Charlie Zahm "The Minstrel Boy"

Celtic singer Charlie Zahm performs a set of Americana music at the Gloucester County Public Library in Mullica Hill, NJ on November 4, 2006.
Charlie is playing the Irish drum, or The bodhrán (pronounced /ˈbɔrɑːn/[1] or /ˈbaʊrɑːn/; plural bodhráns or bodhráin) is an Irish frame drum ranging from 25 to 65 cm (10" to 26") in diameter, with most drums measuring 35 to 45 cm (14" to 18"). The sides of the drum are 9 to 20 cm (3½" to 8") deep. A goatskin head is tacked to one side (synthetic heads, or other animal skins are sometimes used). The other side is open ended for one hand to be placed against the inside of the drum head to control the pitch and timbre. One or two crossbars, sometimes removable, may be inside the frame, but this is increasingly rare on modern instruments. Some professional modern bodhráns integrate mechanical tuning systems similar to those used on drums found in drum kits. It is usually with an allen wrench that the bodhrán skins are tightened or loosened depending on the atmospheric conditions.
He finally recorded this song for his 2009 album By Request!!! www.charliezahm...
Folksinger Charlie Zahm is based in Pennsylvania and may be reached at www.charliezham... for more information.
Charlie plays the Irish drum on this one!
THE MINSTREL BOY by Thomas Moore
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;"
Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"
An emotionally stirring and inspirational song, The Minstrel Boy was written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) who set it to the melody of The Moreen, and old Irish aire. It is believed by many that Moore composed the song as a memorial to several of his friends he had met while a student at Trinity College and who had participated in the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen. One died in prison, another was wounded, and a third captured and hung. The song originally consisted of two verses. Due to its popularity, the song was a favorite of the many Irishmen who fought during the U.S. Civil War, primarily on the Union side. It was at this time that a third verse was added by unknown authors:
The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.

[@quadie12]

I come back to the rendition of this song periodically on KZbin. We pray for peace; it won't come, but we can long for it, and we can find it in our own hearts.

[@PawnSacrific3]

This is my favorite rendition on youtube. Personally I like this song with a minimal amount of instrument and his voice alone is enough.

[@gomemphistigers1]

i agree with the lady at the end of the video..."wow" amazing voice.

[@bobsmith-rc1tp]

Why doesn't this have more views?

[@GerryMacEoin]

This is by far the best recording of this song that I have heard. It makes my spine tingle. Not an easy thing to do. There is such conviction and emotion in it that you find yourself transported through time to who knows when. I'm sure everyone goes somewhere different. Thank you Charlie Zahm and well done.

[@Wolfeblayde]

It's not often that a singer puts cold chills down my back from the sheer power of his voice. Charlie Zahm succeeded. All I can say is. . .wow.

[@csrbre317]

This is really incredible -- the voice is perfect for this song. And although I was skeptical with just a bodhran for back-up, its a great, almost chilling renditon of a wonderful song.

[@XantheBard]

This is by far the best version of this song that I've found on KZbin, and the only one that includes the last verse.

[@Rometiklan]

Damn, that was an amazing rendition. Powerful voice.

[@chasl45488]

Impeccably done, and with a remarkable martial sound to it thanks to the bodhran (and obviously Mr. Zahm's arrangement with that as his sole musical accompaniment). A rich, manly, powerful voice with a good vocal range. Can you say too many good things about the song as rendered by Mr. Zahm? I think not. Thoroughly enjoyable.

[@littlenookie1]

He's really an incredibly talented guy!!! Probably the best version of heard of this song.

[@GolfEuropeTV]

Thomas Moore would be turning in his grave calling him "Sir" Thomas Moore. He was an Irishman through and through as is the song which is from an old Irish air. Well done Charlie. You have done the song and the countless Irish who have fought and died for American and Irish freedom proud.

[@gavinsealey]

@XantheBard It always brings tears to my eyes. Charlie Zahm's rendition is brilliant and the words are pure magic. The third verse is a later addition by an anonymous writer but it totally completes the song.

[@ufgatorpaw]

Lord, how I do love this song! What a wonderful arrangement with just the drum counting cadence. Very powerful stuff!

[@2ndsquad2]

i haven't heard this song in so long thw way hes sings it is the best vertion i've eard yet

[@FLJBeliever1776]

A sharp song that speaks of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice and how to have them, you must pay in blood, sweat, and tears. To have them is a long and hard road, but the rewards are priceless. But... Um... Who is he? I don't even have basic television.

[@PiccoloGirl1612]

He has a great voice!!!!!!!!! Love it-and the song tOOOOO!!!!

[@marykmusic]

I am using this song as part of my Thesis Presentation at the Master of Arts Colloquium, Prescott College, Feb. 2008. My degree will be in Humanities: Bardic Storytelling. This is a wonderful rendition of a piece of both Irish and American history!

[@gipskull]

Extraordinary ! - an outstanding performance ! 5*

[@tesstheroo]

Holy crap. After watching this, I actually said aloud: "Charlie Zahm, where have you been all my life?!?" lol! He is rockin on that drum, no lie!!!

[@AUGundam]

The song speaks in volumes...I literally broke into tears as that meaning soared into my heart..Bravo, Bravo!

[@BroodofLoki]

I would agree, one of the best recording I have ever heard of the song. Charlie is a great singer, hope he gets out to Denver

[@davedrolett6890]

Bravo! Your indeed a one man band! Again: Great piece of music!

[@GuoBia]

I love this song and his voice so much!

[@Nillbugwtw]

Wow... that's such a great voice... I agree with qimissung, it sent chills down my spine too

[@soldiergirl84]

Such a beautiful voice.

[@schecter5strg]

Very Good Charlie!!!

[@killah20100]

great song great singin

[@KittyKatHill]

I love this song. Charlie always does a great job singing. He's one of my all time favorite singers. :)

[@docrosko]

incredible voice. Love to listen to this.

[@oloveajob]

The best rendition I have heard!!

[@Branwhin]

Oh. Wow. His voice is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for this.

[@johncrighto]

This is a good version of this song. I think he gets alot of the emotion, and essence of the song in his version. Good job mate.

[@thebeano1985]

Beautiful!

[@qimissung]

Sends chills down my spine!

[@resto776]

that's pretty cool i like that song

[@Lathlynde]

Excellent rendition. The bodhrán works quite well with this song.

[@docrosko]

spectacular voice!!

[@Leander109]

Well Sung!

[@algs229635]

This is a song that can really inspire you to believe in freedom. awesome video,great stuff

[@johncrighto]

Awesome song. Made by a brit for the his irish friends and the Irish in general during their revolution. Ilove this song, this guy does a good version.

[@shuddatube]

awsome man. i love the song, and he does a really good job of it. you're right dude, definatly strong and clear.

[@Xendinthian]

AWESOME.

[@ZeroTheHero88]

This man is amazing!

[@hezbollah95818]

Just AWESOMENESS! 10/5

[@markay1]

This is the drum song most requested at Charlie's concerts.

[@hstac09]

Beautiful. Just beautiful... Thanks for uploading, man. This song always have me at tears.

[@kHovsT]

I dont't get tired of liston to this song. It's so patriotic lol

[@tanidn]

The best rendition ever, slow and proud. Hoo-HA!

[@sharecroppermike]

great!

[@pothead26]

love this song

[@Starpolo7]

This is by far my favorite rendition of this song. This and when done by a drum and fife corp. I think it sounds better as a slow lament rather then trying to speed it up.

[@markay1]

@candr Right state my Zahm expert says "Charlie represents a member of the 79th New York Volunteers. The first few hundred men of the 79th were either Scottish or Scottish-American"

[@speculous]

sharp!!!

[@TransCheerVal]

Awesome!!

[@emarine]

Awesome stuff.

[@DonCazino]

Give me a voice like that!

[@PEPEDEBARRO]

A real artist!

[@LynxOfTheBrume]

the "stuff on the shoulders" are epaulettes.

[@wbmstr8028]

Origimally like Jeannie this started life as a poem by Sir Thomas Moore the music was added later and as with a lot of songs of that era due to the instruments and the composition of the bands that played it thier music held a slimilar beat and tempo

[@markay1]

Except for the "stuff on the shoulders" this is based on the uniform Charlie's ancestor wore.

[@erniepimlott]

classic -1798 Wexford rebellion-however it was still Dublin that rose alone in 1916.LOL=However The Brave Wexford Men-and also used by US/Irish Regiments during the American Civil War-This song is over 200 years old

[@NoGoodBoyo1000]

Brilliant!

[@candr]

@46142mwalton It looks like the shell jacket of the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry, based on the Zouave style of the French army.

[@JBurdoo]

I disagree, but mostly because I've never found a version of this where that verse was actually sung. I've always wanted to hear it, and I like it. That and he's wearing a Civil War uniform, so it fits the time he's apparently drawing it from.

[@Kaldhore]

well done

[@suilfisean]

Love the song, and an excellent rendition. I do have to say though, I would have preferred if it finished up after the second verse, which would be the end of the original version. As correctly pointed out in the description, the last verse did not come from the pen of Thomas Moore, but rather was tagged on much later by persons unknown - and unfortunately, you can really tell. The words really don't fit in with the cadence of the song. Nice sentiment and all that, but I it sounds out of place.

[@sirbenedictus]

very nice

[@markay1]

The complete lyrics are in the "about this video" section.

[@Kaldhore]

Very Nice dude

[@paratrooper629]

HOOAH!!!

[@SaulofTarsis]

Amen!!!

[@Kevster4569]

@markay1 The Minstrel Boy will return we pray

[@Vershond]

Hell yes, much better then that version that was done for black hawk down

[@markay1]

Charlie told that part of the story but I didn't tape the hole thing! Tripods are nice and steady to allow longer taping but this wasn't done that way. Informal keeps the performance more "real"!

[@jimswe]

*salutes*

[@TheSirPrise]

@GolfEuropeTV Thomas Moore had no poblem with the title.

[@austinvanderlyn]

@SarahberryKitten The one with Chief O Brian and the other dude?

[@mmcrosbie]

That makes sense, and come to think of it, it really isn't the same melody - just similar.

[@resto776]

cool

[@josephledoux9327]

I am the Minstrel returned brother and the sword is that of the Knights Of Columbus. I am back lads to arms my sons from Normandy to Ireland

[@Gztz168]

man peace

[@pothead26]

this is the civil war version

[@anfumu]

I believe the proper spelling is Bodhran. I know little of them but that they're irish in origin

[@mechwarriornut]

any 1 know wher i can find the full verson of this song? iv been serching for it. i can get most of the whole song but the 1s iv found end at "thy song were made for the pure and free, they shall never sound in slavery" some one help me plz

[@markay1]

This came first.

[@SchoeneTante]

@mmcrosbie This is not the same melody as "Jeanie with the Light Brown Hair," which is a song written by Stephen Foster. The two songs really don't sound similar to me at all.

[@mmcrosbie]

Okay, so did they steal this melody for "I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair?"

[@jmhinnen]

What sort of drum is he playing?