It’s been a tough year. It started around March and in a few months, people have lost jobs, money, opportunities, and loved ones. But there’s a good side to this whole pandemic scene.
Difficult as it may seem, people got together out of hope and love. Men and women from across the globe helped raise others up.
So here’s to the selfless heroes.
You know the song “You raise me up“. It was made popular by the amazing Josh Groban but was actually composed by a Norwegian-Irish duo called Secret Garden. It’s got Irish roots, this song.
It is an uplifting song. The message is loud and clear. We need others. We need someone to come pick us up when troubles come our way. Some use this song to strengthen their faith. Others dedicate it to a friend or loved one. Your pick.
Back to the Irish.
Celtic Thunder is, you guessed it, an Irish group known for their singing and theatrical style shows. The original group began in 2007 and since then has had members come and go. But they still put on awesome shows.
Here they are with Paul Byrom on vocals singing their rendition of the song. He is one of Ireland’s finest crossover tenors. The Dublin born singer has been at it for 25 years and has been in theater, opera, and many other productions.
Listen to Paul.
The audience cheers as he takes the stage, the pianist already tapping keys. The stage is typical of Celtic Thunder, with hints of an Irish landscape accompanied by greens and blues all over. Paul begins singing,
“When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me”
He sings it differently.
We’ve all gotten used to Josh Groban’s version. His powerful and seemingly unlimited range of tenor-baritone style unleashing the words one after the other. Paul here has a deeper, huskier tone to it. A bit more romantic. Dramatic.
And as if to cement the song’s Irish legacy, a man plays Irish style bagpipes along with a few violins after a part sung by Paul. This is how Celtic Thunder performs. Visual effects, dramatic set pieces, and a whole lot of Irish style decorations.
No stopping Byrom.
He raises his voice when the song’s key goes up towards the end. But it’s not a powerful shout people are used to. Paul simply goes on singing, carrying himself along with the band, and for some reason, it’s still quite delightful to the listener’s ears.
But he still is a tenor. When everyone thought the song would end on a fading key, Paul shows why he is who he is. He raises his voice, hitting an amazing note. That stunning vocal display got the audience cheering!
So wherever you are and whatever you’re facing, this rendition will surely raise your spirits. And if you can make someone’s day better, go for it! It’s what Paul Byrom and Celtic Thunder did for you just now.
Earphones on, volume up, then sit back and enjoy this beautiful rendition below!
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