Raglan Road - Luke Kelly

The Humours Of Donnybrook (Ireland) - 1978
Luke Kelly sings Patrick Kavanagh's Raglan Road accompanied by this friend Al O'Donnell. The song was given to Luke in the Bailey Pub, Dublin in 1966 when Patrick Kavanagh asked Luke to sing my sang, to which Luke enquired, ' and what song is that Mr Kavanagh?'
Over the years the song has been covered by Ed Sheeran, Van Morrison, Sinéad O'Connor, Mark Knopfler and Roger Daltrey, to name just a few but most agree that Luke’s version is the definitive.

[@_tonyperoni_]

Nothing will ever come close to this ... a voice blessed by God himself 🇮🇪💚

[@JohnHamilton-e7r]

best ever version of '' raglan road '' nobody sang it better .

[@leslieobrien3238]

The best ballad singer this country ever saw. We will never see his likes again.

[@kieranmccaffrey3459]

One of a kind. The voice, the presence. A true Irish legend.

[@chrislaing1395]

@@kieranmccaffrey3459 A true worldwide legend who is Irish! Don't undersell the man :)

[@randyhandbag]

Some are for the past. Some are for the present. Some are the future. Luke was for Ireland. Beautiful.

[@Anu-uv4is]

What a talent, Luke is so missed.

[@jc-16.]

Some songs aren't for dancing, Some songs are poetry.

[@Nigel-y3g]

It is a poem by Patrick Kavanagh set to the tune of a traditional ballad entitled "The Dawning of The Day"

[@KieranKelly-o9s]

This is for remembering you are the sons of Erin

[@jc-16.]

@@KieranKelly-o9s it's the sons of roisin we are now. Peace

[@hugovea]

Quite frankly the greatest ever folk song, sung by the greatest ever folk singer. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@shack7631]

Yep, that is very hard to argue with.

[@denzilweerasinghe5774]

@@shack7631 Exactly

[@stewartytheboy5811]

You're not wrong sir.

[@davidharkin8554]

And knew......

[@CathyD1976]

It was a poem to begin with

[@margaretsmyth6783]

For me , no singer , of any genre, can touch either Luke’s voice or the words of this masterpiece of Irish folk music..

[@alanoconnor4745]

His voice is Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@PaulDoherty-sr7zc]

This was my dad’s favourite song and subsequently became mine after he died

[@hannahe7556]

Just made a similar comment on the night visiting song, he’s like the Bob Marley of Ireland

[@StuartMills-e8i]

Yes

[@daomingjin]

he does sound like a true drunk irish person ... lol

[@michaelokeeffe5721]

Brilliant so Irish so Dublin ❤

[@damienmullan8880]

This is the pinnacle, the Apex . I want this played at my funeral. This song crushes The soul , the desperation and sorrow is palpable.

[@MsPottage]

Utterly beautiful

[@garyblake4296]

And God called his son to come sing to him a while.

[@Thebarradonovanmusician]

I could not have said it better myself 🙌

[@ardnamone]

❤❤

[@barrycassidy3530]

Perfect

[@vincentfriel4322]

Better than his own angels surley

[@damosundvall5442]

@@barrycassidy3530 .

[@michaelokeeffe5721]

Can not be replaced

[@medusa2820]

For me, this is the best and most powerful rendition of any irish song by any irish performer. If you want to teach someone about irish culture, show them this, no more words needed.

[@Bigbaboo-123]

Second only to Scorn

[@Buckdax]

agreeeeeeeeeeee! /greetings from sweden

[@Emma-ou9fn]

What a beautiful thing to say 💚

[@philbaglio5964]

4:32 4:32 de 😅

[@carloshannon8346]

It was wrote about the Irish actor Darragh O'Mallys mother after she turned his marriage proposal down to marry another man

[@annrbrennan]

Listening, St. Patrick's Day in Tampa, Florida, 2024.

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Thanks for watching.

[@maureenwalshe123]

Listening in Ballina, Co Mayo, Ireland , on St Patrick’s Day 2024. As powerful and as emotional as when my late brother and I heard it in O’Donohue’s in Merrion Row in the mid 60s.. ‘Those were the days my friend , we thought they’d never end’

[@julialudwig1165]

Listening in South Haven MI US

[@rickonline777]

Happy St Patrick's day from Co Derry ☘️☘️☘️

[@ronaldlintow3782]

I listen it in Germany.👍

[@dermotdodd8434]

An Irish poet , true and true Patrick kavanagh.... beautiful!

[@patches6309]

Luke Kelly held the entire Soul of the Irish in the palm of his hand and caressed it when he sang. God Bless Luke Kelly & God Bless Ireland.

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Beautifully put!

[@jessejames1410]

I just heard this for the first time in my 27 years on this planet. No wonder this man is a legend. I havent heard folk music quite as golden as his work.

[@ronwade6252]

Nobody sings this masterpiece better than Luke Kelly.

[@toehoker9199]

This man may look the toughest guy to walk the earth, but carries the the sweetest song ever

[@Zangvogel1955]

sweet and full of pain....

[@davidjohn5402]

A true son of Ireland....never forgotten....luke , your always with us...

[@themongoosewarlock4307]

*you're

[@KMKM.S94]

​@@themongoosewarlock4307get a life

[@oldschoolgaming.]

Ireland's greatest ever performer 💯 , we will never see his likes again

[@KevinKearney-s5p]

Formally from Liverpool now in Chicago this song reminds me of my dad and grandad before him. Proud Irishmen Luke Kelly is Magical.

[@eric44soberjourney23]

Thank God we got such a fantastic and definitive recording of this beautiful song by the greatest. ❤

[@steve-gv7yn]

It is a poem by Patrick Kavanagh about a real woman he fell in love with but lost Luke Kelly sings it wonderfully

[@bobbymcculloch2451]

From a Scottish man. I love that song so much I’ve learned to play it on my guitar. And sing it often to my friends who also love it

[@rickonline777]

Your surname McCulloch means the son of the hound of Ulster - Irish and Scottish people are the same people - explains the good taste in music - keep er lit m8 👍👍👍

[@astorrian6247]

This song belongs to a voice such as Luke Kelly, no one else can do it justice... he is a master and can turn a poem into a beautiful melodic song.

[@russelldobson8470]

It's not just the voice. There is something else

[@seawallbird5724]

Beautiful diction.. so clear and pure.... Unsurpassed performance.... Never forgotten... and always loved.❤

[@adelecutler1195]

@@russelldobson8470 It's the passion.

[@davidharkin8554]

@@russelldobson8470 emotion.... empathy.... feeling. Missing in most.

[@christinekane3193]

I love him too, but I have to say I really love Mark Knopfler's version as well, give it a listen.

[@darrengriffin9842]

A MASTERPIECE

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

The marriage of a great poet and a great singer! Thanks for watching.

[@joedoe783]

One of the great voices of the 20th century.

[@paullambe9471]

Totally agree. What a Legend.

[@firewood5357]

@@paullambe9471 fix Amief

[@RMcGivern]

Don’t forget Van the Man

[@seawallbird5724]

If not THE greatest.....

[@redandgreenofmayo]

oh the golden voice of Luke Kelly God bless his soul so sadly missed but never forgotten

[@damienmullan8880]

One of the most beautiful poems ever written, this rendition from Luke is quite literally breathtakingly beautiful. This genuinely touches my soul and reminds of of my lost love. This is folk at the highest level. This likes of Luke we will never see again. I was happy to of heard you like.

[@jenniferstone2975]

Awestruck - my first listen to this today, the heavens aligned just right to treat me to this powerful, poignant gift of masterful, unpolished perfection. Stunningly beautiful. Thank you, KZbin Suggestion gods. My soul is full.

[@Johnnyfive55]

The auld triangle - live version - unreal. His last performance a few month before he passed called the "the Night visiting" is the saddest performance on KZbin

[@ydappronnocom6100]

I smell a narcissist

[@ydappronnocom6100]

Bore off

[@kkoo3247]

Jennifer you picked a great song as its poetry is magical

[@kkoo3247]

Jennifer listen to the version above this on the list. Studio version. Brilliantly clear

[@keithdaly6131]

Absolutely timeless. I will never get tired of listening to Luke sing. He had a way of singing that hit you straight in the soul. Rip to the greatest 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@TheDublinersOfficial]

Well said! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@eddyflanagan153]

Fabulous

[@andreasobuaculla9511]

@@TheDublinersOfficial does any one remember Eoin Walsh?he was an artist in the area well known in some circles,

[@Neil-t2p]

from an english man...true x

[@daphnethurlow5388]

His voice brings tears to my eyes..

[@patriciarodger6619]

Perfection. That is what you call a singer.. The fabulous Luke Kelly..

[@dbcooper7326]

When poetry meets music and an artist to weave the tale of love and loss. Enchanting.

[@ADAMdinho1]

Well put 😌

[@leaguepresident393]

Luke's inspection of the human condition via this beautiful piece stands alongside Shakespeare's. Walk away from this unmoved, if you dare.

[@sineadmills8129]

Absolutely out of this world no words exist to even describe Luke Kelly's voice,just absolutely unreal xxxx💕🇮🇪☘️

[@conhannigan8547]

The red headed MINSTREL no better singing in heaven now

[@niallireland2940]

The greatest singer to ever stand on these shores

[@Paulco67]

FACT

[@AbandonEarth911]

The one and only Luke Kelly, rest in peace comrade.

[@CJ-wv7om]

I am from Newfoundland Canada with an Irish descent I have never been but one day would like to go to see you were my family originated and I first heard Luke Kelly today and his voice seem to take me away to that place where I did descend it was absolutely amazing thank you.

[@pajero0402]

Have a listen to Luke sing 'scorne not his simplicity' written many years ago by Phil Coulter (another god) for his autistic son. If you don't cry, you're a stronger man than me.

[@aidanmccabe1981]

My wife is Australian and I brought her to her great grandparents grave after some searching. It was very moving. The dead still walk among us if you let them

[@Empire_12]

I’ve some bad news if you want to see Kelly spedicly”

[@conalcassidy5026]

He was one of the best

[@dvrn86]

I've never met another people on this earth that resemble us Irish as much as the Newfies. Always welcome in Ireland.

[@waylonk378]

One of the greatest live performances of all time, and the man in the audience who was brought to tears obviously recognized this. RIP Luke Kelly, there will never be another.

[@werewolf5674]

As only Luke can sing it. For love of Ireland. 🇮🇪☘💚

[@NathanHixson317]

Three days ago I visited Luke's gravesite to say thank you. I didn't plan on it, but I just started singing this song with my hand on the stone, well, as much as I could with a lump in my throat.

[@TheDustysix]

The Best rendition. Those in attendance must have realized this was epic.

[@jameswithers4549]

I hope so!

[@soldier2297]

I think the banjo doesn't suit

[@Marek_Ondrej]

@@soldier2297 I have to disagree, this version is by far my favorite, partly because of the banjo.

[@frederiks.7455]

The passion by Luke Kelly is incredible... one of the greatest live performances ever

[@marymcmullen5150]

This makes me cry. I grew up in Dublin and I remember my Uncle came to visit and said there is a group of lads around the cornor and they can sing. They were the Dubliners, just starting out.

[@andreasobuaculla9511]

Was that you Mary?

[@magdimahgoub4129]

Heard this song many years ago from the movie (In Bruges). This mans voice is amazing! Can’t get enough of it 😎

[@Christopher1990z]

I shed a tear to this every morning gives me the balls to go out and never give up

[@normancameron6165]

From Scotland he the best one honest man

[@twl107]

One of the greatest songs ever to come from a human being mouth

[@radiotelegram]

Kelly's voice was music's finest hour. Bless his memory.

[@stephensmith4162]

For the legendary Luke Kelly, there are no words

[@StuartSimms-gj5ui]

This voice off Ireland my friend. Try spacill hill . Greenfields France finbar fury country not all bigots.

[@jonbritland8389]

Beautiful deep Irish voice, timeless. classic.

[@olgarozsivalova4725]

Luke, you are the greatest singer who ever lived. Thank you for that.

[@happy_camper]

A national treasure, the likes of whom will never be seen again 'til the next life.

[@psychonaut689]

the consolations of art when you're going through hard times...

[@patkeenan7666]

Never to be repeated. LUKE rest in peace.

[@marykeating2288]

This is a performance to be cherished and never forgotten.

[@AislingLyons-b7e]

My dad died and today was his cremation funeral and this song played on his funeral ❤

[@irishdeetalks]

Hugs 🫶🏼🇮🇪🫶🏼🇮🇪

[@ivankovacevic1910]

Even though im Croatian Irish music touches my soul like no other.. 🇭🇷🇮🇪

[@ciaranscullion1050]

Had to refresh my memory after watching hootenanny 2021/2022. Rip luke

[@alfordreynolds6022]

simply drenched In rough, irresistible authenticity. My God! What can one do, but surrender ? !

[@MsCem24]

That's rather weird than poetic, no offense mate :)

[@seeingthepattern]

@Cem Aksoy Listen again

[@astorrian6247]

Alford Reynolds: You somehow found the exact expression to do this singer and song justice...irresistible authenticity...yes, indeed surrender - its rare today.

[@jaymooney1285]

It’s Luke!

[@jaymooney1285]

So many uneducated, listen and learn.

[@seanfagan6727]

Very few singers, ever, can stop you at the start of a song. God bless Luke, best singer ever imo..

[@paul-allenmorris5582]

3:46 am in September of 2024 and I’m back again. Even with 1.7 million views, this to me still counts as underrated. Cry every time.

[@PatrickJRyan-ri7ue]

Unbelievable, the voice and music, how can anyone sing so beautifully? Luke Kelly is one in a hundred years or many more. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam Luke.

[@greg3308]

Beautifully said

[@dominickelly6259]

One word, PERFECTION!

[@jessesands4099]

Total Perfection To Be Sure!☺🧔🎤🪕🎼🎼🎵🎶🇮🇪

[@boldhylandpaddy5288]

A Dublin great song sung by one of the greatest Dublin men ever. 👍🍀🍀☘

[@robertstopford1016]

I'm stunned. From the gut. The heart. The audience here is clearly deeply moved.. As am I.

[@vallancesmillie5734]

The passion he possess for his love of Ireland will never be forgot, God bless ireland

[@wrathofgrothendieck]

This song blew me away the first time I heard it on December 18, 2022.

[@robwright1286]

No way, that's my birthday, and this comment was a gift.

[@Dylan2-v9k]

I'm only 11 but I love luke rest in peace ❤

[@Quint1234adoor]

same

[@Quint1234adoor]

we might be the last

[@Thatequestriangirl45]

Same, but I’m 12

[@hopefulperson9057]

You're a very smart 11 yr old 🇮🇪

[@Dylan2-v9k]

@@Quint1234adoor yeah

[@MsJohannaking]

Best ever I heard. RIP Luke Kelly 💔

[@darrenwalshe8513]

The best poem sang by a magical maestro requested by the poet himself xx

[@leaguepresident393]

If you listen to this even once, the words become tattooed on your heart. Luke connected like none I've ever heard.

[@933ben]

A voice like no other .rip Luke legend !

[@jackjordano2152]

This son of Ireland penetrates my soul!

[@jaycampbell5335]

The Irish are the poets of the world

[@mirarstudios]

The Picts and Celts of the rare old times

[@kathrynlandry1211]

Agree

[@teresaquail3503]

Agree 100%

[@adaptivo3692]

If sincerity, beauty, truth and passion are art, Luke Kelly and Patrick Kavanagh embody my perception of it. This song encapsulates human frailty, tragedy, perfectly articulated inarticulateness and yearning. Great art is merely a mirror in which we can understand our own suffering.

[@LanceHuffmanAz]

My god! This is good. Luke Kelly looks like an Irish Red Foxx. What an incredible song!

[@briant6669]

Didn't notice that till I read your comment, now I will see it every time.

[@janettedavis6627]

@@briant6669 You know he died young and his brother died very recently.

[@warrentuitehj8336]

A legend best wishes from Ireland

[@dangraham3361]

This is one of the only songs that makes me cry. It was my beautiful, deeply missed Irish Nana's favourite. The power in Kelly's voice is like nothing I've ever heard elsewhere... He's a man possessed when he's singing

[@TheLeiferikson]

Hello Dan, please listen to Liam Clancy's, Ar Eirinn no neosainn ve hi.

[@annecaro.3956]

Each Time I hear Luke’s Voice my heart is pounding and wants to go out of its chest

[@gustabritorozas]

On Raglan Road of an autumn day I saw her first and knew That her dark hair would weave a snare That I might one day rue I saw the danger, and I passed Along the enchanted way And I said, "Let grief be a falling leaf At the dawning of the day" On Grafton Street in November We tripped lightly along the ledge Of a deep ravine where can be seen The worth of passions pledged The Queen of Hearts still making tarts And I not making hay Oh, I loved too much and by such, by such Is happiness thrown away I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign That's known to the artists who have known The true gods of sound and stone And word and tint without stint I gave her poems to say With her own name there and her own dark hair Like clouds over fields of May On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now Away from me so hurriedly My reason must allow That I had loved not as I should A creature made of clay When the angel woos the clay He'd lose his wings at the dawn of day

[@jackcarter5101]

He actually got the phrasing wrong in the third verse. It should actually be: I gave her gifts of the mind I gave the secret sign that's KNOWN To the artists WHO have known the TRUE Gods of sound and STONE But every cover has copied Luke's phrasing, which proves Luke is the gold standard for everything.

[@williamtidser1966]

Love it

[@spudtt7567]

some of the very finest words ever written

[@williamtidser1966]

@@jackcarter5101 upthera 💚🇨🇮🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙏

[@andrewg.carvill4596]

@@jackcarter5101 The two lines in Kavanagh's published edition are: "I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that's known To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone" The attested story is that Patrick Kavanagh personally gave Luke the poem. The setting of the ballad to the air of the older song 'The Breaking of the Day', which Kavanagh himself desired, is in no way straightforward; in fact it's a work of musical genius. That's why Kavanagh probably thought "I can't fit the words and music quite right, I've tried; if anyone can, this man can do it."

[@Gerardbourke-q7r]

God bless you luke and all the dubliners🇮🇪💪💯

[@jessesands4099]

Luke Kelly's Voice "Total Unequalled Perfection" The Most Incredible Voice I've Ever Heard In My Entire Life!🤗🧔🎤🪕🎻🎼🎼🎼🎵🎵🎶🎶🍻🇮🇪

[@kathrynlandry-ir8kh]

This song breaks my heart every time I listen to it. And I don’t even know why ☘️☘️💚💚

[@jerryoshea3116]

Because it resonates and reverberates ur Soul..Many Musical styles & pieces of music can do something similar,but Luke Singing was another level!

[@lorrivaughn9066]

I love this song. Luke has the looks of a true Irish man with Celtic ancestry.

[@ivano4773]

Irelands greatest folk singer , what a legend and gone too soon.

[@davidhilliardmusic]

I love the reserved appreciation of the audience, everyone is feeling the meaning of the song.

[@cevi7515]

One of my favourite songs! Greets from Holland 🇳🇱

[@DerrickJenkins-s6c]

Absolutely tremendous version of a wonderful song and what a voice to convey it so powerfully. Hits you in the heart. Bless you, Luke Kelly. You were a magical musician.

[@laughingachilles]

If a soul could sing it would sound like this.

[@MargaretCarroll-t8n]

I cried and cried when he passed away Greatest voice ever. RIP LUKE.

[@KdeB]

When the spine tingles and memories flood back you know you have heard greatness. Patrick Kavanagh a mighty Poet, Luke Kelly was a mighty singer

[@Paulco67]

The Great Hunger by Kavanagh is my all time favorite poem.

[@KdeB]

@@Paulco67 wonderful piece of poetry, you are dead right

[@jamesconnors3042]

God bless ya Luke a legend is an understatement

[@c.gilliland8338]

One of, if not THE Lovliest, most profound songs love and loss, ever written. Patrick Kavanagh was a genius, and Lukey was, and remains the ONLY person with the power and heart to speak the words as written, I will never ever tire of listening to this song. Bless you Luke.

[@tomjones2202]

Luke Kelly's Ragland Road will never be beaten. I know lots of artists want to sing it, and they do BUT ,, NO ONE and I mean no one even comes close to Luke with how he sings this song! He's alone in this one!

[@robertmcalpine488]

Ed Sheeran has sung Raglan Road and massacred it.

[@lindamcfaul2578]

Best version of all. Nobody can compare.

[@georgeduncan2928]

This is my favourite song from Luke I can't find the word's to say how good his Voice is magical brilliant are not good enough for him R.I.P Luke heaven have one of the best singers of all time

[@jerryoshea3116]

I never tire of listening to this,or watching ' Luke the Legend' perform ( and many more)

[@patrickbrowne3947]

On a quiet street where old ghosts meet …. Beautiful and Luke Kelly does it so much justice .. wonderful 👍

[@chrisdenning9540]

Just to be in that room when Luke performed this great poem is a great thing to remember. I wonder if they all knew then that when Luke sang this, that it would be a definitive version unsurpassed by no one. They were a very lucky audience indeed.

[@auroralaka6206]

What a singer 😍Nobody will ever beat our Luke one of the best artists I’ve ever come across.

[@julieforde247]

THE BEST OF THE BEST AURORA X

[@bbourke2242]

Nobody can sing that song like Luke kelly