Phil Coulter & the people of Derry sing The Town I Loved So Well

[@richardgab7591]

A beautiful song! I've known about it for only a few years but just found out it was written by Phil Coulter, who wrote the anthem for his home town. I've watched this video many times. It's too bad I can only give it a single thumbs up. Each time I watch this video I look for different people of all ages who know the words and sing along .

[@The2musiclovers]

This song speaks for the peoples of the world who have been invaded and robbed of their livelihood. It instills people with dignity, identity, 8:36 8:36 and pride preserved in their memories and stories as demonstrated in the song and in the emotion on Coulter's face and voice. From time to time I listen to this song, not only for the beauty of the lyrics and music, but equally to shed a tear for humanity, for people so wronged the world over.

[@christinequinn5355]

Beautifully said. And oh so, so appropriate for today's world. I lived through the troubles in Ireland, and listened to this song when it was first released. But, the English Westminster Government are STILL bowing down to the fanatical, obstructionist DUP in the Six Counties, and seem incapable of letting them go, just like with Scotland.

[@nealedougan]

I was born in Enniskillen and lived in the North of Ireland until 1971 when my father moved our family to Scotland to escape "The Troubles". In the intervening period (I am now 60) I have dedicated my life to learning the true history of the island of Ireland, and as I said to someone recently, I am no more Scottish than the day I stepped of the ferry onto Scottish soil in Stranraer (maybe Ardrossan) and will forever consider myself an Irishman. I am a lover of Irish music and everything written or performed by Phil Coulter.

[@kieranporter5571]

Larne to Stranrea

[@kieranporter5571]

There's more Irish in Scotland now days the Irish first settled there when it was the land of the Picts the Romans left it to the Picts and the Irish and the Romans named it Scotiee'

[@pascal76360]

bonjour mr, je suis un français de normandie, je m'intéresse beaucoup à l'irlande, pourriez vous m'expliquer avec vos mots l'histoire de votre pays, de l'irlande du nord et l'autre irlande ? pourquoi de telles tensions , cette guerre ? la religion , la politique ? merci

[@ted.v.4751]

AS an American, transplanted to Galway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on best books to read about the History of Ireland.

[@nealedougan]

read anything by Tim Pat Coogan, and to a lesser extent, Feargal Keane, but the internet is awash with interesting books about Ireland. I especially like books relating to Michael Collins, a real early 20th century hero!

[@Eddiecurrent2000]

Few towns can claim to have their own anthem, Derry can.

[@rahang4126]

So true !

[@frankieegan8655]

My 2 girls lived there for 7 years my oldest grandson born there now back in Scotland been over many times it’s my second home god bless he wonderful people of free Derry 💚💚

[@fastdadws4985]

Perhaps the most beautiful ballad any Irishman has ever written. Thank you, Mr Coulter! AMEN.

[@aidanheron4784]

Totally agree..what a song. Love it and will always.☘️❤️🤍❤️🤍❤️

[@eugeneanderson8884]

If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough! 🍀 🇮🇪 ❤

[@JaneKellie-i9y]

Phil Coulter & The People of Derry May You Be Blessed Always. ThankYou For Your Sharing Your Music With Us All. Sent with Respect from Liverpool Merseyside U.K 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@sharonsmith3473]

Born Strabane lived in New Zealand for over 40 years lived in Sion Mills for my early life great song.

[@scottwood5305]

What's done is done what's won is won, what's lost is lost and gone forever.....Great lyrics

[@berniehelsby3302]

My grandfather was Irish. Served with HM forces in Belfast in 1973! And guess what met & loved the most beautiful girl from Burren way! Angela Hutchinson. Still married to her with 5 Kids later I Essex. Golden this year guys!

[@medusa2820]

As a german musican who loves this song dearly and often plays it on the piano or guitar, i can very much relate to what it is all about and the emotions it still evokes today. I hope that there will be a bright and brand new day for all the wonderful people of Ireland. Germany was able to peacfully reunite as a whole country against all odds when two super powers were facing each other on it's home land and divided the world in two. I hope one day the Irish will be at peace again as one also.

[@KaykayCA]

I cry every time I hear this great man perform this number...

[@richardbarrow6606]

Our Secondary School Music Teacher , St Agustines, Ravenhill Road Belfast, taught us the lyrics in the early 90s, Thanks Mr Gerry o Donnell, I didn't learn to much there, But I learned that 👍🚀💚💚💚

[@sharonmarybrigid3608]

Those beautiful faces of Ireland

[@paddyireland4657]

True enough! I'm from Derry but I'm not in this video, but I'm sure you can imagine, I look absolutely sensational. Fair play to me.

[@frankandmoira]

I lived in Belfast from 1967 to 1976 having moved from Scotland with three young children, because my husband took a job with Rolls Royce aero engine division which was opening a factory in Dundonald. Sadly, the TROUBLES as everyone called it, started very soon after we moved there. We lived there for ten years when, sadly, again,the factory closed. We met and made friends with so many lovely people while living there. I don't regret uprooting my young children from Scotland to spend that time there.

[@GeorgeMcIlvenny]

Lovely free Derry.

[@GeorgeMcIlvenny]

Ireland forever I would never leave my homeland, never!!

[@fmacgiollarua9667]

You did what you needed for your family, hopefully no other needs to make your decision though! Its not the Troubles anymore its economic hardship and Derry deserves much much better

[@almcgeehan8029]

171 years ago Edward and Mary McGeehan with seven little ones in tow left Derry with the hope for a new and better life in America. Our family has been here ever since their arrival but this music, lyrics and Derry community voices stirs something deep within me that connects me with those who still call Derry "home". God bless them all!

[@dermotmurphy7886]

I’m not a Derry man but the Derry people are the most resilient on this whole island

[@majkelinho4444]

Im polish guy , living down in the Republic and i try to educated myself about story of Derry Belfast , and guys im telling you this piece right here , these people brought tears to my eyes . I wish you all the best

[@bumblebeejimmy]

5:22 A baby can be heard crying out as Phil sings, "I can only pray, for a bright brand new day" That is Divine timing, the cry of a child of God is the bright brand new day🙏

[@patreddy1610]

I wish that I had been in Derry singing with the audience. The singing was beautiful.and so emotional. I am so proud to have Irish blood in me.

[@janefriel6895]

I don't know anyone from Derry who cant sing beautifully. The talent in Derry in my day was quite something. By the looks of the audience here it still is.

[@alexanderhaig2560]

@@janefriel6895 hi hi

[@alexanderhaig2560]

No

[@asaipuol]

@@janefriel6895 Are you saying that there is music there, in the Derry air?

[@jeromemcads]

The best song ever written about the conflict and its affects upon the city's people.

[@dianesleeman5940]

President Zelensky. Take note

[@timothyodriscoll5702]

@Diane Sleeman I'm unsure what you meant by your comment.

[@berragorman637]

@@timothyodriscoll5702 Considering Ukraine was invaded by the Russians and her people are suffering unimaginable pain, it's remarkable how many people don't trust Zelensky, wasn't he pictured beside fascist thugs flaunting nazi flags?!!!

[@joanross7944]

0:03 0:05

[@WadeHillen]

​@@dianesleeman5940he's listening to my little armalite

[@janefriel6895]

Having grown up in N.ireland during the troubles, its heartwarming to see Derry back on its feet.As best it can,considering the financial circumstances. The Derry people are the salt of the earth. Dancing in the Derry feis at Easter time in the Guild Hall.Going to the Pantomime with the youth club.Omagh is only 40 miles away. In those days it was a long journey. The Derry dancers in return came to Omagh to the feis in May.Hair in rollers,makeup and that was the boys.😂

[@BradfieldBlade]

Simply superb. My father (Blackwater, Co Wexford) would sing this on a night out in the great City of Sheffield. He died in 1996, but this brings back the best memories. And he loved the people of Northern Ireland, all of them!

[@pedrotoscanorico]

Portuguese born and irish-at-heart and blood from my O'Donnell ancestors, this video just moves me, with tears and goosebumps!! Go raibh maith agat, Phil !!

[@lizritchie7223]

Yes it's tearfully. Stunning arrangement. Even the children know the words🎶💕🇮🇪

[@maggisteele4342]

Your irish in heart,,BEAUTIFUL

[@kieranporter5571]

And in his blood - Irish born in another country. God bless

[@kieranporter5571]

Your Irish in another Country and many others are same n love Ireland and their family history.

[@annemariefourie1476]

I too have Irish blood and this speaks to me hear in a very deep way.

[@unterwant]

listening ... listening ... and a tear is running .... memories of a visit in 1981 ...💘 waving to Derry from Germany

[@noelbowman8052]

I was moved to tears by this. back in the 70s I spent a few weeks in Derry I was young then and Derry was full of frightened young soldiers who were searching the good and ordinary people as they went about their ordinary business amid the fear and anxiety of a city under fire. I was moved then as I am now by the dignity and stolidness of such a special town That I remember so well. Now a singer, I sing this song when ever I get a chance always with respect and emotion. Thank you Phil, Thank you Derry

[@stephendevine577]

Frightened soldiers? murdered 14 innocent civilians, they were good and ordinary people

[@rodhurley1154]

thank you a few tears from my broken heart god bless derry ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@derrydoire1864]

Those frightened soldiers weren’t conscripted nobody forced them to be there they wanted that life intimidating the good people of Derry in their own country 🇮🇪☘️

[@dalia1710]

2024 ❤❤❤❤❤

[@patreddy1610]

​I knew a gu 8:36 y in 1 Para, the thugs responsible for the murders on Bloody Sunday and what he said about that horrific deed horrified and appalled me! If I had my way they would have all been sent to prison!!​@@derrydoire1864

[@madgeMKelly]

So Honoured to have been part of the video crew. It was indeed magical. Thank you so much.

[@colmdevlin5340]

Thank you Margaret

[@gazza1858]

Thanks a lot Margaret

[@cjsb22lr]

MY Dad came from Limavady-------------one remove Ulsterman --------sing on Derrry may you live in peace

[@RayBarnettDaddyRay]

Love derry thanks again love Derry mother grandma and love it always RRB

[@honeybadger1624]

Thousands of voices make a 60 year old Japanese cry. A beautiful song, beautifully sung. Also can hear Luke singing in my head.

[@sherp2u1]

The undying spirit of a city, and the heart of a nation, encapsulated in a song...' 🥲😔💓✌☘☘

[@williamporter8748]

Phil is An absolute Icon with Endless Talent and should be given the Freedom of the City of Derry. God bless Phil. 🙌

[@gazza1858]

He has got the Freedom of the city .

[@alankilen6646]

He has

[@ZivaDaVid8]

It brought me much joy to see the youngsters in the crowd singing along... them knowing the words... Such a great show of community.

[@eileenliebold4043]

My heart is always thinking of my grandfather Dan Keenan. He gave us our Irish Heritage and my heart is filled with that spirit. Beautiful song!!! Thank you!

[@fritula6200]

May God bless yr Gran Dada! He kept the faith...... Irish!

[@maureenmartin4730]

He should bring it out as a single for Xmas

[@danbreen6946]

This is so emotional for what these people went through God Bless Each And Everyone Of Them

[@dannybreen8653]

From old dan breen scotland

[@danbreen6946]

@@dannybreen8653 Alright Old Danny Bhoy 🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@madness7662]

Unreal no matter who or what you are as wee say in Derry When you hear that tune away from home Unreal Again Thank you Phil

[@brendanmcnamara1414]

A very worthy tribute to a wonderful city and people and to their great ambassador Phil coulter to do this you could see the pain and the tears on their faces chiselled by 100 years of suffering they have come out stronger with spirit and generosity I have travelled to great city’s but this is the best it’s the people that have come through not the bigots or the bullies

[@charleydeery9858]

One of my favourite all time songs, beautiful, emotion, and unbelievable lyrics...love Derry 🇮🇪☘🇮🇪☘🇮🇪☘🇮🇪☘

[@mac1975]

My dads fave. He sang this after a wee gargle, personally, I can relate so deeply. Sobbing my heart out. See you soon Derry ❤

[@tapsahtip]

In my memory I will always see The town that I have loved so well Where our school played ball by the gas yard wall And we laughed through the smoke and the smell Going home in the rain, running up the dark lane, Past ther gaol (jail) and down behind the fountain, Those were happy days in so many, many ways In the town I loved so well. In the early morning, the shirt factory horn Callde women from Creggan, the moor and the bog While their men on the dole played a mother's role Fed the children and then trained the dogs. And when times got tough, there was just about enough But they saw it through without complaining For deep inside was a burning pride In the town I loved so well There was music there in the Derry air Like a language that we all could understand I remember the day when I earned my first pay When I played in a small pick-up band There I spent my youth and to tell you the truth I was sad to leave it all behind me For I learned about life and I found a wife In the town I loved so well But when I returned how my eyes have burned To see how a town could be brought to its knees By the armoured cars and the bombed out bars And the gas that hangs on to every breeze Now the army's installed by the old gas yard wall And the damded barbed wire gets higher and higher With their tanks and their guns oh my God what have they done To the town I loved so well Now the music's gone but they carry on For their spirit's been bruised, never broken They will not forget but their hearts are set On tomorrow and peace once again. For what's done is done and what's won is won And what's lost is lost and gone forever I can only pray for a bright, brand new day In the town I loved so well

[@atsushifukazawa4239]

Thanks for posting its entire lyrics! There are still many fascinating thing in life, like getting to know such a beautiful song.

[@Murphmeister1]

From Glasgow to Derry xx🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🫶🏻🇮🇪

[@robertschorry1052]

We visited Derry, and Ireland, last summer and now I know far better than ever the story of my Irish forebears from the Emerald Isle.

[@williamtoner7293]

Great to hear the people of Derry showing their how proud of their heritage in song

[@Bluestackmusic]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL Mr. C... perfect & beautiful... THANK YOU for this...xx

[@mauriziogiudici3458]

I completely agree

[@arvidhanssen7184]

Lov thihis song

[@hetty43]

What an amazing city. Great people. I was there today for the Apprentice Boys shutting of the gates. What a lovely city. Everyone getting on with it. The Foyle Centre bustling with Christmas shoppers. The town buoyant. Great example to the rest of us. Great parade in city centre and tradition in Bishop street and st Columbs cathedral area. You all should be proud of your city. All of you. Beautiful city. Great people. A great place to visit. No armoured cars now. An honour and a privilege to visit your wonderful city.

[@liambegley1739]

Thank you for your warm, kind words and may you come to visit and celebrate in Derry on many more years to come.

[@berragorman637]

The City of Derry with it's Donegal hinterland is Ireland's bravest wee city .. Amrhan Na BhFiann

[@helenawalsh4821]

So proud to be from Derry, fantastic, nobody like Phil, nobody!

[@lorrivaughn9066]

This just tears up my Irish heart. Best ever Phil! ❤❤❤

[@acker400]

So beautiful. Great song, great singer and a great production.

[@smjdoh]

I thought it couldn't be more emotional but.... when you remember that this is the site of former Army barracks. 🇮🇪☮️🕊️🇬🇧

[@gerrymartin]

This song makes me cry but also fills my heart with joy🇮🇪🍀💚🍀🇨🇮

[@greatjohnnym]

Oh I am so glad to hear you all sing about the town I loved so well. tears ...

[@inspiredlifeuk]

This song moves me especially with what’s happening in Ireland now. I’m originally from Liverpool my mum from Mayo and now settled here in Mayo absolutely sickened what the Dublin government is doing to my family’s country my grandparents would be turning in their grave 😢

[@Elizabeth-iw3wd]

Stunningly beautiful 💕💕💕💕💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Remtech7]

superb and moving...it is not a song but a hymn to the city that saw us grow up..

[@mollydobson1626]

Beautiful! Loved to see the so many come together to remember the citizens of Derry.

[@deaghlanfinn-kelly9296]

Why is this song so good? I think that when Phil sat down to write it, he did not write from a book or an idea, he did follow rule one in writing, write what you know about. Write what you see and feel. But this song is an international song. G-d knows the people of Derry suffered, That small city oft-times forgotten as songs of Belfast or Dublin fill the pubs and the homes, but this song can be any town. Any town or city that has been visited by the darkest parts of man's mind and through intolerance, oppression and generally greed bring about war. Many, many people can relate to this song and to the feelings as you look around. Derry, one of the most beautiful cities that I have visited, Will always be a happy bitter-sweet memory in my mind's eye. I have to say, I loved how that beam of sunlight arrived perfectly on cue.

[@horrorskopf]

So great, so sad - an old lad's getting tears in his eyes. Thanks so much for posting ...

[@adamandrews4107]

Simply breathtaking!

[@Gerry-Hat-trick]

KZbin served this up to me this morning, and I couldn't be more delighted. To hear one of my favourite songs, sung in its original form, with the orchestra, choir and audience as one, made the hairs on my neck stand up. Quite simply, beautiful 💚

[@ericmesser1]

Magic………what a great song,,,,,,so much emotion…….thanks 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@bettyspearns8341]

What an iconic event. Goosebumps here, beautiful ❤❤❤

[@Mcevoy91]

We. Don't have music that has this sort of meaning anymore sadly.

[@PaddyBanjo]

Thank you for the tears 💚

[@hazzachannel1]

THIS JUST GAVE ME CHILLS N GOOSEBUMPS ALL OVER, TO SEE AND HEAR THE DERRY CROWDS SING PHIL'S MOST POIGNANT SONG.

[@gailrounsefell7996]

Such a beautiful song. We recently visited Derry and walked the city walls. It's hard for us from so far away to understand what the citizens would have had to go through. This song says it all.

[@JazmacL3544]

Beautiful God bless Joseph and Grace Plunket.

[@JohnDinoDonovanBoston]

I get the chills, a tear in my eye and a little anger when I hear this, and remember my Dad being part of NORAID in Boston MA USA

[@williamkelly9859]

A small town with an unbreakable spirit and thank you to Coulter for putting that into a great song.

[@meeksteruk]

Causes my heart to swell.

[@OrlaEmmett]

Beautiful - what a song and what a town x

[@mikecasey218]

Goosebumps galore

[@rabatat]

Would bring a tear to a glass eye

[@vincentedwards6749]

PHIL COULTER a wonderful soul a loverly man and one of the best musicians on this planet,THANKS PHIL and the good people of DERRY love and peace to you all j Vincent Edwards

[@mahraz1]

The most touching song I have ever heard...way above even the "Imagine"...a belated "Happy Birthday" to Phil Coulter...The Ireland National Treasure...

[@philiphamer5959]

Superb. An outstanding narrative song that says more about the folly of British behaviour in Ireland than many a book. So moving.

[@robertolingi2353]

Phil is legend!

[@hansmoerman]

I am Dutch but this song touches my heart

[@wendelloreilly8676]

Beyond beautiful. Erin go bragh!

[@ericmesser1]

Magnificent…….so much emotion………thanks

[@PaulGeisler-im6ow]

I've never been to Derry, know no one from Derry, so why did this make me tear up? :)

[@emmablair2736]

This is fantastic, can't stop watching. Well done to the Derry people 👏 you've done Phil proud as he has to you....

[@stevedaly3634]

My granda was a Derry man sung this song to us when he tight on the drink a Beutiful song

[@frankbraas455]

I heard this song for the first time in the seventies when the Dubliners were very popular in The Netherlands. It stroke me immediately. Ik feel the emotion in every word. Absolutely one of my all time favourites! Thanks Phil Coulter.

[@IsCumaFut2]

What a rendition

[@stevemcgarrett5001]

I visited Derry a few times and they are great people..God bless them all.

[@albertsmith1048]

Beautiful, really beautiful. I think Luke performed this wonderful song with such power, diction and passion his rendition of it was almost magical to behold. Taking nothing away from this lovely performance by the way.

[@rodhurley1154]

a corkman with tears in my eyes god bless derry.

[@fastdadws4985]

God, bless Phil Coulter! Saint Patrick of IRELAND, pray for us! Amen. Amen. Amen.

[@marian2237]

Beautifull the cooperation between the choir and public....

[@TheBergonzi237]

....Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh Many people know this song 'off by heart'!!! It's an anthem.

[@tomderbyshire5795]

Wonderful ! May the people of Derry heed the words of the last verse and have the lasting peace they deserve. God bless Phil !

[@brigitnunez6735]

Sublime

[@albacan]

This is heavenly. Thank you. Must chime with everyone

[@BRIANPOTTER-kx7oy]

Phil has hit home here with deep emotional impact - I'm in tears.

[@janrm1]

Chills...tears...so beautiful!

[@kennyrocks4008]

Not a mask in sight. LOVE IT!

[@shimonrubin6354]

The better performance of this emotional song

[@smkh19]

How very beautiful! I could not hold back the tears 😢❤