The Town I Loved So Well - Paddy Reilly

Paddy singing at Opera House in Cork.

[@user-oj4cd4ie7l]

He is still alive at today 6th Sept 2023 he's 83 yrs old and recently sang in an Irish pub field's of Athenry after the funeral of songs writer Ian St John. He can still bash a song out today. He's my favourite singer of all time and I listen to him ever day.

[@joelehane813]

That would have been my birthday, would love to have been there!

[@GeorgeMcIlvenny]

God bless the people of Free Derry. Ireland live on!!

[@colettekeely6324]

I have listened to this song for about 30+ years now and no-one sings it like Paddy Reilly - what a voice, makes me cry every time x

[@ChrisHorner_WCC]

Paddy's version of this song remains unmatched to this day.

[@graham2458]

Filip Veselý I'm sorry but Luke Kelly owns this song

[@iammrfredrogersfan4930]

Exactly! And thank you, machree01, for the video!!!

[@GrissomLovesSara]

Agree. It's Paddy's all the way

[@kingshamie1332]

Nice paddy but your not a patch an Luke Kelly sorry paddy but Ireland knows it and so do you

[@Loveandbullets1]

LOL Paddy is the best irish tenor of all time

[@mmckw1]

Perhaps this is the definition of the word "beautiful"

[@m.vincentmcbride2571]

Always brings a tear to my eye, my dad used to sing this to me as a child - roots where would we be without them!

[@richardmavin8255]

M. Vincent McBride sometimes a beautiful tree grows up in another's garden, seeds cast on the winds but it's beautiful blossom inspires its longing for its home soil

[@nepouretrelibre]

This song is fantastic, thank you very much mister Paddy Reilly... from Algéria, i am Kabylo-Canadien. i'am to be free!!

[@stephenmcconville8743]

this was my das funeral song! this tune made the funeral perfect and made me pround be be his son..... R.I.P

[@seanharkin8999]

Around 40 years ago, not long out my teens, I went to Glasgow to see the Dubliners, who I'd heard of supported by Paddy Reilly (never heard of him, but the poster helpfully put in brackets "Town I loved so well" I knew that song) Sorry Dubliners, you were rotten telling people NOT to sing along, NOT to Shout requests. On popped Paddy, one man on stage and he had a very large Audience in the palm of his hand, sang this song, we couldn't sing for the tears, it was so beautiful. Someone shouted a song he'd say "just for you" mattered not a damm if that was going to be the next song anyway, Dubliners came on for encore Crowd chanted "bring on Paddy!" Fantastic!

[@colindlynch]

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

[@cliffjobe7567]

I saw Paddy Reilly 3 nights in a row at the Century Irish Pub, Falmouth, Cape Cod, in 1975. Bought this album, Town I Loved So Well and brought it back 600 miles to home on a Suzuki 550 motor cycle. Still have the album. First time I ever heard The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, was those nights.

[@machree01]

That's great, he released that album in 1975, i bought it ion Cassette, thanks for sharing

[@davidpeters253]

Please play this masterpiece over and over again,thanks again and again ! Dave Peters.

[@Cora342]

I lived in Brooklyn in 1994 and a Greek guy used to sing this note perfect. I met him in the knights of Columbus

[@rayferg4996]

I never get tired of this song! I listened to it three time today already--Luke Kelly, Ronnie Drew and Paddy Reilly versions!

[@incitingariot9925]

Luke and Ronnie sang it well but I was raised on the paddy version. Even live against the prerecorded version there is no difference between the Paddy versions. Ronnie and Luke had their songs but this belongs to Drew.

[@Wiggitywiggdogg]

The Dubliners do a great version of it.

[@tracieb4085]

@@incitingariot9925 I was raised on paddy version too

[@KikaGuimaraes]

​@@user-kv3zi8bo5oPaddy is still alive, may Luke and Ronnie rest in peace.

[@TheKevin52xmx]

i sang it on the streets of germany for 7 years back in the 90s,ah what a mad time,Best aduinece

[@dennisoconnor464]

Speechless..... God I’m Happy I’m Irish! Erin Go Bragh!!

[@mrmacygrey]

When it gets you everytime, that's when you know it's a master piece. Grandad introduced me to so many great songs, that I've shared with my own boys.

[@GrissomLovesSara]

Paddy! I love you!! Sing to me forever please. So great!

[@aldetect]

I have always loved Paddy and enjoyed meeting him in NY/NJ many years ago. From this English / Irish man, I thank you for such wonderful music.

[@PatrickHealy]

There's a bar named after him in NYC

[@mega6952]

En underbar låt, som jag har underbara minnen till. Som påverkat mitt liv.

[@richardyanco3229]

Not sure if he still owns it.

[@Bottle_of_water1]

My mum's funeral song, so poignant. Painful and soothing at the same time

[@justinw947]

this guys voice is unreal

[@paulymullo]

The town i loved so well,Paddy Reilly sings it brilliant,as all irish singers,luke kelly,the dubliners,all brilliant,great song

[@thomasconway8406]

So many memories , explode from such a lovely but sad song.

[@gertaabo47]

I am Danish but i love this song wonderful singer.

[@Mickman007]

A trully perfect Irish artist sure.

[@patrickdunne8735]

Absolutely brilliant version of a great song

[@mactcampbell]

Pure and simple. Just an acustic guitar for accompaniment. Paddy was one of a generation of talented, dedicated, Irish singers that were very passionate about their folk songs and they sang them in that fashion.

[@kingoshua]

Irish music at its very best

[@kyleiange]

A legend singer and performer 👍🎤🎶🇮🇪💚

[@ambervale1000]

This is the best you can get from a Irish folk singer*keep it going Pat.

[@vasilesora1760]

Great song and great artist! - from Romania

[@BillyBob-yb5ht]

Wonderful magical song and voice.

[@melboudreau2036]

Love everything Paddy Reilly ever sang. He's the best!

[@johnmullin1188]

What you never heard Kelly sing this beautiful song it was his God bless you 😊

[@macker33]

Paddy reilly is the best version

[@autonlmatic]

What a beautiful song by such a great singer.

[@scotta.5681]

Paddy Reilly has a magnificent voice - a true Irish troubadour. I listen to his music all of the time and it still brings tears to my eyes. So sad he's no longer with us. :(

[@machree01]

Scott Andreacci thanks for commenting, Paddy is still alive

[@scotta.5681]

Really??????? omg - I thought he was gone! That's a bit embarrassing lol A friend of mine had told me he died years ago from a heart attack. I wonder if he confused him with someone else? Thank you so much for letting me know. I've been listening to him for many years and love his voice. Once again, thank you! :)

[@paulinedraper980]

machree01 Thank goodness for that!

[@maycoats4901]

Love that song. Thank you Paddy Reilly 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@stephenkonefal276]

Well done..emotional...what's done is done

[@SJ-li6ho]

My dad sang this. A cockney living in rural Galway. 5k walked through the house to respect him.

[@gaggymott9159]

Absolutely unparalleled. FLAWLESS! ❤❤❤

[@johnking5174]

I am from Derry and this song gets me every time

[@davidgibbs7232]

What a lovely song and a lovely voice.

[@kennysmith8358]

An amazing song sang so well .

[@2FmDJ]

Beautiful song! Great insight into the past!

[@richardyanco3229]

Saw and listened to Paddy many times at the Beachcomber in Wollaston (Quincy) Mass. Also in Melrose, Mass. Always Terrific. He insisted on quiet as he was prone to get "lost" remembering the lyrics.

[@patriciadavidson6765]

A class act is our Paddy Reilly. A singer of magnificence ☘️💚

[@catherinemcgaughey8050]

great singer love that song i sing my self at gigs

[@michaeldynes77]

Perfect song,Perfect singer/story teller.

[@SFXJohn]

what a great song love this version

[@CyprianVox333]

It’s amazing how much one song can transport you to a time and place you’ve never been before. You know it only through your parent’s stories and music ALWAYS MUSIC.

[@markrhodes5474]

Fantastic singer Paddy Reilly

[@clive3940]

In my memory I will always see The town that I have loved so well Where our school played ball by the gasyard wall And we laughed through the smoke and the smell Going home in the rain, running up the dark lane Past the 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 Called women from Creggan, the Moor and the Bog While the 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 And 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'd 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 tree Now the army's installed by that old gasyard wall And the damned 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 Source: Musixmatch Songwriters: Phil Coulter

[@johnkeane7151]

❤great song, excellent singer. ☘️⚘️

[@Demusicman2]

just listen to the lyrics. who else can tell an irish ballad about any irish town. the best ever to tell a story through song.

[@martyarmstrong5871]

Dark Dark days... Amdbetter and better...

[@jpcbrother]

Epic.... no other word can describe this

[@marytresham9164]

I loved that town and in dreams forever ... my always

[@billbrady8887]

greatest version...Paddy Reilly is the best

[@Fortuna_Magica]

Try Luke Kellys version you might change your oppinion but yes paddy does it well..

[@sallycharton6788]

Beautiful song

[@bumblebeejimmy]

Paddy has a beautiful voice, an amazing rendition. Phil Coulter wrote this song, but Luke Kelly owns it.

[@paddyf5134]

Quality... What a voice

[@craigthompson6320]

What a song

[@Ferika75]

quelle voix puissante - love it

[@octoberknight6500]

I remember my younger sibling singing that song.

[@jl57]

Sing it Paddy me boy....Great singin me friend...Great song too....Jack

[@johnconnelly7569]

great song

[@russellvidot6497]

FANTASTIC

[@anelladambrosio2513]

E un piacere ascoltarti!! Paddy!! La tua voce e incantevole!!!😀😍😍😍😘😘🎸🌟🌲⛄buone feste!!!

[@irish9boy]

The best version.

[@katiecoynemypsychiceyes666]

Wow, never heard this version (I know, right) Brilliant voice.

[@Ferika75]

quelle voix puissante ! amazing !

[@machree01]

Erika Fischer he has indeed.

[@nondepouk]

Marvelous !!!

[@ansbieleveld-bb2oe]

Never forgotten

[@tjipmeulen957]

Paddy Reilly, wat een prachtig mooie stem.

[@katarinaboskovic2927]

my grandpa told me that Belgrade was city of factories and cars. Now it is the town of drug dealers rappists and homless men from Syria. We will help that poor people

[@diosantana2659]

Katarina Boskovic...much of Europe is going that way because nobody worried about the borders

[@johnbenmour8316]

makes me think about Brooklyn

[@NothernBug]

the great tradition in ireland of songs and the dancing make me envy you so much. but it might not have been if life hade been easier on your country. everything costs.

[@Ms2blackcats]

I wish someone would find a friend of mine from Derry. I haven't heard from him in ten years. Richard where are you. I've asked the football league .

[@goonbetzy]

Chizzy raff what a song

[@aasnaald]

timeless

[@goddambitch12]

fantastic

[@marytresham9164]

Still always xxx

[@trevormadden4301]

Mighty. Rise it up there Paddy

[@litom6251]

Superb

[@jasminkaindl7222]

derry no london derry. odin

[@castlebar67]

Hi exactly Jasmin thank you

[@CJ-uo9cd]

Jasmin Kaindl Odin, lol thanks

[@ChiefCowpie]

Love the Derriers

[@Elmwood-ze3cr]

Brilliant

[@custodiofigueira5497]

Talent et voix exceptionnelle toujours au rdv

[@hippyskin6490]

the best

[@seanfitzgerald9074]

Quality tune

[@elisemcgill9624]

the best version ever;lucky to see him in Greenock Town Hall.A firm favorite in Republican Port Glasgow

[@calfan4life]

Saints Patricks Day 2024

[@fanmaxis3004]

Oll Paddy

[@joelehane813]

Wonderful song and voice. Was the missing verse deliberate? ...There was music there in the Derry air....

[@KikaGuimaraes]

What is wrong with some people??? Paddy is alive!

[@sofepuphunter1141]

My Granny's song

[@susangallagher6511]

Derry will never the english soilders and what they did.

[@alangraham7967]

and we, the law abiding people, will never get McGuinness, for all his murders, sad bt true Susan ... and he played a significant role that day too

[@Cora342]

@@alangraham7967 nice to see someone respond to a comment in such a mannerly way and still make your point. Well done sir.

[@Ravbo1]

are now going to listen to the only version of this song - Luke Kelly

[@octoberknight6500]

Ballybough 89 or 90.in d flats.d bros tune.

[@darkiee69]

He missed one verse, the one thata starts "there was music there in the Derry air".

[@billyjoel1142]

takin politics out it

[@rafvdt7524]

Betty chante Paddy Reilly pour moi mmmhhhh

[@bernardboyle3617]

Great simger 4:50

[@adanielpender1453]

Suliivn jhon