Luke Kelly - The Patriot Game

Rare video footage of Luke Kelly singing the Patriot Game. Originally uploaded by Peadar Browns on their Facebook page( / 880847562284517 .

[@timdonnelly4462]

52 years later this still comes across as a very powerful performance . The one and only Luke Kelly. Amazing. We won't see the likes of him again.

[@seanh4841]

You won't see someone like Luke soon, this is genuine talent and passion

[@keithburke5435]

We will never see his likes again 😔 we love you luke ❤️

[@frankdunphy4595]

Perfectly said, just like Bobby Sands and his 9 comrades we will never see their likes again TAL 32

[@frankdunphy4595]

@@seanh4841closest I've seen to Lukes voice is Dan mc Cabe , but sadly we will never see or hear the likes of Luke Kelly again.

[@seanh4841]

@@frankdunphy4595 Agreed, you know that when you hear Auld Triangle

[@jaymooney1285]

The pride I feel when I hear Luke sing is second to none.

[@MrConan89]

I am English and sing this once a year at our local St Pats day. Luke was the finest folks singer in history. I wish I had met him.

[@grossvaterotto3523]

Ahh sure ye can sing it any day Howard😉

[@anneliamohara2842]

Fair play to you !

[@gerryscully9248]

Then - make the cause real and campaign for your country to do the right thing and give back what was stolen - we don’t hate you but hate what your ancestors have done to our people, our language, our traditions and our land. It’s time for England to stop being a hypocrite - on the one hand it abhors what Russia is doing in Ukraine …. But what do you think England did to us? - and still hold claim to an annexed part of our ancestral land - how do you think it makes us feel?

[@MrConan89]

@@gerryscully9248 There are many historical 'wrongs' we wish we could change.

[@00Discourse00]

And I assume you denounce Thatcher, Authoritarianism, Capitalism and the Monarchs of England right? If not, I fear you've missed the point of Luke's entire career, and this song especially.

[@paulkinsella6536]

A rendering of a great song from one of the best ballad singers of all time. Thanks Luke for all the great songs you sang.

[@pellawoadmk]

The effortless simplicity of his voice is outstanding im 30years old but grew up listening to luke kelly i would love to have met the man..his voice is so unique never will be replicated he truly was one of a kind

[@daisypeters3216]

It's totally impossible to tire of listening to Luke Kelly singing so beautifully. What a rare and unforgetable footage! Truly historical footage. Luke in all of his 26 years, squandering all the content of political protest!It is really very exciting to see this rare and magnificent footage. The picture shows everything that our words are unble to say!

[@maryloubondi2859]

Agreed...it is impossible to ever tire of listening to Luke Kelly. Just discovered his music and the Dubliners a couple of months ago. I listen to everything I can find and read everthing that's on the internet about him. Such a sad loss for all of us.

[@jaymooney1285]

Well said, Luke is a hero, it’s as simple as that!

[@heardashot]

The expressions on the peoples faces in the background...I'm sure they'll all rightly admit, this boy Luke at that time was a very special talent, they just experienced something very very special. This guy's got a bright future....How right they were. God best them & God bless Luke.

[@Dhspat]

I never get tired of this. Awesome.

[@irishrepublicanarmy161]

I’m 31 my family owned a bar in Derry and I grew up in it and I remember all these Dubliners songs like Kelly’s voice still give me goosebumps. Makes me a proud irishman

[@jessesands4099]

And So You Should Be Extremely Proud To Be Irish!🙂🌄🇮🇪

[@eptor9883]

FREE DERRY

[@jimmymalone9139]

Fior laoch. Scriobhta dominic o beachain ceapim

[@stuartlooby2418]

Always b proud to b Irish there is enough protagnists dat try to put is down stand an b proud Irish man

[@aclark903]

#Thisisnotarebelsong

[@kingshamie1332]

Went to lukes grave sang it back to him an banjo great day for me and my family 🇮🇪👍❤️

[@bobcochrane328]

Maith thú

[@jaymooney1285]

Fuck me, that’s as blessed as it gets! 🙏🏻🇮🇪

[@jaymooney1285]

I hope he told you to fek off? Haha 😂❤

[@RUTIGKILLE]

Pure gold. Of all great performers of this song, Luke do it with most heart and passion. He cares for the lyrics of the songs he sing like no one else.

[@liamhayes1011]

It is hard to imagine Ireland without Luke Kelly. Voice of the nation.

[@jaymooney1285]

We all love Lukey, but that fella to his right is a legend in his own right , I hope he’s still about 💪🏻💚

[@albertsmith1048]

Luke as I remember him, power and diction in spades. Once heard, never forgotten. Ireland's Finest.

[@00Discourse00]

Precisely; a well-read, thoughtful and diligent man of conviction. I've always strongly resented Ronnie for down-playing Luke's political and social beliefs after his death, the lad was a dyed-in-the-wool communist, a voice for the dark plight of working men and the down-trodden. It was this quality that allowed him to pull an audience into his dream, to experience the stories he told. Listen to him sing and it's plain to see, stripped bare and manifest: his sound is convincing and persuasive because he's being sincere, he has genuine empathy for the characters he sings about, and it's truly breathtaking. To deny that aspect of him is the same as denying everything he ever accomplished as a performer, and I cannot reconcile such a grim reality.

[@leobertobittencourtfilho3036]

What a voice! I wish to visit Ireland one day and throw myself into these pubs to feel this raw performances!

[@tomasgriffin128]

Good luck finding Irish patriotic songs in Ireland today! More likely to hear American Black rap!

[@tonybroderick4808]

@@tomasgriffin128 not totally true yet.

[@daisypeters3216]

Listening endlessly to this song sung by Luke and the same song sung by others there is no comparison. As for the feeling of patriotism coming from the depths of his soul. Luke besides being a legend, you are a great hero of Ireland, capable of captivating people all over the World! LONG LIVE, LUKE, YOU ARE REALLY IMMORTAL! LONG LIVE IRELAND!😘💖🇮🇪👍☘

[@shimonrubin6354]

Je suis toujours d'accord avec vous. Connaissez-vous aussi les paroles de Bob Dylan sur cette même musique?

[@patrickthestan]

I think you have it a bit wrong, please don't take it as an insult this is my interpretation, luke at the start of this song says "for love of one's land is a terrible thing" and ends the song with "and now as I lie here my body all holes". This song is an anti-patriot song, and highlights the dangers of loving a country and it's history too much, all it leads to is death and destruction. Other versions say "it's a wonderful thing" which I honestly don't like and hence why this is the only version I'll listen to. No hate again, just sharing my pov

[@dylanpenders]

Honestly one of the best rare footage of Luke

[@daisypeters3216]

I utterly agree with you. He is a timeless and very special singer.

[@goofy79248]

@@daisypeters3216 very Nice to see your name still come’s back again! Many greets from Arnhem, Holland

[@kingshamie1332]

Yes it is ,yoghual co cork I heard 🍻

[@DiggerEvans]

Couldn't agree more beautiful footage of a great man

[@johncawley3332]

There will never be anyone like him ever again one in a million glad he was Irish 🍀🍀

[@daisypeters3216]

Always, our beloved Luke will be the best of the best Irish Folk Singer in the World! May God bless him and our Lovely Emerald Island Forever!😘💖🇮🇪👍☘

[@stuartlooby2418]

Luke is/was a genius his songs will never b forgotten

[@nigelrafferty7078]

Magical. What a fantastic bit of footage of Luke in his prime.

[@helenheeney2284]

Gosh could listen to him forever R I P Luke

[@stephensullivan1510]

Thank you for uploading, i’m forever indebted, the best version of my favourite song by my absolute favourite singer!

[@markwharmsby9601]

It always sends a shaver down my spine when a this man sing it

[@jimhart11]

The faces of the people - hypnotised by the magic of Luke Kelly's voice. History caught on camera right there

[@delby66]

A BRILLIANT!!!! observation Jim. Nobody better than Luke. The best of the best.

[@grossvaterotto3523]

Straight from that huge heart of Luke Kelly 🤗🎵

[@stuartlooby2418]

Genius doesn't cover how good this man is

[@pro8lembehaviour887]

what a talent. what a loss to us all

[@jimferris79]

he sang every song like it was his own and he had lived it.

[@Hammer332]

There's never been a voice like Luke's. And there never will be again. God rest his soul.

[@mauriceobrien4847]

God be good to you Luke. Hard to believe still that next Sunday (January 30) it will be 38 years since you left us.

[@germoloney8553]

The greatest Irishman to ever sing a song. No one comes close to Luke. He makes every song better.

[@seanmolloy6884]

Luke Kelly. A true son of Ireland. What a rendition. Beir Bua

[@billnevill1988]

Knew this guy 54 years ago! Can't comment how great he was! Brilliant!!!!!

[@billnevill1988]

Would love to meet up with someone who also met Luke please?

[@seanh4841]

This song gets so much better on the second listening, close my eyes and listen to the lyrics

[@pauldouglas2436]

What a find

[@tomryan4501]

Fantastic song!

[@shimonrubin6354]

Sûrement une de ses premières interprétations de ce chant magnifique. Jeune, mais il montre déjà toute la qualité de sa voix et nous fait participer à son émotion. Il est sans doute un des meilleurs troubadours d'Irlande et il a bien mérité d'être appelé "l'âme des Dubliners". C'est un chant qui mériterait d'être enseigné à l'école.

[@daisypeters3216]

A very happy New Year to all of Luke's fans!!I 🥂👍☘

[@grantbassett2048]

What a Voice and a talent, on his own is more than enough!!! Love it.👍

[@johngrahamdoyle8719]

TIMELESS MASTERPIECE ❤ THE MAGNIFICENT AND BEAUTIFUL LUKE KELLY RIP 🤍 AN IRISHMAN 💚🤍 LEGEND WHO SANG WITH THE VOICES OF IRELAND IN HIS LOVING HEART ❤

[@Kysushanz]

I left Belfast in 1956 - you can take the boy out of Ireland, but you can't take the man. A tear in my old eye!

[@kingshamie1332]

Ya never said it any better sir fair play to ya 🍻👍

[@martincaldwellcaldwell3970]

Where are you living now? I'm in Belfast, from New Lodge Road

[@Kysushanz]

@@martincaldwellcaldwell3970 Sorry for the slow reply mate - I lived in Lawnbrook Ave and used to love going to Woodville Park with my Granddad, drink at the old fountain and feed the Swans. Went to Mayo Street School. I'm now in New Zealand - I'll die here. I was back in Belfast 1999/20 to catch up with me Ma.

[@raydevitt5018]

I met luke many a time in dublin he always had time for a chat

[@paulscott8748]

An amazing performance from Luke at his very best.He truly was the king of balladeers.

[@kingshamie1332]

Great stuff Luke, that's in youghal co cork👍🍻🍻🍻

[@jimmcgettigan4826]

Beautiful rendition of an eternal classic.

[@brandonhobratschk5079]

Incredible. I never knew that Luke did a version of this song. Just amazingly awesome. Anyone fancy a waltz??

[@ossian11]

Great footage of a great singer

[@stephenheffernan6261]

Great upload thank you i saw a clip of this once on the John sheehan documentary it also showed ronnie singing in same pub be great if these treasures were all released thanks again for this so good

[@brianmcdademcdade1260]

tremendous version of a great song

[@oliverwhite6892]

Tonight we'll raise a glass to O'Hanlon and South

[@jormakempas4490]

LUKE

[@snapchat8161]

Thanks for uploading it

[@piervanderzweep756]

Thank you so much for uploading this! Waited years for the non german voice over. Rly thank you!

[@johnfeeney56]

This appears to be identical to the version shown on (then) West German television in 1967 -- but with the German voice-over removed. I saw the Dubliners that year in West Berlin. It was sold out but Ronnie Drew picked me out of the crowd of those looking for a ticket and brought me in! I had heard of the Dubliners from a fellow German student but had never heard them before that night. They brought the house down. Anyone have any idea where this was found?

[@johnfeeney56]

Now that I've listened to it through, there's no question at all: it is that German tv version from 1967. By chance, I audio recorded it at the time from the tv. There were lot's more great songs on that tv program.

[@goofy79248]

@@johnfeeney56 are thé other songs in tha show somewhere to be found?! Hopefully...

[@kevinbarry1724]

Such a brilliant singer.

[@IrishTechnicalThinker]

The fella in the background is clearly, in deep reflection of what the song is doing to his emotions. I'm a little similar right now.

[@daisypeters3216]

😘❤🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪👍☘☘☘

[@noelmccarthy8683]

Beautifull!!!

[@patdiamond7042]

Still makes me cry

[@franzbernasek4058]

Its a perfect Perfomance of Luke Kelly

[@marygerardeneobrien5878]

Top class.Thats the voice of luke i grew up with.I saw him as a sick man and he still had it in spades.

[@cathanmccann1769]

Verse 1: Come all ye young rebels come list while I sing For the love of one's land is a terrible thing It banishes fear like the speed of a flame And it makes us a part of the patriot game Verse 2: My name is O'Hanlon I've just turned sixteen My home is in Monaghan where I was weaned And iv learnt all my lifetime cruel auld England's to blame And so I am a part of the patriot game Verse 3: It's barely two years since I've wondered away With the local battalion of the bold I.R.A I've read of our heros and wanted the same So I am a part of the patriot game Verse 4: This island of ours has for long been half free Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny But yet De Velera is greatly to blame For shirking his part in the patriot game Verse 5: I don't mind a bit if I shoot down poilce They are lackeys for war and never guardians for peace Im sorry my rifle had not done the same to those traitors who sold out the patriot game Verse 6: And now as I lay here my body all holes I think of those traitors who bargained and sold I'm sorry my rifle had not done the same To those Quislings who sold out our patriot game

[@trishshirkey3346]

A powerful song and an amazing voice.

[@cathanmccann1769]

@@trishshirkey3346 A very powerful song indeed and he was not one bit afraid to use the original lyrics. One of my favourite Irish Songs Tìocfaidh Ár Lá 🇮🇪

[@user-cd9mx8gw6t]

In my dreams I have a voice like Luke Kelly and could do justice to all the beautiful incredible songs that Dominic Behan and other great Irish songsters wrote. I have the appreciation of those songs, but not the voice to deliver them. All we “mortals” can do is thank the stars above we had such extraordinary talents such as Luke and Ronnie Drew et al to make this music resonate forever, and be glad that in this era we can find it on KZbin where it is available to people who might otherwise never hear it. On another note: imagine if Bob Dylan could sing like Luke Kelly!

[@maggiekenny949]

Absolutely amazing thank you Luke.

[@MsJohannaking]

Luke Kelly well said. RIP sweet man x

[@jaymooney1285]

I watch on repeat some days, I am just glad I can. beannaithe.

[@richardharris4262]

Great to hear the original words being sang!

[@estherpenney751]

The best ever

[@sortedm]

The great Luke Kelly was not afraid to sing the full version. He included the verses about fighting the police and traitors. Many other singers were afraid to include these verses.

[@honeysucklerosie]

Fantastic! 💚🎶🇮🇪☘️

[@anneblackie3757]

I can always remember my late mothe playing Irish songs she loved to play them her surname was ONeill loved Ireland

[@boldhylandpaddy5288]

God bless the bold fenian men 👍🍀🍀

[@patriciathewisher2315]

This is fabulous. Luke could do no wrong

[@odonnchada9994]

God Bless Éireann ☘🇮🇪🎼🎼🎼💚

[@Dhspat]

Legend.

[@born2sail]

I wish I could find a version with german voice over ;-) Thank you so much for uploading!

[@willsiao9028]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXKxiIKCes6em5I

[@born2sail]

@@willsiao9028 Thank you, but it was meant to be a joke ;-)

[@willsiao9028]

born2sail Well, that’s embarrassing

[@born2sail]

@@willsiao9028 I didn't want to embarrass you. This version of the patriot game, in my opinion one of Lukes best songs, was only available with the voice over for years. We all thought that the original version is lost forever. In the comment section of the version you can often read: "I wish I could find the version without the voiceover." After so many years we finally have the original version without the voice over and thats why I write my comment ;-)

[@inekemolenaar1695]

Please,no.It is Irish.

[@MrMoanAlot737]

With the right lyrics

[@cosbard9148]

No auto tune here all perfection in spades

[@richgouette]

great stuff

[@derrickmurphy9859]

Good man luke you were 1 in 10 million.Nobody has ever came close you were so unique.

[@marielivingstone5369]

This rendition is absolutely Fantastic!!!! God Bless you Luke and may you R.I.P. God Bless Ireland. Nr. Ireland.

[@odonnchada9994]

God Bless All Éireann ☘

[@marielivingstone5369]

@@odonnchada9994 I mean God Bless all of Ireland. I live in Nr. Ireland.

[@odonnchada9994]

@@marielivingstone5369 Great Song And Performance.☘🇮🇪

[@grossvaterotto3523]

Only One Ireland 32

[@TheJohnnydu]

Wonderful

[@billnevill1988]

And a beautiful person also!

[@eileenspamer]

love my irish dad Patrick Mckenna back home sleeping his last i know all the songs

[@eamonmacdonnell2627]

A fine version..

[@seanh4841]

Who's listening in 2023

[@eileenspamer]

me i am bless

[@FransVanIersel-vp5mm]

Me still in 2024 as well, great singer!!!

[@burtonfootballer5408]

I AM BECAUSE HE WAS A LEGEND

[@marieboldmere1939]

We all are and always will!

[@evelinekettle1150]

Bravo Luke Kelly Ireland 🇮🇪 xxx

[@stacyblue1980]

** crying ** ♥ Cork. Clare. Longford.♥

[@chrisgarner8529]

Wish I was there!!!

[@bjohnson1489]

Man speaks the truth. Still the patriot game

[@jennyrose9454]

Oh my gosh! I always hoped there was a recording without the German. Thank you.

[@jamesheaney7049]

50 some years later and this song can still be applied to any young man in any country around the world its always the young that get fed to the war machine

[@bjohnson1489]

Not really young Ukrainians are running over the hill to leave guys my age to fight

[@devlinmcgintybonnicicaruan7929]

💞💞💞

[@TheSamstergangster]

WOW TY,, FROM A BRIT

[@tonykennedy8592]

This song perfectly captures the emotions that young people feel when they get involved with the Republican movement. When I was a younger man, I was involved in "dissident" republican politics and it's exactly how I felt getting involved. Not involved any more, but it's strange how fast you get caught up in the mythology and philosophy of the movement. Looking back, I can't believe I was as involved as I was. It was always political but still, I held some very extreme and ruthless views

[@sean_d]

I think it's a more cynical song then people realise, highlighting the lad's naivety.

[@grossvaterotto3523]

@@sean_d Dominic Behan wrote it and many others..great family

[@prangbro]

what a wonderful version, and what a shame that these early solo Luke recordings are either out of print or simply unavailable. The 'official' dubliners version with (I think) Ciaran Bourke singing seems very tame in comparison. On another note, it's amazing that everyone in the audience seems to know the words when the song can't have been more than 10 years old when this was filmed.

[@ProfesserLuigi]

It's Bobby Lynch singing, actually. He was John Sheahan's friend and was with the Dubliners a very short time. You can also hear him singing on The Kerry Recruit.

[@jaymooney1285]

My fav version, lukey was a pure Fenian brother.

[@maryluddy4359]

Yes

[@dixsynormas3891]

Thanks for uploading it if u still have the original tapes Al buy them

[@bernadettecostellogalway2992]

He had a powerful voice..

[@emoryking5278]

Please pray for Ireland.

[@Abcd-hr9ot]

R i p great stuff......