I lost my lovely husband 21 years ago. He was a second generation Irishman and so proud of it. I would give anything to see his footprints in the sand. He was also a strong socialist and believed in justice and equality for all, as do I. RIP Pat. Love you always x

@kevinmcnamara667

6 жыл бұрын

god blessxx

@orchardwatchandclockrepair8346

4 жыл бұрын

Yes and Paul sings of hope .and forgiveness

@erinmarie5133

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry for your loss, mam. Sending you love

@irelanda8440

3 жыл бұрын

You will walk again across the sand hand in hand with your love. Rest in peace brother from one Irishman to another. Derry City Ireland much love to all. Merry Christmas 🍀💚🍀

@unterwant

3 жыл бұрын

love to look at words like 'strong socialist' and 'justice and equality' !!! waving a flag of bright colour to you Stepanie, and Pat (who is still alive in your heart) 'The Island' seems to be everywhere .......

I'm an Irishman, so understand what he was singing about at that time but this song should resonate with billions of people worldwide today no matter what walk of life youre coming from....Up here we sacrifice our children, To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday, And teach them dying will lead us into glory... Those lyrics gets me every time

@keithdoyle2613

Жыл бұрын

I agree with you ....every time it gets me too xxxx

An absolute masterpiece of a song. "Cause up here we sacrifice our children, to feed the worn out dreams, of yesterday " Brady is a master of the craft. Serious respect for the Tyrone man!

@georgeackroyd4944

5 жыл бұрын

God Bless You

@musashidanmcgrath

5 жыл бұрын

Isn't he a Derry man? :)

@algallego

4 жыл бұрын

I just came across this piece after doing a search for a different song. What a poignant gem-- a clear cut standout to be found among so many other songs clamoring to be heard amidst the cacophony of the world's voices! Two BIG thumbs up!

@Givingitashot

3 жыл бұрын

@@musashidanmcgrath Strabane Sir😉 He's a fellow Tyronian!😂

@Givingitashot

3 жыл бұрын

@@algallego What a song to find. Enjoy.

Paul Brady comes from my own hometown, Strabane. We should all listen to what he says about our beautiful Island. We need to stop "trying to reach the future from the past"... We've had too many sad songs/times in Ireland. We have our own beautiful Island and it's big enough to share!!! Lets stop carving tombstones for a worthless "cause" that only "sacrifices our children for worn out dreams of yesterday". What a beautiful, prophetic song. Thank you Paul!!

I'm a child of the 70's in N.Ieland...this song always brings a tear. Freedom is peace!!!!!!

Greetings from Jordan to Ireland.

Beautiful & haunting lyrics. Great singer songwriter. Still as relevant in the world today especially in Gaza.

Why do I have to be so old before I discover a song this good from an artist I never knew...? The world amazes me all the time, and delights me much of the time. The thrill of discovery, and the pleasure of being able to take what you have found home and keep it with you the rest of your life.

@mollydoyle3504

2 ай бұрын

At least you discovered it. Never too late.💜

This is my favourite song of all time. It was also my father's. So difficult to listen to now that's he's gone.

by far the best Irish singer songwriter

@joebrowne9217

3 жыл бұрын

If you ever write anything better Paul...... because that sums up NI.

As an Englishman with Irish ancestry, I am so proud of my Irish heritage thanks to this man. My family originally comes from County Clare.

@BrianJMonahan

7 жыл бұрын

As an Irish-Anglo/Anglo-Irish man who identifies with the superiority of the colonial ego, your welcome.

@petelaw44

7 жыл бұрын

How, could any human being identify with the 'Colonial Ego', Brian? Am not in any way castigating or criticizing you. Just wondering how, as I don't know or understand. Thank you, in advance for your understanding and patience...

@sarahannferrigan

4 жыл бұрын

Hello from County Clare!!

One of the best antiwar songs ever...a perfect blend of music x lyrics

God, is that ever the truth! I saw him a few years back at a small place in Seattle called The Tractor Tavern - what an amazing performance - just he and his instruments. He had the place in the palm of his hand - around half the people were from Ireland - many musicians. Everyone was blown away. He is a MUST SEE in person. Solo.

To the Montpelier on here, clearly upset with events and people he can't control, you don't seem to really want to understand what Paul's job has always been, His was to write, play and sing songs that touch peoples' hearts. Period. And given how little real joy there is in this life, I think his contributions exceed those of your heroes; they will last longer in men's minds and hearts

Paul, 'The Island' is one of the most meaningful songs of all time. And the music is hauntingly beautiful. You have a great talent. Thank you so much. Maura :)

@MyChrissyb

5 жыл бұрын

Tis,,Maura

Such a great song. I live in Northern Ireland, and I was born at the end of the troubles, so I never got to see the full extent of the damage, and I often don't appreciate just how many Catholics and Prodestants died in those years. This song helped me realise what my parents and their parents had to go through, it touches my heart.

It's funny, but as a Dublin man living in Australia the last 8 years we still refer to ringing family at home as 'I was on to the island'. Amazing song that I've loved and sang for years. Cryptic for non-Irish, but tear-jerking when you understand what this is about.

@carmellaebbs6999

2 жыл бұрын

Well said

An absolute classic of a song which is haunting and beautiful at the same time. Paul Brady is a gem

@WeAreChangeEire what a beautiful comment. I am english and love the irish ,their culture and music and independence ect. I am just a simple guy. we are all great friends and we should leave the hatred and al that to the rich people who are so afraid of losing what they have...one day we will take over and joy will fill the hearts of many

What a legend. He makes you proud to be Irish.

Paul, I internalized this song back in the late 90s when I lived in the conflict-torn former Soviet Republic of Georgia, where their was a peculiar and bittersweet syncronicity between the two countries. I sang it around Tbilisi as part of a set of other beautiful Irish songs. Today, there is an urge to return to this piece, as well as studying your lovely sparse performance to inform some of my other writing and singing. Bail ó Dhia ort.

Two of my favourite singer and songwriters come from northern Ireland Paul Brady and Van Morrison

I first heard this song 28 years ago on my honeymoon, walking up Grafton Street and it was being played from speakers outside a record store (anyone remember record stores? LOL). With the news coming out of Israel and Palestine this past week, I kept thinking of Paul's lyrics: "That young boys dying in the ditches is what being free is all about" and " out here we sacrifice our children to feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday...teach them dying will lead us in to glory". OMG !! Children murdering other children. Insanity ! Unfortunately, those skies are still burning...30 bloody years later.

@robertdaly5568

5 жыл бұрын

I grew up listening to the news about the north, every evening, kids were killed by plastic baton rounds, 45,000 fired in one year in the North, not one ever used on the mainland, every time I hear about a Palestinian kid killed by the soldiers of an occupying force,it brings me back to those dark days, heartbreaking.

@algallego

4 жыл бұрын

I loved spending long hours perusing through the music stores in my youth!

Goosebumps,fantastic, and full credit to the pianist,beautiful job

One of my favourites - Powerful words and beautiful music and relevant today around the world

Paul hits the mark every time.

What a beautiful piece of music and lyrics. Bless you Paul Brady. Always. Talk about 'painting pictures' in a mind's eye...

A sidewalk prophet, such as come along only a few times in a generation. Paul, your words resonated in my soul decades ago, and again today, as the cedars of Lebanon burn again.

Thank you for this amazing video I work with soul on ZOOM to arrive home, these Lyrics ring so much truth...hugs The Island (Paul Brady) They say the skies of Lebanon are burning. Those mighty cedars bleeding in the heat. They're showing pictures on the television. Women and children dying in the street And we're still at it in our own place. Still trying to reach the future through the past. Still trying to carve tomorrow from a tombstone... But Hey! Don't listen to me!. This wasn't meant to be no sad song. We've heard too much of that before. Right now I only want to be here with you. Till the morning dew comes falling. I want to take you to the island. And trace your footprints in the sand. And in the evening when the sun goes down We'll make love to the sound of the ocean They're raising banners over by the markets Whitewashing slogans on the shipyard walls Witchdoctors praying for a mighty showdown No way our holy flag is gonna fall Up here we sacrifice our children To feed the worn-out dreams of yesterday And teach them dying will lead us into glory... Now I know us plain folks don't see all the story. And I know this peace and love's just copping out. And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches. Is just what being free is all about. And how this twisted wreckage down on main street. Will bring us all together in the end. And we'll go marching down the road to freedom.... Freedom

one of the greatest singer songwriter,s ever to come out of Ireland and my favorite.

My uncle used to listen to this in his workvan and always threatened to bury me in the foundations if ever my auntie were to ever find out about his soft spot in music. He was a true gem of a man

This song always has me in tears.

I've loved this song for years. The piano accompaniment is beautiful as well.

This song make me feel so humble each time I hear it!!!!!! Thank you for your great talent mister Brady! In my mind you could be an angel?

This is a song from the heart...as time moves along it only becomes more relevant...it isn't the singer it's the song.

One of the finest songs written about this subject ever!

One of my favorites.One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard.

He who does not love ,abides in death. thank you Paul. Let’s look for peace ,love ,equality and equal opportunity. how many conflicts in the world does this song relate to!

The eloquence is immortal!

Such a beautiful, sad and powerful song. Makes me cry every time. xxx

I remember the first night Paul sang this song on the late late show- loved it then and still do - can't wait to see him in Ennis shortly - so gifted and underrated. Thank you Pauline Bradley - as Mary Black calls you !!

Awesome song, from one of Ulster’s most cherished songwriters

Heard this on the radio today for the first time ever. Absolutely beautiful and moving. The world needs more people like this. Love it

I often said, that if i could have written any pre-existing song, it would be this. An absolute master piece and a fine example of what music can be.

It's the voice. And the words. But, really, the voice. A gift. He's like a one man Blue Nile. Tears aren't enough to do justice to this music.

The unofficial national anthem of Northern Ireland. Superb music, lyrics and delivery. Pain in the arse that it's so true, though.

one of the most beautiful songs ever written..true genius. thanks for posting this version.

So so beautiful..Always makes me cry. Coming from Northern Ireland during The Troubles it meant so much. Absolutely beautiful.

This one of my top favourites songs - so close to what we all feel, if we still do feel by looking into the world. Thank you so much Paul, hope to hear you playin' it live some day again! Markus

Although I can't share the emotion expressed in the lyrics, perhaps because I know too much of the situation back then, I do feel how emotionally powerful this music is and it's truly beautiful. Wonderful, heartfelt singing and playing.

makes me cry

@erinmarie5133

3 жыл бұрын

Me too

Describes Northern Ireland perfectly at that time which, thankfully , is behind us -- but still not quite yet!

If you have have POWER, Then you have Freedom But if you believe in Freedom ,and you have no road to MARCH .

A great old friend sang this one night in George's bistro in Dublin many years ago always brings back great memories of great times I miss those days .

The injustice done to me while growing up in the troubles .makes me think thank God for this song .only for it I'd of turn out a twisted bastard... Brady Ur a God send

heard this on the radio today .and just had to have another listen .beautiful lyrics and melody

Holy moly! PB and Rufus Wainwright? Wow...utterly brilliant.

Saw him 1986 during an open air concert in Hannover, Germany, with the headliners "bap"....but the most impression I took away was Paul brady....he made my day! Thanx

This is an agonizingly painful but beautiful song

this era of James Taylor, Michael Franks and Paul Brady.... songs of yesterdays future undying... may you live longer.....

This is the best, most intelligent song, I've ever heard.

A Beautiful Song❤️🇮🇪❤️

Powerful lyrics. "up here we sacrifice our children..." Thank god those days are gone. Éireann abú.

Paul Brady Crazy Dreams Great Music

Absolutely brilliant song. It really puts things into perspective. It is a shame more people don't take it's message to heart.

One of the best irish songwriters of all time..his songs take on a life of their own.

Tremendous work. This is a song for peace, peace is our freedom, not the wreckage down on Main Street.

Just lost the love of my life in 6weeks second time in this boat hard to process

A beautiful timeless classic, but the deep sadness of the reality of what we see on tv ringing still true makes it such a special song... And i once walked that beach he speaks of... Thank you for the song. x

So beautiful and emotional

one of the greatest songs ever

this is my dad's song that listened to as kids. i miss him so much xxx

Wonderful kinetic, emotive work....what it must feel like. To possess such a gift! Thank you, Mr. Brady

I have heard this beautiful song for years, but, shamefully, never listened to the lyrics. Admittedly, the beautiful melody overwhelms the lyrics. Certainly, Brady's version of his own song is emotional. Young Keith Harkin does the song a favor because his singing diction is good. He brings out the anti-war message well. I need a copy of Brady's album now!

My dad used to play this song on the piano. Its a really beautiful song, and its quite sublime the way the parts work together. I haven't heard many songs like it, and quite a lot pales in comparison.

Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful

mezmerising...a great tune sung so beautifully..incredable

"I guess these young boys dying in the ditches Is just what being free is all about..." There's an Irish chat show called "The Late Late Show" which Paul was scheduled to appear on a few years ago to promote his latest single but there was a tragedy in Ireland that day (I think it was the Omagha bombings)and Paul sang The Island instead. Its a shame its not available on youtube as it is by far the best he has ever performed the song... straight from the heart!!

This should be on the syllabus of every college in every country. Worldwide.

A great song from a great Ulsterman

Very apt given events in the Middle East at the moment.

i love this song...it makes me cry...i heard it at a Celtic Thunder concert and fell in love with it...i like this guy too

beautiful song writing

Great post thank you...a masterpiece!,

Worth listening to this one once in a while to remember the bitterness (in every sense) of our recent past and just why all the compromises of the last decade are worth it.

i love the way paul is a fantastic guitarist as well as singer and songwriter. a rare combination of talents!

Heard this song over 20 years ago in a pub in the South Side of Glasgow.

Islands I’ve been to off the island of Ireland - Clare, Achill, Aranmor, Valentia, - that’s all I can remember after four cans of Thatcher’s Gold. Might have even been to more Scottish islands. Definitely been to more Greek islands. I grew up as a young girl with young boys dying in the ditches. Or shagging in the ditches.

Beautiful song. Sad and yet uplifting. Lovely.

Reminds me of working in a wee village called ballenamore in letrim..we were building houses and we stayed in a hostel above a resturant..this song and the album.played every night..in memory of a great boss and friend john devine..rest easy boss x

@kierandevenney5616

Ай бұрын

I love u always john and i tell all how good u were to me. NO LINE DEVINE..rest easy john and maura

just readin some of these comments Seems we have still got a long way to go nobody wins war just lots of pain and sufferin so much blood has been spilled already on both sides of this i dont wanna cause any disrespect lets remember and honour the dead with peace and Great songs like this one they remind us violence is not the answer Thanks Paul for a Great Great song peace

one of the best songs ever love it love it

My Favourite Paul Brady Song

Es klang damals für mich wie von einem anderen Planeten❤

To me this is heartbreaking ❤️‍🩹

So appropriate today, Good Friday, 19/04/2019, after the murder of Lyra McKee a journalist in Derry. I thought that these dark days were long gone.

Here 21st February 2021 so beautiful relaxing Sunday hope everyone is well during these crazy times love from Bernie in the garden in Ireland

If this song does not pull at your heart and make you stop then you will never see the issues with the world. Learn from the past, and we shall create a greater future. I find myself paused in movement, the moment I hear the starting bars of this song.

this song ... no words for how beautiful it is..

Beautiful lyrics. Beautiful melody. Beautiful song. Real music.