A friend who used to sing Arthur McBride sent me this link. I've always loved Paul Brady's singing and guitar playing, as he sings with a heartbreaking passion, so full of life and the beautiful voice of a gifted and wonderful singer, musician. This is among the most beautiful songs and versions I've heard him sing and so great to find it here. May Paul Brady live long and continue to bless us with his heartfelt voice and playing.
The first time we heard this version in the mid-seventies we couldn't believe the magnificent guitar arrangement - we already knew the voice could soar like no one else - pure majic.
No doubt. Paul Brady is stunning. Have seen him in concert a few times with only guitar or piano & you could hear a pin drop. A class act. This is superb.
I love the semi-subversive story. I feel like I've always loved that melody, since before I knew of it. Tremendous playing and singing. And the video's final seconds are a treat.
a beautiful ending :-) job well done paul and forever remind your countrymen to laugh at the very idea of being anyone's cannon fodder. it is so good to see that paul has the strength to keep on and on performing this song through all these years and with so much grace, passion and humour.
A man who has made a song his own. Played it a thousand times probably. And brings something new to the table every time he 'performs' it. Probably surprising himself every time into the bargain. As well an any audience that had heard it a hundred times before. Genius is a bit strong, and is overused. Though Brady is one, no doubt. But he is too humble for all that nonsense. A workman who has mastered his tools, of voice, guitar, atmosphere and rendition. A true craftsman at work. Enjoy and revel in his mastery!
Paul has added several more instruments over the years. Internal instruments. He has found his voice and exercised it to near perfection. His nob is at "11" - and does not even need an amplifier. I was lucky enough to hear him at a small place with about 100 people in Seattle in 2003(?), and he had the place by it's balls. Amazing performer, writer,.... TALENT!
One of the greatest and most versatile talents of a generation. The boy wonder singer/picker of the '70s matured into a unique artist with a breadth of work that astonishes...
One of the best singer/songwriters/guitarists surely. I was taught this song by my mother and this rendition is superb. Also love the songs Paul wrote for Bonnie Raitt. I cover The Island at gigs on piano. Respect to you Mr Paul Brady X
Absolutely unique rendition - the fusion of voice melody and playing puts this right off the scale - but did he ever get the credit, apart from fellow musicians who just stand in awe?.
Nobody sings this song like Paul B. There is a feel and depth to the words and melody that are just so subtle. It helps to have matured in N.I. methinks. John McG
The song originated in Donegal according to the sleeve notes from the Irvine and Brady Album/1977. This version comes from Limerick apparently which was a British Army Garrison town
This is a beautiful version of 'Arthur McBride' -- I've only every heard one other musician do this version, a singer who used to play the local pubs where I live. In any case, I think I like this one best of all.
Mr Brady sounds even better than the 1977 video on here also. I suppose cause 40 years later he's got a better guitar which sounds truly wonderful. Thanks for posting. Much appreciated, and thanks, Paul, a great version, of a great song!
Magnificent! Stirred up the Irish heritage of this 'ol Aussie sheila to be sure to be sure! Hmm my hero Eric Bogle (Scottish anti-war singer) may have to share his pedestal with one Paul Brady from now on!
Paul Brady rocks, I could listen to him all day, actually I have to go to work so can only listen in my spare time and he would take up all my spare time
When I am recognized for my talents and get to hold court with Total Guitar magazine, and they ask ME, what MY top 10 guitarists are, I'll sneak Paul Brady in at no.5 or no.6. That look he gives at the end, where he has even surprised himself. Priceless. I know that look. It's the look of a hundred hours of practice paying off. Pulling it off. The acknowledgement from the few others in the room, all it takes to break that stunned silence of (and excuse my language here) Fucking hell!. What the fuck was that? This is a superb version of a superb song.
I've often heard "with our trusty shillelaighles we bashed in their heads" and a dozen other variations on this song. Even if you hate the Irish, you've got to love the Irish!
The song is a soldier's song about two irishmen that are tried to be conscripted into the British army. I'm guessing it's around the Napoleonic wars because it talks about being sent to France. Knowing that the story comes out of the song.
Blackthorn is iron hard wood, with spiky bits on it. Shileleaghs are balanced with mega weight at the receiving end. The common man was only allowed steel weapons in times of war, so among other weapons, they developed fighting staffs, of which the shileleagh was one. Was such a weapon capable of bursting open your cranium and scattering your brains across the heath ? You better believe it !
Oh, me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a-walking down by the seaside Now, mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning… Out for recreation, we went on a tramp And we met Sergeant Napper and Corporal Vamp And a little wee drummer, intending to camp For the day being pleasant and charming. “Good morning ! Good morning!” the sergeant did cry “And the same to you gentlemen! ” we did reply , Intending no harm but meant to pass by For it being on Christmas morning. But says he, “My fine fellows if you will enlist, It’s ten guineas in gold I will slip in your fist And a crown in the bargain for to kick up the dust And drink the King’s health in the morning. For a soldier he leads a very fine life And he always is blessed with a charming young wife And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife And always lives pleasant and charming… And a soldier he always is decent and clean In the finest of clothing he’s constantly seen While other poor fellows go dirty and mean And sup on thin gruel in the morning. ” “But “, says Arthur, “I wouldn’t be proud of your clothes For you’ve only the lend of them as I suppose And you dare not change them one night, for you know If you do you’ll be flogged in the morning. And although that we are single and free we take great delight in our own company And we have no desire strange faces to see Although that your offers are charming And we have no desire to take your advance All hazards and dangers we barter on chance For you would have no scruples for to send us to France Where we would get shot without warning ” “Oh now! “, says the sergeant “I’ll have no such chat And I neither will take it from spalpeen or brat For if you insult me with one other word I’ll cut off your heads in the morning ” And then Arthur and I we soon drew our hods And we scarce gave them time for to draw their own blades When a trusty shillelagh came over their heads And bade them take that as fair warning And their old rusty rapiers that hung by their side We flung them as far as we could in the tide “Now take them out, Divils! “, cried Arthur McBride “And temper their edge in the morning “. And the little wee drummer we flattened his pow And we made a football of his rowdeydowdow Threw it in the tide for to rock and to row And bade it a tedious returning And we having no money, paid them off in cracks And we paid no respect to their two bloody backs For we lathered them there like a pair of wet sacks And left them for dead in the morning. And so to conclude and to finish disputes We obligingly asked if they wanted recruits For we were the lads who would give them hard clouts And bid them look sharp in the morning. Oh me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride As we went a walkin’ down by the seaside, Now mark what followed and what did betide For it being on Christmas morning.
I think it's CGDGBD - if you listen you can hear the (beautiful) low C in the C major chord; also, if you look when he's playing the D chord he uses his second finger or his thumb on the bottom string.
I have to agree with TK Bertram but i supose i am Irish but i have seen this fine man many times and this song always gets better at every gig .............
Jamie, I have found three different versions of Paul singing this song (from performances in 1974, 1977, and this one). All three are amazing, but this one is my favorite.
I've known this song for years, but never heard this version ("Christmas morning...pleasant and charming"). The last lines of this song almost always bring me to tears: "As for the old rapiers that hung by their sides, We flung them as far as we could in the tide 'To the Devil I bid ye,' cried Arthur MacBride. "Ye can temper your steel in the morning" Awesome.
Not the first world war, the Napoleonic wars. The vocabulary and the phrasing of the grammar in the lyrics dates it to around then. Words like "spalpeen" and "rapier" haven't been in common use for a very long time indeed. Also, it wasn't a flogging offence to modify a military uniform during the first world war. Whatever....I split hairs. It's a terrific piece of verse and no one plays it better than Paul.
@plevyman I've seen him live many times, even his own website says the tuning is open G but thanks, I will try what you suggest and see how it sounds. All said and done a great song and Paul is a wonderful player. Listen to Dick Gaughan if you get a chance he is amazing in a similar way. Thanks for you comment.
Has anyone else noticed how the pick-up sound on this guitar is inferior to the microphone set-up on the 77' recording. The earlier sound is much sweeter.
A friend who used to sing Arthur McBride sent me this link. I've always loved Paul Brady's singing and guitar playing, as he sings with a heartbreaking passion, so full of life and the beautiful voice of a gifted and wonderful singer, musician.
This is among the most beautiful songs and versions I've heard him sing and so great to find it here.
May Paul Brady live long and continue to bless us with his heartfelt voice and playing.
The first time we heard this version in the mid-seventies we couldn't believe the magnificent guitar arrangement - we already knew the voice could soar like no one else - pure majic.
No doubt. Paul Brady is stunning. Have seen him in concert a few times with only guitar or piano & you could hear a pin drop. A class act. This is superb.
Fuck the recruiting seargent, a scourge on all working class communities
I love the semi-subversive story. I feel like I've always loved that melody, since before I knew of it. Tremendous playing and singing. And the video's final seconds are a treat.
That is an AWESOME MASTERPIECE !!.....Paul Brady was not out to lunch when the good Lord gave out TALENT!!!!!
He created that talent himself, it wasn't given to him 😌
Incredible performance. Superb poetry, beutiful musicianship.
a beautiful ending :-) job well done paul and forever remind your countrymen to laugh at the very idea of being anyone's cannon fodder. it is so good to see that paul has the strength to keep on and on performing this song through all these years and with so much grace, passion and humour.
The first time I heard this song I was hooked on Paul Bradys voice ❤
I love to compare this with earlier versions of his. He has lived with this song and the story gets better with the telling
This song is not an invitation to squabble about Irish history. How lucky we are to hear this wonderful artist sing !
A man who has made a song his own. Played it a thousand times probably. And brings something new to the table every time he 'performs' it. Probably surprising himself every time into the bargain. As well an any audience that had heard it a hundred times before.
Genius is a bit strong, and is overused. Though Brady is one, no doubt. But he is too humble for all that nonsense. A workman who has mastered his tools, of voice, guitar, atmosphere and rendition. A true craftsman at work.
Enjoy and revel in his mastery!
Did he not write it? Excuse my ignorance as I have only come across this a few weeks ago but on googling it, his name came up.
Paul has added several more instruments over the years. Internal instruments. He has found his voice and exercised it to near perfection. His nob is at "11" - and does not even need an amplifier. I was lucky enough to hear him at a small place with about 100 people in Seattle in 2003(?), and he had the place by it's balls. Amazing performer, writer,.... TALENT!
Paul Brady is TRULY SENSATIONAL!!!
One of the greatest and most versatile talents of a generation. The boy wonder singer/picker of the '70s matured into a unique artist with a breadth of work that astonishes...
Beautiful and inspiringly energetic. This song was selected this morning on BBC RADIO 4 Desert Island Discs .... thanks greatly for this opportunity.
who selected it ?
@@skinnyfiuk Mark Rylance
@@JGCJGCJGC he chose Rumi big red book .. wisdom indeed from a professional liar . Refreshing 🙄
One of the best singer/songwriters/guitarists surely. I was taught this song by my mother and this rendition is superb. Also love the songs Paul wrote for Bonnie Raitt. I cover The Island at gigs on piano. Respect to you Mr Paul Brady X
what a beautiful tune to a song, could listen to this a million times and still want more...
Brilliant Paul.
Best ever version.
Encore please . ❤️❤️
Wonderful!
Absolutely unique rendition - the fusion of voice melody and playing puts this right off the scale - but did he ever get the credit, apart from fellow musicians who just stand in awe?.
The perfect arrangement of a great song by Paul Brady. This man is an artist of the very highest calibre.
first heard Paul sing this lovely ballad almost thirty years ago. Still sounds as good as ever.
I pull this video up frequently over the years and I never, tire of it. Brilliant!!
I love this version. 1st time I'm listening to it. I also love Planxty's version. I am hoping for a whacking shillelagh for my birthday!
Nice to see this.
It is still as fresh as the first time I heard it.
It looks like a great series. I hope the BBC release a DVD.
Nobody can do this song the way Paul Brady does it, he is peerless.
Nobody sings this song like Paul B. There is a feel and depth to the words and melody that are just so subtle. It helps to have matured in N.I. methinks.
John McG
This is not Paul Bradys version-this is the definitive version!
This is my definitive version, he nails it here, no question.
The song originated in Donegal according to the sleeve notes from the Irvine and Brady Album/1977. This version comes from Limerick apparently which was a British Army Garrison town
This is a beautiful version of 'Arthur McBride' -- I've only every heard one other musician do this version, a singer who used to play the local pubs where I live. In any case, I think I like this one best of all.
I never paid much attention to this fellow until recently. Some singers get worse with age and some, like Brady, just get better and better.
And amazingly, he sounds just as good! PB is such a brilliant musician... Thanks for posting. What a timely song now that we are at war.
Mr Brady sounds even better than the 1977 video on here also.
I suppose cause 40 years later he's got a better guitar which sounds truly wonderful. Thanks for posting. Much appreciated, and thanks, Paul, a great version, of a great song!
Paul Brady is a brilliant musician, love him!!
Fantastically sung and excellently played🤗
My God he's good... I love that song!
beyond magnificent, the greatest acoustic guitar song ever played.
'For we were the lads that would give them hard clouts'. REMEMBER THAT.
I shed a tear to this version. Utterly superb.
Great memories of listening to Paul Brady in Ireland many moons ago.......Thanks for sharing, best wishes P
It's alwas a pure delight seeing this wonderful artist live. Coming to the Sage, Gateshead this year. I'll be there!
15 years later it is still a classic Love it from Roscommon .
Awesome all around. Terrific singing and guitar playing.
such a glorious laugh/lark..and uncle tom cobley and all... thanks lads...
Wow. He still owns this song.
have always admired your music, lyrics very much. Best wishes X
What an excellent song and performance! Can't wait to start working it out.
And so to conclude and to finish disputes
We obligingly asked if they wanted recruits.
My very fucking favourite.
Good man Paul. ♥️
A great humble talent
Magnificent! Stirred up the Irish heritage of this 'ol Aussie sheila to be sure to be sure!
Hmm my hero Eric Bogle (Scottish anti-war singer) may have to share his pedestal with one Paul Brady from now on!
What a singer,what a song
Paul Brady rocks, I could listen to him all day, actually I have to go to work so can only listen in my spare time and he would take up all my spare time
Right on scottbuchanan, beautiful song.
Beautiful, word's, delivery, content.
Astonishing talent
lanetemple,
Thank you, Paul Brady!! That's a MASTERPIECE...nuff said.
wonderful music love it
He is brilliant
Here here, could not agree with you more, the mans a genius, who can match him.
Pure Class.
Nice guitar playing & an excellent rendition of an old Irish ballad! Erin go brath!
possibly the best piece of music ive ever heard ,even better then Handel suites from Saul
As a birthday present for my dear wife, Myra, we are taking in Paul's concert in Perth (Scotland) in March 2020.. Liam Griffin.
Whenever I sing Tim Wood's 'Freeman' - "He knew all the words to 'Arthur McBride'" - this is in the room.
When I am recognized for my talents and get to hold court with Total Guitar magazine, and they ask ME, what MY top 10 guitarists are, I'll sneak Paul Brady in at no.5 or no.6.
That look he gives at the end, where he has even surprised himself. Priceless. I know that look. It's the look of a hundred hours of practice paying off. Pulling it off. The acknowledgement from the few others in the room, all it takes to break that stunned silence of (and excuse my language here) Fucking hell!. What the fuck was that?
This is a superb version of a superb song.
Post something of yours
Love this.
Great song. Clap clap.
Freakin incredible as always from Mr Brady :)
I've often heard "with our trusty shillelaighles we bashed in their heads" and a dozen other variations on this song. Even if you hate the Irish, you've got to love the Irish!
great stuff
Definitive Version....... without doubt
The song is a soldier's song about two irishmen that are tried to be conscripted into the British army. I'm guessing it's around the Napoleonic wars because it talks about being sent to France. Knowing that the story comes out of the song.
A Classic from Paul Brady - like a fine wine Paul has improved with age.
Guitar tab is available via Pauls web site.
When was this recored? Early to mid '90s?
@primarkopolop I hear your point... but nothing to me beats the purity of that 77 version
Wisdom spoken 👍
Magic
Blackthorn is iron hard wood, with spiky bits on it. Shileleaghs are balanced with mega weight at the receiving end. The common man was only allowed steel weapons in times of war, so among other weapons, they developed fighting staffs, of which the shileleagh was one. Was such a weapon capable of bursting open your cranium and scattering your brains across the heath ? You better believe it !
Thanks for these helpful insights. Kind regards.
i think his voice is better here than in the 70s, its more rough and it suits the song better
Yes a great song with great words and what shall I say of Mr Brady?.......Brilliant ;)
Oh, me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride
As we went a-walking down by the seaside
Now, mark what followed and what did betide
For it being on Christmas morning…
Out for recreation, we went on a tramp
And we met Sergeant Napper and Corporal Vamp
And a little wee drummer, intending to camp
For the day being pleasant and charming.
“Good morning ! Good morning!” the sergeant did cry
“And the same to you gentlemen! ” we did reply ,
Intending no harm but meant to pass by
For it being on Christmas morning.
But says he, “My fine fellows if you will enlist,
It’s ten guineas in gold I will slip in your fist
And a crown in the bargain for to kick up the dust
And drink the King’s health in the morning.
For a soldier he leads a very fine life
And he always is blessed with a charming young wife
And he pays all his debts without sorrow or strife
And always lives pleasant and charming…
And a soldier he always is decent and clean
In the finest of clothing he’s constantly seen
While other poor fellows go dirty and mean
And sup on thin gruel in the morning. ”
“But “, says Arthur, “I wouldn’t be proud of your clothes
For you’ve only the lend of them as I suppose
And you dare not change them one night, for you know
If you do you’ll be flogged in the morning.
And although that we are single and free
we take great delight in our own company
And we have no desire strange faces to see
Although that your offers are charming
And we have no desire to take your advance
All hazards and dangers we barter on chance
For you would have no scruples for to send us to France
Where we would get shot without warning ”
“Oh now! “, says the sergeant “I’ll have no such chat
And I neither will take it from spalpeen or brat
For if you insult me with one other word
I’ll cut off your heads in the morning ”
And then Arthur and I we soon drew our hods
And we scarce gave them time for to draw their own blades
When a trusty shillelagh came over their heads
And bade them take that as fair warning
And their old rusty rapiers that hung by their side
We flung them as far as we could in the tide
“Now take them out, Divils! “, cried Arthur McBride
“And temper their edge in the morning “.
And the little wee drummer we flattened his pow
And we made a football of his rowdeydowdow
Threw it in the tide for to rock and to row
And bade it a tedious returning
And we having no money, paid them off in cracks
And we paid no respect to their two bloody backs
For we lathered them there like a pair of wet sacks
And left them for dead in the morning.
And so to conclude and to finish disputes
We obligingly asked if they wanted recruits
For we were the lads who would give them hard clouts
And bid them look sharp in the morning.
Oh me and my cousin, one Arthur McBride
As we went a walkin’ down by the seaside,
Now mark what followed and what did betide
For it being on Christmas morning.
Thankyou for the lyrics of this lovely song.
Sublime is exactly right! I never get tired of this one.
(Borrheid - Renfrewshire, by any chance? I grew up in Auchenback.)
I have heard many versions of this song (including the utterly appalling Bob Dylan rendition), but this is far and away my favorite.
Damned 'Bloody Backs" !
I think it's CGDGBD - if you listen you can hear the (beautiful) low C in the C major chord; also, if you look when he's playing the D chord he uses his second finger or his thumb on the bottom string.
I have to agree with TK Bertram but i supose i am Irish but i have seen this fine man many times and this song always gets better at every gig .............
Jamie, I have found three different versions of Paul singing this song (from performances in 1974, 1977, and this one). All three are amazing, but this one is my favorite.
Now you mention it, you've a good point.
Fkn tune x
I've known this song for years, but never heard this version ("Christmas morning...pleasant and charming").
The last lines of this song almost always bring me to tears:
"As for the old rapiers that hung by their sides,
We flung them as far as we could in the tide
'To the Devil I bid ye,' cried Arthur MacBride.
"Ye can temper your steel in the morning"
Awesome.
Ah, Paul Brady the Irish Dick Gaughan, both great open tuning players with wonderful voices
Mr Brady does it just right x
Not the first world war, the Napoleonic wars. The vocabulary and the phrasing of the grammar in the lyrics dates it to around then. Words like "spalpeen" and "rapier" haven't been in common use for a very long time indeed. Also, it wasn't a flogging offence to modify a military uniform during the first world war.
Whatever....I split hairs. It's a terrific piece of verse and no one plays it better than Paul.
that it is! Erin go braugh!
@plevyman I've seen him live many times, even his own website says the tuning is open G but thanks, I will try what you suggest and see how it sounds. All said and done a great song and Paul is a wonderful player. Listen to Dick Gaughan if you get a chance he is amazing in a similar way. Thanks for you comment.
How the fuck is there 25 thumbs down to this...flawless 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
Has anyone else noticed how the pick-up sound on this guitar is inferior to the microphone set-up on the 77' recording. The earlier sound is much sweeter.
@primarkopolop Thanks , lets all just enjoy the song anyway!
As good as it gets
I like that line BECAUSE they lost their swords after they lost their heads.
The end of the second line of your comment threw me a bit!
I see Paul Brady as the irish John Denver
relimes good comparison!
David Barr
lakes of ponchatrain
@getarslim actually yeah your right open G