I fell in love with The Waterboys, in the 1980's. The Whole of the Moon, touched my very soul, and each song thereafter. Sweet Thing is another I fell for, even with his "Jerry Lewis" type additions. This is still a very successful band, mostly traveling throughout Europe. I am anxiously awaiting the day they come to the US. I will find a way to see them, somehow. I LOVE these guys!
Its a vocal display of pure emotion in whatever sonic form. Something he does not lack for in any of his songs. Clearly he doesn't care if it sounds like a baby babbling.. lol! The Whole of the Moon is just grand! For me one of the shining examples of what music can inspire in a person. Cheers
The VM version of this is the best song of all time, but this distills some of the magic. Saw this down the first time when I was 21, 39 now, see you in 18 years
The Waterboys are the best!!! I Live every day with their music for the last 25 years! Its the same as loving sombody it wi,ll never stop... Love The Waterboys for ever and ever!
His lyric and music come so close that i often wonder; is he me or am i him ? That's how real this music feels and his lyrics apply to life as a whole. From the deepest misery to broken relationships and new loves... Amazing. Listen to his solo-albums too. True gems !
5:54 it starts. Mike & Steve let it rip. Wow. Astonishing, Divine. First time I heard this? I was in my teens. I stopped. And stared at the sky. Skies and clouds swirled around me. Quite a spiritual experience. Through the years, this song has been my go to - whenever the world seems lost of love. Lovely twist to this now. Last night had a random twitter chat with @MickPuck last night. Wonderful man. They are playing UK end Dec 2013. Reminded me to blog about my teens and The Waterboys!
I have 100's of songs downloaded from UA-cam, all genres, punk, folk, rock, jazz, soul, funk, r'n'b, indie, blues etc etc and THIS is my favourite. Keep on coming back to it. Mike Scott and The Waterboys, love it.
You need to love the waterboys/ Mike scott to understand, love this version as it is truly his. He doesn`t mock the original but embraces it, you see and feel his passion for the song and lyrics. It`s Mike Scott genius at its best.
this irish musician is just magic. His love and sensibility makes me almost cry. I think is very much inspired and in grace with all his companions in music. Thank you so much, you are just a gift to me.
ah Mike scott! this makes me recall glastonbury 1986 (i am old..well kind of as old based Mike scott so maybe that is cool after all! ) when waterboys headlined. most amazing gig. like you say, it's his emotion that comes through that is a total gift.
I´m afraid I disagree with the negative comments...I love both songs, the original and Mike´s version. Actually, this is, in my opinion, a real version because it´s totally different. I´m tired of listening to bands making exact replica covers which do not contribute at all... At least this man takes risks and was able to make this song his...and that he transmits...I was lucky to witness this set live and gave me goosebumps!
I was invited for a coffee by Van Morrison while leaving the glass doors to the venue he played in Rotterdam in 1986! sorry, but I just tagged along with neighbors that evening..who bought me a ticket for driving them to the gig! and when I mentioned one of my fave band's The Waterboys...Van said "they are all copycats, Everybody copies Me"unquote! This is a beautifully done version Man! and look at Mikes concentration/working at it!!! Precious....isnt it?
A truly magical rendition of a VM classic. Thankyou MS, thankyou VM and thankyou marlym for resurrecting this after VM's purge on his songs on YT - freedom prevail..
Thats fucking class. Saw these dude at kelvingrove bandstand in 2017. Then Van Morrison the week after that. Then the following week was the Pixes. Good time s man
does anyone else share the opinion that this great great man, like many great men b4 him, might have gone totally bonkers? he looks like King Lear having a paddy!
Actually, regarding the Waterboys opening for U2...I'm not sure if this happened, but I do recall sevaral shows, duing The Joshua Tree Tour when the PA blasted a few Waterboys songs before the show to warm up the crowd. These songs are usually chosen by the band and crew.
@AnyoneKnockingMikeScott. Listen to it properly. He's completely mad. But bloody hell you can feel the uninhibited happiness that very few can achieve!
scott's a genius but can t help think steve wickham deserves more credit his fiddling is unbelievable and i much prefer this irish influenced stuff to the whole of the moon and the earlier stuff this was wickhams influnce in the band
I think he's doing impersonations... Katherine Hepburn definite, also sounds like Henry Fonda's performance in on Golden Pond. Can't say I know why, just reminds me of their voices at that time in their careers
I totally love this song and this version especially, he has a good voice in spite of the strange outbursts at times. I love their fisherman's blues as well the violin rocks!
Regardless of the fact that he may not be an amazing singer... He has such a charismatic voice, Tom Waits, Dylan to name a few others. I'd sooner listen to someone with a voice like this than the banal, dross you get with today's X-factor spawned sacks of boredom, who just because they can sing in a fake american accent and hit every single note on the head (majorly due to the use of pitch correction and auto-tune) seem to become the next best thing to Elvis or Sinatra according to the press!
They did the impossible! covering Vans tune equaling what he did! they poured their heart out! I don't understand the negative comments below these guys really laid it on the line
@bobcatal I don't think my opinion of this song says anything about my knowledge of Van Morrison or music in general. Sweet Thing is my favorite song and this version just makes me laugh. Come on. It's silly. I don't really care what Van Morrison has to say about this version anyway except that he doesn't recognize he did a better job. I'm not even the biggest 'Van the Man' fan. Certainly not big enough to call him Van the Man. He sucked after 1974 anyway.
This cover is a traditional irish/scottish music reinterpirtation of sweet thing. It may not be your cup of tea but there's no need to go spouting venom because you don't like it. Have enough respect for the people who do appreciate music you don't like not to make childish remarks about the song and the band members appearence, it's childish. For a person who prides himself on having such "great" taste in music you should be less close minded.
Hand me the duct tape! - a few strips over his mouth would fix this up right quick- the vocals erupted and stuttered made my dog howl.... but the music ahhh- I think it is great and elicits such a riotous bubbling mood to the poets (Van) lyrics.
i love it, as if it's excentricities give it unique color and light. the naysayers are just being buttclowns. it's a brilliant performance by masters. i challenge the buttclowns to post better.
Too sweet for us mere mortals! Thank you so very much!!!
Plug this energy into our power grid and our energy problems are over!
Been a fan over 25 years at least. Spirit,. Did it for me… world party if I’m up for it….
I fell in love with The Waterboys, in the 1980's. The Whole of the Moon, touched my very soul, and each song thereafter. Sweet Thing is another I fell for, even with his "Jerry Lewis" type additions. This is still a very successful band, mostly traveling throughout Europe. I am anxiously awaiting the day they come to the US. I will find a way to see them, somehow. I LOVE these guys!
Its a vocal display of pure emotion in whatever sonic form. Something he does not lack for in any of his songs. Clearly he doesn't care if it sounds like a baby babbling.. lol! The Whole of the Moon is just grand! For me one of the shining examples of what music can inspire in a person. Cheers
The Whole of the Moon was the 2nd CD I ever bought, back in 1988....❤
Lol 😊 😂😅
Then he blows out at 3:50
I think they cut Mike's mike around 5:16
Absolutely brilliant! I love Van Morrison but this version with Steve Wickhams violin takes it to the next level of soul music❤️
The VM version of this is the best song of all time, but this distills some of the magic. Saw this down the first time when I was 21, 39 now, see you in 18 years
The Waterboys are the best!!! I Live every day with their music for the last 25 years! Its the same as loving sombody it wi,ll never stop... Love The Waterboys for ever and ever!
His lyric and music come so close that i often wonder; is he me or am i him ? That's how real this music feels and his lyrics apply to life as a whole. From the deepest misery to broken relationships and new loves...
Amazing. Listen to his solo-albums too. True gems !
I'm in TOTAL agreement with "roncepelotas's" response. BRILLIANTLY done! xxxx' from South Carolina
Lovin Van and lovin the Waterboys and loving this song especially...
A MASTER PIECE !
That’s incredible. Thank you for sharing this.
The brilliance of Sweet thing....To cover Van the Man surely he'd even like this!!
This one takes it from Van, as majestic and wonderful as he is.
5:54 it starts. Mike & Steve let it rip. Wow. Astonishing, Divine. First time I heard this? I was in my teens. I stopped. And stared at the sky. Skies and clouds swirled around me. Quite a spiritual experience. Through the years, this song has been my go to - whenever the world seems lost of love.
Lovely twist to this now. Last night had a random twitter chat with @MickPuck last night. Wonderful man. They are playing UK end Dec 2013. Reminded me to blog about my teens and The Waterboys!
I have 100's of songs downloaded from UA-cam, all genres, punk, folk, rock, jazz, soul, funk, r'n'b, indie, blues etc etc and THIS is my favourite. Keep on coming back to it. Mike Scott and The Waterboys, love it.
I just love them. They lift my soul.
You need to love the waterboys/ Mike scott to understand, love this version as it is truly his.
He doesn`t mock the original but embraces it, you see and feel his passion for the song and lyrics. It`s Mike Scott genius at its best.
Beautifully said and absolutely right!
Thanks for the great upload. So Happy I was able to see them live in Holland almost10 years a go.
this irish musician is just magic. His love and sensibility makes me almost cry. I think is very much inspired and in grace with all his companions in music. Thank you so much, you are just a gift to me.
I think she's talking about Steve Wickam
I thought he was irish, sorry. Anyway he is got a pretty good voice.
+Javier Moreiras Menor
Easy mistake to make. His music has a strong Irish influence.
check out their version of sweet thing in Milan...magic!!
ah Mike scott! this makes me recall glastonbury 1986 (i am old..well kind of as old based Mike scott so maybe that is cool after all! ) when waterboys headlined. most amazing gig. like you say, it's his emotion that comes through that is a total gift.
Fantastic
I want dedicate this song to the love of my life Beth N. of Perth Australia, she'll forever be my Sweet Thing
M.
Love the music is love the love.
Sorry I dont not the inglish.
I love youssssss
The BEST song EVER, EVER, by the only man, bsides Van the man, with the SOUL to do it justice!!! Fantastic.... Thanks Mike
How the fuck does this only have 100 thousand plus views? Spine tingling magic!
I´m afraid I disagree with the negative comments...I love both songs, the original and Mike´s version. Actually, this is, in my opinion, a real version because it´s totally different. I´m tired of listening to bands making exact replica covers which do not contribute at all...
At least this man takes risks and was able to make this song his...and that he transmits...I was lucky to witness this set live and gave me goosebumps!
I was invited for a coffee by Van Morrison while leaving the glass doors to the venue he played in Rotterdam in 1986! sorry, but I just tagged along with neighbors that evening..who bought me a ticket for driving them to the gig! and when I mentioned one of my fave band's The Waterboys...Van said "they are all copycats, Everybody copies Me"unquote! This is a beautifully done version Man! and look at Mikes concentration/working at it!!! Precious....isnt it?
Thank you.. A masterpiece....
I am a huge fan of Van the Man but this guy puts a great twist on this song tons of emotion, love it
Great drive song...across the Midwest. I'll be thinkin of ya.
Love this song. Great tune for a Saturday Morning. Sweet tune Mike.
😮👍oh my god!!!❤🎻🎸🎹🎶
A truly magical rendition of a VM classic. Thankyou MS, thankyou VM and thankyou marlym for resurrecting this after VM's purge on his songs on YT - freedom prevail..
that is some serious unbridled creativity. bravo
crazy lovely
MATERPIECE
amazing!!!!!
My all time favourite.
A triumverate of greatness from the Waterboys
many thanks for posting
Fantastic version of Vans song - well done Mike Scott and the boys!!!
sweet. i dont need coffee any more!
Absolute, pure magic. A million thanks for posting this!
still the best version of sweet thing on UA-cam. I'm guessing part is because the Irish in them, this song comes out of them so naturally.
oh what a perfomance !!!
Gloriously joyful
Simply Brilliant
this dude aint afraid. hes up thier front and center exposing himself. thats some guts.
Like Trump.
phenomenal!!
Steve Wickam is just a rock god fiddler, wish i could have him play on some of my songs?
love..devotion..surrender..for ever..
Perfeito ! ! !
I LOVE VAN!
Thats fucking class. Saw these dude at kelvingrove bandstand in 2017. Then Van Morrison the week after that. Then the following week was the Pixes. Good time s man
does anyone else share the opinion that this great great man, like many great men b4 him, might have gone totally bonkers? he looks like King Lear having a paddy!
Amazing!
Mike and Steve are the best...
ty 4 posting, i never seen this version. a belief & passion for what you do is all here!! & Steve Wickam is just gr8 he is The Rock God Fiddler!!
played this at butlins with 2 friends in the talent contest....we came third..the song comes first
Got my tickets....Halifax....July!!!
great cover especially the album version
Magic--
Sends chills - never can decide what I like better - fiddle or piano - love how it all builds!
cryin' good.
abso-bloody-lutely....best version of the song I ever heard...:)
Actually, regarding the Waterboys opening for U2...I'm not sure if this happened, but I do recall sevaral shows, duing The Joshua Tree Tour when the PA blasted a few Waterboys songs before the show to warm up the crowd. These songs are usually chosen by the band and crew.
they don't come much better than these guys - KEEP MUSIC LIVE!
Steve!!!
hold nothing back is the only way to get to this level
Put in Sweet Thing.mov to find the album version
ahh yeah!
@AnyoneKnockingMikeScott. Listen to it properly. He's completely mad. But bloody hell you can feel the uninhibited happiness that very few can achieve!
scott's a genius but can t help think steve wickham deserves more credit his fiddling is unbelievable and i much prefer this irish influenced stuff to the whole of the moon and the earlier stuff this was wickhams influnce in the band
There's Blackbird by the Beatles woven into Sweet Thing. Genius!
This guys sounds like the tripping baby of Yoko Ono and Jerry Lewis.
@powermichiel man i think it is fucking good
I think he's doing impersonations... Katherine Hepburn definite, also sounds like Henry Fonda's performance in on Golden Pond. Can't say I know why, just reminds me of their voices at that time in
their careers
he is a good singer, i think he trying to breath life into a song he has sung alot.
classic! They just don't makem like this anymore!
I totally love this song and this version especially, he has a good voice in spite of the strange outbursts at times. I love their fisherman's blues as well
the violin rocks!
Seperated at birth - Mike Scott and Ian "Monkey man" Brown?? Great version. Music to chase after the person you love to.
Regardless of the fact that he may not be an amazing singer... He has such a charismatic voice, Tom Waits, Dylan to name a few others. I'd sooner listen to someone with a voice like this than the banal, dross you get with today's X-factor spawned sacks of boredom, who just because they can sing in a fake american accent and hit every single note on the head (majorly due to the use of pitch correction and auto-tune) seem to become the next best thing to Elvis or Sinatra according to the press!
havin a blast
I love this version; like a barely contained explosion!
They did the impossible! covering Vans tune equaling what he did!
they poured their heart out! I don't understand the negative comments below these guys really laid it on the line
how else to cover a van morrison song but to do it up bigtime. he didnt disappoint.
spirit Waterboys
Epic cover! ... Woo hoo ... Sweet thing! (:---
SUBLIME.
Swblime!
@MsAnnestube Van may be a grumpy old man, but you can tell here that Mike Scott loves Van Morrison
@rockchick80s Astral Weeks
@hugebooter I've listened to it and listened it and never got it lol. Much prefer Van Morrison's orginal.
@weretrees1 love it or leave it
@hornetsnest001 I don't see how that makes me shallow minded. And I'm sure Van Morrison wouldn't care the slightest about my opinion on this song.
Just commenting because I think they have done particularly well on this one. People better would have been fokin happy on the night.
Great Cover. That wierd thing he does before he sigs sweet thing is wierd :)
@bobcatal I don't think my opinion of this song says anything about my knowledge of Van Morrison or music in general. Sweet Thing is my favorite song and this version just makes me laugh. Come on. It's silly. I don't really care what Van Morrison has to say about this version anyway except that he doesn't recognize he did a better job. I'm not even the biggest 'Van the Man' fan. Certainly not big enough to call him Van the Man. He sucked after 1974 anyway.
This cover is a traditional irish/scottish music reinterpirtation of sweet thing. It may not be your cup of tea but there's no need to go spouting venom because you don't like it.
Have enough respect for the people who do appreciate music you don't like not to make childish remarks about the song and the band members appearence, it's childish.
For a person who prides himself on having such "great" taste in music you should be less close minded.
Hand me the duct tape! - a few strips over his mouth would fix this up right quick- the vocals erupted and stuttered made my dog howl.... but the music ahhh- I think it is great and elicits such a riotous bubbling mood to the poets (Van) lyrics.
i love it, as if it's excentricities give it unique color and light. the naysayers are just being buttclowns. it's a brilliant performance by masters. i challenge the buttclowns to post better.