Phil Coulter ~ The Town I Loved So Well

'Of all the songs I have recorded. This, is the one I would like to be remembered for...'. Phil, I think you may be right on this one.. You will ALWAYS remain in our hearts and in our thoughts, even long after you have passed on, because of this beautiful, yet sorrowful track...
Thank you Phil... :-D.

[@rowenastavrinides819]

I just love hearing the songs from Ireland. I feel so for the IRISH

[@Katmandu2009]

Oh my God 🙏….This song has made me cry so hard! What a beautiful song with so much meaning.. You will so remembered for this song Phil Coulter… from a Corkonian

[@hdm5337]

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

[@darrengriffin9842]

This man is a genius. Ireland's greatest ever songwriter

[@mindegap1]

I challenge anybody to not wipe a tear from their eyes when they hear and understand this song. This song is so full of passion it makes my heart bleed, not just for the irish who suffered during the troubles but for anyone who is in a predicament that they can't control.

[@gazzanorth4373]

Easy. Just think of the sectarian slaughter of Londonderrys West side protestants by republicn thugs. Never Broken. No Surrender!!

[@darmac8519]

@@gazzanorth4373 i can only hope for for a bright brand new day ...let it go brother..live in the present..we all got shit on 💚💚💚

[@nodrognaols8862]

Foul mouth , must be from markets area!

[@ruthcarr2147]

Don't forget the famine also I did the challenge no tears

[@mindegap1]

@@ruthcarr2147 Please explain. Thanks.

[@philrothwell6858]

The first time I have heard this, it’s a timeless classic !!!

[@mickcurran7926]

Great song. Humble man.

[@timothyd3339]

Phil Coulter, I met you in Jade Palace on Lisburn Rd in 1985. I had played your music for years. You were doing a concert in Opera House shortly. You said you would play a request for me. Embarrassing, but it took my friend to speak to her friend in orchestra on concert night. You mentioned me in your dedications. She has now died of cancer. Have always been a big fan of your music. Lived in Lapland, played it when I was homesick. There's really no-one with your talent for writing a melody.

[@thebeast2746]

The most beautiful song ever written on the island of Ireland 🥃.

[@wanbawmcgraw3022]

Anyone who is spreading hateful bullshit by commenting on this video has seriously missed the point of this beautiful song.

[@vikingblood0408]

Good comment! Totally agree!

[@marieslabbert6009]

I heard the song on the radio and has to listen to it again. The lyrics and his emotional rendition just brought me to a very nostalgic and truly sad place for all of our towns, where ever we grew up. Those times are forever lost to a cold and indifferent world. I feel so much heartache for what our beautiful earth is turning into.

[@Ajord1043]

I just heard this song for the first time, and wow! Exceptional.

[@cheekybastard7798]

The rawness in his voice when he sings "What's done is done, and what's won is won, and what's lost is lost and gone forever" gets me every single time.

[@joanvisser1313]

The pianist I enjoy most to listen to.

[@alangodfrey505]

I have loved this song when I found it and always will

[@clarewolf793]

They played this amazingly beautiful song in Belfast for when i was there visiting Friends when the awful conflict was on i choked up hearing this song yet again shed tears too of course I often still sing it in my mind it has stuck fast with me for decades thankyou very much you are a very talented person thankyou from Australia xxo

[@richarddaly9601]

speachless no words this describe this man amazing voice well done Phil 👍🏻👍🏻

[@cowboyathlete]

I cannot listen to this without crying.

[@Speedpig001]

Since Mr Coulter was born in 1942, it's not about his childhood in the 70s, it's about his childhood in the 50s and the "troubles" in the 70s which virtually destroyed Derry or Londonderry depending on your conviction. A brilliant, heart rending narrative set to music.

[@londoncalling151]

We were picked up after school in 1986. Phil Coulter's sister was missing. We were all in a Cortina. A BMW passed us at top speed. The driver of the car we were in commentated, and put the foot down as he did so, to follow said BMW. Derry and Donegal in the 80s. May Phil Coulter's sister rest in peace, and watch over us.

[@darmac8519]

W.R. legend. ❤❤❤❤ overcome the worst of times... Your my best friend.

[@davidbosquette2940]

Phil really deserves much more credit. His song writing is up there with the VERY best in my opinion. Steal Away, The Old Man, Scorn Not His Simplicity, all classic meaningful timeless pieces of art. He's incredible. 🇮🇪🍀💚👌

[@PAHG-1940]

Totally agree‼️

[@kieranporter5571]

Phill also wrote songs for a good few and Bay City Rollers 1970s top hits.

[@TheSeanDurcan]

Don’t forget ‘My Boy’ sang by Elvis

[@duckydarrick7460]

Not to mention "Saturday Night" which was huge here in America and is still popular

[@ekpnoh1]

I am a Greek who have been living in the U.K. the last 4 years. That song touches my heart so much... and he sings it in a unique way. Much love to Irish people

[@swag3723]

😼

[@PAHG-1940]

Yes, much love to the Irish people‼️ ♥️🥰♥️

[@amandamurray6238]

🍀🍀🍀

[@bernardharmse-kaalvoetdominee]

A very sad beautiful song..contains the soul of the Irish...

[@damiendavisisraelcom8603]

A beautifully written song, can't get much better that this tune.

[@willkirke4312]

I’m English and girlfriend is Irish . Love this song . Full of nostalgia, heartache, history and passion . Hopefully will be moving to Ireland 🇮🇪 later this year with her.

[@gillianchippendale5886]

Beautiful place beautiful people good luck x

[@gazzanorth4373]

You should move to Northern Ireland. Lovely country🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@chrismullan7191]

its such a true song i just hope that we find lasting peace in ireland some day there has been to much pain .

[@lytken]

so hard not to cry when you hear this beautiful beautiful song

[@DCFC91]

Not from Derry but live here and have being doing so for 17 years. This song makes me feel proud of the city and slightly emotional at the same time. Cracking tune

[@shereekennedy1551]

My 5 year old has to have this played to them before he goes to sleep. One of my dad's favourite songs too who passed away even just before he was born. Now my little boy sings it and always brings a tear yo my eye. X

[@Alistplay]

Its in his blood. Like fathers like sons. Bless you and yours🍻

[@dannymccartney1411]

so hard not to cry when you hear this beautiful beautiful song.I LOVE MY CITY

[@ballincurry]

this is not merely a song,its a historical vista.

[@1musicoz]

a very articulate song if you are irish you will know what it is all about for nanna mum and pop

[@jimdoherty812]

as a Derryman all my life the words of this song strike a chord in my heart the song sums up Derry...those were the best of times

[@gemmarankin6758]

My beautiful home town, grew up listening to this song everyday, my mother still plays it everyday til this day.. I've never listened to a song that hits me like this one, beautiful and explains Derry to the T. So proud to be from Derry 💚🧡🙏

[@swag3723]

😼

[@kieranporter5571]

Lecky Rd Brandywell my family from now in the Creggan we recall first hearing this great song n touches our hearts n memories so much.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Phil's rendition is great, with all the reflections of a writer in it, powerful in its gentleness. Luke Kelly did a great job too, putting the intensity of his personal experiences into the song. They both do a wonderful job with this song, but in different ways.

[@EimearBmusic7]

Have been a fan since a child. Raised on his songs :) Absolute Legend. Eimear Bradley, Irish song-writer & violinist.

[@seanmclaughlin3148]

This bring a tear to my eye every time I hear it. I may be a Donegal man but Derry has a special place in my heart, it was were we went shopping, where I went to college, where I got my first job, where I learnt to drive. No one put the same feeling into the song as Phil Coulter does.

[@cloramurphy3838]

In tears

[@kitty-imvu35]

beautifully put , I think this version of it shows his heart and how he feels about his home town so deeply and I think we went to Donegal when we were in Ireland too it sounds familiar to me now I hear it..

[@annefahy2370]

My heart bleeding for Ireland. Bless all.

[@gazzanorth4373]

Did you shed a tear for the 20000 protestants forced out of the west side of Londonderry by republican bigots.... Didn't think so!!

[@monikadenzel1]

Beautiful Song! Thank you - more!!!

[@swag3723]

😼

[@tcheyne1951]

Beautiful. put a tear in my eye.

[@1976SL]

The best Irish folk song of all time.

[@swag3723]

Oh!

[@lauramcgeever2195]

Beautiful song, Phil Coulter legend

[@stevekonefal7990]

Always special to hear it sung by the composer...well done

[@Jetset906]

A sweet and tender song that pleads for calm and peace. I love it.

[@vauxgirl1]

One of my favourite songs ever written by Phil! I love it!

[@PAHG-1940]

Me too‼️

[@chrisdipclarke]

Beautiful Song. NO ONE can sing it with the feeling that Phil can .......

[@italianjo]

Beautiful song and after visiting Derry it's even more beautiful!

[@murrmac]

brilliant song, almost as good as "Puppet on a String" and "Congratulations", two other great songs which he will always be remembered by.

[@cardinalebomuche3020]

A song from the soul for the soul "...of all the songs I have written, this is the one I'ld like to be remembered for." I will remember you for this masterpiece, Phil. Respect!

[@swag3723]

😼

[@derekheeps74]

This is a lovely song sung with passion about a man's hometown. I am not native to this divided island but am shocked at how fervent everyone's hatred is for one another and how eagerly we wish to kill one another. For me, this behaviour underscores the need to be more kind to one another. Like it or not, This is where you make your stand. We are all human and in the greater scale of things this is nothing. Have some respect and enjoy the music this man has created. Thank you Phil Coulter

[@suejijaro-ibelgaufts3152]

Been to the northern part of Ireland, Donnegal. what a pity need a visa going to this place of brave Irish. The song resound the pain and dream of the Irish people. The dream that one day it will be returned in the Republic and its lovely brave people.

[@kevincunningham5730]

My late wife ,Mandy, loved this ,Roswell flats ,her ground ,she lived through the troubles.and like many true Derry people laughed and smiled without complaint. My lovel for all strong Derry women.

[@bmoher2011]

My mother and all my family's from Derry. She loved this song. I have visited Derry several times but this song reminds me of her and the special times she had growing up.

[@columpiano]

what a legend, i absolutely love his style of piano, he os one of my biggest influences when writing piano music. Thank you Phil for inspiring me

[@jerrylehky3472]

A truly moving memior of a past era - Touching. 🍒 BloodRed.🍒

[@kjdalton123]

So so sad A small capsule of the history of all Ireland Phil Coulter is a treasure and a genius

[@juicybrucey1]

As a former soldier in the province many years ago at the height of the troubles i was never so bigoted to not appreciate lovely Irish music.The song touches me and shows me the very streets i patrolled,peace to you all

[@juicybrucey1]

Sharon Smith Sharon,nice too hear from you.If i could choose a place to live it would have been NI,not an option with my history,such a shame

[@brendanstockdale7742]

bruce wilson Nice words Bruce. Thank you. I'm a former member of the Irish Defence Forces.

[@brucepaul81]

@@juicybrucey1 peace to you Mr Wilson. Thank you for a very welcome message. I hope this finds you and yours well. From a proud Derry man.

[@johnhaines202]

If you want the best rendition of this, go to the master, and the master just happens to be right here. Brilliant, Mr Coulter, absolutely brilliant. The words, the delivery, the emotion, the piano playing, the light background arrangement, the key change -- truly superb. Luke and Paddy may have given this more welly, but you give it immense heart, as only the actual composer can. Thank you.

[@swag3723]

👨‍🔬

[@rgriff29]

Phil will be remembered mainly for this (and many other songs) as it is beautiful and because this made Luke Kelly weep.

[@claricestarling5278]

Great stuff Phill Coulter! 'Scorn not his simplicity' is my pick as your best. Great talent and thanks!

[@mollyoneye]

The late great Luke Kelly

[@harleywhitlock5082]

I cannot say that I'm very well versed in Irish history, but Phil Coulter has written a poignant and moving account that surely touches one's heart in a special way. Thank you, Mr.Coulter for sharing this precious gift with others. Harley Whitlock

[@rachelgallen4094]

Love this song. Taught myself to play it on the piano, from the sheet music of Phil's 'Tranquility' . Nobody plays it like him though :)

[@swag3723]

🤘

[@USMC2531comm]

Music like this stirs something deep in my soul, and makes me proud of the Irish heritage on my mothers side of the family.

[@npkinsey9913]

Amazing, the best song ever written.

[@stevedavies3498]

I heard this on songs of praise just once loved it and lost it for many many years not knowing what it was called or who recorded it until I visited a friend whose dad was a music fanatic and found it for me. Robert Campbell's dad THANK YOU. It's a wonderful song no politics no history just a FANTASTIC SONG

[@andreagray3055]

What a beautiful song. My parents and grandparents were from cork and tipperary. Love ireland and Irish music so much. I love listening to this song.just perfect. Xxx

[@swag3723]

😼

[@bonniedoty2292]

Love this song by Phil...pretty sad but the song is loved..

[@yardnazi]

What a wonderful song, the lyrics are written so well. I understand that this song made Phil famous and now I know why. The High Kings do a marvelous job singing this song. MY GOD WHAT HAVE THEY DONE makes the tears flow!

[@swag3723]

😼

[@annefahy2370]

Tears for Ireland.

[@brucethrelfall3013]

@@annefahy2370 no m I’m I’m I’m

[@hollieharkin7196]

I love Derry my wee home town the best place on the earth ☺️

[@breffnipark]

Great stuff .... Love it ! :)

[@heylarayla1]

My Grandparents and my Mom are from Derry and I can not wait to go some day. You know a song is powerful when it makes you feel nostalgic for a place you've never been to.

[@eyeskerd794]

+Rachael Em I am from Germany and I feel nostalgic, whenever I hear this song. I want to visit this city, he has loved so well. This music is just so incredibly beautiful.

[@whittenoval]

My Grandfather is also from Derry. This song hits home every time.

[@user-fr7fu6kb4l]

You'll love Derry

[@gazzanorth4373]

Londonderrys even nicer🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@danbreen6946]

​@@gazzanorth4373That's a bit outdated just like your royal family 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@nr2m]

awesome!

[@user-kp1ci4xo8j]

It's very important.

[@celticknot226]

My family visited Derry a few years ago. We learned about it's history. We saw the Hands Across The Divide and the Friendship Bridge as well as the wall, the murals and the memorial to those who were killed. It's a beautiful city.

[@lbnov71]

my home town and a song that we learned in school as part of the curriculum in the 80's.

[@OtherTwin]

phil is a great song writer musician and good bloke thanks old friend for the songs of yours i had the honour to record and the crac love and peace j vincent edwards and thanks for this great post

[@paulinebradleysoundinspira6981]

Thankyou Phil, I was made aware of this song just last year. Its so beautiful, it made me cry when I first heard it. I was born in Derry myself though we moved when I was just 2 or 3.

[@biggestkkfan1506]

I've never been to Derry, but this is such a wonderful song, I get goosebumps whenever I listen to it. I once taught it at school in an English class, and years later I met one of the former students and he asked me especially about this song, because he wanted to do it with the choir he was in. Touching lyrics, beautiful tune, amazing song!

[@swag3723]

👄

[@ralfjekel2642]

You should go there. Great Town.❤

[@desertcelt1]

We will remember Phil for this song, but to be honest he never wrote a bad song, from Euro V right up to today, ur right Susan does a great version, but it is Derry song, and nobody can sing it like Phil, simply a genius, wish we heard more of him

[@scottgale9811]

I'm one of those "irritating" Irish/Yanks who thinks they know all about Ireland. I was born over here, but my grandfolks came from Derry, and I've always had an affinity for all things Irish. I've never been there (shame on me), but this song makes me feel like I have been. It stirs my blood.

[@GlasgowCeltic88]

I agree. Phil brings more emotion to the song, more than Luke could, because HE had actually 'played ball by the old gas yard wall' and HE had seen 'it through without complaining'...

[@MrGanaface]

Beautiful.

[@jillyhawk]

Pure magic is Phil Coulter!

[@twincamGT]

It would bring a tear to a glass eye

[@Helcaloth]

I've heard this song sung by Jim McCann, loved it, and love this version too! :D

[@MultiJackie12]

he is a genius!!!

[@missshazeire]

1 word....AMAZING!!!!

[@Porras404]

The song I love so well

[@daphnethurlow5388]

One of the loveliest songs...

[@patriciathewisher2315]

Lovely song.

[@thelizardiscool]

This is so beautiful. Thanks for posting it!

[@Killxswitch1981]

great song ive had many family members in Derry and this song is the only one that hits dead on

[@ildonaldson]

I'm learning, in my old age to play the piano. This lovely piece I think is in the key of GMajor. The view of the gate in the city walls, at the bottom of a steep hill, Shipquay Street, reminds me of a tale my grandfather told. One wintry day in the 1880s a heavy fall of snow turned the streets to ice. A young man jumped on his toboggan - or "sleigh" as we used to call them. at the top of Shipquay Street, and went so fast he couldn't stop, and landed in the river - the Foyle, just behind the Guildhall. As children of the 1950s, we were amazed there was no traffic! Ian Donaldson

[@rbuxto]

+I.L. Donaldson You've reminded me of a tongue-twister my mum (a Derry girl all her life in spite of years in England) used to say to us 'Shipquay Street's a slidey street to slide upon'. Well, it amused her. Aye surely.

[@Wexicanful]

The best thing to come out of the troubles was the music that was sung about it, I think everybody would agree with that

[@marcusm4766]

Wonderful!

[@Riasanovsky]

I loved this version. I also like the Ronan Tynan version. I don't like or appreciate the narrow minded and nasty comments about Ireland. I'm not Irish. I am the enemy but recognize that we are all equals and extreme nationalistic comments don't solve anything. Let's appreciate the gifts of all, regardless of their nationality. A new day has dawned. Leave the past where it belongs and learn lessons from history.

[@MrSteviejay14]

my father (ronnie) loved this song rip dad xxxxxxxxx love patsy x

[@margaretmcgrathcummins5401]

Thank you Phil today for john Humes funeral Eddie &Margaret cummins bretonville abbey road clonmel many thanks

[@swag3723]

😼

[@Samwiseallmighty]

One thing is for sure...for this Song he will be remembered at least by me It made my friends mother cry....so there must be a mass of truth and honest feelings in it I thank him for making and GlasgowCeltic88 for uploading it ;) Cheers Sam

[@jillyhawk]

the town i wish to know well...indeed i shall breathe that derry air, one day...xo mo brea;)..beautifully conveyed by the one & only phil coulter...peace to eire, mayor...let music heal thine soul, & remember the days that shall be once again...jillypeacekidd:)

[@stevekon11]

As I'm sure most true enthusiasts know Phils first choice for singing this song was non other then the great Luke Kelly,for good reason.No one sings it like Luke did.

[@PAHG-1940]

I’ll have to listen to Luke Kelly singing the song; thanks‼️

[@albrenza]

Wow, this is one special video, so beautiful!

[@tubephobia]

Most brilliant video !