Raglan Road - Mark Knopfler with Donal Lunny

Taken from Donal Lunny's "Sult - Spirit of the Music" TV series - recorded around 1996.
Mark Knopfler - vocals & guitar
Donal Lunny - bouzouki
Liam O'Flynn - uilleann pipes
Sean Keane - fiddle

[@trebledog]

Mark Knopfler could sing the paint off the Mona Lisa and meke her shed a tear. He is super famous, yet so underrated as a musician and missed by the public at large.

[@davefelce6424]

Beautiful. Any man who has experienced this will shed many tears. I love this version.

[@mikeyates7931]

Her name was , Chantelle - I loved her very much - and I still do - and I always will

[@toocooljonny]

Honorary Irish man Mark Knopfler☘️

[@TomBolger-sv3pd]

Mark knopfler is an absolute legend and he sang this with his own passion ❤

[@jameslomonaco5271]

What a beautiful, haunting song. Tears are here.

[@dermotmcglinchey282]

I’m sure Mark an amazing singer and musician would acknowledge Luke Kelly nailed Raglan road, however both of the artists are unique..

[@richiemcgowan9766]

Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest legends in recent musical history. I am an Irish born musician and songwriter, and I feel honoured that such a genius would grace us with this performance, so thank Mark. And regarding the "haters", don't be a critic until you can play, sing and write even 1 % as well as Mark. Also, in case you didn't know, Mark and his brother David, were born in Glasgow, and maybe, just maybe, this is where his very genuine, and natural affinity to Celtic music comes from. So please take it as a compliment that such a worldwide legend would grace us Irish folk with this performance. I met Mark Knopfler once, and I have to say, it's rare that you could meet such a humble person, considering his success. By the way, "Private Investigation" is one of the greatest songs in history.

[@anne-marielund3464]

The underplayed feelings comes across so strongly and I love his quiet demeanour and respect for the lyrics. He lets the lyrics stand out and thankfully he doesn't overdo the vocals so the poetic allure and soft melody really shines. I love it.

[@jimfell7147]

Yes but spent most of his early years in the North East and they know a bit about emotive music and the traditions

[@noelogradyireland]

@@anne-marielund3464 I totally agree, Anne-Marie. And he gets all the words right.

[@nkentable]

i love MK and just discovered this, and his version of irish heartbeat with van morrison. his soul is in it

[@seancarolan2860]

I have always considered "Telegraph road " one of his most underrated songs .

[@clarebannerman]

"The Queen Of Hearts" was a restaurant in Grafton St. at the time.

[@tomcole4234]

I love that line.. Thanks for the history on it..

[@tonyburke9334]

I never knew that, thanks for explaining

[@clarebannerman]

@@jamesstuartbrice420 The composer of the song the late Patrick Kavanagh confirmed to his good friend Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners Folk Group that The Queen of Hearts was in fact a reference to this particular restaurant in Grafton Street, Dublin of the same name.

[@clarebannerman]

Read and study the life of Paddy Kavanagh son and you'll get it into your head I'm telling you the truth..Paddy was a man that said what he meant and meant what he said..All the readings on that poem are from personal experiences of the author...Just two of the points..yes the restaurant in Grafton Street did make tarts and yes Paddy did make hay in his father's farm in Monaghan...

[@Olhamo]

oh thank you for that! i always had a strange feeling about those two lines, The Queen... And I not making hay!

[@michaelmclaughlin2039]

As an Irish traditional musician, I think Mark Knopfler is the only Englishman I have ever heard who can play traditional Irish music with authenticity. Mark knows what it means, and is so respectful of it. For example, listen to his soundtrack for the movie "Cal".

[@francispotatohead300]

Michael Mc Laughlin he's Scottish is he not

[@steviemac9055]

He was born in Scotland and lived most of his life as a Geordie, so he's not English. I am also a Geordie, and my name is McLaughlin. My family came from Donegal. I left Newcastle in 2016 and came to live in Dublin. We are probably related, Michael :-)

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it

[@Canuckmom128]

One of my favourite Soundtracks. I discovered it in my 20s. Also, his CD of his Movie Scores ( Cal, Princess Bride, Local Hero) I think it's called Last Train to Brooklyn ? FABULOUS. Bloody talented, is our Mr. Knopfler.

[@niallh8425]

He's not English born and bred in Glasgow to a Hungarian father and Geordie mother .

[@loushark6722]

Two of my favourite things together, raglan road and mark knopfler 🙏☺️💕😍

[@sherp2u1]

On a quiet street where old ghosts meet, I see her walking now....away from me soo hurriedly, heartbreaking, and chilling....💔💔

[@manwithbanjo2]

Great version. One of many great versions. Which is best is empty chatter. Christ, what I would give to sing that with Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn beside me!

[@angelicaluce3230]

'GRIEF' is a FALLING LEAF - it's HERE and then IT'S GONE! thanks for your SPIRIT, Mark. GOD BLESS YOU!

[@paulaisomura4894]

I love this song the way MK sings it. And I love his little wink at the end. His dedication to and love of Celtic music is a blessing to those of us who love both it and MK’s own Celtic infused songs as well. Love him.

[@anthonyalfaro2965]

Mark Knopfler is the most talented musician ever...his voice and his music is so tender and emotive...i absolutely love his music

[@cliffwheeler7357]

RIP Liam O'Flynn who is the uilleann piper backing Mark on this fine version of Raglan Road.

[@robertjohnston1339]

Grand version and fair play to Mark to sing our cultural songs, he has been touched by our Celtic culture for his own reasons.Paths are paths we are not to question. Saoirse and Erin go bragh.

[@AlexTaylor-i3o]

Mark was born in Glasgow

[@donfreeman686]

This is not just a song for Mark. This song has some deeper meaning for him.

[@juliagoodfellow-so4jc]

For all of us, who have lived more than a year or two.

[@domenicov_versus3789]

I have heard different versions of this beautiful traditional Irish song including that of the great legend Van Morrison but I prefer Mark Knopfler. His deep, warm and gently voice is so intense, moving and emotional and the beautiful arrangement with the traditional instruments shows the great competence, class and musical knowledge of Mark. God bless you Mark, immense and legendary artist. I think that the Ireland must give to Mark Knopfler a special honor or commendation for the love and the respect that he always demonstrated during his career for the traditional Irish music.

[@amychicatelli2147]

We're a wee bit Irish and we love this version of this lovely song!

[@BonnieSauter]

Love Mark Knopfler's tone and think this version is absolutely lovely.

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Bonnie S. Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it ✌

[@dubliner27]

He sings it like a man with a broken heart, like the writer

[@BonnieSauter]

dubliner27 yes, he really does. As a fan of Celtic music, this is my very favorite...song and performance.

[@BonnieSauter]

Mr Celtic Reggae A year late, just seeing your comment, but I will absolutely check it out. Thanks!

[@brendanCominsky]

Mr Celtic Reggae music

[@padraichorgan]

I agree that Lukes version of the song is definitive ,but I think that Mark deserves great credit for his sensitive treatment of the words of what is a poem of great beauty.I think Patrick Kavanagh would approve.

[@TRENDYPLACEBO]

I've heard this a million times, but this version brought me to tears.

[@MaxxJansson]

His voice is very moving in this one.

[@maryholloway1173]

Every song Mark Knopfler has ever sung,played is pure and great

[@Ger-vn7dy]

It's his version and his way of conveying how the words and melody of this song affect him. I personally loved this. His emotions came through beautifully.

[@kevinshelley1]

Mark Knopfler is such a talented story teller love the sound of his voice

[@Olhamo]

such. a. beautiful voice. he brings all of himself to it, and that’s a lot.

[@candyrn16141]

He brought the song to a different generation. He didn't make the song a rock or hip-hop, it was his version of a standard.

[@John-ro1iv]

I doubt knopfler would be bothered making anything hiphop 😃

[@charliebirosel3970]

Most likely the saddest, but most beautiful love song I've ever heard!

[@denise0223]

Lovely lyrics by Patrick Kavanaugh with a brilliant traditional melody…… Beautifully sung and played by Mark Knopfler - in such an incredible way that does this lovely tune extreme justice. Along with other amazing musicians who truly made this song a masterpiece. An impossible love story…… indeed. I listen to it a few times daily and love Mark’s wink at the end. Superb!! Thank you! Denise from Boston ☮️❤️🙏🏽☮️🎸🎸🎸

[@celticlofts]

I think Mark does a beautiful job on this amazing song. What a great all round musician he is too..

[@johncafferky9921]

IT WAS WRITTEN AS A POEM ORIGINALLY. KELLY MADE IT A SONG-AND A GREAT ONE AT THAT!

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it

[@JuanBeccarVarela]

What a constellation of stars. Donal Lunny, Liam O'Flynn, Sean Kean, and Mark. A scottish singing a true irish tune. Love this version much more than Kelly's, because of the musicians and the low and graspy voice of Knopfler that makes de song very sad. A masterpiece.

[@pyeman6819]

This is a good version for sure. It's up to you what you love, but Luke Kelly's voice belongs to this song.

[@Tedthebastard]

melodic version but i'm sorry this song is Lukes

[@timmydonlon3458]

Great version alright. But you can never say that it's better than Luke Kellys. It couldn't be.. sorry

[@45cal.50]

Kyle... How can you say that? Mark gives this song passion and yearning. A sadness from loss of love. I think he gives this song life.

[@heroicjourney2508]

Fair play! Love his take! If this song is sung by the heart, then it falls upon the ears of the soul, regardless of the mouth that utters its charm...

[@john69294]

brilliantly put

[@williamreynolds8177]

An absolutely beautiful rendition of one of Ireland's most haunting songs. Sends a chill down my spine.

[@mariafarrugia-harrison4491]

lukes version of this has got to be the definitive one. his diction and pure feeling and passion could bring a tear to a glass eye. r.i.p. legend

[@johnlegge2556]

Great poetry, music, & performance - as good as it gets

[@525loki]

I've heard a number of covers of this and Knopfler's is my favorite. Really lovely.

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it ✌

[@briandoherty245]

Luke kelly did it first and by a country mile the best!

[@Ravenscaller]

I truly love this. I don't know if there is a best version ever or not. That's entirely subjective. You can appreciate different versions of the same song from different artists. Mark doesn't cover songs. He does what the masters do, he interprets them. He's Mark Knopfler why would he copy anyone. What he's done and continues to do is bring Celtic music to the masses in every sold out concert he does world wind and that's something in and of itself. Long live the music and those who love it.

[@adrianred236]

I know what you mean, should look up Luke Kelly version if you want want to hear thee version.

[@beybarys]

My favourite version of this wonderful song will always be Ronnie Drew's live performance.... Lifting my hat and keepin' still in memory of a grand artist, Irish, MAN.... :-( kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWrRomt5edaje5o

[@Ravenscaller]

@@beybarys It's a great one.

[@johnscanlon6977]

Mark you so beautyfuly capture All..the poetic words of private tragety,the pace,intonation & your geniuos bt that guitar...you know as you sing One can so feel Patrick Kavanagh above your shoulder,thanking you as a great misunderstood great poet for so capturing I believe his essence by your remarkable sensitivity as you so brilliantly interpret the song,poetry & sadness of a great man who found everything for a short time ,then lost all via his artistic depth but in that depth so sad Mr Kavanagh in pain..scriped majic Raglad Road and your kind,respectful,wonderful interpretation the best ever..that has & will continue to entwine you both genious in music,prose,poetry,geography & artistic respect..Thank you Mark,have followed you all my life..& your God given fingers that play the guitar as an Irish acustic Harp...God bless you most gifted soul..John Co Tipperary Ireland.

[@christinequinn5355]

Beautifully said John.

[@sixmilebridgeandsf]

a magic version.... haunting, poetic and beautiful arrangement

[@TheAlibash]

yea could be the best version I have heard...and I have listened to many...love the words ...

[@JohnStephenDwyer]

***** lol

[@RenewedRS]

@Moreofthesamez How did you manage to get lost in the verses are you dumb? This is how Mark Knopfler often sings and it's great.

[@mrspwdoodle]

I prefer the version by the Boys of the Lough,but Mark Knopfler is pretty good. I don't much like luke Kelly's or the Dubliners' efforts.

[@markbuckley1151]

He’s done it his way and I fucking love it.

[@sandrabiggs9897]

Brilliant . Mark can do no wrong.

[@mrjesabi]

Without getting too artsy you can tell knopfler really feels the music he performs.

[@ralphh.2200]

MK works as hard on this as any song he's done.It must be a comfort to be there with Donal...

[@peterannear4494]

this is a thoughtful, loving and respectful interpretation. Thanks to all those musicians who show the integrity to play this with passion.

[@Olhamo]

yes. well said.

[@tkconnell]

OMG... M.K. is one of the best guitarists ever... whatever your nationality, give him credit for a great ballad!!

[@brenkelly1474]

Mark loved hanging out with the best musicians in Ireland... Good bunch of lads 😁🇮🇪

[@madpadi]

Lovely version Mark and Donal of an awesome song

[@Hickoree]

The bass playing is sublime.

[@theliamofella]

Never knew that mark knopfler done a version of this tune Great job

[@charliecizarny]

Cavanaugh's music and lyrics blend to create the purest quality of Irish heartbeak and music

[@TadRapidly]

There is something in this music that is reaching for God.

[@IsoMorphix]

Ugh man as soon as I read this I teared up.

[@maxkolbe8893]

On Raglan Road on an autumn day I met her first and knew That her dark hair would weave a snare That I might one day rue I saw the danger, and yet I walked 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 the 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 I did not stint For 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 wooed not as I should A creature made of clay When the angel woos the clay He'd lose his wings at the dawn of the day

[@briancrocker9926]

"And let your grief be a falling leaf at the dawning of the day" Powerful line for me

[@becksdark1961]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@peterbryne8657]

I can appreciate all versions that the many singers have of this lovely story,,,, different people with different emotions,

[@jamestonge5066]

+Peter Bryne Spot on Peter,I am an Irish Musician and could not agree more.

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it

[@timothymcgarry2671]

Fantastic take on a classic. Love Raglan Road and while Lukey Kelly's version will always be best, this version made me happy when I found it. Thanks for another one Mark Knopfler.

[@Ireland1]

Just became a mark fan. Never thought I would here a version of this as good as luke kelly but you have changed it from an Irish love song to an international one and I love it.

[@jackthelad108]

lovely .. Great to hear someone like mark take on songs like this ..

[@hideare]

I know lots of people have first heard this sung by Luke Kelly but Mark does not sing it, he reads it, like a poem, yet there is beautiful music in it, and he means every word, he reflects the meaning of each word with his voice.First is always the best, and most people have a strong urgre to reject anything that tries to re-create the theme, and most of the time, they are right to do so. But this.. "A more sophisticated opinion will admire them both, as true masterpieces of singing and poetry"

[@sebastiansaville2043]

Mary Black also sings a wonderful version. Absolutely beautiful to listen to.

[@mimispeike793]

I need a fix of this lovely rendition every week. My life is a mess. This calms me down.

[@donatellabarsotti7668]

the most beautiful irish song and the unique, sweet voice of Mark

[@BoudiccaBlanc]

This is my favorite rendition of Raglan Road! Thank you for posting it. ;-)

[@isaksvart911]

Love this version! Brings tears to my eyes, as do many versions since it touches me deeply!

[@mullerheinrich]

Absolutely beautiful! What a nice rendition and tribute to Luke Kelly.

[@spomenkazlokolica3061]

I love Mark always and forever ❤🎸💫🙋‍♀️🇷🇸

[@IrishSpursFan]

beautiful as always by Mark

[@jimdevine4550]

That was beautiful mark

[@jimmysharkey1665]

What a great song , and fabulous gathering off musicial talent 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@noeleencowen7655]

beautiful. made my heart smile.

[@endhai]

Yes, mine too! people, who doesn' lke this, has NO heart.

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Listen to Mr Celtic Reggae raglan road youtube version its really different but I love it u mite like it ✌

[@mrcelticreggae1874]

Doktor Who totally agree with you 1💚

[@slimchancetoo]

Oh My God ------- I have lived so many years without hearing this beautiful version. It can be replicated by any Irishman with a skinful of Guinness as he wanders home to his current beloved -- who may or maybe not the lady in this ballad..

[@mkeibergin3775]

slim chance you will ever wake up to the real world, crackheads like you live in shadowy worlds, where no one can really see you cos you hide under blankets of shadows like a weasel , stay away from the real world, crackhead, yours Darth Vader

[@jd-bl3gf]

Truly exceptional and sincere interpretation. Mk is a master of song, a poet & sublime storyteller

[@elrobster1]

Massive Luke and Knopfler fan here. This is a superb rendition that im sur Luke would appreciate. Beautiful!

[@hebburnbilly]

Brilliant find Tom, Mark Knopfler putting his interpretation of a fine old song, Thanks

[@judithmacinnes2488]

Beautiful song! Mark Knopler can’t be beat!!

[@simonpenny2564]

there's another version of this on youtube which ends the clip before Knopfler's wink. The wink speaks volumes, about maturity and camaraderie. I won't get into any childish arguments, but this version, with O'Flynns pipes, is the only one I want to hear.

[@Olhamo]

yes yes.

[@forrestelliott2459]

He takes and old stratocaster and plays slide effortlessly in an old medieval Mediterranean vibe!!! Brilliant!! So beautiful!

[@catherinetodd]

Beautiful rendition... really enjoyed it; true to heart.

[@marymcmullen5150]

Beautiful, Mark, you sing this so well, thank you. Luke would have sung along as brothers.

[@AubMar]

Only something else Tom, Great work! Many Thaks Aubrey

[@holasupermercado7318]

This version captures the soul of the song, just as the Dutch (Limburgian) version from Rowwen Hèze does. It's called 'November' for those who are interested. It's a bit more 'pompous' version music-wise, but it still captures the spirit of the song. The lyrics are actually quite the same (although it's in a Dutch dialect).

[@bondie45]

Brilliant upload . Thank you.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

No more hate, no more bullshit, the only truth is this - Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Love Peace and Light

[@barryconnaughton3277]

Lovely version.

[@dal_riata_music]

Absolutely stunning rendition of this beautiful song! Ar fheabhas ar fad! :-)

[@mamablues1412]

+ILLIE WHITE Ar fheabhas ar fad

[@BC25citizen]

WOW, Tom you amaze me. I've NEVER seen any of Patrick Kavanagh's poetry performed before. Such a wonderful, ornery old devil. I wish I could get hold of a complete collection.

[@adriankelly3234]

How beautiful

[@eamonncoady9823]

Thats as good a rendition of raglan road as i have heard.

[@akhan5871]

my favourite of all the versions i have heard.

[@manuellorenzorodriguezpuli5998]

Great! Amazing! Beautiful! I didn´t know this til right now and it has amazed me! I thought Knopfler was impossible to surpise me by now, but he does! (sorry about my English, I´m Spanish)

[@restimporta1953]

Un monstruo

[@restimporta1953]

El mejor sin duda

[@Restless_Hermit80]

Love the fact he's not trying to copy Luke Kelly. Mark Knopfler is as much a treasure to music as Luke Kelly and all of the Dubliners

[@francespower4631]

Beautiful thoughtful subtly emotional version

[@Marlow2929]

Great version! one of the best i've heard. fantastic!

[@tomtesticle]

I love all versions of Raglan, but this one is truly excellent even if I cannot pronounce his name.

[@bfreesun]

Love it. A real surprise for me

[@tonyspoetry]

Well delivered version of a great song by Mr Kavanagh.

[@jferkfjkj]

i love that thick scottish voice really makes this tune more uplifting

[@das9261]

A great version thanks Mark🎸🎸

[@aaronmehta5201]

I cannot wait to see him live in May.