The Fureys, Davey Arthur - The Green Fields of France Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote the song 'The Green Fields of France'?

   'The Green Fields of France', also known as 'No Man's Land', was originally written by Scottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriter Eric Bogle in 1976.

2. What is the central theme of 'The Green Fields of France'?

   The song reflects on the grave of a young soldier named Willie McBride who died in World War I. It questions the futility and waste of war, while paying tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought.

3. Did The Fureys make any changes to Eric Bogle's original lyrics?

   Yes, The Fureys made some changes to Bogle's original lyrics. For example, they replaced some Scots phrases like 'Did the rifles fire o'er ye?' with lines such as 'Did they play the death march?'

4. Was Willie McBride a real person?

   Eric Bogle has stated that he had no particular soldier in mind when choosing the name Willie McBride; it was chosen for its rhyme with 'graveside'. Although there were several soldiers named William McBride who died in World War I, none perfectly match the details given in the song.

5. How did The Fureys' version of 'The Green Fields of France' perform commercially?

   'The Green Fields of France' was a significant hit for The Fureys. It reached No. 1 on the Irish Singles Chart and remained on the charts for twenty-eight weeks.

6. What other names is 'The Green Fields of France' known by?

   'The Green Fields of France' is also commonly but incorrectly referred to as 'No Man's Land'.