The Green Fields Of France Lyrics And Chords
Written By Eric Bogle. The guitar tab is now included. The 5 string banjo chords are included. Probably the finest anti war song ever written and covered beautifully by ''The Fureys''.Eric has written tons of great songs, more of Eric Bogle Songs this song was also recorded by The Men They Couldn't Hang, Ronnie Drew and The Dubliners and more recent by Celtic Thunder, The Dropkick Murphy's, John McDermott, Liam Clancy and the famous Irish tenor singer Ronan Tynan plus Irish folk singer / contempory Tommy Flemming.. The youtube video is of The Furey Brothers with Davey Arthur. While I was compiling the top 100 Irish folk songs of all time this one came in at No. 14 , yes I know it's not Irish but it was recorded by The Fureys [ song list ] and is their biggest hit song to date. Recently recorded by the Irish ballad group The High Kings in 2016. Now included is the tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA tuning.
'The Green Fields of France' is a powerful and poignant song that has been covered by numerous artists and has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Often referred to as 'No Man's Land' or 'Willie McBride', this song tells the story of a soldier who died in World War I and is buried in a foreign land. The lyrics paint a picture of the horrors of war and the futility of it all, making it a timeless and universal song that continues to resonate with audiences.
The Origin and Evolution of the Song:
'The Green Fields of France' was written by Scottish-born singer-songwriter Eric Bogle in 1976. Bogle was inspired to write the song after visiting the grave of a young soldier named Willie McBride in the Belgian town of Ypres. While the song is often associated with World War I, Bogle has stated that it is a reflection on all wars and the devastating impact they have on both soldiers and civilians.
The song was first recorded and released by Scottish folk singer Isla St Clair in 1977, and it gained popularity when it was covered by Irish folk singer-songwriter Liam Clancy in 1983. Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including The Fureys, Dropkick Murphys, and The Dubliners. Its enduring popularity has been attributed to its emotive lyrics, haunting melody, and universal themes.
Themes and Lyrics:
At its core, 'The Green Fields of France' is a song about the futility of war and the devastating consequences it has on individuals and families. The lyrics tell the story of a young soldier who is buried in a foreign land, far from his home and loved ones. Bogle's use of imagery and vivid descriptions paint a picture of the desolate landscape of war, where young lives are lost and forgotten.
The song also touches on the themes of loss, remembrance, and the human cost of war. The soldier in the song is mourned by his family and friends, who are left to grieve and remember him in a foreign land. The line 'Did they beat the drums slowly, did they play the fife lowly? Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down?' is a poignant reminder of the solemn rituals of military funerals and the finality of death.
Impact and Legacy:
'The Green Fields of France' has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be a popular song among artists and audiences alike. Its anti-war message and themes of loss and remembrance have made it a staple in commemorative events and ceremonies, particularly those honoring World War I soldiers.
The song has also been used in films, TV shows, and documentaries, further cementing its place in popular culture. In 1998, it was featured in the end credits of the award-winning film 'Blackadder Goes Forth', which depicted the lives of soldiers in World War I. The song's inclusion in the film's finale, which was a somber and emotional sequence, helped to bring it to a wider audience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 'The Green Fields of France' is a powerful and timeless song that has stood the test of time. Its emotive lyrics, haunting melody, and universal themes have resonated with audiences for decades and continue to do so. As long as war and its devastating consequences continue to affect our world, this song will remain a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of remembrance.
The Origin and Evolution of the Song:
'The Green Fields of France' was written by Scottish-born singer-songwriter Eric Bogle in 1976. Bogle was inspired to write the song after visiting the grave of a young soldier named Willie McBride in the Belgian town of Ypres. While the song is often associated with World War I, Bogle has stated that it is a reflection on all wars and the devastating impact they have on both soldiers and civilians.
The song was first recorded and released by Scottish folk singer Isla St Clair in 1977, and it gained popularity when it was covered by Irish folk singer-songwriter Liam Clancy in 1983. Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists from various genres, including The Fureys, Dropkick Murphys, and The Dubliners. Its enduring popularity has been attributed to its emotive lyrics, haunting melody, and universal themes.
Themes and Lyrics:
At its core, 'The Green Fields of France' is a song about the futility of war and the devastating consequences it has on individuals and families. The lyrics tell the story of a young soldier who is buried in a foreign land, far from his home and loved ones. Bogle's use of imagery and vivid descriptions paint a picture of the desolate landscape of war, where young lives are lost and forgotten.
The song also touches on the themes of loss, remembrance, and the human cost of war. The soldier in the song is mourned by his family and friends, who are left to grieve and remember him in a foreign land. The line 'Did they beat the drums slowly, did they play the fife lowly? Did they sound the death march as they lowered you down?' is a poignant reminder of the solemn rituals of military funerals and the finality of death.
Impact and Legacy:
'The Green Fields of France' has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be a popular song among artists and audiences alike. Its anti-war message and themes of loss and remembrance have made it a staple in commemorative events and ceremonies, particularly those honoring World War I soldiers.
The song has also been used in films, TV shows, and documentaries, further cementing its place in popular culture. In 1998, it was featured in the end credits of the award-winning film 'Blackadder Goes Forth', which depicted the lives of soldiers in World War I. The song's inclusion in the film's finale, which was a somber and emotional sequence, helped to bring it to a wider audience.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, 'The Green Fields of France' is a powerful and timeless song that has stood the test of time. Its emotive lyrics, haunting melody, and universal themes have resonated with audiences for decades and continue to do so. As long as war and its devastating consequences continue to affect our world, this song will remain a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of remembrance.
Well[C] how do you do young[F] Willy Mc[Dm] Bride
Do you[G] mind if I sit here down[C] by your grave[G]side
And[C] rest for a while in the[F] warm summer[Dm] sun
I've been[G] walking all day and[F] I'm nearly[C] done
I[C] see by your gravestone your were[F] only nine[Dm]teen
When you[G] joined the great falling in[C] nineteen fif[G]teen
Well I[C] hope you died well and I[F] hope you died[Dm] clean
Or young[G] Willy Mc Bride was it[F] slow and ob[C]scene
[Chorus]
Did[G] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[F] sound the fifes[C] lowly
Did they[G] sound the death march as they[F] lowered you[C] down
Did the[F] band play the last post and[G] chorus
Did the[F] pipes play the[Dm] flowers of the[G] fo[C]rest.
[2]
Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
In some faithfull heart is your memory enshrined
And though you died back in nineteen fifteen
In some faith full heart are you forever nineteen
Or are you a stranger without even a name
Enshrined forever behind a glass frame
In an old photograph torn battered and stained
And fading to yellow in a brown leather frame.
[Repeat Chorus]
[3]
Well the sun now it shines on the green fields of France
There's a warm summer breeze it makes the red poppies dance
And look how the sun shines from under the cloudes
There's no gas no barbed wire , there's no gun firing now.
But here in this graveyard it's still no mans land
The countless white crosses stand mute in the sand
To man's blind indefference to his fellow man
To a whole generation that were butchered and dammed
[Repeat Chorus]
Well Will Mc Bride I cant help wonder why
Do those that lie here know why did they die
And did they believe when they answered the call
Did they really believe that this war would end war
Well the sorrow the suffering the glory the pain
The killing the dying was all done in vain
For young Willy Mc Bride it all happened again
And again,and again,and again,and again
Do you[G] mind if I sit here down[C] by your grave[G]side
And[C] rest for a while in the[F] warm summer[Dm] sun
I've been[G] walking all day and[F] I'm nearly[C] done
I[C] see by your gravestone your were[F] only nine[Dm]teen
When you[G] joined the great falling in[C] nineteen fif[G]teen
Well I[C] hope you died well and I[F] hope you died[Dm] clean
Or young[G] Willy Mc Bride was it[F] slow and ob[C]scene
[Chorus]
Did[G] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[F] sound the fifes[C] lowly
Did they[G] sound the death march as they[F] lowered you[C] down
Did the[F] band play the last post and[G] chorus
Did the[F] pipes play the[Dm] flowers of the[G] fo[C]rest.
[2]
Did you leave a wife or a sweetheart behind
In some faithfull heart is your memory enshrined
And though you died back in nineteen fifteen
In some faith full heart are you forever nineteen
Or are you a stranger without even a name
Enshrined forever behind a glass frame
In an old photograph torn battered and stained
And fading to yellow in a brown leather frame.
[Repeat Chorus]
[3]
Well the sun now it shines on the green fields of France
There's a warm summer breeze it makes the red poppies dance
And look how the sun shines from under the cloudes
There's no gas no barbed wire , there's no gun firing now.
But here in this graveyard it's still no mans land
The countless white crosses stand mute in the sand
To man's blind indefference to his fellow man
To a whole generation that were butchered and dammed
[Repeat Chorus]
Well Will Mc Bride I cant help wonder why
Do those that lie here know why did they die
And did they believe when they answered the call
Did they really believe that this war would end war
Well the sorrow the suffering the glory the pain
The killing the dying was all done in vain
For young Willy Mc Bride it all happened again
And again,and again,and again,and again
If you want to play along with the youtube video of The Furey Brothers And Davie Arthur then use these chords.
Well[F] how do you [Dm]do young[Bb] Willy Mc[C] Bride.
Do you mind if I sit here down[Bb] by your grave[F]side.
And rest for a [Dm]while in the[Bb] warm summer[C] sun.
I've been walking all day and[Bb] I'm nearly[F] done.
I[F] see by your [Dm]gravestone your were[Gm] only nine teen.
When you[C] joined the great falling in[Bb] nineteen fif[C]teen.
Well I[F] hope you died [Dm]well and I[Bb] hope you died[Gm] clean
Or young[c] Willy Mc Bride was it[Bb] slow and ob[F]scene.
[Chorus]
Did they [C]beat the drum slowly ,did they[Bb] play the fifes[F] lowly
Did they[C] sound the death march as they[Bb] lowered you[C] down.
Did the band [Bb]play the last post and[F] chorus[Dm]
Did the[F] pipes play the[C] flowers of the fo[F]rest.
Well[F] how do you [Dm]do young[Bb] Willy Mc[C] Bride.
Do you mind if I sit here down[Bb] by your grave[F]side.
And rest for a [Dm]while in the[Bb] warm summer[C] sun.
I've been walking all day and[Bb] I'm nearly[F] done.
I[F] see by your [Dm]gravestone your were[Gm] only nine teen.
When you[C] joined the great falling in[Bb] nineteen fif[C]teen.
Well I[F] hope you died [Dm]well and I[Bb] hope you died[Gm] clean
Or young[c] Willy Mc Bride was it[Bb] slow and ob[F]scene.
[Chorus]
Did they [C]beat the drum slowly ,did they[Bb] play the fifes[F] lowly
Did they[C] sound the death march as they[Bb] lowered you[C] down.
Did the band [Bb]play the last post and[F] chorus[Dm]
Did the[F] pipes play the[C] flowers of the fo[F]rest.
Chords in the key of D
Well[D] how do you do young[G] Willy Mc[Em] Bride
Do you[A] mind if I sit here down[D] by your grave[A]side
And[D] rest for a while in the[G] warm summer[Em] sun
I've been[A] walking all day and[G] I'm nearly[D] done
I[D] see by your gravestone your were[G] only nine[Em]teen
When you[A] joined the great falling in[D] nineteen fif[A]teen
Well I[D] hope you died well and I[G] hope you died[Em] clean
Or young[A] Willy Mc Bride was it[G] slow and ob[D]scene
[Dhorus]
Did[A] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[G] sound the fifes[D] lowly
Did they[A] sound the death march as they[G] lowered you[D] down
Did the[G] band play the last post and[A] chorus
Did the[G] pipes play the[Em] flowers of the[A] fo[D]rest.
And here's the guitar chords for the key of G
Well[G] how do you do young[C] Willy Mc[Am] Bride
Do you[D] mind if I sit here down[G] by your grave[D]side
And[G] rest for a while in the[C] warm summer[Am] sun
I've been[D] walking all day and[C] I'm nearly[G] done
I[G] see by your gravestone your were[C] only nine[Am]teen
When you[D] joined the great falling in[G] nineteen fif[D]teen
Well I[G] hope you died well and I[C] hope you died[Am] clean
Or young[D] Willy Mc Bride was it[C] slow and ob[G]scene
[Ghorus]
Did[D] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[C] sound the fifes[G] lowly
Did they[D] sound the death march as they[C] lowered you[G] down
Did the[C] band play the last post and[D] chorus
Did the[C] pipes play the[Am] flowers of the[D] fo[G]rest.
Well[D] how do you do young[G] Willy Mc[Em] Bride
Do you[A] mind if I sit here down[D] by your grave[A]side
And[D] rest for a while in the[G] warm summer[Em] sun
I've been[A] walking all day and[G] I'm nearly[D] done
I[D] see by your gravestone your were[G] only nine[Em]teen
When you[A] joined the great falling in[D] nineteen fif[A]teen
Well I[D] hope you died well and I[G] hope you died[Em] clean
Or young[A] Willy Mc Bride was it[G] slow and ob[D]scene
[Dhorus]
Did[A] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[G] sound the fifes[D] lowly
Did they[A] sound the death march as they[G] lowered you[D] down
Did the[G] band play the last post and[A] chorus
Did the[G] pipes play the[Em] flowers of the[A] fo[D]rest.
And here's the guitar chords for the key of G
Well[G] how do you do young[C] Willy Mc[Am] Bride
Do you[D] mind if I sit here down[G] by your grave[D]side
And[G] rest for a while in the[C] warm summer[Am] sun
I've been[D] walking all day and[C] I'm nearly[G] done
I[G] see by your gravestone your were[C] only nine[Am]teen
When you[D] joined the great falling in[G] nineteen fif[D]teen
Well I[G] hope you died well and I[C] hope you died[Am] clean
Or young[D] Willy Mc Bride was it[C] slow and ob[G]scene
[Ghorus]
Did[D] they beat the drum slowly ,did they[C] sound the fifes[G] lowly
Did they[D] sound the death march as they[C] lowered you[G] down
Did the[C] band play the last post and[D] chorus
Did the[C] pipes play the[Am] flowers of the[D] fo[G]rest.
The following verse was written by Tom Green.
Tom says , The idea came from a picture I painted called Afganistan a reversal of the popular poppy field pictures. I made the field red covered with green opium poppies.
Well hear we are now in 2 thousand 11
and Willie McBride looking down from heaven
would he think it ironic theres no change in man
when he see's what is happening in Afganistan
is there any real difference from 1915
a young soldiers death is just as obscene
the only real difference from 1915
the fields are blood red and the poppies are green
Tom says , The idea came from a picture I painted called Afganistan a reversal of the popular poppy field pictures. I made the field red covered with green opium poppies.
Well hear we are now in 2 thousand 11
and Willie McBride looking down from heaven
would he think it ironic theres no change in man
when he see's what is happening in Afganistan
is there any real difference from 1915
a young soldiers death is just as obscene
the only real difference from 1915
the fields are blood red and the poppies are green
WILLIE MCBRIDE'S REPLY
Lyrics: Stephen L. Suffet, This is the reply that Willie McBride gives to Eric Bogle. The song is set to the same tune as The Green Fields Of France , and what a great tribute it is to Eric's song . I wonder has this reply to a song been done this way before ?
My dear friend Eric, this is Willie McBride,
Today I speak to you across the divide,
Of years and of distance of life and of death,
Please let me speak freely with my silent breath.
You might think me crazy, you might think me daft,
I could have stayed back in Erin, where there wasn't a draft,
But my parents they raised me to tell right from wrong,
So today I shall answer what you asked in your song.
Yes, they beat the drum slowly, they played the pipes lowly,
And the rifles fired o'er me as they lowered me down,
The band played "The Last Post" in chorus,
And the pipes played "The Flowers of the Forest."
Ask the people of Belgium or Alsace-Lorraine,
If my life was wasted, if I died in vain.
I think they will tell you when all's said and done,
They welcomed this boy with his tin hat and gun.
And call it ironic that I was cut down,
While in Dublin my kinfolk were fighting the Crown.
But in Dublin or Flanders the cause was the same:
To resist the oppressor, whatever his name.
Yes, they beat the drum slowly...,,,.
It wasn't for King or for England I died,
It wasn't for glory or the Empire's pride.
The reason I went was both simple and clear:
To stand up for freedom did I volunteer.
It's easy for you to look back and sigh,
And pity the youth of those days long gone by,
For us who were there, we knew why we died,
And I'd do it again, says Willie McBride.
Lyrics: Stephen L. Suffet, This is the reply that Willie McBride gives to Eric Bogle. The song is set to the same tune as The Green Fields Of France , and what a great tribute it is to Eric's song . I wonder has this reply to a song been done this way before ?
My dear friend Eric, this is Willie McBride,
Today I speak to you across the divide,
Of years and of distance of life and of death,
Please let me speak freely with my silent breath.
You might think me crazy, you might think me daft,
I could have stayed back in Erin, where there wasn't a draft,
But my parents they raised me to tell right from wrong,
So today I shall answer what you asked in your song.
Yes, they beat the drum slowly, they played the pipes lowly,
And the rifles fired o'er me as they lowered me down,
The band played "The Last Post" in chorus,
And the pipes played "The Flowers of the Forest."
Ask the people of Belgium or Alsace-Lorraine,
If my life was wasted, if I died in vain.
I think they will tell you when all's said and done,
They welcomed this boy with his tin hat and gun.
And call it ironic that I was cut down,
While in Dublin my kinfolk were fighting the Crown.
But in Dublin or Flanders the cause was the same:
To resist the oppressor, whatever his name.
Yes, they beat the drum slowly...,,,.
It wasn't for King or for England I died,
It wasn't for glory or the Empire's pride.
The reason I went was both simple and clear:
To stand up for freedom did I volunteer.
It's easy for you to look back and sigh,
And pity the youth of those days long gone by,
For us who were there, we knew why we died,
And I'd do it again, says Willie McBride.
The green fields of France guitar tab for the key of G Major
Green Fields Of France Songwriter Eric Bogle
Below is the tenor guitar / mandola tab in CGDA tuning.
The green fields of France 5 string banjo chords for the key of G Major.
Below is the ebook list of Irish Folk Songs with guitar chords
in 3 keys. Price €8.90 and I'll email the ebook after purchase .
The chords are suited to ukulele, banjo or mandolin also.
Martin
in 3 keys. Price €8.90 and I'll email the ebook after purchase .
The chords are suited to ukulele, banjo or mandolin also.
Martin
