is an ancient, distinctive style of singing In Irish traditional music, known as “sean nos”,which literally means “old style “.

[@speakertreatz]

it is Sean Nos but more specific the Ulster strain of Sean Nos, it's less 'celtic', the melisma used at 1:24 is much more common, it's earthier almost like gospel or soul singing. Sean Nos purists would be disgusted at this, but it's not too far away from Mariah Carey's melismatic style.

[@troutmasked]

one of my favourite vocalists of all time. theres something about the great folk singers thats so pure, so captivating and...real that very few others can compete with. no gimmicks, just timeless perfect music

[@jcwwwing]

I'm an American who loves country but who also likes Irish folk. until a month ago I had no idea who Paul Brady was. Now I do. I've heard this song before but this guy has no equal when it comes to this song and "The homes of Donegal" . Liking Irish folk and not knowing who Paul Brady was, does not speak well of my curiosity . Great talent.

[@TomMcCool5]

Been listening to this for 30 years and never get tired of it, got the album in vinyl and listened constantly until turntable gave up. Fortunately got the Liberty Tapes on CD excellent live performances. The man is a genius and doesn't get the credit he deserves, Strabanes best export!!!

[@barramundi4604]

Amen! Ireland's finest export, in fact. Genius.

[@shepardbarbash4073]

I love at 3:21 the combination of what he does on the guitar (the two repeated chords) and how he sings the lyric ‘for you’ve only the lend of them as I suppose.’ The two rhythms are so independent.

[@artseosamhogriobhta]

I actually believe that's a mistake in an otherwise flawless performance. If you're playing this yourself you should just play the verse as it's played before and after that verse.

[@americanbridgecompany]

@@artseosamhogriobhta In a different version (Lost Liberty Tapes), he does the same thing, so probably not a mistake.

[@americanbridgecompany]

The little vibrato accents he puts on some of those notes are so subtle and easily overlooked in efforts to replicate Brady's music. That kind of thing only comes when everything else you are doing is automatic. The finishing details on a masterpiece arrangement.

[@linneasaoirse]

Exactly! Those little vocal runs give me life. The absolute best.

[@friendlybanjoatheist5464]

One of the finest folk guitar and singing presentations ever. So authentic. Heartfelt. Gimmick-free. Brilliant! Thanks, Paul!

[@truthbetoldni]

Watched him live at Grand Opera House Belfast in the 70s. The man can make the guitar sing. What a player.

[@barryrichardson1497]

am i the only 14 year old that loves this song?

[@crompazuzu6488]

You’re 22 now Barry, no longer a drummer boy

[@lukecondron7881]

@@crompazuzu6488 a drummer man now

[@eoghancasserly3626]

@@crompazuzu6488 fuck, your comment just gave me whiplash. I'm only 19. When Barry was here I would have been 11. What a strange strange thought.

[@marlowename3713]

nope i mean i’m 8 years late but still. My mums English and my fathers Irish i’m living in London so this song simultaneously makes me love and hate my heritage

[@liamdkb1]

Are ye by fuck

[@Tphilpott1]

This has to be one of the most iconic performances.

[@MsRTfan]

Oh my. Where have I been all these years? Excited to have discovered him. Better late than never.

[@carlmccarthy4504]

Hi dear friend how are you doing over there hows things working out for you how’s the weather conditions over there hope you keep safe?

[@buxvan]

Just listened to this song for the first time. Bloody brilliant. The only other time I'd heard of this genius was his song "nobody knows" Just as good guitar player as Richard Thompson I'd say. (& I'm not even Irish) !

[@NOS5150]

The seminal version - without a shadow- the hairs on the back of my neck have no control every time I hear this - wistful, meaningful and most of all, from the heart!

[@seanmclaughlin5399]

I love this song. I discovered it during an Irish Literature class 10 years ago. It's been stuck in my head ever since. I recently learned it comes from Donegal, where my family is from. Made it even more special. Sláinte!

[@MossyPowerMusic]

Amazing every time never gets old

[@patsy1000]

The first few seconds into this song I new it was something special and boy was I right I just love it. Thanks for posting this I can't stop watching it brilliant

[@lizzy-folksongsscottis4518]

He's so magical ..I knew him in the Johnston's Trad days....I was so lucky to have brushed elbows with them..Loved them all.Still do...Rip Adrienne . x

[@PinHead9707]

Everything here is brilliant! His guitarplaying, his voice, the melody and the lyrics. And a fun story it is if you listen...

[@ArchStantonify]

not so fun from an irish point of view

[@barryfitzgerald785]

Exactly, Jan.

[@conordarcy4663]

@@ArchStantonify the story is about to irish lads beating the crap outta recruiters 🤨

[@anthonycoulter8571]

In hispital ill this keeps me going ,mam and i loved this

[@deejaykay1975]

Love this song, and the legend that is Paul Brady!

[@jennyrossman4614]

Hello Deejay, how are you doing my dear

[@rmbjr60]

When I first heard the great Paul Brady perform this it was approx 1997 on my local NPR radio station, WGBH (BTW much thanks to the one and only Brian O'Donovan, for all the amazing celtic music over the years!). When I first heard this tune I thought it was "nice" and very listenable. But over the years (decades) I have grown to appreciate this as a true masterpiece. PB's phrasing, his accent, his high voice, his accent, his unparalleled subtle and sublime guitar playing - all of these grew on me year after year. There are countless moments in this performance that are brilliant, subtle or sublime.

[@rhomacity]

frigging brilliant. Double stops , incredible playing., perfect diction and timing. This is probably my favourite folk-y song. It never gets stale, I listen to it over and over. The movie is fun also.

[@elliehjemmet]

Just bought this CD (Andy Irvine and Paul Brady) --long ago had the vinyl but no longer have a working turntable. So grateful it just fell into my hands again in this format. Many fine serendipities. This is so compelling a song and singer. I searched two years to find out who recorded this back in the early 80's. Had heard a cassette of a Thistle and Shamrock show that included this song but the attribution was missing. I wore out the record, frequently come to KZbin to watch the video. It just doesn't ever get old. Hits me the same way every time I hear it.

[@markmark8545]

as a performance...this is peerless...the work of a master.

[@mikehickey2167]

came across an irish radio station on the internet - just love all the music.

[@somethingsunting]

Best recording ever made of this tune. So honest, so charming, so beautifully underhanded. Brady was never better than in those near seven minutes, but then, it's not easy to outdo perfection.

[@TheFolkRevivalProject]

The song is probably English and Scottish, not Irish (as you can see here www.vwml.org/search?q=rn2355&is=1). I'm not exactly sure where Paul Brady got this tune, but the only historical recording I could find that uses the same tune was a Scottish one from the 1930s. I cleaned up the audio as much as I could and featured it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGqWl4idpt57d9k

[@conordarcy4663]

@@TheFolkRevivalProject no

[@1voyher177]

one of the best live performances i have ever heard

[@jmmacb03]

I tried to learn this in '76 from their LP that I had biked to downtown Toronto to buy. No video, no lyrics, just a single photo of the two of them... I am 62 and I now know about a guitar's different tunings AND about capos... And what a treasure. Thanks for posting. Cheers, from Toronto. Please, be kind America. KInd to each other.

[@innovativeatavist159]

I have sensory processing issues. This performance is SO good that the physical pain I feel in my head from that high pitched noise is still worth bearing to listen to this over and over again. It's literally so good I go through pain to listen to it. Holy crap.

[@themanhimself1229]

Try downloading it and using Audacity or something to remove that sound.

[@m6tcz]

@@themanhimself1229 my best attempt to remove it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn6bg6qwq8iae5osi=-AB5q8l-e2ea6bXV

[@jessebarrett6132]

His vocal glissando is unbelievable. It highlights the connection between Irish music and Arabic vocal traditions. Very interesting

[@grandadslads1911]

Ahhhh Arthur rebel of all the rebels. Fearless. Such sweet, melodic sounding madness. Brady & Irvine album from 1976. The best of Ireland. Just joyous with history, heart, and intellect in music.

[@wadefite]

This is a must see for all folk fans.Much imitated but never bettered. Should be sung at Christmas services nationwide. Worldwide! Surprised it has only 2.7 million viewers.

[@mbkirova]

Who could Possibly dislike this- the most golden male voice from Ireland ever?

[@1intersky]

You’ve obviously never heard of Luke Kelly.

[@flatonia]

Either of you heard of Van Morrison? Paul has sang (very much backup) with Van and was completely outshined.

[@hollydavis2261]

I just discovered Paul Brady today on St Patricks Day....I am blown away...your singing brings tears to my eyes.between your playing and your glorious voice there is nothing better...

[@jmmacb03]

I bought the album in '76 and there was just the photo of him and Andy Irvine. I feel blessed that the same FM station that was playing Led Zepplin played this album-back when DJ's played what they wanted-and blessed to have KZbin and this concert footage (for free!) when I am 61. Cheers, from Toronto

[@JohninRosc]

I think I've shared this to Facebook over 100 times. Paul Brady is a genius and has accompanied so many brilliant Irish traditional musicians yet his own solo contributions like this (arguably one of the most definitive pieces) show that he is one of Ireland's BEST EVER.

[@ianenglish123]

What a masterpiece, he just makes its look so easy and natural. Every word clear and note just perfect.

[@charlesmcgowen7238]

This never gets old.

[@ADM_Kyoto]

Some of the cleanest, most beautiful Irish vocals I've ever heard.