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.

[@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

[@user-kf3iw5hr5e]

Yes

[@daomingjin]

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

[@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.

[@nanot.1984]

Well, Well said. The only Irish rebel tune/Irish traditional tune/song that I think comes close if not surpass is the Foggy Dew by Sinéad O'Connor, her rendition is so hauntingly beautiful, it gives me shivers and transports me to another time and ethereal place

[@brianlove6450]

Second only to Scorn

[@Buckdax]

agreeeeeeeeeeee! /greetings from sweden

[@Emma-ou9fn]

What a beautiful thing to say 💚

[@philbaglio5964]

4:32 4:32 de 😅

[@jc-16.]

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

[@user-xl2jq7hu5j]

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

[@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 .

[@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

[@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.👍

[@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 :)

[@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 👍👍👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@_tonyperoni_]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@patriciarodger6619]

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

[@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.....

[@Theartman102]

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

[@Quint1234adoor]

same

[@Quint1234adoor]

we might be the last

[@Thatequestriangirlie]

Same, but I’m 12

[@hopefulperson9057]

You're a very smart 11 yr old 🇮🇪

[@Theartman102]

@@Quint1234adoor yeah

[@werewolf5674]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@daphnethurlow5388]

His voice brings tears to my eyes..

[@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.

[@oldschoolgaming.]

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

[@ronwade6252]

Nobody sings this masterpiece better than Luke Kelly.

[@jonbritland8389]

Beautiful deep Irish voice, timeless. classic.

[@robertstopford1016]

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

[@gregbrophy5781]

That voice ... the passion ... the power ... the inflection ... and the hauntingly beautiful poem ...... THE best song i've Ever heard sung !

[@lorrivaughn9066]

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

[@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,

[@user-zb8lb8or3o]

from an english man...true x

[@jackjordano2152]

This son of Ireland penetrates my soul!

[@leaguepresident393]

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

[@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

[@cevi7515]

One of my favourite songs! Greets from Holland 🇳🇱

[@magdimahgoub4129]

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

[@ciaranscullion1050]

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

[@twl107]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@user-ib2ks3te6m]

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

[@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.

[@happy_camper]

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

[@dominickelly6259]

One word, PERFECTION!

[@jessesands4099]

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

[@darrenwalshe8513]

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

[@gerryjordan2791]

Awesome, absolutely awesome. I met Luke and the others one Sunday afternoon. I was only 20 and my boyfriend at the time was big friends with them. That was in 1966. Wow, 55 years ago!!

[@gregbrophy5781]

You are so , so lucky

[@vallancesmillie5734]

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

[@933ben]

A voice like no other .rip Luke legend !

[@patrickbrowne3947]

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

[@colinbell2983]

If anyone's ever seen the film 'In Bruges' this song is used absolutely brilliantly in it.

[@normancameron6165]

From Scotland he the best one honest man

[@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

[@davidhilliardmusic]

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

[@laughingachilles]

If a soul could sing it would sound like this.

[@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.

[@patkeenan7666]

Never to be repeated. LUKE rest in peace.

[@redandgreenofmayo]

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

[@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

[@jessesands4099]

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

[@seanfagan6727]

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

[@bigenglish22]

Just spent a fair sum on new headphones. After listening to that, they never need to work again to have been worth every penny.

[@jamesconnors3042]

God bless ya Luke a legend is an understatement

[@ivano4773]

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

[@k.lambda4948]

An absolute legend. I kind of love how various audience members are mouthing the words. There's something very primal in this song...

[@user-hd8fj2mb5p]

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.

[@gerrysmith1782]

How can he do this alone amazing little support how can he do this The Genius that is Luke kelly

[@bbourke2242]

Nobody can sing that song like Luke kelly

[@tomipresley6246]

luke kelly such a voice , rest in peace. from northern ireland

[@tessteasers]

Nice to hear

[@marykeating2288]

This is a performance to be cherished and never forgotten.

[@radiotelegram]

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

[@MrKjc105]

No words can express this talent enough said God bless and thank you

[@olgarozsivalova4725]

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

[@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.

[@lindamcfaul2578]

Best version of all. Nobody can compare.

[@niallireland2940]

The greatest singer to ever stand on these shores

[@ifyourepliedyougay4969]

100

[@Paulco67]

FACT

[@glennpayne704]

Wow wow wow...... where has all the great music gone?

[@kathrynlandry-ir8kh]

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

[@boldhylandpaddy5288]

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

[@Scanjoon]

A 100% Irish troubadour. Luke never just sang a song; he made himself part of it as though he was telling a story of personal experience.

[@JoeRowlands]

WOW! I never tire of listening to this, such beauty and so much emotion

[@jaycampbell5335]

The Irish are the poets of the world

[@mirarstudios]

The Picts and Celts of the rare old times

[@kathrynlandry1211]

Agree

[@teresaquail3503]

Agree 100%

[@MsJohannaking]

Best ever I heard. RIP Luke Kelly 💔

[@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.

[@a3nnetteenglish969]

This song was 100% made for Luke Kelly what a singer he was the Passion and emotion he sang with can still be felt all these years later Such a pitty he was taken so young. The best singer ever to grace our beautiful country and even beyond. Rip Luke.

[@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."

[@user-wi8bv9tb7p]

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

[@AbandonEarth911]

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

[@allanreginaldmichael3400]

Magnificent, magnificent Luke. Ne'er heard a singer with such angst. Love it.

[@kylehoward4636]

If Luke Kelly can’t break your heart then nothing/no one will. God he was good.

[@patrickbrowne3947]

This is as good as it gets… and it stands shoulder to shoulder with Norwegian Wood… beautiful 👍

[@Christopher1990z]

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

[@johnoconnor5029]

Amazing.....I have never heard anybody to sing a song with such a passion....and play the banjo while doing it with such ease. I remember my Da coming home the night that Luke had passed away in the early 80's and he was crying, as a young lad I didn't understand why. But I do now....me and my Da often sing Luke's songs together now LOL

[@capjoartist1200]

Fantastic, magical and amazing

[@quadrupletreblex]

Luke Kelly could pluck the words from your heart and sing them back to you,God rest your soul Luke you had plenty, from the hills of Donegal 🇮🇪 🍀 ☘️ 💚🇮🇪 ☘️ 💚 🇮🇪🍀🇮🇪

[@chrislaing1395]

Just beautiful. You struggle to find anyone on the level of Luke nowadays or ever.