In 2000, Matthew "Gilly" Gilsenan replaced Paul Henessey and the Celtic Tenors were then formed and signed to EMI. Singing a mixture of Celtic, Operatic and re-worked popular songs, the group have travelled extensively with many tours concentrated in the USA, Canada, Germany and the Netherlands. The group have performed with some of the world's leading orchestras including The Toronto Symphony, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Vancouver Symphony orchestra.
In June 2006, Niall Morris bowed out of the group and a young tenor from Omagh in Northern Ireland Daryl Simpson stepped into the group.
The Celtic Tenors have released four records with the EMI, Telarc and Dara labels. Their first album went on to achieve double platinum status in their homeland, Number 1 in Ireland and Germany, Number 2 in the UK, and won them the "Echo Award" for ‘Best Classical Crossover Act’ in Germany. They have recently recorded their fifth album entitled 'Hard Times'. It is an album comprising solely of American Song writers including Bob Dylan, David Baerwald, Randy Newman and Stephen Foster. The album was released by Compass Records in the USA on June 2, 2009.
For further information check their website www.celtic-tenors.com
Anthem
The Celtic Tenors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though their sad power may prevail,
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail
She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, and no armies stood
My land was born
Through wars, death and despair
She is the constant
We who don't care
And you ask me would I leave her -- but how?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let men's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart
Want to know more about Anthem?
The Celtic Tenors's song "Anthem" is a stirring patriotic anthem that celebrates the unyielding love of a person for their country, even in the face of great adversity. The song draws on the universal emotions of love and loyalty to convey the deep connection the singer feels with their land. The opening lines of the song are particularly powerful, stating that no man or madness, no matter how powerful, can conquer the heart of their country. The singer then goes on to explain the eternal nature of their land, existing long before the lines that divide nations were drawn, and how it has persevered through wars and hardship.
The chorus of the song deals with the question of whether the singer would ever leave their country. The answer is a resounding no, as the connection runs too deep, like a part of their being. The song invokes a sense of pride, nostalgia, and hope for a brighter future. It inspires a sense of unity, love, and loyalty towards one's homeland, and reminds us that our relationship with our country is not only a matter of geography or politics but something much deeper.
Line by Line Meaning
No man, no madness,
No human being or insanity, no matter how much power they hold, can have the same effect as my country on me.
Though their sad power may prevail,
Although the overwhelming strength of humans and their illness can win, they cannot compare to what my country means to me.
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
Nothing and no one can capture or take control of my nation's love and devotion.
They rise to fail
Their attempts to conquer my nation will inevitably lead to their defeat.
She is eternal
My country will exist forever.
Long before nations' lines were drawn
My country existed long before the borders of nations were established.
When no flags flew, and no armies stood
At a time when flags weren't waving and no armies were present, my country was born.
My land was born
The place I call home came into existence.
And you ask me why I love her
You question why my affection for my nation is strong.
Through wars, death, and despair
In times of conflict, death, and hopelessness, my country provides me with constant stability.
She is the constant
My nation is an unchanging presence in my life.
We who don't care
Those who are indifferent to my country's value.
And you ask me would I leave her -- but how?
You inquire if I would abandon my beloved nation, but I can't imagine doing so.
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
Even after leaving my country's borders, it remains with me wherever I go.
How can I leave her?
It's impossible for me to separate myself from my country.
Where would I start?
I wouldn't know where to begin to try and leave my nation.
Let men's petty nations tear themselves apart
Allow insignificant borders between countries to lead to their destruction.
My land's only borders lie around my heart
The sole boundary of my country is in my heart.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BENNY GORAN BROR ANDERSSON, TIM RICE, BJOERN K. ULVAEUS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidw.robertson448
@Carte Postale I always thought that "shekinah" was the Latinised Hebrew word for glory. So I looked it up:
Shechina
Shekinah
/ (ʃɛˈkaɪnə, Hebrew ʃəxiːˈna) /
noun
the radiance in which God's immanent presence in the midst of his people, esp in the Temple, is visibly manifested
the divine presence itself as contrasted with the divine transcendence
@lukecommins1096
My grandfather and I sang along to you three singing this song for hours on end. He had Parkinson's disease but every time the music swelled, he would sing out in the loudest and proudest voice. He passed away this year, (2020) and he went out not with sadness, but this song promising hope.
I cannot thank you for the love and joy this song gave my grandfather and me. May your voices ring out for eternity.
@ctenors
Hi Luke, many thanks for your beautiful memory. My deepest condolences in the passing of your grandfather. That generation LOVED all those fantastic songs. I hope that our generation can save them for future generations too. Happy Christmas
@lukecommins1096
@matthew gilsenan after a year of tragedy and sadness, it's comforting that two simple words remain powerful. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
@mullahbaksheesh9151
May the earth lie lightly on your grandfather!
@user-zx3bp1ru8h
할아버지 죽음에 애도를 표합니다. 할아버지와 이 찬양을 함께 들으신 추억을 영원히 간직하세요.
@migene99
heart felt
@elainegoffin4268
The best rendition ever, I have played it many times, thank you 😊
@margaretkocher1467
It is now early on Easter morning of 2020. I will be attending church via my computer amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I have been listening to some beautiful music and my eyes fill with tears of joy and thanksgiving that this is the celebration of our resurrected Savior, Jesus Christ. The Holy City has been a favorite of mine for many years and the Celtic Tenors brought this hymn to life. Our life on earth is short and times are hard and uncertain yet we have hope and faith that can only come from the Lord himself. To God be the glory!!!
@sunflowers5990
Its already 2 years since your comment. And thank god we able to attend and celebrate easter in church
@Lori1324
a TIMELY SONG, FOR CHRISTMAS, AND FOR WORLD EVENTS NOW. EXQUISITE SINGING AND SOUNDS, MOVES THE SPIRIT.