Empty Handed by Andy Irvine

Subject: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 08:37 PM

I am crying as I write this. For me, this is absolute proof of the creative power of the performer.

Empty Handed

When I started on this lark 8 years ago, I didn't think anything like this would happen. It's thanks to many of you, and Andy, that it did.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Nov 09 - 09:36 PM

George, I loved the song the first time I heard it at a Getaway. I didn't know who you were at all, and you sang this powerful song and I knew I'd experienced one of those brilliant moments that one hopes to collect in their lives.

This is proof of the creative power of the performer, inspired by the creative power of the songwriter.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 02:07 AM

Excellent, George!

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: michaelr
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 02:19 AM

Awesome! Post the lyrics, please.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: My guru always said
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 03:03 AM

We're so glad you started writing George!!

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: evansakes
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 03:27 AM

A lovely version of a great song. Well done, George.

I seem to remember there were also a few tears at the Cabbage Patch when Andy sang this one night...

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 03:37 AM

George's website - See Albums for lyrics of each track on every album

Lyrics - Empty Handed

George on MySpace

George on YouTube

All videos of George on Youtube

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Rasener
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 04:29 AM

Goed gedaan George.

However, your version will alaways be my favourite as you well know. That will never change. You wrote a part of my life.

gezondheid
Les

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: GUEST,Gerry
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 05:09 AM

I'm a lucky man - I've heard Andy Irvine do this song in concert, and I've heard George do it in concert, too.

It reminds me - a little - of the Henry Lawson poem, The Shame of Going Back, which Priscilla Herdman recorded.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Betsy
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 08:14 AM

It's just one of THOSE songs George.
Until I first heard you sing it at Saltburn - the last time I was knocked out like that, was hearing Dave Burland singing Streets of London some 40 ? years ago.
Great song George, and when you sang it, it was an unforgettable delivery, though I appreciate the way you feel about the compliment that Andy has paid you in performing it.
Best Wishes

Betsy

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: jacqui.c
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 08:56 AM

I like Andy's version but, for me, it isn't a patch on the original, which is one of my favourite songs of all time.

Nice one George.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Jeri
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 10:41 AM

Andy Irvine's famous and well respected, but I think you're every bit as respected, George, by those who've heard your songs, heard you perform them, and had the good fortune to meet you.

...and I like your version better than Andy's, too.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Amos
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 10:52 AM

Side by side listens, George, lead me to the conclusion your own performance is richer and better. Congratulations.


A

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 11:42 AM

Two great writers and two great performers. I'm looking forward to seeing you doing one of Andy's!

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 09 - 12:44 PM

Andy is more of a gleaner than author

George is a brilliant songwriter

Andy puts his own mark on a song

George has written some real gems, there is a heck of a lot to listen to

I sat Andy down and sang it to him in private the night he guested at the Windwatd folk club in St Albans in 2002/3. His reaction was very favourable. I then informed him that the song's author, George, would be singing it later that night in his capacity as singer/songwriter in residence and Andy was more than invited to listen !

he had no choice, so he got it twice

The rest is history

I was so privileged to have bumped into George at a singaround organised by Hamish Currie, and George was so gracious in accepting an invitation to join my Folk club , was I a lucky opportunist organiser ?

No, I just loved his songs 'Welcome in Another ear' and 'Countryside like This'

And he is such a good hearted guy and Vanessa is a most wonderful wife

Apart from that he is smarter than the average

hence tonight will be another milestone in his meteoric rise to folk stardom.

Go George go

No stick around

maybe a thread of 'Yor fave George Papavgeris' songs' is on the horizon

Start it tomorrow

bzy

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Hamish
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 09:33 AM

Yep: I still tell folks that I helped George on his way ;-)

Out of your very many great songs, George, this is certainly one of those that many of us think "If I could write just one decent song in my life and it was half as good as that one then I could die happy."

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: GUEST,KT not logged in
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 11:32 AM

It's thrilling George, to have Andy doing it. AND, I'm one, who when I want to hear that song, will always reach for your version.
KT

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 12:35 PM

'Andy is more of a gleaner than author'

I wish I was lucky enough to glean songs like 'Never tire of the road', 'Rude awakening', 'Forgotten hero', 'Raoul Wallenburg' 'A prince among men'...

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 01:04 PM

Never Tire Of The Road is Andy's own, I believe - now, there's a song I wouln't mind singing!

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: GUEST,Pistachio, unlogged
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 06:41 PM

I don't think anyone can get the message in George's songs across quite like George does! H.x

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Les from Hull
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 07:19 PM

There all Andy's songs, George. This thread is about two of the best songwriters in the British Isles!

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 07:23 PM

Hear , hear nut man

Les from Hell, Yep, I'll stand corrected Andy Irvine writes 50% of his album songs as well as re-writing some , and some tunes and so I take back my rash gut generalisation, should have checked it out first, thoghI onl have 2 Cds of his, but those he does glean are usually stand outs or nearly.

But I do not like his version of George's 'Empty handed,' it doesnt come over as well as the original 'source' and we can only be circumspect as to why not, but then its all down to taste I guess.

Yet A I's version of Marcus Turner's song is brilliant.

Colours to the mast

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: michaelr
Date: 09 Nov 09 - 07:53 PM

Not going to post the lyrics then, George?

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: Terry McDonald
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 05:07 AM

He doesn't need to - they're on his website.

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 08:57 AM

http://folk4all.net/Emptyhanded.htm

Subject: RE: Empty Handed by Andy Irvine
From: breezy
Date: 10 Nov 09 - 10:02 AM

so who else read straight across the page

makes ineresting reading

George performing it on youtube is as good as it gets, recommended source,

George, how are you today ?

brzy