The Dutchman | Jack Warnock

🔶A song I've been singing for longer than nearly any other - The Dutchman. I learned this song from a recording of Liam Clancy, and think it was one of the first songs I ever sang in a session - or in public at all!

🔶This song is particularly special to me because of both its story and the fact that it's one of the only songs that my sister and my wee mammy sing with me, in harmony and all! Telling the story of the Dutchman who is senile, and his wife Margaret who takes care of him, it's a story about unconditional love in the face of hard times. Michael Peter Smith wrote the song in the late 60s, and some say the song became more famous than him.

🔶As dementia/Alzheimers is something that affects everyone in their life either directly or indirectly at some stage, I've included links below to donate to the UK or Irish Alzheimer's Society. Brendan Grace released a version of the song a couple of years back to support 'Engaging Dementia,' who I've also linked below.

🔶For anyone who hasn't heard the song before I hope you enjoy, and for those who have I hope it's a bit of light in uncertain times. Stay safe everyone ✌️

[robertnash]

My mam died 4weeks ago today... this is this best version I've ever heard, Margaret would love it. Thank you

[manytracks]

Not only a beautiful rendition of this wonderful song but an exceptional presentation of the emotional content and story. Much appreciated.

[MagyarBrit]

A beautiful rendering of a very beautiful song.

[ferdgreenblatt]

Excellent excellent excellentnexcellent

[markfrench]

Thanks for a wonderful house concert last night Jack. Searching for the song you sang in Irish 'Bó na Leathadhairce', I stumbled on this video of you playing 'The Dutchman" and it stopped me in my tracks! Such a moving performance of a beautiful song I've not heard before. Having lost close family to dementia and with others continuing to be affected by it, the words mean a lot to me🙏

[juanitamoose]

I've always loved this song. I think Steve Goodman's version is the one I know. Your rendition is lovely. We're listening to lots of your music tonight, here in NJ USA.

[angrypotato]

This sounds so beautiful! I love this song and Liam Clancy’s version. You sang it very well! The guitar sounds so beautiful. I don’t know anything about guitar, but how did you learn the guitar part? I’d love to learn it one day…is there like sheet music or tablature or something similar? 😅 thanks for a beautiful song!

[patrickdurnion]

That is really nice, very good accompnient to beautiful.

[sixstringer]

Nice job. Always loved this song. I just did it also but I am more a Strat person so I just have a cheap acoustic. for some songs.. Yours sounds much nicer...