The Cremation of Sam Mcgee By Robert W. Service | Narrated by Geoff Castellucci

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"The Cremation of Sam Mcgee" by Robert W. Service is a classic poem detailing the events of two friends. Believe it or not, this is based on true events. Thanks for listening and sleep well, friends.
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Performed and Produced by Geoff Castellucci
This narration was a special request of one of my patrons, and I felt like it was so much fun that it needed to be shared with the larger world. I hope you enjoyed this poem as much as I did.

[@Gretchen_G]

Listening to Geoff's voice is like being wrapped up in a nice cozy blanket. All warm and toasty and comforting, with no need for a blazing pyre to ward off the chill of midnight.

[@sherrigreen7400]

I totally agree

[@KNR90]

Sam The real Sam McGee is a family member of me. Many of my ancestors are in that same cemetery. The poem was recited at my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary, both of them sharing anccestry to that community

[@parkerbrown-nesbit1747]

@@KNR90 , that's really interesting!

[@stormynights420]

Yes this is awesome! I love to use him in my videos! Happy Halloween! 🎃🦇👻

[@stormynights420]

@@KNR90 That is so exciting! Happy Halloween! 🎃🦇👻

[@evilrick1]

I just listened to one of your Poe readings yesterday and thought to myself, "I'd love to hear him do the Cremation of Sam McGee.", and now I'm wondering if you are reading my mind. I love this.

[@llamasugar5478]

Robert W. Service!! Can’t decide if his poems are genius or schmaltz, but I love ‘em.

[@Ice_Karma]

@@llamasugar5478 Why not both? 😸

[@melissamunn5549]

My Dad use to read this to me all the time. It was my favorite as a kid. He had a deep voice and this brought back all those memories.

[@Kjlj60]

My grandpa knew this by heart and same. Such memories!

[@sarawlindgreen3115]

Geoff narrating this feels like lying in bed all warm and cozy while a cold storm is raging outside.

[@marccolten9801]

Excellent reading. It reminds of that night in the 1960's, while I waited for a subway train, and I listened to Jean Shepherd recite, with appropriate background music and great feeling Service’s “The Shooting of Dan McGrew”. “A bunch of the boys were whooping it up in the Malamute saloon; The kid that handles the music-box was hitting a jag-time tune; Back of the bar, in a solo game, sat Dangerous Dan McGrew, And watching his luck was his light-o'-love, the lady that's known as Lou.” It was quite an experience.

[@christinec4919]

Love this! We studied Robert W, Service in school. I still remember most of The Cremation of Sam McGee and The Shooting of Dan McGrew by heart 40 years later. Thank you.

[@DennisKovacich]

My mom had a book of short stories with a green cover, and those were my favorite ones in there 50 years ago. I don’t know if it was all a collection of his stories.

[@LindaGailLamb.0808]

Now he should do Dan McGrew 😁

[@MsXpression]

I actually gasped when I saw this. I memorized this poem when I was a teenager. I don't know why I loved it so much. It just translates such despair and the dark humor that goes with it. Thank you so much for making this!

[@epicbananaman7776]

I've always loved this story. Used to tell it everytime our scout troop went camping. There was something about the campfire and the moonlit night that made the story feel magical. This is such an incredible telling of it, and your voice sounds like I've always wished I could tell it. As always, you knocked it out of the park.

[@jdubya7139]

I first learned of this poem when I was a scout. At the summer camp we went to every year, one of the councilors would recite this poem in front of the whole camp at the weekly campfire. It stuck in the back of my brain for many years before the internet came along and I thought to seek it out again.

[@pathoodjoy]

My Dad recited this poem to us as kids and throughout our lives. He's gone but your recitation brought fond memories. Well done.

[@johnwood551]

I’m 69 and my Father used to recite this to me at bedtime when I was little back in East Tenn. I think this is one of the reasons I always wanted to go to Alaska and finally moved there to become a Bush Pilot back in 1987

[@dianajohnson1744]

One of My favorite poems! I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska. We had to memorize one of four of Robert W. Service's poems and recite it to the class. And that's when I fell in love with the works of this Yukon poet laureate. ( I chose Spell of the Yukon, but I still love Law of the Yukon as well as The Cremation of Sam Mcgee).

[@susanapplegate9758]

Perfect! My entire family memorized a bunch of Robert Service when we prepared to move to Alaska 1968. I’m still here and still enjoy his works. Great choice and excellent presentation!

[@georgechord5376]

Hey Jeff, Robert Service was my Dads favorite poet so I read some of his work when I was a kid. This is the only one I remember after 50 years. I loved your reading; and it made me think of my Dad. Thanks.

[@PlayNowWorkLater]

I live about 30 min away from Lake Laberge, in Whitehorse. Grew up hearing this story told hundreds of times. I like the tone you bring to it. Thanks for sharing

[@Knight0Angel61]

When I was a kid, I helped my mother memorize this poem. She did it with character voices and a Southern accent for Sam, it was wonderful. Geoff definitely did it justice. As I was listening the other night, a small glass that holds beads from my mother's necklace fell over without my touching it. It was near me, but not where I could have spilled the beads. I think my mother approved of Geoff's rendition as well. Thank you so much for this.

[@krisbauer1598]

Born and raised in Alaska, I've long been a fan of Robert Service's poetry and am well familiar with The Cremation of Sam McGee. This is a superb rendition of it!!!

[@fromflabtofourteener9596]

My dad would recite this… thank you for the memory.

[@ESPNight004]

Mine, too! Great memories.

[@AnaxErik4ever]

Geoff's voice brings me back to winter nights spent in my grad school apartment, wrapped in a fleece blanket and drinking a warm mug of tea. I have always been a night owl, so I was always the last to turn off the lights; despite the lonely conditions, I never felt lonely, preferring the sound of silence, maybe a light wind. I never read this poem/lyric narrative in school, but it definitely sounds like something you would read in American Literature class.

[@debmoorefield849]

Thank you for recording this poem! It is my favorite poem. My 4th grade teacher, Mr. Buffy, would recite this to the class as a treat for finishing our work on time. The class would beg him to recite this poem and remember it still some 60 years later. Your voice made it come alive again. Thank you.

[@colemansheep]

Grew up in Alaska and first read this probably 50 years ago. You did it proud.

[@joshony_15]

The voice of this narrative added 100 years to my life. Love it! You are the best, Geoff.

[@marlynbumpus146]

This is and has been one of my favorite poems for my whole life, first read to me by my mom many, MANY years ago. Not many know of Robert Service's work, or of his many really good poems. You did this one right proud - and thank you!!

[@restingcatface]

Love this poem and the way it was delivered. Geoff's voice is so calming!

[@Waterlily6519]

Oh, my! Chills down my spine. Don't know why I'm listening to this at 5 am, but oh well. But, I'll likely go back to sleep with a light switched on. You are amazing, Geoff. Wishing you, Kathy, William and all you hold dear the very best.💕💕💕

[@StudioD65]

Wow! I could listen to you telling stories and reading poetry all night long.

[@suearmstrong2715]

I played this for my 85 year old dad today, and he loved it. He had an English teacher in high school in the 50s who used to read Robert Service poems in class, and Dad can still quote them, almost 70 years later! He would love to hear The Shooting of Dan McGrew, if you would consider recording it! He also loved 16 Tons, Big Bad John, and Saddle Up, so I think you have another fan. 😁

[@lisaredwine4857]

My dad had to memorize part of this poem when he was in school (back in the 50s). To make it easier, he set it to music - not music he wrote, but some popular tune that he knew and that fit the meter. He liked it so much that he learned the entire thing. I remember every night after supper, he would get out his guitar and play for all of us while Momma washed the dishes. He and Momma would sing this "song" and several others, some of which you've already recorded! Thanks for recording this as well!

[@Allyson-Ohlsen]

I can listen to his voice all day

[@tiny99990]

Holy crap, I haven't listened to your poem readings before... it's possibly the most calming thing I have ever heard, and thats saying something because of the poem On a semi unrelated note, hearing your voice do "Oh Death" originally by Ralph Stanley, I usually listen to Jen Titus version. Your voice is so deep it'd give it a scary feel, but it's so smooth at the same time, that it'd be calming as well lulling the listener into a sense of nothing is wrong... much like I'd imagine death would be, scary because of the unknown, but the pain of life fading away lulling us away somewhere unknown but calmly and at peace.

[@saramae8704]

My grampa LOVED this poem. What a beautiful version!

[@melgoins1427]

I haven’t heard this since I was a kid. My father had a tape of it & I’ve asked him about it many times but he could never recollect what it was called. Thank you.

[@ruralofficeworkspace4769]

My grandmother was a great fan of Service. I inherited her copy of his collected poems. I really appreciate your telling of this, one of her favorites. I brings back memories of her sitting on the steps reading to my brother and me sometime in the 1950s.

[@jeromechao6885]

Wow.. Geoff voice is so beautiful when he reads or sing a big fan of Geoff

[@stevenshewfelt888]

we had a musician who told this poem to tourists at a now abandoned Hotel. but Geoff you made it seem even more scary with your low tones, thank you.

[@elizabethkizzar5489]

Learned that poem in middle school and it still is one of my favorites.

[@r.d.stratford106]

I don’t know if you’ll see this, but I just wanted to thank you. I’ve listened to and loved your poetry readings. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to try doing but I’m horribly shy. You’re inspiring me to try, though. So, thank you for that. And for choosing this poem itself, because I love it but haven’t read it in 20 odd years. It’s a delight to hear it now.

[@emmaporterukulele]

This one speaks to me on a spiritual level and always has

[@impunitythebagpuss]

One of my favourite poems! "Please close the door! ......Since I left Plumtree down in Tennessee it's the first time I've been warm!"

[@jillra65]

I absolutely love the stories and poems you are reading. Keep them coming! I enjoy your singing, of course.

[@anna.cheney]

Your voice is so perfect for these poems and stories! 💙

[@kimsmeltzer6083]

I can feel a shiver coming on........not unpleasant.........

[@crimsonanna1980]

Fantastic story and expertly told. Thank you, Geoff. I never get tired of your voice.

[@dawnsoger2934]

My mother taught English & creative writing. I’m quite sure she is acting as one of your muses, or sits & listens in as you practice or do your recordings.

[@bobbiemurray3354]

My grandfather would recite this poem from memory to many people. Thank you for reminding me of my grandfather. A funny and wonderful poem.

[@ron.v]

One of my favorite all time poems. This is the best rendition I could have imagined from an artist I never would have imagined. Thanks!

[@anthonyfromtexas2067]

Your voice is like a living being. Can communicate so much.

[@wtrmln_lvr]

This tale is one if my favorites because my grandpa has it memorized and would tell it to my mom growing up so much, she had it memorized for a while, I got so excited when I saw you posted this! Thanks so much Geoff!

[@allenbenge]

I have loved that poem since I found it in our school library as a youngster. Never before has it sent chills through me as when heard in Geoff's voice. Five stars.

[@dawnsoger2934]

Geoff, I could listen to you forever! Have you considered reading The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes? I swear as a young child I heard your voice in my head as I would read it! Please, please read it for us.

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Perfect choice!

[@DC-tm7ys]

Amazing. Beautiful. Like a story to tell around the campfire. In the dark. Nothing visible beyond the fire. Wow.

[@angiewoollard704]

What a chilling tale… Geoff, I quite like the tone of your voice with this particular narration. It’s a bit different from the other narrations - your expressive inflection with this one really painted a vivid picture in my mind. (I also really really like the photo you used for this video.)

[@brucewelty7684]

I only wish that when he hit the "blood run COLD" that he'd drop his range wayyyyyyyyy low!

[@gabrielorange6408]

holy smokes. this has always been one of my favorite poems (i wrote a literary analysis on it in a high school english class). thank you so much for making my dreams come true mate.

[@Stelios1fan]

Just stumbled across this. My Dad loved Robert Service and would recite his poety often. So, thanks for your excellent recitation and bringing back happy memories of my Dad.

[@suzybailey5501]

I've not heard of this before but loved it! Your tone and delivery were wonderful and really brought the images of this chilling tale to life in my head. You and your voice are a true gift to this world! Thank you for all your wonderful narrations and your beautiful singing of course. 🤗💜

[@suzybailey5501]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul 👋

[@suzybailey5501]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul Not bad thanks, I hope the same for you.

[@suzybailey5501]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul UK.

[@MiladyMacabre]

Happy Hallowe'en, Geoff!

[@sadie6045]

There once was a King long ago, in ancient Italy👑 🟥⬜🟩 His voice was so deep 🎶 It made the Lords and Ladies weep 😢 And his name was Geoff Castellucci 👑 ( The inspiration behind this limerick is the fact that his name sounds like the name of an Italian king who sings and recites poetry for his people when he's not busy ruling. The crying emoji in this instance means crying happy tears. Hope you like it Geoff!! )

[@motherhubbard1560]

Wow! You are bringing back a lot of fond memories. When we were teens my sister had to memorize a lot of poems for school. We would be doing dishes in the evening and she would be reciting Sam Magee or The Jabberwacky over and over. I ended up learning them as well!

[@lkreinmiller-author]

You are determined to keep us all entertained right through Halloween. Can’t wait to see what’s next. Have you considered doing mighty Casey Has Struck Out?

[@ellicooper2323]

My dad used to recite this 60 years ago. One I’d like to hear you read is The Hired Hand, by…by…wait, I’ve got to go look it up. Found it, The Death of the Hired Hand by Robert Frost. Not halloweeny but atmospheric and with the beautiful cadence that would suit your beautiful voice. Please consider it.

[@TheCarlySmith]

This is one of my favorites! Thank you, Geoff for a new narration!!!

[@sherrigreen7400]

What an amazing narration from Geoff

[@sherrigreen7400]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul hello Fred

[@sherrigreen7400]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul Thank you! I am doing well, hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will have a happy New Year!

[@sherrigreen7400]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul Pennsylvania

[@sherrigreen7400]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul it is good, winter months it's very cold

[@sherrigreen7400]

@@Pureheart_gentlesoul I'm at work

[@yourmaninlondoncollecting5749]

Geoff. you have a perfect voice... Respect to you to not being caught up in your ego. It is within you but you don't let it affect you. You always stay true to yourself. Thank you for giving us your gift...

[@marybender3241]

This poem is repeated at each mushing race. Not one rendition is good enough. But yours would be! From now on your version is the only one I will ever hear

[@d_richter]

Oh, this is the best narration yet! I'd never heard this poem before, and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@kathharris2826]

I scarcely breathed through that, not a good idea at my age!! I was mesmerized by the words and the presentation; I could feel the biting ice and searing heat while sitting in my front room on Halloween night, perfect..

[@kathyborthwick6738LakotaEmoji]

Good grief this is so good! Have heard this poem properly spoken since I was a young girl! That was was decades ago! At some point I would love to hear ‘ Dangerous Dan McGroo’ Robert Service loved the North but was never able to go so visited through his poetry! ✨🔥✨🔥✨🔥✨

[@mbyerly9680]

Awesome reading! Your voice was meant for poems like this. As a Southern girl to the bone, I agree heartily with Sam McGee and the cold. The fire for me. This is one of the few poems that comes near the spookiness of Poe.

[@puca7908]

I really enjoyed your rich voice narrating this! I have subscribed, not only for your songs, but especially because I so love stories told by an impressive narrator! I got a bit of a chuckle over the name of the ship being "The Alice May" because that's my mother's name! I thank my husband for introducing me to you with your Halloween songs recently! Thank you!

[@MisterMustang]

This is absolutely marvelous-ly Halloweeny. Spectacularly done.

[@80RedRock]

Right?!

[@SlapDoll]

I have read this before and thought nothing to much about it. Butbhearing you interpret it and with your voice. Wow.. I have goosebumps. Looking forward to more

[@mannyedwards2820]

It takes a good ear and a lot of experience with public speaking to do what Geoff has done here, balancing poetic meter with conversational cadence. Though you hear the writer's rhythm, it doesn't sound mechanical at all, but natural and lyrical.

[@artstrutzenberg7197]

Holy crap....this was one of my mom's favorite poems when I was growing up. Was one she read to me.

[@jrwoodysstuff5837]

I'm from Alaska and this just made my night!

[@RosyRosie42]

Geoff, I love your voice. Ok, thank you. Carry on… have a nice day 🙃

[@Ydnic7481]

And treasure..... thank you Like all my audio stories.... This too over time will become a very dear friend that I will revisit time and time again......

[@LawfulNugget]

I hope you do A Christmas Carol for December!

[@NoahMDub]

Yesss!! I was waiting for Geoff to do this one!

[@anna-lenalott8846]

I have become addicted to your readings.❤️ They send chills down my spine. Real Halloween mood. 👻

[@doggonemess1]

I haven't read or heard this poem for over thirty years. I remembered little bits of it and wondered what it was called. And now I randomly found it thanks to your "Misty Mountains Cold" video. Thank you! Excellent read, too!

[@rosanhawkins9213]

So wonderful to hear this poem again🥰

[@DaiElsan]

Fantastic poem. Narrated by an outstanding voice. Thank you Geoff.

[@lizwildcatmunro2460]

This has become my FAVOURITE narration of yours, THANK YOU Geoff

[@thedarksailor0695]

I'm a boy scout up here in Montana. Every time my troop go's camping, our scoutmaster always read a story, wether it be Old Rock Salts Bull, or some other story with silly seriousness. The Cremation of Sam Mcgee is always a group favorite. I've always taken a particular fondness to this story, and I'm glad you were able to make this. Keep up the good work!

[@kathiemcamis5580]

This is great! I thoroughly enjoyed this. It was in 6th grade English class we learned this poem. I love it! Thank you!

[@Arimaz4.]

Fall in love with this voice..

[@harrisgore]

I wish I knew how to offer songs for Geoff to cover, I think a rendition by him on the song Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian) by Paul Revere and the Raiders would sound amazing and would bring this song back for everyone to remember!

[@kimmcconnell3854]

I love rhis poem and am so happy that you read it. Part of it was in the preface of my Contracts book in law school.

[@jennandrei]

This has been my favorite poem since I was in 3rd grade. This totally made my day. Love ❤ this

[@annebigelow4096]

This always was one of my favorites ! Thank you!

[@reginaromsey]

I first heard this poem narrated by a friend while we sat around a fire, freezing one side and melting the Vibram soles of out hiking boots camping at Talkeetna, Alaska.

[@craigfredrickson2861]

My dad used to read this poem to me as a child. Great to hear it again...

[@mattg5852]

That was one of the best readings of that poem I have heard.

[@devakolb8045]

Excellent! I loved it.

[@julied6512]

It’s Halloween night here in The hills of ADELAIDE South Australia I am sitting by candle light because of a power outage and listening to your beautiful voice reciting this amazing poem absolutely adds to the creepiest night of all....🎃Happy Halloween

[@Debs_Badger]

You *know* why I'm so fond of this one. 💕🔥

[@alexwalker8440]

Excellent reading. Thank you, Geoff!

[@lindsayrogers8302]

This is really good! I think your voice would be perfect for singing "Hey, Little Songbird" from Hadestown.

[@Lurker1954]

Thank You! Robert Service used to be recited at the "World Famous Malamute Saloon", until it closed.

[@SeinIshamiado]

Another spectacular story. Great job.

[@TreeHearts431]

My daddy's favorite poem. Thank you for narrating it so wonderfully.