Johnny I Hardly Knew Ya (Irish Folk Song) - Celtic Rock Cover

[@tiaspajic5172]

I love this guy. No "smash like, subscribe", no social media plugs. He just comes, gives you the best performance you ever seen, refuses to elaborate further, leaves. Love you, Colm. ❤️

[@theogre6551]

Mic drops every single fucking time with our jaws dropped ….

[@ShadowCthulhu]

I completely agree, the begging gets old fast especially the ones that do it multiple times in the same video. Put out content people want and they will come without being asked. This guy knows what people want, great music.

[@StevenGamesWHC]

That's because he doesn't need to say like and subscribe you probably already did and didn't realize it as his singing drags you around.

[@tiaspajic5172]

@@StevenGamesWHC Exactly.

[@cenciende9401]

Why is one or two seconds to mention the subscribe etc a bad thing or in ANY WAY affects you? For most at a certain early point of moderate growth their livelihood literally depends on these things, without them they cannot continue to make the content which is the reason you are there on their channel. Get a clue you sociopath. I'd love to see your reaction when your employer criticizes you for trying to earn money instead of doing your job just because you want to.

[@alexisharper241]

Alright Colmpany, it looks like we're going to need to brace for impact on this one. A screaming Colm is more than a clue.

[@anone.mousse674]

Were you braced for Metal Scream Colm?

[@alexisharper241]

@@anone.mousse674 Honestly, no, not enough!😅 Next time Metal Scream Colm shows up I'll have to choose a chair without the tiny wheels on the legs. How about yourself?

[@wowguy1243]

I WAS NOT PREPARED for metal screaming colm. my windows damn near blew out

[@anone.mousse674]

@@alexisharper241 Kinda snuck up on me

[@alexisharper241]

@@wowguy1243 I know! It definitely tested the limits of my speakers.

[@sorchatheraven]

Fun fact about this song. While it's currently seen as a war song, or an anti-war song more like, it was originally more of a satire, a humorous song about a guy who'd rather go to war and end up real screwed up instead of looking after the baby of a woman he made pregnant. Great performance as usual, Colm! Was waiting for this one.

[@kotori87gaming89]

Could be interpreted either way, but the historical use was generally anti-war. There are plenty of other songs about getting away from the wife? and kid, that are much more clearly about leaving it all behind. My favorite example is "South Australia", and the shantyman singing about getting chased all around town by miss Nancy Claire, so he goes to sea to leave her behind.

[@wolverineminer]

It's hard to sell being completely disabled and begging helpless in the streets as pro war macho wish fulfillment.

[@sorchatheraven]

@@kotori87gaming89 Of course! Just considering some specific parts of the lyrics, I could believe that was in fact the song's original meaning. But I'm sure some other songs portray the topic better

[@Remer714]

@@kotori87gaming89 *"A doleful damsel I heard cry, [...] Why did ya run from me and the child, Johnny I hardly knew ya"* is pretty telling, lyrics-wise. The use and meaning is clearly anti-war and "anti-abandonment", so to speak, in both regards. Things can have more than one meaning and this is clearly a great example for that. Going even further, "[...] from the island of Ceylon" could refer to the Kandyan Wars (1796-1815).

[@cam4636]

...the original tune (Johnny Fill Up The Bowl) was a standard drinking song, and has had several variations (When Johnny Comes Marching Home, a pro war song), but this version was anti war in direct response to the pro war versions. Some other takes on the lyrics include the woman declaring she'll never let "them" take her sons and send them off to war.

[@Nmc01236]

Lyrics, for anyone interested : While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo While on the road to sweet Athy, hurroo, hurroo While on the road to sweet Athy, A stick in me hand, a drop in me eye, A doleful damsel I heard cry, Johnny I hardly knew ya. Where are the eyes that looked so mild, hurroo hurroo Where are the eyes that looked so mild, hurroo hurroo Where are the eyes that looked so mild When my poor heart you first beguiled Why did ya run from me and the child Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo hurroo Where are the legs with which you run, hurroo hurroo Where are the legs with which you run When first you went to carry a gun Indeed your dancing days are done, Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg, hurroo hurroo You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg, hurroo hurroo You hadn't an arm, you hadn't a leg You're an armless, boneless, chickenless egg You'll have to be left with a bowl to beg Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya I'm happy for to see ya home, hurroo hurroo I'm happy for to see ya home, hurroo hurroo I'm happy for to see ya home from the island of Ceylon Johnny I hardly knew ya We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns, hurroo hurroo We had guns and drums and drums and guns The enemy never slew ya Johnny I hardly knew ya

[@dechskaison2497]

Appreciated.

[@KecS]

Thank you 👏

[@BrokenMonocle]

Ah, I thought the words were "the ants go marching one by one, hurrah hurrah", thanks!

[@leahg3926]

Thank you

[@elycejade]

Haven’t instead of hadn’t in this one but thanks so much for this!

[@lauramooney380]

Does anyone else think that some of the lesser known Christmas carols, like the Boars head Carol or In The Bleak Midwinter, would sound amazing from Colm?

[@migueltrevino5147]

That would be awesome

[@dechskaison2497]

You're not truly a musician until you have a Christmas album.

[@ncrshane1919]

One of my favorite christmas songs is actually "Rusty Chevrolet"

[@akaoniryuu4564]

Tbh i only know in the bleak midwinter from peaky blinders 😂 never heard the other so... YES! WE NEED THEM DONE 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@spmoran4703]

He could do the Wexford Carol.

[@anone.mousse674]

We're reaching Vocal Range levels that shouldn't be possible with that Metal Scream. Bravo, Captain.

[@NickIncomplete]

I’m surprised no one is talking about how this is the same song as “when Johnny comes marching home” with different lyrics. Crazy how sometimes, over time, the same song can be adapted to another one.

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

Hey everyone! This track is now up on Spotify! It's easily the best way to support the channel, cheers! open.spotify.com/album/5t5WQuXOo9IS3R9ZzQwPP3?si=viJVxsK3Q9ig3AcO-qZS3Q What Irish folk song should I do next! (Bonus points for what sub genre I should do it in) Stay very handsome!

[@adamkornacki606]

Irish volunteer . Idk what genre

[@mongosragnarok]

The Fields of Athenry would be cool. The sub is up to you.

[@stanisaworowski990]

Dunluce castle

[@Contentious_Point_]

since you asked, MiracleOfSound has an epic one based on the tale of Cù Chulainn

[@davidstruck8109]

Wreck Of The Edmond Fitzgerald, maybe folk or sailor style?

[@atraxuswraithe6031]

To quote The Boondock Saints, “Eirinn gá breá: it’s Irish for ‘You’re fucked.’”Truly amazing, Colm!

[@shawnthompson2303]

This is the Way

[@Zamtrios245]

I click "Translate to English" and it changes the spelling. Seems you can't make Irish into English

[@jonathandrake2104]

At first I was like "Peyton Parrish just possessed Colm", but nope, that's Jonathan Young right there.

[@DrewHelander]

It didn’t even cross my mind for colm to cover this amazing song. His voice was meant for this!

[@Jacobgrimoire]

OMG AMAZING WE DEF NEED MORE SONGS LIKE THIS! A WHOLE ALBUM WORTH AND MORE!!!

[@jenislaw]

YESSS!!!

[@dravious]

Up you go!

[@Valerie-yq1cl]

An Irish hard rock MASTERPIECE! 👏🏼👏🏼🤘🏻

[@davidalbanese2085]

I knew you could sing, but God damn dude. The "stage presence" you have with this is amazing. I've been following you for a good long while and ill admit, I wasnt expecting this lvl of awesome from you. Should never have doubted you.

[@itsjustme2635]

Is there limit to this man's range? Good lord! Another awesome piece

[@JoshuaKaranja-ij6ux]

This is a surprising twist for this song. It works amazingly well. Reminds me of his sea shanty collabs with Jonathan Young.

[@TheWhovinerd-1963]

I have to admit as a Scotsman (partial biased hear) that you just can’t bear a bit of Celtic Irish/Scottish rock it sounds beautiful. It’s a realm of music that I have only recently discovered that I absolutely love. Xx

[@aechean]

Dropkick Murphy's (edited because I'm dumb) rendition of this song is one of my favorite; I can't wait for this!

[@ALightInTheAutumnRain]

You mean Dropkick Murphys?

[@voodoomarine8720]

Definitely Dropkick Murphys, not Flogging Molly. Both amazing bands though.

[@aechean]

@@ALightInTheAutumnRain Holy shit. yes. I needed more coffee apparently.

[@ALightInTheAutumnRain]

😁

[@ShadowNinetales]

Is this folk song where the tune for 'The animals went in two by two' comes from? I immediately recognized where I knew it from, even though I haven't been in the habit of listening to it since I was little. Needless to say, this rock cover kicks a lot more ass. :)

[@billveusay9423]

Johnny : "Not so loud ! My eardrums are also recovering from a mortar blast !" Joke aside, once again : incredible cover !

[@johnchaffin1670]

My mother used to sing this song too me when I was a kid. She passed away 3 years ago she would've been 58 her next birthday

[@rozannascorgie-spence7767]

There I was, waiting to relax with a traditional Irish song when .... WHAM! I got hit between the eyes with Celtic Rock! Loved every minute of it Colm. Stay handsome 👍

[@gingerkiddadventures5064]

Come on, Colm. We're gonna need you to give us more heavy stuff like this every once in a while! Damn good performance!

[@svenneudecker]

This Celtic stuff has become quite metal 😳🔥🔥💥

[@spmoran4703]

We Celts invented metal.

[@Wotsitorlabart]

@@spmoran4703 More likely the Brummies

[@shawnthompson2303]

Always has been.

[@yamuda]

@@Wotsitorlabart More like the Sumerians

[@eradian1]

That moment when you don't read the full title and all of a sudden the folk singer you've watched for a couple years starts shredding an electric guitar: .... wh-... what just happened... why am I uncontrollably head banging?!

[@mongosragnarok]

Hell yeah boys!!!!! Now that’s the stuff I’ve been waiting for!!!! I guarantee this one will be on a few New Years parties playlists!

[@rhanson2281]

More covers like this please and thank you.....simply blow away. Barretts Privateers like this would be EPIC

[@jeffthemurdercat2995]

This cover is absolutely gorgeous and deserves worldwide recognition 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@jayyvibing9539]

I knew I recognized this song, but didn't know from where ... felt like I heard it in a past life, then I realized it was a different version of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home". ROCK ON!

[@jimbo8157]

That or 'The Animals Went in Two by Two' 😅

[@mmasque2052]

There is some debate as just which came first; Johnny we Hardly Knew Ye or When Johnny Comes Marching Home. I think Hardly Knew Ye wins out but only by a year or two which is amazingly fast give it was mid-19th century and radio was still decades away.

[@Wotsitorlabart]

@@mmasque2052 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye' is an 1867 parody of the earlier 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home'.

[@samanthat7172]

I first heard THE ANTS GO MARCHING TWO BY TWO

[@Athene.]

I wasn't expecting a rock cover from you but I really loved it! Hope to see more done in this style of Celtic and rock!

[@Hklbrries]

When Johnny Came Marching Home, Irish-style. A raw, ragged, amazing song!

[@father_ork]

I love it when you cover Dropkick Murphy's. I'd like to request a cover of "The Season's Upon Us" by them. I know it isn't exactly a folk song but it's perfectly in line for the holiday season

[@atraxuswraithe6031]

That’d be absolutely perfect for Colm’s singing style!

[@rw6783]

This song is much much older then that. 200 years ish years I think

[@benjaminbrothers1658]

The man the musician and the legend is back!!!! looking forward to this one! Hope everyone is having an awesome Christmas season!

[@schmockmitschlock]

I loved this, definetly consider making more hard music, your scream in there sounded really good!

[@JootjeJ]

After decades of listening to folk, rock and folk rock I love stumbling across you guys. You're awesome!

[@glenrugh2815]

ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. I LOVE IT. MORE MORE MORE

[@ilenejameson5861]

Love it!!! A true display of this man's musical abilities. From soft, melancholy tunes to rocking your face off. We're all here for it. ♥️ @Colm McGuinness Music keep up the wonderful work. I love seeing all you can do and you do it extremely well.

[@leventevarga-knorr1841]

Amazing performance! No matter what style you sing, it'll be just perfect! There is a lot of power in your voice, we definietly need more of this!

[@keiyangoshin3650]

It’s here!!!! Thank you Colm!! 🥰🥰🥰 Fantastic video! I was surprised at the ROCK vibes but I approve! 👍❤️

[@sebastianleimbeck5967]

This. This is what I've been needing all this time. Hard rock Colm. Please keep up the good work. Am hoping for more of this genre 🤩

[@SavageJoe1775]

This was sick. I love your classic vibe and style, and your voice range has always been impressive, but going into the world of screams and rock music every now and again would be very welcome, especially since this proves that you are more than capable of pulling it off. Excellent job sir! Bravo!

[@trailblazetravelofficial]

With every song I get more impressed and in awe. His vocal range and the instruments he can play are quite impressive. I really love his rock and metal covers! This was awesome. Please keep the rock and metal coming Colm ❤️

[@Alpha1918]

WOW! I was not expecting a rock cover, this was amazing!

[@lucasmoreau]

The phrase 'absolute banger' does not convey the intensity of this hell of a storm, I had to rebuild my house besause I played it on my speakers. Hands up, howling to the moon, and trying to be half as handsome as you 👏🙌🤘🔥

[@Sinderful6294]

Good gods almighty... This is now my favorite rendition of this song! It's awesome to see you go from the traditional folk style you normally do to metal covers. The screaming in this is fantastic!

[@Fenyxfire]

P.s. to anyone in the comments whining about this being harder....he's not stopping the trad music. Not everything has to be for you. Discovering this cover fixed a really bad day for me. And probably will again.

[@Fenyxfire]

Pps. Got me sub my boyo.

[@Vomahanew]

I have a new favorite version of one of my favorite songs of all time. THAT WAS AMAZING!

[@ericrichardson4171]

Colm is definitely one of the most talented people I've ever stumbled across on any media, but to me this song is just proving again that he can do it all. Keep it going Colm. This rendition definitely made it to the permanent playlist.

[@pinhead3427]

This song is my new addiction

[@traceywoolston7924]

this is more like it....this is natural and AWESOME

[@roguewavemichigandiving2754]

Wow! Holy sh!t is this amazing! What an incredible job Colm!! Bravo!

[@alphak2655]

You see when Colm does a song like this I'm still amazed by his vocal range and ability to switch it on the fly so fast. This man is a legend.

[@dechskaison2497]

This caught me by complete surprise. I love it.

[@SimplyKomplicated]

I was not expecting this pale boy to make a song with scream in it. That was amazing! Great job! 👏🏼

[@axelino7141]

why is are all your covers 12 of 10? 😍 not even one day old and already one of my all-time favouries

[@jphavill8706]

I never knew i needed you growling rock lyrics in my life but now i need more!

[@comettamer]

Proud to say that MetalColm kicked me in the chops when I wasn't looking, just tooling around the kitchen for a late night snack. Bet I get a strongly worded note from the neighbors.

[@Murasai82]

WHOA!!! This was awesome!!! Loved the production quality, energy, performance, and singing! Well done, Sir!

[@hannahthomas249]

The original is actually one of my favorite rock songs. This cover is now one of my favorite covers. Thanks!

[@nordiccelt120]

You should definitely do more heavy songs .. absolutely outstanding as always !

[@MalBishop18]

Still one of my favourites, this song has always been heavy at heart

[@masurko5810]

Someone: Hey lets make a metal band. Someone2: Ok we will need a song writer, drumer, bassguitar, guitar, high pitch voice, growler... Colm: Hold my Guiness...

[@JennyMartin-i9n]

Your so awsome has woken the Irish kin in me and live your voiceband backing group ❤

[@Flamus_12_]

Absolutely can’t wait always a masterpiece in this channel

[@musicace7]

Dude, I teared up; amazing!

[@joshuadefriese1907]

Holy smokes! I’d never heard this song before, but the video was epic, and I’ve got a ton of respect for the high screams! Keep up the great work!

[@cassiebanks]

Just to show how old **I** am, when we were young the words to this song in the US were "The ants go marching one-by-one, hurrah, hurrah." I don't know if Disney made a cartoon with the melody and changed all the words or if it was the adults' attempt at sheltering the children who had parents in World War II from the grisly reality that some men don't come back from war. Either way, I was so confused when the song started. Even though I had just woken up, my first thought was "Isn't it winter? Shouldn't Colm be wearing one of those cable-knit sweaters that make him look like he's in the artic or has global warming seriously hit Ireland?" 😂Clearly I'm not fully awake yet. AWESOME rendition! I loved it!

[@anamAlister]

When you're voice can call the spirits back and lead the Bashees choir. Bloody hell you are a king mate. So much skill an talent. I am still being surprised by your range. Keep killing it!

[@jaredsmith3024]

Looking forward to this. Colm, have you considered covering “The Town I Loved So Well” by The Dubliners? I think you’d do an excellent rendition.

[@Caigul]

looking forward to it finnegans wake is another fun one to sing

[@retrospect6904]

Did you channel Jonathan into your vocals?! I had no idea you were capable of metal growls. Gotta have more of these covers because this was a blast.

[@Nonolebarjo15]

Thank you for every song you do, love every one of them.

[@CelloLinuxFellow]

Haha, brilliant! Wasn't expecting a metal cover from you and it's great!

[@daniellemorgan4684]

COLM. YOU DID NOT. ❤ Hoping for more Celtic rock from you!

[@lavenderotaku2481]

This man just coming in here to GO OFF every time he drops something new. Always awesome my guy, keep it up and take care!

[@RichaadEB]

BRUTAL

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

Teach me guitar, Richard!!!

[@davenarisotto3674]

Awesome song as always. Your voice would be perfect in a cover of "For the dancing and the dreaming" from How to train your dragon 2

[@AflacMan13]

I see your hanging out with Johnathan and them has brought you into a new genre of music. :-) Welcome to Rock and Metal dude. I think you might like it here. ;-P

[@zakbamapuh344]

Are u Ireland?

[@МихаилСемёнов-ь9н]

Yes

[@kaeldrarhiannon]

WOW. Channeling some serious Jonathan Young energy on this one. I freakin' love it!!!

[@xxalbatraozxx]

Okay, I love this. Thank u Colm from Hungary!❤

[@Kieran0410]

Been listening to the stuff you did with @jonathanymusic and was trying to remember which song you'd pulled out the growls in. Never before have I been so glad for the algorithm!

[@ChaosAndMayhemTV]

Heavy, and IN YOUR FACE. I loved every second of this. Bravo, sir!

[@RainBrain26]

I...I am in love with that sound. Heavy Colm is such a great experience.

[@Miaauify]

Well, bloody hell. That just happened. Nice one, Sir Colm.

[@theodore8529]

Driving on the snow while listening to this song to raise my spirit. Many Thanks Colm ❤️ Stay Very Handsome !

[@holdmeshillelagh6600]

I have been trying to remember the name of this song. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@ladyjannettgreyartmusic9535]

I used to obsess with this song when I was 6 lol great cover, love it.

[@azren2255]

I want Seven Drunken Nights done with this sort of intensity without giving up the humor. I trust this only to the greatest bard among us: Colm of McGuinness.

[@Sceadusawol]

Hot. Dayum. Proper Celtic Fury!

[@endreverland811]

You good sir have created a headbangin' masterpiece! I've listened to the Drop Kick Version for years, and love it dearly. This however is so much better! Thank you so much for sharing this great artwork with us:D

[@justthompson]

I've always liked the Dropkick Murphys cover of Jonny I Hardly knew Ya, but after hearing you cover it, this is my favorite now. Your Foggy Dew cover was awesome as well. I'd love to hear you sing the old Celtic hymn Bi Thusa Mo Shuile, if you ever feel like it.

[@aelowan]

I've seen this video a few times, but finally noticed the green sweater. Very handsome and a good color on you.

[@derechteDavos]

oh boy thats going to be great.

[@W31rdog]

Really unique rock cover, plz more of it. Now I´m hungry

[@genevar9260]

I certainly did not expect that sound to come out of you, but it is absolutely glorious.

[@bigfoot_huntr2964]

Thunderin Jesus! I was not expecting this lad! I feel so bloody hyped after hearing this! Stay ever so handsome! I absolutely love this!

[@krisztiancsillag2426]

MORE OF THIS! MORE OF THIS! Your harsher voice is absolutely amazing!

[@Little_Carrot]

Just amazing ❤

[@Flazius]

I love this hard-rock take you do. More of that in the future please, it suits you so well!

[@grimnirnacht]

I love this rendition. Great job