The Star of the County Down (Cover) Colm R. McGuinness

[@Nmc01236]

Lyrics, for anyone interested: Near Banbridge town, in the County Down One evening last July Down a bóithrín green came a sweet cailín And she smiled as she passed me by She looked so neat from her two bare feet To the sheen of her nut-brown hair Such a coaxing elf, I'd to shake myself To make sure I was standing there From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down As she onward sped I shook my head And I gazed with a feeling queer And I said, says I, to a passerby "Who's your one with the nut-brown hair?" He smiled at me, and with pride says he "She's the gem of old Ireland's crown Young Rosie McCann from the banks of the Bann And the star of the County Down." From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down She'd a soft brown eye and A look so sly and a smile like the rose in June And you held each note from her auburn throat As she lilted lamenting tunes At the pattern dance you'd be in a trance As she skipped through a jig or reel When her eyes she'd roll, as she'd lift your soul And your heart she would likely steal From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down At the harvest fair she'll be surely there And I'll dress my Sunday clothes With my hat cocked right and my shoes shined bright For a smile from the nut-brown Rose No horse I'll yoke, or pipe I smoke 'til the rust in my plough turn brown And a smiling bride by my own fireside Sits the star of the County Down From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down She'd a soft brown eye and A look so sly and a smile like the rose in June And you held each note from her auburn throat As she lilted lamenting tunes At the pattern dance you'd be in a trance As she skipped through a jig or reel When her eyes she'd roll, as she'd lift your soul And your heart she would likely steal From Bantry Bay down to Derry Quay From Galway to Dublin town No maid I've seen like the fair cailín That I met in the County Down

[@throgoy]

Thanks for the lyrics

[@colleenmoore978]

Thanks! They go by very fast.

[@DarkCavalry1228]

THANK YOU!

[@bornaturkalj7146]

Thanks

[@naevia9010]

Awesome, thank you

[@hoppinghessien]

My brown-eyed, brown-haired daughter Rose loves this song.

[@meghancowens8995]

The little shield maiden says “tell him I love it, “ as she dances and spins around the living room with a towel around her like a cape. 🥰

[@eldattackkrossa9886]

how sweet :)

[@Tommy1977777]

This astoundingly adorable! I pray you make a large family!

[@pegoossens]

It sounds great. you should really release an album with Irish traditionals. I could think of a few suggestions. the fields of athenry, whiskey in the jar, wild rover, and many many more.

[@ColmRMcGuinness]

I’m doing just that, with all of the tracks you mentioned, plus a few of my favs. Should hopefully be out Around end of the year 🤜🤛

[@vandensoforth]

@@ColmRMcGuinness so excited! I was going to suggest such an album! I’ve greatly enjoyed your work and listened to your Last Length album while building a pirate ship playhouse for my kiddos!

[@kolosmenus]

@@ColmRMcGuinness Lifeboat Mona pls?

[@AndaraBledin]

@@ColmRMcGuinness I know what I'm getting myself and my friends for Christmas :D

[@andreasmuller4666]

@@ColmRMcGuinness Now there is something exiting to look forward to.

[@rationalityrules]

Listened to this at least 20 times now. Seriously amazing talent you have, Colm!

[@rationalityrules]

The precise way you've combined the instruments here just hits me in the feels. So damn good!

[@DanielTompkinsGuitar]

I agree! (also cool to see one of my favorite channels commenting on a music video 🙂)

[@tuckerbigletti4524]

20??? Try 50 times since I started drinking! Cheers!

[@wanderingbelle7]

When I was a really little girl I LOVED folk tales and mythology stories. I adored the heroines and would act out their roles. But they all were described as having “golden hair” or “raven hair,” and more often than not that was actually the defining feature of their beauty. I’ve always had brown hair that isn’t quite straight and isn’t quite curly. Boring, I thought. I am Irish on my dad’s side, but that fact had never really “come home to me” so to speak. One day my dad had this song playing (I was probably eight or nine) and it hit me that the girl in this song has brown hair, and THAT is the defining feature that makes her beautiful. I mentioned it, and my dad told me that a lot of Irish people actually look like he and I (dark hair and blue eyes). He told me that in Ireland people would think I was gorgeous. I doubt that it true lol, but it stuck with me all the same. It might sound like a silly little memory, but every time I hear this song, it reminds me of the peace, pride, and joy I have found in digging into my Irish heritage. Slán♥️

[@tooth2163]

Your Dad is right, annoyingly they often are right xD Here in London you can often spot the Irish person before they give it away when they speak, they are a good looking bunch of people.

[@philliplohnes7076]

My colleen (my wife) has nut brown hair and is of Irish descent.

[@JohnWilson-zh3il]

Nothing silly about the first king of your heart calling you beautiful.

[@natashalevesque6589]

COLM. COLM. COOOOOOLMMMMMMM! Rude of you to be this talented. Multi-instrumentalist/composer/singer/all-around handsome man of many skills? I can't believe you'd shame the rest of us like this. (but please never stop!) This is one of my absolute favourite Irish folksongs, and this cover is so dang jaunty and lovely, and all of the instrument shots make my heart happy - I can't tell you what a lovely surprise this was on a Wednesday Morning.

[@grimwriter9763]

I know I say this every time, but I literally could not be more excited for this one. This is one of my favorite songs, but I cannot for the life of me find a version that I really love; guess it was just biding its time and waiting for the Captain of the Puffin to take it on. I'm preparing myself to be blown away!

[@widgren87]

Ever heard the versions by The Orthodox Celts and the instrumental version by The Chieftains?

[@colescott79]

My personal favorite is by the Fenians, but this one is fantastic! Easily a new second favorite

[@Darth_Kirrem]

Very strongly recommend checking out The High Kings' version.

[@colescott79]

They are fantastic too. I’d put them right behind this one

[@resourcedragon]

And I'm very fond of the Kenneth McKellar version.

[@inkandoxide674]

Ordinarily, my response is "that was lovely, great job." This one is beyond that. This song seems to exist for your voice and the accompaniment is perfect.

[@patrickdusablon2789]

I never get tired of this song. I've been collecting different versions of it for over 20 years now. I love the variances in verses, slight changes in words, and the order in which they're sung.

[@nivestaofaceyoga]

Same here! And I am always on the hunt for different versions :) By far my favorite song

[@mattaltizer5285]

We're all big fans, but my youngest daughter adores you. She can watch your video for "Sleeping In The Cold Below" all day long and be content. I showed her this video today. She got the BIGGEST smile on her face. Thank you for being such an amazing artist. By the way, my youngest girl is named Colleen.

[@christiansandrini96]

This is by far my favourite irish song. It wakes up some bittersweet, and sometimes painful, memories about past love but it is still my number one. I am so curious to see how you will arrange this Edit well after the premiere: I find myself coming back to this song nearly every day... By far my favourite cover, surpassing even the live version from the high kings. Awesome

[@AsheOdinson]

In the span of about a week, cruising through your past videos and listening to the new ones, you've quickly become my favorite male vocalist. Something about your voice just resonates with me. Glad to be here.

[@ellenmcdaniel1550]

I hear Irish music often but rarely sung by Irish people, living in America. Your songs are near perfection and a strong Irish breeze to my ears! 😊😊👍👍

[@micshork]

As someone who is proud of their Irish heritage I can say that I really enjoy this a lot. I've heard many versions of this song, and your version is very unique. I hope you do more Irish and Celtic music like this.

[@MechaShadowV2]

Heck, even someone with e strong German heritage enjoys it. It just screams old European folk music that has been forgotten in the states.

[@peg9773]

Your latest covers continue to be exceptional. And while their frequent focus on your bass makes me smile, your new, definitive versions of the old songs do set a higher bar for them. Well done!

[@coburn8810]

As the son of a man from Banbridge, it's the first time I've heard the town talked of fondly. Makes for a nice change!

[@katelynnkenney9694]

When you’re a disabled girl with nut brown hair and you can’t dance or steal any hearts but you hear this and it seems to be the other way around:

[@imperadorpilaf1098]

I suck at dancing but can't help it when listening to this. That's Irish music

[@xFAM3xSkollx]

Nah. If you’re that I bet you can steal hearts.

[@onebigadvocado6376]

I'm sure you'll find a heart or two to steal, people leave them in the darnedest places ❤

[@zscout1288]

If you haven't already I am sure you will steal some boys heart anyway.

[@Raphotron2000]

Let's just what we do​@@imperadorpilaf1098

[@andrewcrabtree5682]

OMG YES it’s as good as I’d hoped it’s be we are fortunate in this day and age to hear someone with such great talent thank you sir

[@roybenari9472]

Legend says any man who sings this song 3 times over, his hair will turn bright red

[@thegentlemanpirate13]

A version of this song, with the verses translated into German, was in my Scout songbook when I was a boy. Since then, it has jump-started a deep love of Irish folk and shanty music.

[@Richixx98]

now this is a very welcome sight, hope to see more in the future like Spancil Hill or Step It Out Mary, keep up the amazing work I got your songs across multiple of my playlists

[@doozydomo]

Oh. My gosh. I did this song in my choir class one year and it was so much fun, so to wake up and see this gave me so much joy I actually did a little jig while I sang along. Stay handsome, Colm!

[@trollyzz5545]

As usual i'm late by literal weeks but... you know what? I commented a long while ago about that GOSH DARN SMILE and how contagious it actually is! And imma say it again, that's a smile of someone who genuinely enjoys their work and loves to perform. I feel like im the only person crazy enough to say this out loud like some fanboy but I feel like i got to say it anyway. Every time I see that smile, it literally improves my day by 100%. Never give up doing what you love, and hope you keep improving other people's days with your amazing vocals, that charismatic af smile and broad sweater range! 🔥

[@JaelleSG]

MORE!! More of those!! Can I have a whole album with you singing Irish Folk? Yes? Please? Thanks! ^^

[@CrimsonRoseMoonlight]

I LOVE this song and the artist so much! I swear I must have been Irish in a previous life or something.

[@inferno7076]

That's just awesome. I discovered your channel today and have already watched like 20 of your videos and not a single one disappointed. Keep up the good work, high quality videos are a rarity on KZbin nowadays

[@comettamer]

Colm, you're awesome. A breath of fresh air for classic Irish tunes. If you haven't done them already, id be delighted to hear your take on Fields of Athenry or Donnegal Danny.

[@danieladler9010]

Another one of my favourite Irish folk songs covered by Colm! Perfect Birthday gift XD Are you by any chance planning to cover any more songs in Gaelic?

[@Witcher-kg1sd]

Your covers are literally the best. Voice and music. Perfection Sing for us forever!

[@mikilegovindsamy9874]

I did not expect this when I saw the title. I thought this would be a slow beat. This is dancing around a bin fire music. I love these fast tracks.

[@silthulhu2801]

Oh my, Colm, this one hits me square in the nostalgia. I used to play this song on *repeat* back when I was learning violin when I was a young'un. Obviously a very simple, slower tempo version cos I was terrible on the violin but I've never forgotten the core tune, even though it's been a decade and a half since I've touched a violin! Thank you so much for recording this one, I absolutely loved your take on it, it really was beautifully done

[@jimklein6958]

Just discovered you…WOW!!! Will definitely keep on listing. Amazing energy and such a unique incredible sound!!!!!

[@PBnJsoups]

I never have heard most of the songs you come out with but they quickly become songs I can sing along with great job again. I'm still asking for, for the dancing and the dreaming, from how to train your dragon, it could be an amazing collab!!

[@kanohizybatsu2993]

Aye, now this beautiful song make the whole day a Grand Ole Time with the lads! Love it!

[@razzendahcuben]

Yesssss. Awesome song, can't wait to see what direction you go with it.

[@haleystevens7158]

I don't usually request songs because I don't know if you've done them already, but "red is the rose" is one of my favorite songs and I think it would be beautiful from you.

[@deepsnow5292]

I cant get over each time I put one of these songs on how good and unique of a voice he has! And the compositions behind the vocals too are awesome. Truly puts a smile on my face when I take a break from rock and pop and listen to one of his songs.

[@colleenbeyer4681]

The only time I get to hear my name put to music is in Irish songs! :D I'm a "mutt" like most Americans, but there is Connell in our lineage, and my dad liked Irish names. (I have a sister Maureen as well.)

[@MzCastorama]

One of my favourite Irish song. So glad to see and hear your version. Keep the good work, you're an absolute legend.

[@dsmaster-ef5xy]

my man you r the fromsoftwear of music u always put out something high quality

[@brittanyg533]

This is one of my favorite Irish tunes, and the energy and passion you put in the tone was spectacular! Well done, Colm! Probably a long shot in the far future, but I would like to hear your version of "She Moved Through the Fair." Until then, sing on!

[@evergreenroboticsentertain2007]

Best Irish folk love song I’ve heard, and I found out I’m Irish yesterday

[@drakeredwingofficial]

One of my favorite Irish songs. I used to listen to the High Kings' version of The Star of County Down in my parents' car on the way home from my grandparents' house late at night. please do Binks' Sake from One Piece mate! You'll get a lot of new fans!

[@TheGreatCyberwolf]

Heard this song in a tavern in Nassau while playing AC4: Black Flag and had to look it up. Safe to say I'm now addicted

[@reflexxuns4065]

Beautiful! Just beautiful! My son introduced me to your music. I'm so impressed with your singing.

[@hrwmuffins]

This is one of my favorite songs and you did an amazing job on it!

[@Babyflier]

Colm McGuinness every time you do your version of my favourite songs you make them 10x better and every time I get more and more impressed. Damn man well done again.

[@wyrmshard]

I love this song! Excited to hear your take on it

[@masontrupe9047]

I've listened to dozens of variants of this as it's one of my favorite shanty-likes, but this is my new favorite. Colm came with a banger, as always.

[@ANNEKE1999]

Ahh this is one of my favorite songs! Can't wait to hear your version 🥳😍

[@greenshado7108]

Mine too!🌟

[@irrelevantsafety]

I love watching your videos, you can just see the pure joy you get from making music.

[@lydialoenen685]

Oh I have listen to this song so many times and now there is even a better version😊 thank you so much!

[@SoMoUSA]

Outstanding. I may have missed them. Do you have more classic pub/drinking songs like whiskey in jar or Johnny Tarr?

[@doublellamadrama]

Just smiles all around, thanks Colm!

[@LoveDeathEmbrace]

Oh my god!! one of my favourite songs !! Thank you, Colm!

[@tomosjackson4760]

Thank you Ireland for this genre of music

[@juliaconnell]

ahhh another favourite not heard for many a year - superbly wonderful version of an awesome song - supposed to be getting some sleep but you've put me in a dancing spirit

[@axelino7141]

I love how you can see that you are loving what you do. Always brighten my mood when I watch you videos :)

[@RyuujinV]

It took me a few rounds to get the hang of the lyrics, but I could feel my Irish blood pumping to the rhythm from the first note. I hope my ancestors' eyes are smiling

[@aleciastar1433]

Your song is helping me get ready for work when all I want to do is take a nap. Thank you.

[@matthewneely7548]

One of my favorite folk songs

[@ThePamAnne]

This is a lovely version of the classic song and I've heard many.

[@Elena-lu7tl]

This is going to be the BEST way to kick off this weekend!🧡

[@Tommy1977777]

Elena, you are gorgeous!

[@Elena-lu7tl]

@@Tommy1977777 That's very kind of you to say! Thank you very much!! 🧡

[@Tommy1977777]

@@Elena-lu7tl not a problem!

[@anastasianorthern2925]

It may sound strange, but ... I really think you are my favorite artist right now. In some mystical way, you combine in yourself and in your songs and covers everything that I like in music and performances, you do it all at the highest level and at the same time you develop, create many compositions without leaving the audience for months, and this is amazing. Just thanks for everything you do! And for this beautiful composition :)

[@traditionalfolkmusic9709]

Brilliant!! Keep the traditional Irish songs coming!

[@Spark-br9ut]

Bro, I don't know what to call it, but the synchronization of your voices overlapped over each other, especially at the end, was absolutely fantastic! You made me so happy just listening to it! Remember to take care of yourself, and have a happy Halloween!!!

[@kolosmenus]

Yessss, more irish folk songs please

[@nataliefbehler]

One of my favorite church songs growing up was set to the tune of The Star of the County Down, but I'd never heard the original. Love it, definitely makes me want to dance.

[@Wotsitorlabart]

The lyrics to 'Star of the County Down' are actually set to a 17th century English tune (The Clean Contrary Way).

[@TheCreepypro]

some mighty fine a singing and a strumming

[@datawizard8194]

NOW THIS Is the song thats gets put on full blast. If my hearings gunna be gone its going to be from this!

[@colleenmoore978]

There really should be a double thumbs up button👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 loved hearing the lyrics to this tune after learning to play it on my fiddle.

[@4LeafWhiskey]

One of my favorite songs. County Down is my favorite for Irish Whiskey

[@happyday8691]

History of such folklore song that is awesome 😎?

[@TheQueenOfFerelden930]

Omg. I love everything about this one! Amazing job, as always!

[@liamphiggins457]

Just gotta say, since I discovered your awesome work I've been always getting me ma to listen to your songs and she is filled with joy as she is a Irish woman through and through haha. Keep it up laddie

[@grahamthomas9319]

Grew up with irish music. Alot of my ancestors came from ireland, I feel contected to them when I listen.

[@Shadowfell]

I've known this tune for years, but had never heard the lyrics to it. Very happy that you are my introduction to it. Much love.

[@saifularomax7512]

The best version and strongest version of the song. Love from Bangladesh

[@cosimawalter7358]

An unique and brillant masterpiece ❤ totally new character on the one hand and on the other not too much❤🎉

[@imperialdrake7544]

I wish I had a voice fit for singing to others besides my friends and family, because you provide a excellent list of songs I have memorized.

[@daphneopyc7055]

Excellent as always. The Last Length is easily one of my favourite songs of all time. Some songs that come to mind I think would really suit your voice is the Jolly Roving Tar and Whores and Hounds by the Irish Rovers and The Idiot by Stan Rogers.

[@Moricant]

Always loved this one, and not just because I live in County Down. Superb work.

[@rotaylor2237]

Would you do Galway girl? I’d like to hear that one, ever thing you do is amazing. Though that Irish tune has a special place with me.

[@TwistedGaming99]

This was on a CD my parents would play on holiday when I was a wee lass... This got me way too emotional, I love it 😄

[@IggyTthunders]

If Colm made a bop for a 'Pirates' movie with one star, he would be the reason it got one ⭐

[@joanviveros6315]

One of my favorite covers of this song since now 👌

[@bogikorpai]

Omg!! It's amazing!! You did it again, you're the best! Your work is amazing, you just made my day with this song 💞

[@MechaShadowV2]

Might it be possible to have a video with the lyrics? I can't seem to find any lyrics video that has the part that you have in the middle and repeat at the end.

[@fondueyourself]

YES! Awesome cover! It's one of my favorite Irish songs, and this is now my favorite rendition of it! I'm super excited for your Irish songs album. It would be incredible if you included another original in it too, but no pressure.

[@dustinpowis3814]

Absolutely amazing Colm! Your music is captivating to say the least!

[@nathanblake3647]

This was absolutely amazing comrade! I had goosebumps two lines in, thank you so much for your work!

[@Mississippikid292]

As an American that is half Irish this kind of music know how to reach into my bloodline bring out the heritage of my ancestors within my soul

[@seregrian5675]

MARVELOUS! I am so glad I discovered your channel and your talent!

[@haraldaksnes9927]

Always so happy listening to your voice, that the video is 2 years old dosent make sense. I fell i heard this one around the start of corona. O well, sounds nive and life is just smashing 😊

[@reenactorgal7888]

Sooo happy you did this song! One of my all-time favorites!

[@Chikinbokbok]

I was not expecting to see a five string. Normally I'll only see tenors in irish music. Always nice to see a fellow five string player. I don't play Irish music though, I'm an American bluegrass banjo player. I have dabbled a bit though.

[@pfeilchen]

After struggeling for some time to point at exactly why i love these so much, i currently believe it is because you respect, that these are at their core simple songs and don't try to dress them up like christmas trees and also because of your precise annunciation, that adds to the rythm.

[@Vargavinter83]

My man, easily one of my favorite among the classics! Always brings a smile on my face 😁

[@kmss04]

I’m so excited! You never disappoint!