May 15, 2013
-
Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
The song known as "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye," is an Irish folk song written sometime in the 19th century. It was published in London in 1867, but the song goes back further than that, because the music of the song was used in 1863 during the American Civil War under the name, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home."
The song was written from the point of view of a young woman who finds her badly wounded lover on the road to Athy. He is returning home from the Kandyan wars that were fought in what is now the country of Sri Lanka from 1795-1818.
She is horrified at the sight of his dis-figured body that is missing an arm and a leg. Hence the title, "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye."
It has been called the greatest anti-war song of all time, and has been recorded by various left-wing anti-war musicians such as Janis Ian, to mention one, most notably during the Vietnam war.
For me, it is simply the cry of a woman's soul upon the sight of her returning lover from war.
As many of you know, I am not a singer. My songs are almost always instrumentals. As this one is. You can google the lyrics if you would like to know more about the song.
Click on the link to play the video.
http://www.xanga.com/media/xangavideoembedplayer.swf?i=1207352&m=79978
Comments (6)
I really like this -- it seems a much simpler version of 'Johnny Comes Marching Home.' And, much as I'd love to hear you sing it, I also like to hear the music without words -- thank you for sharing your talents here!
I've not heard of this song or it's story...so thank you for introducing it to me!
I will have to google the words...I image they are sad.
Your playing is a joy to listen to! And I liked how you gave a little grin at the end!
HUGS!!!
so cool to see you back!
Thank you for the "Friend" invite and for subscription. It seems we have interests in common as I have been involved with Celtic songs for over 26 years. I am familiar with the above song. I have developed a class/workshop over the years on Tracing Celtic Music in America. I have presented it for many years at CelticFest, Jackson, MS. This is one of the songs I have listed as "When Johnny Comes Marching Home". A lesser known title for it is, "On the Road to Sweet Athy". The song is included with so many that were part of the repertoire of 75 songs by The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem in The Irish Songbook. I did not realize that Janis Ian had recorded it as well. Definitely, in the original version, it's anti-war. ~~Blessings 'n Cheers
Thanks again, Randy! I truly enjoy the audios, but the videos are really great (including the smile)... I would have liked to have seen the video of that last one you did. Your fingers must have been fairly flying! Please keep them coming!
Comments are closed.