best Scottish/Irish song Ever?

[MaryL]

 

[Damaged Eagle]

*****CHUCKLE*****

 

[Canon Shooter]

When my daughter and I were in Edinburgh in 2019, we were having a beer in the Captain's Bar near the University.

We happened to show up on some sort of "open mic" night, as there were a number of different performers.

The most memorable was an old man; probably in his late 80's or early 90's, who started singing "Down In The Valley" a cappella.

It was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever heard...

 

[gtopa1]

I know McCormack isn't as lovely in recordings but I think of this as my favourite song of ANY.



The harp that once through Tara's halls
The soul of music shed
Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls
As if the soul were fled
So sleeps the pride of former days so glory's thrill is over
And hearts that once beat high for praise
Now feel that pulse no more
No more to lords and ladies bright
The harp of Tara' swells
The chord alone that breaks at night
Its tale of ruin tells
Thus freedon now so seldom wakes
The only throb she gives
Is when some heart indignant breaks
To show that still she lives

Greg

 

[gtopa1]

The Minstrel Boy is another that is pleasing to my ear. This is a recent version.



A more traditional version here:



Lyrics

The minstrel boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you'll find him
His father's sword he hath girded on
And his wild harp slung behind him
"Land of Song" cried the warrior bard
"Tho' all the world betrays thee
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard
One faithful harp shall praise thee"
The minstrel fell but the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder
And said, "No chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and brav'ry
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery"

Both quite listenable...and moving.

Greg

 

[gtopa1]

Hauntingly beautiful.

Greg

 

[konradv]

Clannad- Theme from Harry’s Game

 

[Tommy Tainant]