Lesson # 2

In this lesson we look at the chords, strumming pattern and melody line for the great ballad 'The Green Fields of France'

"The Green Fields of France", also known as "No Man's Land", is a poignant anti-war ballad written in 1976 by Scottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle. The song tells the story of a young Irish soldier named Willie McBride, who died in 1916 in World War I, and is buried in a foreign land. The lyrics evoke a sense of loss and futility, as the narrator wonders about how Willie might have died having been sent off to fight in a distant war.

The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including The Furey Brothers and Davey Arthur, Dropkick Murphys and Billy Bragg. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to express universal themes of loss, grief, and the futility of war. The song has become a staple of folk music and is often played at commemorative events, including Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand.

The song's lyrics have been praised for their evocative imagery and emotional depth, as well as their ability to capture the sense of loss and grief that is so often felt by families and loved ones of those who have died in war. The song's haunting melody and simple, yet powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among both musicians and audiences alike, and it has become a symbol of the tragedy and senselessness of war.

Overall, "The Green Fields of France" is a powerful and moving ballad that speaks to the universal human experience of loss and grief, and the futility of war. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to connect us to our shared experiences and to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.