12-string Guitar: Abdul Abulbul Amir

THE ANNOTATIONS APPEAR NOT TO BE WORKING ANY MORE, SO IF YOU WANT THE LYRICS AND CHORDS, SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND I WILL SEND YOU THE FILE I WORKED FROM, FROM MY OWN COLLECTION.

When I was at college and was learning to play the guitar, a friend had a book of songs which included this amusing tale. When he left, the book went with him and I was never able to find another with this in it, so I could not sing it again. However last night for no apparent reason, it came to mind and with the facility of the search engine, I have found it. Strangely, though the subject of the story refers to events to do with the Russo-Turkish War (1877--1878), the song itself is Irish, having been written in 1877 by Percy French, an Irish music hall entertainer. He was ripped off by his publisher who printed the song without the author's name. They must have made a small fortune from the song, for not only was it a popular music hall song, but I recall an animated cartoon feature of the song and its characters being made, though I cannot remember which studio made it. Even though I could not really remember the words, this song must have made a great impression on my mind, for when I wrote my own nonsense song 'The Ballad of Mad Dog Magee', the poetic construction turned out to be very similar to that used by French for this song.

[OGMaverickGaming]

Star Trek TNG is what causrd me to search for this song. Your cover was first in the list. Excellent my good sir, I applaud you. 👏👏👏

[keithmcmahon]

A great posting indeed. My Mom who was from Ireland (DOB 1902) clearly remembered this old ballad from her childhood! And, by the way there are two versions of the verses and it is hard to choose between them. One version is several verses longer too. I have the Frank Crummits version and George Melley's but yours is more of a "balladeer's rendering". I also enjoyed your 12-string treatment . Many years ago I had as my houseguest, Mr. Lonnie Johnson who, you may know, was one of the great guitar stars of Jazz and blues playing and performed with the likes of Duke Ellington among others.

[dlee]

We sang this ballad at scout scamp in the early 60's.  I have always loved it and I think that we are poorer for not having it around more.

[topper]

Great! My father taught me this poem/song. He was a Ukrainian-American soldier who served in WWII and whose father was buried w/ a medal received from Franz Josef of Austria for service in war (I don't recall which). I commend you for keeping up these songs, which few know anymore!

[barttheanorak]

My grandmother used to lead her son and stepsons in this every Christmas Day... providing they helped with the washing up. The cartoon feature you mentioned is also on YouTube - it's how I learnt the song as a child.

[threelegsoman]

Thank you, I am always pleased when people enjoy my offerings. There are three sequels to this song if you are interested and they can be found on one of my playlists simply called Abdul Abulbul Amir.

[rangefinder]

A wonderful rendition.
It is the first time I have ever heard it sung by someone who was not three sheets to the wind.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

love this extended version, you get more of a feeling for the two heroes' greatness before the battle. nice job man 👍

[pabobfin]

I found the words also on searching the 'net. A late friend, Mr. Willard Munroe of Rangeley Maine and Tucson AZ. used to recite it as a poem, sans music. He apparently learned it while in West Point, class of 47. The fun part is that it is Abdulla Bulbul Amir, but most folks sing it as Abdul Abulbul Amir. Nice job, thanks

[bhagelawala]

Sir,
I am a student from one of the best public schools of India, St. Joseph's College, North Point, Darjeeling, India. This song was taught to us by our music teacher, the very brilliant Col. Braganza, among a great variety of Irish, Italian & Country songs. I am hearing this after a very long time ... 23 years to be exact !
Thank you ... you brought tears to my eyes. And happiness to my heart !

[allenshulman]

What a charming song, and a perfect style in which to render it! Ever since a character on Star Trek sang its opening line I've wanted to hear it performed in full. Thanks!

[dlee]

we sang this at scout camp in the early 60"s. I have not heard it since then glad to listen to it again. It takes me back to my youth.

[ΒασιλικήΤουρατζίδου]

Brilliant song-and this is a truly brilliant rendition.
Specially for some one hard up on the Greek- Turkish border
Thanks for posting.

[Broncotube]

You gotta love a 12 string guitar. Takes talent to play well!

[mikenewcomb]

Whenver I hear this song, I am immediately reminded of listening to Uncle Mac, on BBC Radio's Children's Favourites program in the early fifties.
TV was not generally in one's home than - Halcyon Days!
Thankyou for downloading and the pleasant memories invoked.

[jacksimpson]

Thanks kindly for this excellent rendition!

[PoundsFrank]

Very interesting song. I really liked it becouse of the difference from other patriotic songs about the crimean war.

[nondepouk]

A very pleasant song to hear; thank you to share.
Salutations,
Jean

[topper]

Thanks so much ! My father used to sing this song to me.

[GodsndFavoriteBassPlyr]

Cool! I have not seen an Eko guitar in years.

Great song - and a great voice!