How the hell after being up for 16 years as I write this has this only had 294 likes. Doesn't make sense. Absolutely wonderful. Thanks for posting otherwise it would be unknown to me.
I went to Preston Lodge with Davy Steel. He left at fifteen to join the army and I never met him again and then I came across him on RUclips. I had no idea that he was a musician, although I played in the brass band and also a rock band with school friends. He wrote and sang some wonderful songs including this one. RIP Davy.
I amuse myself writing fiction and often find that there is a pair of heavy horses in the plot - my grandparents on both sides had working horses, so Bob an Will'um, Pearl and Diamond, Bud and Blossom seem to have tagged along in my DNA. I couldn't sing last trip home to save my life.
Petrograd, I would love to read your stories. When we first bought our small holding, we had a neighbor who was just learning to farm with his Belgians. He would mow our pasture with a mother and daughter team, Molly and Pearl. I loved that when the job was done, he gave his horses a formal and sincere thanks for doing a good job and keeping him safe. Then, and only then, could we come over for pets and treats.
Castle St Glasgow in 1940-- Clydesdales double-headed heavy carts up steep Castle St. Then 12 year old boys had the job to ride one mighty Clydesdale bareback down at a fair trot to the railway depot to pick up the next cart. My aspiration as a then 4 year old was to be one of these boys. Regrettably never achieved--lorries were invented!
The Clydesdale is a very unique horse among draft horses....which are amazing enough as it is! They deserve our respect for all they've done for us. Give 'em a hug, give 'em your apple....tell 'em "Thanks"!!!!
This track made me feel I had to learn the instrument. 35 years later Im still playing, but the Blackbird never quite sounds like this recording! There's something perfect and magical about the timing and the way Paddy's chanter and reed are going. Even his later and live versions of the same tune aren't quite the same. I had a good look at the chanter (Rowsome) years ago and tried to model it!!
First heard this song years ago while playing at the Girvan Folk weekend and has been one of my fav.songs. So much feeling in the words,for some reason a tear is never far away when I here it.Strong stuff and a great version.George
If this did not bring tears and crack in my voice, I swear, I'd have no heart, but alas, I do, got it from my Dad, eh. Pure brilliant -- The Last Trip Home -- So steady, boys, walk on Oor work is nearly done Nor more we'll till or plough the fields The horses' day is gone An' this will be our last trip home So steady, boys, walk on
Technically, yes. But when you think about it, what farmer using horses to plow his fields could afford to continue feeding and caring for one of these horses as a pet? Nor do they likely need them to pull a carriage or do other work. If a horse cannot work, it will be sold, which likely will involve an abattoir if nobody else is using horses any more, either. So even though it doesn't come right out and say so, they are going home for the last time and that's why it's such a sad song. He loves them like a member of his family, but he knows their time together is ending.
This makes me cry a little cause I have 2 horses and there so majestic ad one of the most majestic is a clidesdale which this is singing about.. They are the biggest horse it the world litterly. They are hard workers and when the retire they lose themselves :?
Ta Gabe, and Babe, And Dob, and Clyde. If you've ever worked a team to plow or rake. That's the most beautiful song I've heard since Amazing grace. Thank you
Davy war ein guter Freund von mir und ich verdanke Ihm einiges in meiner Laufbahn als FREDDY THE PIPER .Denn durch Ihn habe ich großartige Musiker Schottlands kennengelernt . Tausendmal Danke DAVY .
In my opinion, Battlefield band may be the last musical group that truly knows how to tell stories in song. And the grace and beauty of their music is unmatched.
@jramsay100 I guess without enough manpower he did what he had to do. Honestly, I'm not a cow fan, suppose that sounds unfair but I have been too involved physically, and now enjoy eating beef. My grandfather got a small dairy through a winter by hand crank grinding potatoes and turnips by the bushel, you can milk them into the gutter, (NY farmers dumped milk today to protest USDA allowances). Put in generators, you will need them again. Save the horse, farm out some kids.
@LinnTractorNut Times were tough. Could a farmer afford to keep these huge and beautiful Clydesdales for naught? It was cutting off a finger to save the hand, never easy. During the Quebec ice storm, I remember this big burly farmer crying like a child when he had to put down hundreds of his cows. They were his livelihood and part of his family. So Sad. He could not milk them without power. They were in pain, cold and could not eat. Was it a simple decision? Did he not care? What would you do?
Played this as we carried my grandad's coffin from the church...one of the last generation to work the Clydesdales, my gran first met him as he worked the horses. The lyrics seemed to fit his passing so well...
How beautiful. It reminds me of a farmer in our township who was buried in his overalls, and taken to the churchyard in a hay cart drawn by Belgian horses. I didn't know the late farmer, but I knew the man with the heavy horses. What a beautiful way to end the story of a man of the soil. I hope memories of your grandad bring you comfort and strength.
Black Bird is so hot. To me, Bothy Band sounds like an Irish version of Led Zeppelin particularly the way they do this song. The images it conjures up for me are intense. Used to have this CD and will have to find another copy! I never get enough of this band and their music. Up the Irish! Just spent 30 minutes helping a Dubliner with a resume!
It is monsterous to think a horse would be put down simply because they got a tractor. Just not right, a horse is like a member of the family. A privilege to own one.
The generation here that last used horses in the fields or forests are quickly passing, but I have the decline in local agriculture was due in part to the tractor. All the horses owned by my family were laid to rest in the pastures where they spent their final years of retirement. They were family, and sorely missed. Now many communities are getting too high brow to allow their presence, any place unfit for a horse is unfit for a man to live.
This is an absolutely fabulous song. But it makes me very sad to think that the beautiful horses whose job was taken by the tractor were simply slaughtered when they were no longer needed. Next time you see a liitle grey Fergie - give it a kick from me.
Yeah!!!! Davy was a great guy davy & I were born in the same village,,,went to the same schools & share a glass or two sadly not enough time with him......as always you never miss a ggod thing 'til its gone
What's the name of the tune following Catholic Charlie? Sure I could play it now but it's to late at night. And the third one? Any of youse knows it by name ah sure we all know it and thanks to these lads playing here. Gurbh raight maih agut (?spelling)
How the hell after being up for 16 years as I write this has this only had 294 likes. Doesn't make sense. Absolutely wonderful. Thanks for posting otherwise it would be unknown to me.
Thankyou
stunning, Toby sang this in the Cricket club at Sidmouth this week, brought a lump to my throat.
I went to Preston Lodge with Davy Steel. He left at fifteen to join the army and I never met him again and then I came across him on RUclips. I had no idea that he was a musician, although I played in the brass band and also a rock band with school friends. He wrote and sang some wonderful songs including this one. RIP Davy.
I've never lived on a farm, never plowed a field. Yet tears are in my eyes...
I amuse myself writing fiction and often find that there is a pair of heavy horses in the plot - my grandparents on both sides had working horses, so Bob an Will'um, Pearl and Diamond, Bud and Blossom seem to have tagged along in my DNA. I couldn't sing last trip home to save my life.
Petrograd, I would love to read your stories. When we first bought our small holding, we had a neighbor who was just learning to farm with his Belgians. He would mow our pasture with a mother and daughter team, Molly and Pearl. I loved that when the job was done, he gave his horses a formal and sincere thanks for doing a good job and keeping him safe. Then, and only then, could we come over for pets and treats.
This is the song for all up and coming folk singers to listen to ,,,,pure perfection ,,,,,rip davie
Gentle Giants .
In Suffolk folk singers will change it to the famous Suffolk Punch. A very rare beast.
Castle St Glasgow in 1940-- Clydesdales double-headed heavy carts up steep Castle St. Then 12 year old boys had the job to ride one mighty Clydesdale bareback down at a fair trot to the railway depot to pick up the next cart. My aspiration as a then 4 year old was to be one of these boys. Regrettably never achieved--lorries were invented!
So great memos for me here topssssssss. thank you
Used to ride a Clydesdale, myself - dressage, believe it or not.....a wonderful horse.
Tears in my eyes lads,beautiful.
Now that’s what you call music ,,,,,
Love this song, and particularly this rendition. Sentimental and lovey. The local band "Cooking With Turf" does a very good version as well.
When I retired, I bought 6 old, worn out work horses and gave them a place to live out their lives at ease. This song makes me cry every single time!
Good for you. On their behalf, thank you very much!
A retirement home for draft horses! What a special idea. Thank you Carole1849. Thank you.
Good for you!
May God bless you for your kind heart and actions! This song never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
I tried learning to sing this and gave up. Couldn't get past the first chorus without choking up.
+sapper82 I don't know how *anyone* can get through it!
I'm good up until the end when he sings "They'll say they saw, in years to come..." Can't even choke the last line out!
You're not alone.
My Clydesdale, Pete, has won my heart. He will be making many trips home with me by his side.
The Clydesdale is a very unique horse among draft horses....which are amazing enough as it is! They deserve our respect for all they've done for us. Give 'em a hug, give 'em your apple....tell 'em "Thanks"!!!!
This track made me feel I had to learn the instrument. 35 years later Im still playing, but the Blackbird never quite sounds like this recording! There's something perfect and magical about the timing and the way Paddy's chanter and reed are going. Even his later and live versions of the same tune aren't quite the same. I had a good look at the chanter (Rowsome) years ago and tried to model it!!
<3
St Pat's 2015, lost my Bothy Band cd so listening to this...perfect! Bloody marvellous! What else can I say? Slainnte!
First heard this song years ago while playing at the Girvan Folk weekend and has been one of my fav.songs. So much feeling in the words,for some reason a tear is never far away when I here it.Strong stuff and a great version.George
Not a "version" but the orignal.
Small world. You might know Katy (or Kati) from Girvan, and that she and Davy were members of the excellent Ceolbeg.
There is something about the sound created here that is so much of Ireland . Its Past ,Present ,and hopefully its future
If this did not bring tears and crack in my voice, I swear, I'd have no heart, but alas, I do, got it from my Dad, eh. Pure brilliant -- The Last Trip Home -- So steady, boys, walk on Oor work is nearly done Nor more we'll till or plough the fields The horses' day is gone An' this will be our last trip home So steady, boys, walk on
BTW the songs not about them being put down just being retired :)
Technically, yes. But when you think about it, what farmer using horses to plow his fields could afford to continue feeding and caring for one of these horses as a pet? Nor do they likely need them to pull a carriage or do other work. If a horse cannot work, it will be sold, which likely will involve an abattoir if nobody else is using horses any more, either. So even though it doesn't come right out and say so, they are going home for the last time and that's why it's such a sad song. He loves them like a member of his family, but he knows their time together is ending.
It is sad. We owe the horse such a HUGE debt! And most of the time, this is how we repay it.
You are correct. Knowing that makes this song tug at your heart so. I've rescued 7 drafts for slaughter auctions. Love(d) those horses so much...
This makes me cry a little cause I have 2 horses and there so majestic ad one of the most majestic is a clidesdale which this is singing about.. They are the biggest horse it the world litterly. They are hard workers and when the retire they lose themselves :?
Steady boys walk on ...
Ta Gabe, and Babe, And Dob, and Clyde. If you've ever worked a team to plow or rake. That's the most beautiful song I've heard since Amazing grace. Thank you
great and yet sad
Excellent
Fantastic, haven't heard this for ages (despite having it on vinyl). More of this please.
a favorite song of mine. I love this song so much!
So lovely to hear Davy's voice again. He is missed.
Davy war ein guter Freund von mir und ich verdanke Ihm einiges in meiner Laufbahn als FREDDY THE PIPER .Denn durch Ihn habe ich großartige Musiker Schottlands kennengelernt . Tausendmal Danke DAVY .
In my opinion, Battlefield band may be the last musical group that truly knows how to tell stories in song. And the grace and beauty of their music is unmatched.
@sosome57 haha! the words 'irish version of led zeppelin' usually come out of my mouth whenever the bothy band and beer get mixed
Amazing,fantastic band.keenan is one of the finest pipers ever to have played
True pat but he's still one of the greats
HEADSUPERKELEY Go raimh maith agaibh/agut
@jramsay100 I guess without enough manpower he did what he had to do. Honestly, I'm not a cow fan, suppose that sounds unfair but I have been too involved physically, and now enjoy eating beef. My grandfather got a small dairy through a winter by hand crank grinding potatoes and turnips by the bushel, you can milk them into the gutter, (NY farmers dumped milk today to protest USDA allowances). Put in generators, you will need them again. Save the horse, farm out some kids.
@LinnTractorNut Times were tough. Could a farmer afford to keep these huge and beautiful Clydesdales for naught? It was cutting off a finger to save the hand, never easy. During the Quebec ice storm, I remember this big burly farmer crying like a child when he had to put down hundreds of his cows. They were his livelihood and part of his family. So Sad. He could not milk them without power. They were in pain, cold and could not eat. Was it a simple decision? Did he not care? What would you do?
Played this as we carried my grandad's coffin from the church...one of the last generation to work the Clydesdales, my gran first met him as he worked the horses. The lyrics seemed to fit his passing so well...
How beautiful. It reminds me of a farmer in our township who was buried in his overalls, and taken to the churchyard in a hay cart drawn by Belgian horses. I didn't know the late farmer, but I knew the man with the heavy horses. What a beautiful way to end the story of a man of the soil. I hope memories of your grandad bring you comfort and strength.
Black Bird is so hot. To me, Bothy Band sounds like an Irish version of Led Zeppelin particularly the way they do this song. The images it conjures up for me are intense. Used to have this CD and will have to find another copy! I never get enough of this band and their music. Up the Irish! Just spent 30 minutes helping a Dubliner with a resume!
It is monsterous to think a horse would be put down simply because they got a tractor. Just not right, a horse is like a member of the family. A privilege to own one.
Thank you with all my heart for allowing the horses a peaceful retirement
The generation here that last used horses in the fields or forests are quickly passing, but I have the decline in local agriculture was due in part to the tractor. All the horses owned by my family were laid to rest in the pastures where they spent their final years of retirement. They were family, and sorely missed. Now many communities are getting too high brow to allow their presence, any place unfit for a horse is unfit for a man to live.
This is an absolutely fabulous song. But it makes me very sad to think that the beautiful horses whose job was taken by the tractor were simply slaughtered when they were no longer needed. Next time you see a liitle grey Fergie - give it a kick from me.
well this is just fantastic thank you.......glad I found your channel
Yeah!!!! Davy was a great guy davy & I were born in the same village,,,went to the same schools & share a glass or two sadly not enough time with him......as always you never miss a ggod thing 'til its gone
What's the name of the tune following Catholic Charlie? Sure I could play it now but it's to late at night. And the third one? Any of youse knows it by name ah sure we all know it and thanks to these lads playing here. Gurbh raight maih agut (?spelling)
power to your elbow..............go hálainn;