My Mother Told Me (In Old Norse) 

UPDATE: This track is now on spotify and all other streaming platforms! open.spotify.com/album/2nfJb4g8R82ZVid4u5apzK?si=FkrMj8G6RVCp3Tn7QwR0EQ&dl_branch=1 Thanks again for watching, Colmpany! 1) Leave your suggestions below 2) Yes this WILL be coming up on spotify. Will tweet out when it's up! 3) I have all my previous covers coming out in an album tomorrow! 4) Stay VERY handsome!

Saxon Monk: What is that strange singing coming from the Sea? The Sea:

I honestly was NOT expecting his voice to be that deep

As a Norwegian, I am so happy you sang this in Old Norse and I wanna say your accent is incredibly good. On that note, make no mistake; modern Scandinavian languages are veeeeery different from the ancient tongues (closest would be Icelandic) and no one really speaks it anymore, but as our culture and heritage we hold very dear and I am very appreciative that it is being picked up and presented today, as I'm sure many others here are.

These moments, when you think he did almost everything cool he could do, and then something like THIS just appears...

Imagine Saxons hearing this through the fog as it slowly grows louder. Sorry I don’t mean anything bad by this or meant to imply saxons are weak in some way. I basically just meant imagine some random farmer from the area/time period hearing it

Phases of watching this video: 1. Wow this dude's voice is way deeper than I thought it would be. 2. Wow this sounds way more badass in old norse. 3. Wow his speaking voice is way different than his singing voice. 4. I need more of this in my life. 5. (Clicks subscribe)

The English version is magnificent, but this Old Norse version is so hauntingly beautiful. Transported me a thousand years in the past.

LYRICS: Þat mælti mín móðir, at mér skyldi kaupa fley ok fagrar árar, fara á brott með víkingum, standa upp í stafni, stýra dýrum knerri, halda svá til hafnar hǫggva mann ok annan, hǫggva mann ok annan.

The Lyrics in case anyone was wondering: Þat mælti mín móðir, at mér skyldi kaupa fley ok fagrar árar, fara á brott með víkingum, standa upp í stafni, stýra dýrum knerri, halda svá til hafnar hǫggva mann ok annan, hǫggva mann ok annan.

There's just something about hearing a song in the language it's meant to be sung in that makes it really come to life.

I actually can't believe this exists. A real old Norse cover of my mother told me. FINALLY. Man you are deffinatly the best. Keep up the amazing work.

My cat listened to this, now she's pulling Freyja's chariot.

I learned this song in Old Norse and English. It’s my daughters favorite lullaby. Skål!

This was a poem written in Egils Saga from Íslendingasögur or Sagas of Icelanders. Egils Saga tails the life of members in Egil Skallagrímsson clan. From Egils grandfather to his children. He was a war age poet and a farmer with suposed mystical powers. The Íslendingasögur is also known as the Family Sagas. Mostly historical events retold by different families around the Saga Age in early Iceland, the ninth to early eleventh century. According to his Saga, the poem was suposedly written after his first murder at a very young age. The shows and games that use it now greatly alter the original poem in the Saga. I have the saga with me as I directly quote what is the most commonly accepted translation of the poem: My mother wants a price paid To purchase my proud-oared ship; Standing high in the stern I'll soar for plunder, The stout viking stearsman Of this shining vessel: Then home to harbour After hewing down a man or two Translation slightly alters it, but not in any meaningful way. Egils Saga is very interesting as a whole. One of my favorite Sagas personally. The story goes that when he was six he and the boy Grim who was 11, were playing ball. Grim is winning, Egil is mad and hits him. Grim then wrestles him to the ground. Egil is not happy with this so he goes home, seeks his friend and the two get axes. Egil cuts Grims head through the brain down to the teeth. This causes the adults of the two houses to fight and seven more men to die. His father is disappointed for causing so much suffering and death for nothing. His mom is proud however and tells him she thinks its a sign he will be a great viking and people should get him fighting ships. He writes the poem after his mother tells him this. And as a side note, here are two other translations that are not as accepted today. The contemporary English translation is roughly: "Mother told me they ought to buy me a ship and good oars. I ought to go with Vikings, stand up in the ship, steer the good ship, sail into harbor, kill one man after another." The most literal translation is(yes, spelling and all): "Thus spake my mother, That for me should they buy a barque and beauteous oars to go forth with Vikings. Stand in the stern, Steer a dear vessel, Hold course for a haven, Hew down many foemen."

If your voice was any more deeper, it would strike oil. If your voice was any more eloquent, it would shower diamonds and battle axes. Keep up the amazing work!!!

My historical linguistic heart is SCREAMING I learnt a lil old norse in my degree and it's so hard but sooooo cool! Much love!

This has a real bad ass vibe to it… Wouldn’t be surprised if this is going to be at some point used in a trailer ❤️

Bro be hitting those low notes perfectly. If you ever find yourself back in time in a Norse settlement, please start a band and travel the lands singing.

Pure brilliance. It hasnt even started yet and it already sounds good

My ancestors are smiling, they speak of great music to come

You can tell he was immersed,dude had killer eyes while singing death itself.

my mother told me: "if you don't do the dishes then you won't get any brownies" so i smashed them all with a war axe

Old Norse is so incredibly interesting on a purely phonetic level, doubly so as someone born in Scandinavia and being able to pick up up words with my modern understanding. Honestly you have a singularly spectacular voice. Your vocal range is breathtaking, from the thundering lows you seem to strike with such ease, to the magnificent highs. Rock on Colm, bloody Rock on, mate!

As someone who is fascinated by the old Nordic this is absolutely amazing and it really is hauntingly beautiful just imagine an entire hall of vikings chanting this in unison

Now I know why the British feared the norse. Imagine hearing this deep ass voice singing in a tongue you don't understand In a foggy ass mist approaching.

Well this proves that colm is a norse god in human form this and the thunderous voice

Hearing this in the original language... This is how it would have sounded when my ancestors sang it... It has a haunting quality, the weight of ages and a fierce sense of warrior pride.

I can’t stop listening to this. I thought I was over my “My Mother Told Me phase” … apparently not. This is hauntingly beautiful. Long live Vikings. ❤️

​I can't believe it, a few days ago I was just thinking how would sound Colm singing that song in old norse, and now, there he is!!

In all honesty, old Germanic Languages (Old English, Norse, and German) have such a uniquely ancient appeal to them and this is just one example

When I closed my eyes, it felt like I traveled in time and get to the vikings. They're sitting near the fire, sining songs, dancing, telling stories. Then they do their usual work and get redy for winter. And go through the see to fight with enemies and rushed gold and steel before winter comes. Your voice, music and the manner of playing made me feel like that. Thank you so much for those emotions. You are incredible musician.

I'm so jealous of his vocal range. This song gave me chills. Definitely going into my favorites!

As a Slav I really like to listen to this for hours, our old pagans ancestors fought each other, but we were all great warriors, great respect for the Vikings. Be proud of your heritage.

This is by far the easiest to understand rendition of this song vocally speaking, real clear on the pronunciation and every word and letter sounding like it should. Another brilliant performance. I'm certain that you put a lot of work into it, and it shows. Well done.

I love how this is better than ANY existing version. I'm blown away ❤️

While modern Scandinavian languages are very different, Icelandic is still very similar to Old Norse in many ways, so it's fun to see how much I can understand without translation (I speak Icelandic) I always said ancient languages sound so badass and this song confirms, this song was amazing

I don't know why I don't get tired of this song. This is a whole new level of awesome.

Even without mentioning the outstanding vocals, this arrangement is so compelling!

This is amazing. To the one's thinking it's auto-tuned, check out "The Hu Band". I think they are from Mongolia and their singing style is called "Throat singing". It's an ancient singing style that is making a comeback.

I wish I had his vocal range, he hits as deep as the earth's core

Bro the original of this song is epic and the fact this is in old Norse is really the cherry on the icing, absolutely amazing man keep it up!!!

I find it melancholic, i am Scandinavien and i don't understand a single word, old norse was so enchanting that i wish it survived more to this day so it would be convenient to learn

Your vocal range amazes me. I was a high first soprano but my voice has dropped and hearing the depth of your vocal quality is so impressive! Love it.

I stepped into the music world with my own efforts and improved myself with intense efforts. It all started with playing guitar in a school band 6 years ago. I am currently studying cello, piano and singing at the same time. You are obviously one of the people I look up to. I hope one day I can create amazing works like yours

I'm learning Old Norse at the minute so this really helps me boost motivation

Simply fantastic. Since I don't know Old Norse, I'll just say that I think you did well on the pronunciation and thank you for bringing out the Tagel once more!

An Incredible talent, a talent of the age, a legend of his people. More please.

WOW There's something unfathomably beautiful and comforting in rich masculine voices. Awesome music, awesome choirs, awesome song. Thanks!

In the name of Odin, what did you just wake up from its sleep? 😱😲😄 I Think I can speak for all scandinavians when I say THANK YOU /TACK for this version 🙏 And If this doesn't end up in a scandinavian movie I don't know what will 🍻Skål

I'd just like to say that your music has helped me greatly while I'm at college. Me being a procrastinator, I stress over three days straight getting work done in succession. I usually have your music on loop while I work, which helps pass the time as I either write papers, do 3D modeling, or visual effects. Keep up the great work!

This song brings me to tears at 1:41 every time and I’ve heard it about 20 times so far. Soon to be 20 thousand

3:42 was hands down my favorite part. I really wish I wasn't allergic to wool so I could support those lovely jumpers. (The song was cool too.)

THIS GUY'S VOICE HITS ME 🔥✊

He doesn’t even look like his voice is supposed to be that low. The thought of trying this as a soprano hurts lol. This is haunting 💕💕

I knew you are Balder. And now you have shown us. But seriously this will be so awesome. Can't wait for your take on this Balder Mcguinness

Just a little something I put together while I listened to the song: _Upon a small yet tall peninsula overlooking a sleepy little costal town; sat a modest monastery, simple in its construction, rich in its contents..._ The Fog was thick, the night was calm. Brother Ancaeus shuffled along the pews, lighting the evening candles. All was right, all was calm. "Another quiet evening brother," came the murmuring voice of brother Bard. Turning to him, Ancaeus blew out his matchstick as he completed his tasks for the night, taking a seat with his monastic brother in the front most pew. "Yes, brother. The seas are calm tonight and the town lays still in its slumber." he answered, "But if that is so, what troubles you presently?" As he waits, the wind along the coast picks up; a dull susurration in the night. The town is quiet, the night is no longer still. "Have you heard from the other monasteries and temples Ancaeus? They speak of a new evil come to our shores as of these past few winters." He turns to him, eyes gleaming in sharp concern. "No, I have been here brother; tending to my duties as always. If any here have heard news from beyond our walls it would be you. Is it not you who receives the shipments from the town?" A shuddering breath answers, "I do, brother, I do. But it is from the men who bring us supplies I have also heard of these rumors." Ancaeus takes a moment to tuck his hands into the sleeves of his simple homespun robes, the night air is cool tonight, and candles are poor substitutes for the warm roaring fire in the dorms. The wind sings freely now, the fog is thicker still. "Tell me about these rumors, brother Bard." There is a pause, a faint murmur on the wind. "These are not the normal bandits and brigands of old Ancaeus. This is something new, they are far fiercer than a bandit, more hardy than our knights. The things I have heard..." He trails off as he rubs his left arm absentmindedly, a grimace ghosting across his face. Noticing this Ancaeus murmurs, "Are your old wounds troubling you brother? Do you want me to go get sister Hypatia?" Bard looks on, his eyes unfocused, his mind in another time, another place. "No, no. Pray do not trouble her, she would flay us both for rousing her before morning prayers." A small chuckle comes from Ancaeus, "That is true, brother, without a doubt." The two men share a companionable silence, a calm moment before the storm. _The wind Roars._ Cocking his head to a side, and pulling the side of his hood back a fraction, brother Bard listens to the silence. An unease begins to creep into the hall, and a stronger breeze still, whistles through the cracks in the old monastery doors. "What is it, brother?" Ancaeus whispers, "I know not Ancaeus, there is a breath upon the wind that was not blown by God." _The wind is howling, the fog deepens and creeps upon the shore._ Bard turns to Ancaeus, eyes hard with an old alertness, "I do not like it brother, there is something foul in the air, by the saints and by my years as a soldier I swear it." The younger monk looks back to the double doors leading to the outside world, they face out to sea, constantly battered by the salt air. _The whisper is a murmur, a faint chant on the paths in the sky._ "I think I hear it Bard, it sounds like...chanting? Like morning prayer?" Bards eyes widen, then shrink back into hard pinpricks of obsidian. "That may be a prayer, but not to our God." _The howling wind has a brother, its song joins it to its own._ Both men leap to their feet, Bard claps his hands on his younger companion. "Ancaeus, heed my words; rouse everyone, take the sisters and our brothers whom abstain from the sword and fly, fly to the woods. Send brother Solomon to the town to raise the alarm. Tell brothers Alexander, Horace, and William to meet me here, understand?" "Yes Bard." "Good lad, May the Lord lend wings to your feet. Now go!" _The Wind Sings its lamentations, upon it burbles and groans the chants of many throats in concert, all drift in from the fog out at sea._ Glancing back at the monastery, brother Ancaeus sees a figure at the door, one hand raised in a solemn farewell. Turning back to the forest he waves to another group slipping out from the now bright fishing village; women and children herded by old men with fishing spears. They all slink into the woods, dousing their lanterns and torches as they go. _Within the Temple, an old Warrior prepares for war once more._ "Brothers, the barbarians come. The other men are preparing in the village, we shall stay and defend the monastery. They have sent a rider to Lord FitzHarold for aid. I pray to the Lord that they arrive in time." As he speaks the four men descend the stairs down into an old storeroom. Therin lies four chests, all stamped on the latch with a simple symbol; a sword and rose crossed behind the head of a raven. Each man opens their chest to reveal neatly folded chainmail, battered and notched plates with specks of rust, and on top in each lay a simple shortsword in a plain battered leather scabbard wrapped in a swordbelt. A moment is taken by each man, before as one they arm and armor themselves, old hands quick in the familiar task. _Upon the sea-within the fog, a song rises up carried by men grim in their task._ The Fog is thinning, the night is tense. A dozen throats chant in concert. A dozen hearts beat in fevered anticipation. A dozen eyes scan the shore, looking for an opening. Then, the Skirl led his crew in another chant, to ready them for battle. Its chant carried on the wind, settling onto the village like a thick blanket. "Þat mælti mín móðir, at mér skyldi kaupa fley ok fagrar árar, fara á brott með víkingum, standa upp í stafni, stýra dýrum knerri, halda svá til hafnar hǫggva mann ok annan, hǫggva mann ok annan." "Þél höggr stórt fyr stáli stafnkvígs á veg jafnan út með éla meitli andærr jötunn vandar, en svalbúinn selju sverfr eirar vanr þeiri Gestils ölpt með gustum gandr of stál fyr brandi."

Unbelievable, I have a grandfather that can talk like a viking and act like one, but this just amazing

I love this song ! Never heard it in Old Norse, though…. I am impressed. Colm must have been a Viking warrior in an earlier life

This has been the best version I've heard so far, didn't like it in English. Are the irish songs coming up? Fingers still crossed for "the green fields of france", and "One I love".

I always love hearing songs in the elder tongues. This is so amazing.

Holy shit... listened twice back to back. Turned it up louder the second time... my roommates think I'm nuts as I sit here jamming out to a song in old Norse sung by a fellow ginger. I absolutely love your stuff. I can't tell you what people like you have done for me when I'm in a dark place. Keep up the great work man! I wonder if you'd want to perform the United States Marines Corps hymn at some point. I'd love to see your take on it.

Please keep doing these Old Norse songs. They're amazing, and it kind of helps me learn the language. I've been trying to learn it for a little over a year now, but I have had little success with the book i have. These videos make me motivated to keep trying.

I'm positively giddy about this!! I don't even need to hear it to know how epic this is...but I have my reminder set anyway...

This will be your finest work! i cannot wait!

The gods will honor you in Valhalla for making such an amazing cover of this song!

This is just fantastic. I've heard quite a few versions of the song, but never in Old Norse. Simply amazing. Also, dat mic quality tho

"Bring me a man with a voice like thunder. That same one must have mastered every musical instrument under the sun." The king grinned with dark satisfaction, for he knew there existed no man on Earth who could fulfill his request. The condemned knight smiled in return. "Behold, Your Majesty, Colm McGuinness." Listening to the bard perform, the king realized that he had made a grave error. "It seems I have won our bet. You are bound by the magical vow. I am free...and your kingdom is mine."

with headphones on, i feel like i can see back in time to my ancestors pulling an oar on a wolfship, cutting through ice filled waters with battle brothers chanting this absolutely wonderful performance

The fact that it sounds insanely like a Klingon opera makes it even better. 😱

I'm speechless....this is SO AMAZING! I heard many versions of this song but yours is the truely godfather🧙🏼‍♂️

I always love hearing songs being sung in their native language, there's just a kind of magic that the English versions don't have

You and Alina Gingertail need to do a colab with this song, you two are absolutely amazing!

If a song is on repeat for more then an hour now you know it is captivating hypnotizing and beyond.............. Wauw

There's something menacing about the Norse language 8t changed your voice and makes you sound like some brute Now that's what I'm talking about This is so badass

I knew I wanted you to sing this song, I just never knew how badly I needed to hear you sing old Norse until now…🥺

Immediate chills very hauntingly sounding. Love the old norse it makes this song sound menacing and pair it with colms voice perfect match. Thanks for this great song.

This dude needs to sing this for the new DND movie. Bro. Gives me chills.

Colm, the Paragon of all songs - supported by everyone, can't describe how good each and everyone of your songs and covers are.

So glad this is going to be in spotify. Going right on the Norse playlist I have.

Y’know, this was my first introduction to this song. I didn’t really think of it as a Sea Shanty. Or at least the traditional sense of it, perhaps it’s the way he’s performing it, but it just sounds like an epic Viking battle chant/folk song that just sounds so badass. I prefer this version over the English one BY FAR!

truly a godlike version of this song, you nailed it with your voice !

Actually was able to catch it the premiere this time! This was amazing when you use the deeper gravelly voice it goes so well with the Old Norse! I feel like I’m in a movie about Vikings!

Why can I feel this? I have norse heritage but have never spoken the language. Yet somehow this feels like the songs of my people. It calls to something that I didn't know was missing.

Finally a piece I can join in comfortably. So nice when there's true bass parts

Y’all know he killed another child, so his mom took this as a sign that he should have a ship so he could kill more people, steal things, and gain gold and glory, right? Mighty deeds and killing strong enemies was essential to their heroic ideal. Rendition is breathless!

I have been listening to this for days over and over and over again. Can't get enough of his voice, its so unbelieveable great!

😮My friend I don't know what it is about your voice but every time you sing it just sounds so damn empowering I just want to workout for 24 hours straight this is my first time listening and I cannot tell you how much I am enjoying this please more songs like this... I'm jealous why can't I have a voice like this

Oh yeah!

Awesome performance, Colm - i love your harmonies and the way you use your voice - along with the old Norse language. You really are intense! rock on ;)

I knew the version would be amazing! but you crossed the limits with the Old Norse. You never stop surprising us, Colm!

One of my favourite songs in a cover I Never Knew I NEEDED

I have listened to this for quite a few times since it was uploaded. Just can't get enough of the harmonies. My favourite arrangement, really. Great vocal work, as it can be expected, but this song just stands out even more. Gives me the chills and makes me want to listen to it "just once more".

OH MY GOODNESS YES I COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED FOR THIS IF I TRIED

Chills. That's all I felt in this. That bass pitch? Instant goosebumps

this is the best thing I've ever heard. Congratulations on a really great talent

I think this is one of my favorites that you have done so far and I really liked the Stan Rogers cover songs. Also the speaking part at the end was super funny and I loved hearing your speaking voice as well. "I get jumpers, you get jumpers" cracks me up every time lol.

This is my favorite version. Well done Colm... well done!

I am really into older languages and music, you just put my favorite things together and made something even better.

I adore listening to songs that are originally sang in English and different languages. This is made one of three of my favorite covers for this song. The other is a Russian cover and a Rachel Hardy cover.