“The most beautiful and haunting melody I’ve ever heard” ~ Sinéad O’Connor
The Fureys return here in fairly quick succession, having featured just under a month ago with their monumental hit, Green Fields of France. Today’s spotlight falls on another piece that’s equally powerful and deeply moving. The Lonesome Boatman is a haunting, wholly immersive instrumental. As the video’s description puts it: “The Fureys put you on the shore before the boat leaves the harbour and take you out to sea. Close your eyes and you are there!” I couldn’t think of a better way to capture how this song feels and completely immerses the listener. I’ve been listening to this unforgettable melody since I was prepubescent, and it has never aged in my ears. On the contrary, it still feels as raw and untamed as the first time I heard it and was swept away.
Finbar Furey (one of the Irish Furey Brothers) wrote this all time favourite in 1968, originally on a 5 string banjo. In 1969, they released it as the title track on their debut The Lonesome Boatman. It is played hauntingly on a tin whistle (see image inset), as well as its version of the traditional ballad Carnlough Bay. The song has featured at football matches, most notably performed by fans of Glasgow team, Celtic FC. Moreover, it is played by musicians world wide, used in film and TV scores – a classic piece of Irish Music.
References:
1. The Fureys – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
It sounds like music perfect on the mountaintop.
Hi there Hazel! It’s such atmospheric and ambient music. I’m glad you liked it.
As I started listening to the track, I immediately felt this calls for headphones. And, yes, what a great sonic experience!
I listened to it yesterday on my headphones as well. I’m delighted you thought so highly of it.
It made me feel like I was on a boat…very cool sounding song.
I find a lot of their music whisks me away to not just another place entirely, but another epoch in history. Moreover, Celtic music tends to have that dualistic effect on my senses. Cheers man.
I call those transport songs…they transport you back. I like some really bad songs that transport me back to childhood…I know they are bad but don’t care
A healthy dose of ‘nostalgia’ is never a bad thing Max.