Four Green Fields-Makem & Clancy 9/10

Finally on youtube. Regarded by many to be the best version of the late great Tommy Makem's signature song. This recording was played at the Tommy Makem memorial concerts at the Irish festivals summer 2007, shortly after Tommy died on August 1, 2007. The poem at the beginning is "Requiem for the Croppies." Feb 6, 1983, At the National Concert Hall, video companion to the album of the same name.

[@bbiggins]

Rest in Peace 🙏 both of you.

[@vanpirate]

The barley continues to grow. Tommy and liam , absolute legends ❤

[@seandavis11961]

That was beautiful. He was at school with my mother. She still says he always came to school with a patch on the arse of his trousers, because people were poor at that time. My sister was with him on his last tour here. Anyway, he had a great life, brought Irish Music to the world and was a very special person. RIP. Tommy and Liam.

[@andrewhayes9913]

Saints and scholars, bairds, poets, singer songwriters keep the history in word and music. Never let it go. 🇮🇪

[@josephmurray2234]

I forgot how good they were and a pure undiluted irish voice genuine and outstanding

[@marypoulter2730]

Absolutely!!

[@olivermoynihan9804]

My Mother's favourite song but tonight I remember my brother who lost his life today in a car accident..im not a religious man but I hope our mother is waiting for you today..God bless you Mike john

[@Canoe571]

I feel for you. This is the hundredth time I've heard this song and was about to get through it, unscathed and dry of eye, but your note has done it to me.

[@MatthewAnthony-tr5yu]

Tears flow every time I hear this. So sad, yet ever hopeful....

[@VictoriaBlogger]

Look at the emotion in his eyes when he sings ... this is more than a folk song, it's a love song ...

[@aliciamcnally869]

Love that

[@maryshanley329]

How wise and true you are. It is indeed a love song. Thank you, Vicki.

[@danbreen6946]

Absolutely Brilliant Goosebumps listening To It

[@suzannecooke2055]

I always think I'll make it through this song without crying, then the line comes around "my sons have sons..." and the waterworks start. I first heard this at a Pittsburgh Irish festival sung by Tommy Makem himself. By the end of the concert, my cheeks were chapped from the tears.

[@zigtonswizard3670]

You're not alone. Wonderful song about our other country, now known as "home" where my ancestors started it all. Up Antrim! Up Ireland's 32.

[@antoniamontana9671]

Great comment.

[@cheiftain732]

Try listening in dublin . They buried us without shroud or coffin .

[@suzannecooke2055]

@@cheiftain732 I am so moved by that poem. I created a tapestry based on it!

[@andrewkeefe3126]

@@suzannecooke2055 I love the song, but the poem is my favorite part. I'd love to see the tapestry!

[@FluxAscender]

Rest in peace, Tommy and Liam. Ulster will bloom green again one day. The day is closer now than ever.

[@kwaichangcaine8234]

We might be under a one world government when that happens unfortunately 😢

[@DeborahMcgee-t8c]

⁠😢😢

[@jimkeappock7558]

Only the great, Tommy Makem , could write this song and sing it with the heart to express its meaning. God Bless Tommy. Rest In Peace

[@aodchain]

This is probably one of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. What a wonderful way to paint a picture of history.

[@TheHachmom]

A poem by Seamus Heaney and a song by Tommy Makem, doesn't get much more Irish than this...

[@chinludy]

I was in my teens when I saw them at a hall in the Chicago area with my folks. Of course, as a teen I wasn't interested....however....when they played this song...I could not stop crying for the entire rest of the show.....their power to stir a cryptic teenager speaks volumes. I saw them several times more and luckily once in Ireland in 1977 and became a lifelong fan. This is our theme song every March 17th for our family St. Patrick's gathering, rightfully so. RIP Gentlemen & thanks.

[@Mjburns22]

Legendary. Cannot make it through without crying like most herel

[@dudewithcomedy1]

im not irish or anything, but i looove this song, respect to those who were oppressed by the brits

[@philwoodward4297]

Thanks for uploading this. It is great. As a 32 year old Englishman, I had never heard this song until yesterday. It's very striking how little many of us in Britain learn, as we grow up, about (a) our crimes overseas, even if they are relatively recent or are ongoing, and even when they're not carried out on the other side of the world but in neighbouring countries, and (b) the way those on the receiving end of our aggression feel about it. And the interesting thing to me is that not only have I never heard of this song before now, my parents hadn't heard it either and nor had anyone I know, and not only that, in Britain we are largely shielded from the general sentiment expressed, namely the basic fact that most people in Ireland regard Ulster as Irish not British, and the fact that Irish people haven't forgotten that all of Ireland would be ruled by Britain if not for armed struggle. I remember that when the Good Friday agreement was signed, the British news media reported, as a sort of aside, that the Irish government had relinquished its territorial claim over Ulster, which was striking to me because, like any English person who relied on the British news media for information, I had no idea that the sovereignty of Ulster had until then been in dispute between the British and Irish governments. We had been given the impression that it was just a rag tag bunch of terrorist thugs that wanted us out, rather than, as was the case, the vast majority of the population of Ireland and their elected government. People in Britain do not understand how those whose counties we invade and whose land we occupy feel about it, and this song should be played in British classrooms because it makes it crystal clear. It is also absolutely beautiful. It's obvious why our leaders don't want us to know. We would feel exactly the same if our island was invaded and occupied. To empathise is the most natural thing in the world, which is why the media in Britain has to be so careful to make sure we're not exposed to this sort of thing.

[@brianmaguire6521]

hi.i welcome your comments as an englishman.i have been to england many times and always had a great time,many people are consumed by hate and bitterness.i am not one of them and obviously not you also.i am a leeds united supporter and i go to games regularly.also people are lovely and i have all ways been very welcome.

[@falling_artzyt2925]

Irish history is something the English must remember an the Irish must forget

[@carzmc1]

+Mark Corby said like an englishman . how dare you

[@falling_artzyt2925]

+carmel mcgillicuddy Not at all. Irish history is something that is sadly lacking in most English people. Cromwell is something of a hero in England, the famine is barely mentioned. The continuation of sectarian violence is not reported. The "Peace Wall" has got bigger. I think in the 6 counties people must work together to make a future not dwell so much in the past. Ireland was stolen by the English years before the famine. I believe that it is important that in this year of the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising that a retrospective look be taken on where we came from and how Ireland is progressing

[@mikegoldberg5261]

"Irish people haven't forgotten that all of Ireland would be ruled by Britain if not for armed struggle." It would have taken longer but non-violent Gandhi style resistance surely would have done the job by the 40's, if not sooner, and left far less seeds of hatred. Underlying blame goes to the British ruling class imperialists, of course.

[@SPennell]

I've heard this song performed many times by so many outstanding Irish singers yet no version is as powerful and heartfelt as this one.

[@johnodonoghue5245]

Reavhlunach

[@tazzyman181]

Ulster will bloom once again as the fourth green field of Ireland

[@cloverskies77]

PRAY TO GOD

[@fergiequeally2586]

We will never hear the likes of this again. It’s haunting.

[@nancyanne3816]

God bless Ireland, Scotland and the good folk across the pond.

[@padrina1]

Honest to God, I thaught this song was an ancient song, it is in every Irish heart xxxxx

[@mikegoldberg5261]

and beyond

[@dondecapot9283]

The song is timeless. Bless you boys. ☘️🥃

[@eileenhavern77]

And girls

[@kevmccormack9857]

I've always loved this song and heard Tommy sing it more times than i could count. But like liam says, Many think it's a Traditional song. I am one of those people. I didn't realise Tommy wrote this himself. Thanks Tommy A Pair of Legends that will never die

[@jeremiahkirwan6895]

There is nothing on the planet to touch this song ,,,, corcaigh abu ,,,,,,,,,,

[@MrOhjok]

Makem is a poet. This is beyond beauty.

[@donqlfzahnke8158]

Mossy McSharry . I met Tommy makemen in 1992at the Irish cultural festival in berea Ohio

[@dukemarshall532]

A poem by Bobby Sands was set to music. In Your Daughters And Your Sons Another Poet from the wee north

[@blasketboy]

We've listened to so many 'songs of freedom' for years and years, this was always the song that simply told the story as it is. R.I.P. Tommy.

[@keithheyward2032]

liam and tommy were two of the best great version of this fine song happy st patricks day to everone irish or not

[@debramaroney2665]

I was raised on this music, especially this song. To this day I can still sing it and remember every lyric

[@Erchamion65]

Always love to hear Tommy recite this. The last line of the poem is actually 'And in August the barley grew up out of the grave.' Tommy changes it to 'But...' which to my ear changes the whole tone and meaning of the poem.

[@stu82pendous]

Beautiful ... I only have love in my heart for the Irish people, as an Englishman I only wish they can find peace and forgiveness with time ...

[@seancunningham4007]

As an Irishman from the 4th green field I thank you for that. We will only find peace and forgiveness when we are united as one nation

[@eileenhavern77]

As an Irish woman from the forth green field, I have so much love for our ordinary English brothers and sister who are also the victims of corruption, lies and Tyranny XOX

[@juliewhelan7743]

Never a truer word spoken.

[@melrosemiss]

Thank you. US born but heart is in Tyrone with my paternal grandfather and Laois with maternal grandparents.

[@maryshanley329]

Our heritage is filled with such sorrow. But at my old age, I wonder if everyone else’s is too. I am of Irish heritage, but American to my core and proud of what we have done for others. So much young American blood has seeped into the soil of Europe. But I think they have forgotten.

[@garyblackler7413]

The great Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy! RIP boys!

[@eileen1924]

This song always brings tears as I listen to Tommy Makem what a wonderful job he does thank You Tommy RIP

[@chriscloherty391]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@Kiwicruiser355]

What do I have, said the fine old woman What do I have, this proud old woman did say I have four green fields, each one was a jewel But strangers came and tried to take them from me I have fine strong sons, who fought to save my jewels They fought and they died, and that was my grief said she Long time ago, said the fine old woman Long time ago, this proud old woman did say There was war and death, plundering and pillage My children starved, by mountain, valley and sea And their wailing cries, they shook the very heavens My four green fields ran red with their blood, said she What have I now, said the fine old woman What have I now, this proud old woman did say I have four green fields, one of them's in bondage In stranger's hands, that tried to take it from me But my sons had sons, as brave as were their fathers My fourth green field will bloom once again said she

[@flowersofthefield340]

RUN TO THE FIELDS

[@quack599]

Yes, this is the best rendition I've found online of this very powerful ballad. We were fortunate enough to see Tommy Makem in concert in Manchester, NH in a high school auditorium with excellent acoustics. I sobbed like a child throughout this song, felt as if I must look silly. But when I looked up at the end... there were tears streaming down Tommy's face. After he retired he lived in Dover, NH and was good friends with Vincent Lawless, the Catholic priest assigned to University of NH, an exceptional person himself. I was at UNH, hanging out with other students every night during that time. Now I live in a small seaside community in Ireland near the town where the Clancy brothers grew up. And where Liam and Tom Clancy retired. Tom Clancy is buried here. There' are still lots of Clancys here, still making music and art.

[@WalterTrachim]

Seamus Heaney's poem "Requiem For The Croppies" is what Tommy recited at the very beginning. Combining that with this song made a powerful statement. And may he and Liam rest in peace.

[@jimeo1946]

I remember saying as a younger man that Tommy taught me more about being Irish than anyone else. Even though face to face I could barely understand his Brogue. DNA test says my roots are all in Ireland 100%, but raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. USA O'Halloran/O'Malley etc.

[@mammyoriordan]

God rest both their beloved souls. - Blessings - Rene

[@FaustinaFalcon8]

Aside from all the other astounding qualities of this performance and recording, the camera work at 2:56 is excellent. Refocusing on Liam's face as he looks contemplatively at Tommy... so moving.

[@Siobhan1195]

Absolutely wonderful! This version, with the beautiful recitation of Seamus Heaney's moving poem, is certainly one of Tommy's best.

[@johnhoare1055]

I remember the first time I saw that particular set, it was in the Opera House in Cork. The hairs stood up on my head, and that's saying something because I'd just had a number one haircut for a parade on the following Monday.

[@bent7792]

goosebumps. i wish i could have seen them live.

[@bettycompton2343]

Who writes the songs rules the world and keeps the thrust of civilization upward!

[@melrosemiss]

I am so blessed to have seem them live twice: 1968 Marquette University, front row, pregnant with first child, and Tommy sang this to me; 1987, Frank Brittingham’s Irish Pub, sent them bouquets of green flowers and Tommy remembered singing to me at Marquette.

[@kathysommers80]

I did. It was amazing.

[@dondecapot9283]

Saw them many times. Among my fondest memories. ☘️

[@TheNinyo77]

Seen them in the Ulster hall ,when I was 9 yrs old ,my brother aged 11 played tin whistle on stage for one song,when he called up . Never forget the ovation !!!!.

[@1963PKELLY]

WOW such a powerfull song performed by two of the greatest, absolutely beautiful made my hair stand up WOW

[@MrSuperMoran]

A truly magnificent rendering. Makem and Clancy truly were remarkable.

[@kevinwiley9696]

Of ALL the MANY songs sung by The AWESOME Clancy and Makem, This is by far THE BEST SONG EVER!!!!!! Finbar Clancy of the Highkings does Tommy PROUD with it now!!!

[@darienbowie1280]

I had this as my wedding song in 1984

[@annedonovan9005]

Definitely the finest version of this song.

[@patriciawebb91]

I saw the Clancy’s in Boston in the 60’s. I think it was one of the first times Tommy sang it. I’ve never forgotten that performance.

[@danacoyle1826]

First time I head this song was in 1983 in Portland maine at Pete Kelly's Irish Village Pub on Commercial Street it was sung by a group called Harvest home that's I fell in love with Irish music

[@barryrafferty9100]

What 8 idiots gave this a thumbs down! It's incredible.

[@prairledoggedrez4758]

8 lumps of shite to make our fields grow greener.

[@rwh4196]

Orangemen :-)

[@jimbreslin2209]

Strangers came the brits and now it's time TO get the HELL the HELL out of IRELAND because the NORTH is HELL don't let them fool that good Friday is BULLLSHIT.

[@leftie4822]

Heard this with my mother and my aunt at a Clancy Brothers concert in 1968 in Boston. This song made an impression on me though I was only 18.

[@marymac2113]

This song makes me cry every single time I hear it. Just beautiful. And given the recent events with #Brexit, could Irish reunification be on the horizon?

[@fergalteague4912]

I hope your right I happen to live in that 4th field.

[@melrosemiss]

I pray I see it before God takes me home.

[@melrosemiss]

Fergal, I pray you see it. I am in the US only because my people were forced out of Ireland. The love and devotion I feel for Ireland, and my anger towards the British government, are hard to express. I am old now and pray every day that God will allow me to see a united Ireland, governed by herself alone, before I die.

[@z0770z]

@@melrosemiss Are you still here or did you go back?

[@dondecapot9283]

Still brings a tear to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Was priveliged to see the lads at the Harp n Bard Danvers Mass. Bless you boys RIP

[@endasims3443]

I was but a nipper but my mom and dad brought me to this concert as they did with Johnny McEvoy and the Dubliners . They loved Ireland, they loved life and they loved their children. Glad to be irish . RIP Mam and Dad .

[@theresaryan6440]

How blessed are you!!!

[@daverichardson3095]

I have been a fan of the clancys since the 1960, s and saw them in Newcastle. This song still sends a shiver down my spine.

[@MatthewAnthony-tr5yu]

Absolutely beautiful capture of aging

[@padraichorgan]

Heartfelt Tommy ....and what a voice....I think it is made more genuine by the fact he was a Nordie and it is good to know that Irish traditions were kept alive with Irish Ulstermen ,while the South looked away in shame......

[@eileenhavern77]

As an Irish woman from the forth green field it's heart breaking to think of how the other have turned their backs!

[@padraichorgan]

@@eileenhavern77 Yeah ,I can understand that ,equally the loyalists turned their backs on their "brethern" in the South .So why does nobody ever talk about these things?

[@patrickohare1681]

It takes the man that wrote the song to sing the song , brings me back to the first night he sang it , fantastic , rip 🙏🇮🇪

[@jasonwalsh4793]

My heart is breaking. Erin fore ever. Grew up with this song and always thought it was older.

[@gerryoreilly1922]

I for one will never forget what they did to us for 700 years.

[@victoralvarez3299]

Q Sissel

[@rwh4196]

+gerry o reilly It always seemed strange to hear on the news that there had been trouble between the Irish and the English for, say, 25 years. According to the best historical information I have available - on the back of a Clancy Brothers album - it started in 1188, just a bit more than 25 years ago.

[@melrosemiss]

900 years now.

[@staffy4389]

We will have 4 green fields again, maybe not in my lifetime,,,, but , for the brave Nationalists , Michael Divine and brothers in arms.

[@lewysthomas5785]

And their wailing cries...... they reached the very heavens.

[@johncarroll1236]

Love this song great Irish singer RIP 🙏

[@pauljcrowley]

I will be singing this song at the Tupelo Hall in Londonderry, NH on Sunday. I have never sung in public before. I choose this song because it's such a passionate, emotional song. I will be on the very stage that Tommy himself sang this song. I hope I can channel him

[@prairledoggedrez4758]

Londonderry ???? ~ you'll be meaning DERRY then!!

[@clytontravasso8040]

Derry for Ireland

[@ChantMacleod]

How did it go, Paul?

[@elizajohn5]

+Paul Crowley Derry.

[@dondecapot9283]

Only moved to Derry last year. I live near the building in Londonderry, a great venue

[@alanwallace7924]

As SPennell, below, I have listened to this song hundreds of times. On this particular video, what is notable is Liam's focus on Tommy.

[@mikelepage3028]

Best performance of a song I have ever witnessed. Portland. Eastland. Acapella. So amazing and very similar to this one. Passion. Lyrics. Voice. Wow.

[@judyarmstrong3368]

So simple in its beauty that it speaks volumes of complexity to what was happening at the time. As a Canadian who loves all things Irish this is always deeply moving . My nephew married an Irish lass , once on the shores of Sylvan Lake , Alberta and the other in a wonderful old church outside of Belfast near the town of Magherafelt. My wife and I babysit their daughter and they now live in Calgary. Peter behind my Judy.

[@dondecapot9283]

A great performance of a great song. Bless you boys

[@52000rightwing]

I love that he merges right from poetry into the song.

[@dianebridges9257]

I have no words that give this enough

[@lynnemills4156]

Having no horse in this race, being neither Irish nor English, I have been enchanted by this song for about fifty years now. No idea where I first heard it but way before the internet so I am guessing the radio. Introduced me to the history of the conflict which was thriving when I was in college and more importantly to the singer.

[@bobafettucini]

Absolutely wonderful. Brings tears to my eyes everytime.

[@BrianClonmel]

Many have sung this true ballad in essence the story of Ireland... But this rendition is THE ONE in my opinion. Tommy is not singing from vocal chords but FROM HIS Heart... Brilliant song written by himself. As for Liam my Daddy is from Carrick so he's special to me eternally thank you 'lads' for everything. RIP

[@martinireland.7452]

That is just beautiful,now I know why my dad loved them back in the 70,s

[@martinagriffin1981]

This is my favourite. CLASS.

[@AnnalisaMCF]

2 dislikes, really have no idea as to what talent is on that stage, and now sing with Gods choir, the like will never again be seen x

[@johnpaul9935]

I saw them many a time in concert. A lifetime ago. They are gone now, most of the Dubliners are gone; Hang in there Christy.

[@juliusbusby3876]

As a Wexford man this song makes me feel very proud of the great sacrifices we made for our freedom now with brexit we must answer our country's call again

[@fergalteague4912]

Please don't let the people down in the south to forget us god bless IRELAND.

[@teresawills1843]

@@fergalteague4912hi. So so beautiful sung such a voice r I p Tommy take care

[@macliam8]

Brilliant! Tommy Makem caputured so much in the lyrics of this song. Makem and Clancy went through the motions in many a song, but when it came to the business end of the song list - there was no-one better! Never underestimate the brilliance of this duo. The subtle things like Liam looking in a sombre way at Tommy when the poignant lyrics were sung so majestically by Tommy should never go unoticed - simply beautiful....

[@NancyDaigleNanceDeeUptownSJ]

My parents ( crazy Irish.. murphys) loved this song and introduced it to me. Long Live the strong Irish!!

[@jasonmurphy9173]

Up the Murphy clan

[@OFFICAL_ZOE]

I married a crazy Murphy woman

[@melrosemiss]

Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Tommy sang it to me at Marquette University when I was carrying my first child, and said he hoped my child never caused me the pain of this “woman”.

[@moly811]

is there a grater song to remember a time in our history

[@TheNinyo77]

If ever a song told the entire sorry lament of our nation ,it's this one , and now we're near our freedom it's even more poignant.

[@ruger.22]

EIRE ☘️🍀

[@ambyyy1]

THANS SO MUCH,i was in Lahinch in County Clare in 1981 when they did this poem before the 4 green fields,the 4 green fields are the 4 provinces of Ireland.

[@patriciathewisher2315]

Such emotion on Tommy’s face. Very moving performance

[@TheHachmom]

I came looking for this recording today in memory of Seamus Heaney....The first time I heard this performed was the first time I heard his poetry,,,

[@franklowell]

Both these incredible troubadours are gone and the world is much the poorer because of it! Thank you and RIP Liam & Tommy!

[@AnastaciaMoore]

This is such a beautiful song. I first heard it sung by the "Irish Brigade" whom I would go and listen to every time they were in town. This is such a moving rendition, I love it. Thank you for uploading!

[@tezzabanboy]

i have listened to tommy makem for 40 years absolutely marvellous .i will listen to his sons now

[@jamesbreslin3828]

Awesome beautiful song and it Will bloom again

[@scottishblacklab]

a proud nations history in song

[@k0ybe]

there's just one word for this: GREAT!

[@mallducklard]

Every tine I discover a song I haven't heard by Clancy and Makem I am impressed anew. So much soul and sincerity and sorrow.

[@susanbradshaw3388]

I am adopted, but I always wonder what my heritage is. If the way certain music resonates with me means anything, I have Irish or Scottish roots.

[@sootysdisco2688]

seen them in the CORK OPERA HOUSE in the 80s ...proud to be Irish,

[@brianlennon3153]

The truth will always out, not always as a beautiful song like this , but out it will ,ask bobby sands, james connelly and every volunteer who paid with their lives to fight for Irish freedom, if a nations suffering is the price to pay for freedom, then the Irish have paid in full, And then some.

[@melrosemiss]

Brave sons of Ireland all, may they rest in God’s peace.

[@kathymangan2075]

What a man !! from Keady Armagh,, Strong message from mother..

[@rassawhelan6045]

my gradmothers from keady

[@edejan]

Such a beautiful song it brought tears to my eyes.

[@rvh1946]

In the 1980's & 1990's my wife & I used to be among the revelers at Tommy Makem's Irish Pavillion on 57th St. & Lexington Ave. in NYC. We thoroughly enjoyed Tommy's frequent live performances there. He was a consummate artist & a great man. R.I.P.

[@gerryhagan6034]

I have listened to this song since I was a child .I heard the late great Eamon Largey sing it live in the Jolly Ploughboy Greenore in the early 70s.