Les Misérables 10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall Colm Wilkinson (Valjean) Conductor: David Charles Abell Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
+God Of Potatoes I agree he sang this ever so well. I do enjoy Josh Groban's version. I recently went to his concert. I have heard Alfie Boe's rendition. But to me Colm Wilkinson owns this song. Everyone else is second best in my opinion.
This is the first time iv ever heard this song. It is beyond beautiful. My beautiful son lost his battle with cancer a year ago. He had just turned 16& my heart aches for him everyday. This song, those words, the emotion conveyed is utterly stunning. He speaks my words & conveys such emotion. Im speechless. My darling boy i will love you for eternity. The part of you thats me will never die. 💙⭐🌠
I am so so sorry for your loss. We lost our 17 year old daughter to cancer, so believe me when I say I understand your pain. There is nothing worse than the loss of your child.
I saw this show on Broadway the last night that he played the part of Valjean. Unbelievable experience. The man was crying singing this song. The applause for him wouldn't stop. One of the best nights I ever had on broadway. This was back in 1988.
I can imagine it! I saw him a year later in the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera, (another part that was originally written with his incredible voice in mind...), and he blew my mind. I went back to see it agian as many times as could; I can absolutely understand how he could inspire a talent like Ramin Karimloo, (who is a couple of months younger than I am, and was doubtless at some of those same Toronto shows) to say, "I'm going to do this."
What an experience that would of been. I was there for Kerry Ellis's last performance as Ephelba and it the applause she got at the end of defying gravity was deafening.
Absolutely nailed it. He knew it, the audience knew it, the orchestra knew it and the rest of the cast knew it; if you look as he finishes, they're all applauding too. If this doesn't move you, you're dead.
Maybe so, but if I could beam you back to 1990 and have you hear Timothy Caldwell belt this out at Central Michigan University - you'd swear it was, as Hansi Kürsch sang it - Sorrow Itself Singing Softly and Sweet!
@@TimHansenux Well, according to him, he and Colm talked while filming the movie and he asked Colm how he should approach the song. And Colm said to make it his own and go for it. So I guess he did.
No singer will ever sing this as well as Colm Wilkinson. I know other people have their favourite singers but sorry this will always be the best version
For me Colm Wilkinson will always be Jean Valjean. I was so very fortunate to see him when I went to see Le Miserable. His voice is absolutely stunning, sublime and when he sang Bring Him Home the theatre was silent, it was just breath-taking and literally brought you to tears. You believed every word Colm sang. I've seen others play Jean Valjean but no matter how good they are, none of them will ever match Colm Wilkinson. He was and always will be Jean Valjean.
When I went to see Les Miserables the first time, a very long time ago, it was Colm. I was not only transfixed on him, but the whole musical. It was absolutely amazing!! I did a lot of crying that night. 😭.
Colm is genius. This is a "MASTERPIECE", Absolutely formidable. My favourite part of of Les Miserables when Colm sings it, not saying Alfie Boe wasnt good. But he wasn't "Great", like Colm!
God on high, hear my prayer. In my need you have always been there. He is young, he's afraid. Let him rest, Heaven blessed. Bring him home. Bring him home. Bring him home. He's like the son I might have known if God had granted me a son. The summers die, one by one. How soon they fly on and on. And I am old and will be gone... Bring him peace, bring him joy. He is young. He is only a boy. You can take. You can give. Let him be. Let him live. If I die, let me die. Let him live. Bring him home. Bring him home. Bring him home.
Exactly. This is so beautiful. Really sounds like he's singing to the sleeping Marius. In the movie version, Hugh Jackman's pretty much belting everything, and all I can think is "no way Marius is still sleeping with you yelling like that."
My Son suffered with terrible mental health after the loss of his Grandma, I played constantly this praying that my "old" Son would return to me. After 10 years he has finally turned a corner ♥️♥️
bless you Beverley,im not really religious but i know how much my kids and grandkids me to me so i can only imagine how you must have felt, even though i dont know you im so happy that your son has come home to you x
My heart goes out to you. I'm experiencing something similar in my family and thought of playing this song. Then I saw your comments. Keep hope alive!🙏🏽❤️
This was my late husbands favourite version of Bring Him Home,sung by the one and only Culm Wilkinson. Iplayed it today and I cried.It makes me feel closer to him.Such happy memories
Many of us hear you. Mental health issues have become an epidemic in America. It takes solid, unyielding family support to get a young person through it.
I saw Colm in concert in Saint Patricks Cathedral, a beautiful intimate venue, under three hundred people, in Dublin just before Christmas 2019. We were right up at the front of the small stage. It was a terrific concert but everyone was waiting for "The song" He finished the concert without singing Bring him home and everyone was sad, we of course shouted for an encore and he eventually came out wearing Valjean's jacket, we knew then that he would sing it and the applause from the audience was huge before he even started. He told us that as he and his voice, weren't getting any younger, this may be the last time he performs this song on stage. When he started singing you could hear a pin drop. He was note and pitch perfect and the applause was still ringing through the rafters of the cathedral as we left to go home! I really hope we hear him sing this song live again!
@@ctaproductions101 I’m not aware of a video, sorry. You could try contacting “Pat Egan management” who brought the show to St Patrick’s cathedral Dublin!
What a special blessings for you, to have the opportunity to hear CW in concert. Wow! There isn't much I wouldn't do to hear him sing in his own concert . I just adore his voice & emotions that he uses, to sing. There's will NEVER be anyone like him. Ever & forever. 👍🏻👍🏻💜😔😏
When I discovered Les Mis at age 13 I didn't appreciate this song enough... 25 years later I start bawling immediately at those beginning notes. It's such a powerful beautiful tender ballad full of selfless love and hope. Nobody sings it like Colm, it was made for him
Me too! My mom introduced me back in 97 or 98 and saw the traveling tour in 2005 and i randomly thought of this in the AM and now ive been crying for an HOUR
Yeah, my 1st time was probably 10... Colm is still the best after 7 Les mis shows... FYI my country has les mis only every 10-20 yrs. most of my experiences are overseas, so i travel to watch sometimes, if they come somewhere near... I am located in Asia....
I must congratulate Colm Wilkinson on his heart-shaking performance, but I must also congratulate the audience for remaining quiet while he performs, holding their applause to the end. There are so many videos on youtube with talented singers being interrupted every 20 seconds by cheers loud enough to drown them out. If you appreciate a singer, and want them to know that you think they're excellent, you give them their turn and wait until they're done singing to applaud them. YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT HIM/HER.
Well said...art in all its forms must be allowed to breathe. Colm is always at his very best on this song because his audiences consistently give him the stage and the theatre. You hear NOTHING on this song but every nuance of Colm's voice and emotions and the music. The silences, the rests in the music and voice, are part of the art, too...don't miss them. The next time any of you see, hear, feel, taste or touch art, especially fresh, undiscovered art...let it breathe. You might be very surprised at what you experience.
With respect to every other singer who has ever performed this, this really is the best version. Stunning control and tone.. no wonder the audience goes mad...(now to wipe away the tears)
It was written with his voice in mind. It really is his song. I come back to this song once or twice a year - always ends with moistened eyes. I've no real interest in musicals but this is some kind of pinnacle
The summer my brother shipped to Basic Training, I played this song nearly every night, begging God He bring my baby brother home again. Thank God my brother did come home safe, but then a few years later, I got a call that a dear family friend lost his battle to cancer. I was on a wildland fire crew at the time and I missed his funeral, but the night of his funeral, I played this song before I went to bed, knowing my friend went Home, too.
when my baby sister was diagnosed w/ stage 4 pancreatic cancer, this song became my own personal prayer to the power that controls life and death -- and I cry EVERY time I listen to this, wishing her back....
my mum always said this was her song for me( in 1988 when i first heardit) never understood what all the fuss was about this song untill a few years ago and got to admit makes me cry every single time ,three weeks ago she had a massive stroke and find myself listening to this song constantly ,i do the night shift with her at the hospital and now its my turn to sing this to her everynight ,and through her pain she still smiles at this song with her eyes ,this is truly a remarkable song and only colm sings it like it should be sung (thats no disrespect to any of the others but its his song ) keep fighting mum x
Hang in there mate. It sounds like your mum was right about you all those years ago and I'm sure she knows how much you love her and she's smiling inside. Been where you are now and whilst you might not think it, it does get better eventually, one way or another. Good luck.
thank you for all the kind replies,unfortunately my mum passed away just before xmas so this song has now taken on a whole different meaning to me ,everytime i listen to it i feel her next to me and imagine her singing it to me like she used to , but also remember the happiness in her eyes as i sung it to her in t hospital xxx
Gotta disagree here. Hugh Jackman may not have had the voice but his presence--wow! Multi-talented and seen by millions. The acting is important too. Oh sure...Colm has an AMAZING voice...but Hugh..Wow!
+Helen Eschenbacher completely agree. also, the director insisted on filming in "realistic" conditions. Hugh has a GREAT voice on stage, but he was pretty much chronically dehydrated and it was filmed outdoors in poor acoustics, with minimal sound processing.
I saw Les Mes in New York. It was a true blessing because my sister was ill at the time and she really wanted me to see a broadway show. It was fantastic. When I got home to Wis consin and found about the 10th Anniv. Production. I HAD to have it. By then I was in love with Michael Ball ,Colm Wilkinson ,Lea Salonga and Judy Kuhn and all the others. Needless to say I've watched my dvd over and over..My sister sadly passed away so LesMes means the world to me.I Always cry. I know theres the other Anniversary salute to it but it doesn't hpld a candle to the original one. Thanks New York for the best time ,I could ever have.
he is the best Valjean I have ever heard. I was fortunate to see him play Les Mis live! He moves me to tears every time! His performance is the gold standard imho.
That final note he holds into the very end is what makes this song so divine. It reduces this wretched and scarred man into a gentle creature seeking God's mercy with such humility because he knows of no other recourse. The tone of his voice "bring him home" tells me everything about the condition of this man as he lays his cares upon God. Such a man... its everything about humanity, that moves me about this song and character
Me too. Cry like a baby every time. Now that i have my own son its even worse. Beautiful song. I wasnt introduced to his version, i first saw les mis in 2013 but this song and i dreamed a dream get me everytime
The very first time the Les Mis production team debuted this song, the rest of the cast listened quietly while Colm sang it. After the last note died away, you could hear a pin drop. Trevor Nunn broke the silence by saying, "I told you this show was all about God." One of the cast replied: "Yes...but you didn't tell us you'd gotten Him to sing it."
When I was 5, my mom let me stay up past my bedtime to watch a late-night broadcast of this 10th anniversary performance with her on PBS, Channel 13. I was mesmerized. I’m 33 now, and next year, my daughter will be 5, and you can bet we’ll be watching this together. I weep for the past, but I have an optimistic eye on the future. Bless you all.
I saw Colm in 1988 on Broadway. His voice is reverberating & quivering, just when most important. His voice is resonating and strong, too. He is totally transforming when he is in a roll, & we feel every note he sings. Therefore, his acting & singing are one, for him as well. He is the top of them all, in my opinion. I am lucky to have lived that with him, the cast, and the other listeners!
This is for me always. With all that’s going on in the world today, I must listen to him everyday. It is a great beginning and ending of my day.. touches my soul.
I love Colm. He's absolutely phenomenal and I don't think we'll ever have another Valjean like him. That said, can we please talk about how fucking good the orchestra is here? 2:10 to 2:40 is just actual masterwork, and the notes at "Let him be, let him live" get just as big an emotional response out of me as Colm does.
Colm, is one of the finest tenor to come from the island of Ireland. No one can sing this song as well as Colm. This song belongs to Colm. The first time I watched Colm sing this song was with my parents, who are both sadly passed now. It was on national TV, Christmas '87 I think. Amazing voice. We are soo proud of you Colm. ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
I sing this song at Karaoke now and then, along with I Dreamed A Dream. There’s no possible way that I can find the range, and stentorian prowess, that Colm possesses with this solemn piece. Simply phenomenal!!!!!
I had the luck of hearing him sing this at one of the performances. Tears streaming down my face. I was embarrassed and looked around and everyone me else was the same. My god it was spiritual.
The last 'home' is such a show off, holy damn... what a voice. I can only dream of bringing such a performance. Voice of perfection. Will never stop watching this video, will always remember it.
He is the voice of parents of young American servicemen who have been sent to arrogantly stupid wars since the 1960's that we could not possibly win, but only brought suffering to countless people here and abroad.
I don't care who you put in the part of Valjean, there can be only one........ this is one of the greatest performances of any genre of music, the prescence, the clarity, the emotion, it always brings a lump to my throat....... and i'm a tattooed, long haired, rocker........ simply wow, just fkn wow!!
This is my favourite version! Nobody can beat Colm so far. In an interview, Colm disclosed that the composer composed this song for him....That's his signature song!
I was at this concert - The Dream Cast - 10th anniversary of Les Mis ... Sat in the 3rd row just left of center, AMAZING concert. and to bring 17 Valjeans on at the end ... Spectacular.
Colm,aka the blade was born for this,so happy for him,he sang all his life,battled demons and overcame,hey head,ya did well,love ya man ,blessings, from Dublin
God on high Hear my prayer In my need You have always been there He is young He's afraid Let him rest Heaven blessed. Bring him home Bring him home Bring him home. He's like the son I might have known If God had granted me a son. The summers die One by one How soon they fly On and on And I am old And will be gone. Bring him peace Bring him joy He is young He is only a boy You can take You can give Let him be Let him live If I die, let me die Let him live Bring him home Bring him home Bring him home.
O M G. The world stops just to hear C W. Sing "Bring him home". Absolutely NO ONE sings it as good as he does. I play this over & over hundreds of time & never tire of it. The way he says"if I die let me die" with such power in physical & vocal, just rips & owns my heart & soul. I have his video, I recommend all to buy & listen to a master singer & performer. 👌🏽👍🏼👌🏽👍🏼🎶 perfection !!💜💜💜💜
my dad always loved CT. we played this for him, God i was never so proud that day. God bless Jack/ Daddy... no one will ever catch the emotion like this.CT.
When this man sings this song, it is truly a prayer. I lost my younger brother 25 years ago in a construction accident. This has been my song to him ever since. It's always on my playlist. I don't want a day to go by that I don't think of him. Sometimes it's with a smile, sometimes it's with a heaviness in my heart, but mostly it's with the joy that he was once in our lives. Today would have been his 61st birthday. I love you buddy, this is for you.
There are many great voices that have sung this song but Colm just owns it. His expression, his feeling, his power, his countenance grab at your heart & soul. He is there on the battlefield with this young boy ... and he brings us there like no there can. He is so powerful, every time. Thank you Colm Wilkinson !
I read about this play while living in MD. When it came to National Theater I got tickets in the Balcony. When Colm sang this, I cried. This still affects me today, even after seeing this play a number of times. Will never forget that first time though. My favorite play.
I've heard this song better with other voices...Alfie Boe for instance! Colm's voice is way too breathy for this song and the power in his voice isn't natural like Alfie
I’ve listened to so many great singers perform this song - I’ve listed to many times Colm himself has performed it, too, over many years - but this particular one, this particular one on this special night, it is just beginning-to-end EPIC. The highs, the lows, the pleading, the anger and the anguish and the most selfless, perfect prayer. 🙏🏻
Many years ago we saw Colm Wilkinson in London perform. Now this song has a special meaning for me because I am waiting for my son to come home. He dead in 2015 at the age of 28. But he will come home someday.
My Dad has passed away recently. I have been listening this song since he has gone.It seems like God himself sing this song. My eyes are full of tears. What a lyrics “He's like the son I might have known If God had granted me a son. The summers die One by one How soon they fly On and on And I am old And will be gone.”
I was fortunate enough to see Colm Wilkinson perform this when Les Miserables first came to the West End in London in the 1980's. It still brings a tear to my eye and I can not listen to him sign this enough. His voice is magical - he is the voice of Jean Valjean and no-one else has come near.
I'm going to see this for the 12th time on Tuesday. I have seen 11 incredibly talented men sing this beautiful song. But there is no one who.sings this as perfectly as Colm.
I saw him sing this on Broadway in 1987....it was unlike anything I've seen before or since... the whole audience was crying and after he finished they gave him a standing ovation for the longest time....
Who cares who it originally was written for, how many people have sung it, what song it was and the lyrics changed... The bottomline is it was first sung in Les Miserables by Colm Wilkinson as Valjean and it's hands-down the best rendition ever. Colm was made to play Valjean and sing this song. Impeccable!
Yes it might not have actually been written for Colm, but it would have been adapted if required during the rehearsal period, as many of the songs were ir even written then.It was certainly written for a countertenor, which is why tenors such as Alfie sing it well, it loses something and never is quite right to those of us who saw Colm perform it.
This will always be HIS song...
God Of Potatoes agreed. he definitely owns this song.
+God Of Potatoes He is second best for me first has to be Alfie Boe i love his voice
+God Of Potatoes I agree he sang this ever so well. I do enjoy Josh Groban's version. I recently went to his concert. I have heard Alfie Boe's rendition. But to me Colm Wilkinson owns this song. Everyone else is second best in my opinion.
+mastercaroline23 correct
+mastercaroline23 so agree 👍
Colm Wilkinson, in my opinion, is the best Valjean I've heard.
I never hear this sung without thinking of 😢my beloved son.
Your opinion is objectively correct
@@derkmanley3220 I'm so sorry for your loss. Understandably any version is more than heartfelt for you. 😢😢🫶
Yes. Agree.
I believe this song was written with the intention of him signing it.
This is the first time iv ever heard this song. It is beyond beautiful. My beautiful son lost his battle with cancer a year ago. He had just turned 16& my heart aches for him everyday. This song, those words, the emotion conveyed is utterly stunning. He speaks my words & conveys such emotion. Im speechless. My darling boy i will love you for eternity. The part of you thats me will never die. 💙⭐🌠
So sorry for your loss
sincere condolences on your loss, may your memories and love give you strength and comfort.
I am so so sorry for your loss. We lost our 17 year old daughter to cancer, so believe me when I say I understand your pain. There is nothing worse than the loss of your child.
@@lschoenrank my sincere condolences to you also. It was cancer that took him from me too. Sending you my love mama 💞
Jenn-- your comment-- throat and tears. May God bless and comfort your heart now and always and give your son eternal rest 👑✝️🕊️
Probably the most masculine but also the most vulnerable performance of this role, ever.
EVER!
I saw this show on Broadway the last night that he played the part of Valjean. Unbelievable experience. The man was crying singing this song. The applause for him wouldn't stop. One of the best nights I ever had on broadway. This was back in 1988.
Oh how I wish I could have been there.
I can imagine it! I saw him a year later in the Toronto production of Phantom of the Opera, (another part that was originally written with his incredible voice in mind...), and he blew my mind. I went back to see it agian as many times as could; I can absolutely understand how he could inspire a talent like Ramin Karimloo, (who is a couple of months younger than I am, and was doubtless at some of those same Toronto shows) to say, "I'm going to do this."
What an experience that would of been. I was there for Kerry Ellis's last performance as Ephelba and it the applause she got at the end of defying gravity was deafening.
I lived in the wrong era
Amazing!
Absolutely nailed it. He knew it, the audience knew it, the orchestra knew it and the rest of the cast knew it; if you look as he finishes, they're all applauding too. If this doesn't move you, you're dead.
I saw him sing this in 2017 in Dublin. I was an emotional wreck all night lol ! This man is just so incredible.
Just like Marius' friends
Truly the best
No words will ever do this justice 😢
Me rn:💀
“If I die, let me die!” This line gets me every time, Colin’s performance gives my chills. He is excellent.
Dead! Every single time!!!!
And tears. So beautiful
Colin, lol
Sorry to be the annoying guy, because I absolutely agree, but it’s Colm
Yes, it’s Colm, but I understood.
His version will always be my favorite. Others are good, but only his voice feels like like a soft prayer from a grandpa.
Maybe so, but if I could beam you back to 1990 and have you hear Timothy Caldwell belt this out at Central Michigan University - you'd swear it was, as Hansi Kürsch sang it - Sorrow Itself Singing Softly and Sweet!
@@WingDiamond Ah, I was born in 1990, lol. I'll have to see if I can look up an audio or performance.
This was written for him
So true. It’s obvious Hugh Jackman never watched this. Shame.
@@TimHansenux Well, according to him, he and Colm talked while filming the movie and he asked Colm how he should approach the song. And Colm said to make it his own and go for it. So I guess he did.
Everyone else could play Valjean, but Colm IS Jean Valjean.
Leona
The only one....
No he sounds like Sean cannery with his lips spread by a rice picker
@@r1c4l32 That's what Valjean is supposed to sound like.
@@ardalla535 you can say he set the benchmark on how it was done
@@r1c4l32 Why are you gay?
No singer will ever sing this as well as Colm Wilkinson. I know other people have their favourite singers but sorry this will always be the best version
Debbie G Well I mean it was written for his voice.
Debbie G Just like on one can sing Music of the Night as well as Michael Crawford.
Dana Walker caleb hyles
Debbie G He is awesome no doubt. I personally prefer Gary Morris' version, but they are both great.
Alain and Claude actually wrote this song specifically for Colm's voice.
For me Colm Wilkinson will always be Jean Valjean. I was so very fortunate to see him when I went to see Le Miserable. His voice is absolutely stunning, sublime and when he sang Bring Him Home the theatre was silent, it was just breath-taking and literally brought you to tears. You believed every word Colm sang.
I've seen others play Jean Valjean but no matter how good they are, none of them will ever match Colm Wilkinson. He was and always will be Jean Valjean.
When I went to see Les Miserables the first time, a very long time ago, it was Colm. I was not only transfixed on him, but the whole musical. It was absolutely amazing!! I did a lot of crying that night. 😭.
💯
Colm is genius. This is a "MASTERPIECE", Absolutely formidable. My favourite part of of Les Miserables when Colm sings it, not saying Alfie Boe wasnt good. But he wasn't "Great", like Colm!
Amen!
Brings me to tears every time!
God on high, hear my prayer.
In my need you have always been there.
He is young, he's afraid.
Let him rest, Heaven blessed.
Bring him home.
Bring him home.
Bring him home.
He's like the son I might have known
if God had granted me a son.
The summers die, one by one.
How soon they fly on and on.
And I am old and will be gone...
Bring him peace, bring him joy.
He is young. He is only a boy.
You can take. You can give.
Let him be. Let him live.
If I die, let me die.
Let him live.
Bring him home.
Bring him home.
Bring him home.
I love how he's not trying to belt every note
Lewis North exactly
He doesn't belt because he Has a pure talent that he works at every day.
i prefer him to singers who only want to show their vocal range
24601 lm Exactly
Exactly. This is so beautiful. Really sounds like he's singing to the sleeping Marius. In the movie version, Hugh Jackman's pretty much belting everything, and all I can think is "no way Marius is still sleeping with you yelling like that."
My Son suffered with terrible mental health after the loss of his Grandma, I played constantly this praying that my "old" Son would return to me. After 10 years he has finally turned a corner ♥️♥️
bless you Beverley,im not really religious but i know how much my kids and grandkids me to me so i can only imagine how you must have felt, even though i dont know you im so happy that your son has come home to you x
😊
My heart goes out to you. I'm experiencing something similar in my family and thought of playing this song. Then I saw your comments. Keep hope alive!🙏🏽❤️
This was my late husbands favourite version of Bring Him Home,sung by the one and only Culm Wilkinson. Iplayed it today and I cried.It makes me feel closer to him.Such happy memories
Many of us hear you. Mental health issues have become an epidemic in America. It takes solid, unyielding family support to get a young person through it.
I saw Colm in concert in Saint Patricks Cathedral, a beautiful intimate venue, under three hundred people, in Dublin just before Christmas 2019. We were right up at the front of the small stage. It was a terrific concert but everyone was waiting for "The song" He finished the concert without singing Bring him home and everyone was sad, we of course shouted for an encore and he eventually came out wearing Valjean's jacket, we knew then that he would sing it and the applause from the audience was huge before he even started. He told us that as he and his voice, weren't getting any younger, this may be the last time he performs this song on stage. When he started singing you could hear a pin drop. He was note and pitch perfect and the applause was still ringing through the rafters of the cathedral as we left to go home! I really hope we hear him sing this song live again!
What a fantastic story, and what a privilege to experience it. Thanks for sharing!
Wow!! Is there any video of this by any chance?? I heard about this and wanted to go so badly!
@@ctaproductions101 I’m not aware of a video, sorry. You could try contacting “Pat Egan management” who brought the show to St Patrick’s cathedral Dublin!
@@ctaproductions101 yes it the 10th anniversary performance on P B s
What a special blessings for you, to have the opportunity to hear CW in concert. Wow! There isn't much I wouldn't do to hear him sing in his own concert . I just adore his voice & emotions that he uses, to sing. There's will NEVER be anyone like him. Ever & forever. 👍🏻👍🏻💜😔😏
When I discovered Les Mis at age 13 I didn't appreciate this song enough... 25 years later I start bawling immediately at those beginning notes. It's such a powerful beautiful tender ballad full of selfless love and hope. Nobody sings it like Colm, it was made for him
Age 13 now and love the songs, always have. They're magical, they make you experience feelings you didnt know you could
Me too! My mom introduced me back in 97 or 98 and saw the traveling tour in 2005 and i randomly thought of this in the AM and now ive been crying for an HOUR
When you hear it at 50 let me know
Yeah, my 1st time was probably 10... Colm is still the best after 7 Les mis shows... FYI my country has les mis only every 10-20 yrs. most of my experiences are overseas, so i travel to watch sometimes, if they come somewhere near... I am located in Asia....
Me tooo
I must congratulate Colm Wilkinson on his heart-shaking performance, but I must also congratulate the audience for remaining quiet while he performs, holding their applause to the end.
There are so many videos on youtube with talented singers being interrupted every 20 seconds by cheers loud enough to drown them out. If you appreciate a singer, and want them to know that you think they're excellent, you give them their turn and wait until they're done singing to applaud them.
YOU DO NOT INTERRUPT HIM/HER.
Well said...art in all its forms must be allowed to breathe. Colm is always at his very best on this song because his audiences consistently give him the stage and the theatre. You hear NOTHING on this song but every nuance of Colm's voice and emotions and the music. The silences, the rests in the music and voice, are part of the art, too...don't miss them.
The next time any of you see, hear, feel, taste or touch art, especially fresh, undiscovered art...let it breathe. You might be very surprised at what you experience.
That's what separates theater goers to concert goers
Robert Fobian preach
Perché le persone a teatro sanno che non si interrompe mai durante la performance
You mean Americans?
With respect to every other singer who has ever performed this, this really is the best version. Stunning control and tone.. no wonder the audience goes mad...(now to wipe away the tears)
It was written with his voice in mind. It really is his song. I come back to this song once or twice a year - always ends with moistened eyes. I've no real interest in musicals but this is some kind of pinnacle
His control is insane…. I’m brought to tears every time I hear it.
I agree, made for him. Already Boe was good but this guy was gooder!
My favorite version is Austin Brown's.
So powerful and deep he nailed it could hear the emotion In his voice
I used to listen to this while my son was deployed. Thank God, he made it back.
The summer my brother shipped to Basic Training, I played this song nearly every night, begging God He bring my baby brother home again.
Thank God my brother did come home safe, but then a few years later, I got a call that a dear family friend lost his battle to cancer. I was on a wildland fire crew at the time and I missed his funeral, but the night of his funeral, I played this song before I went to bed, knowing my friend went Home, too.
I'm sorry for you're loss but I'm glad your brother came home safe
Chloe Skaf Thank you, Chloe! I always think of my friend when I hear this song
I was already tearing up, just listening to Colm sing, then I read your words. Thank your brother for his service, and RIP to your friend. Blessings.
@@karenbaker5352 thank you so much! Your sweet words made me tear up as well! 🥲
when my baby sister was diagnosed w/ stage 4 pancreatic cancer, this song became my own personal prayer to the power that controls life and death -- and I cry EVERY time I listen to this, wishing her back....
my mum always said this was her song for me( in 1988 when i first heardit) never understood what all the fuss was about this song untill a few years ago and got to admit makes me cry every single time ,three weeks ago she had a massive stroke and find myself listening to this song constantly ,i do the night shift with her at the hospital and now its my turn to sing this to her everynight ,and through her pain she still smiles at this song with her eyes ,this is truly a remarkable song and only colm sings it like it should be sung (thats no disrespect to any of the others but its his song ) keep fighting mum x
Hang in there mate.
It sounds like your mum was right about you all those years ago and I'm sure she knows how much you love her and she's smiling inside.
Been where you are now and whilst you might not think it, it does get better eventually, one way or another.
Good luck.
I hope everything will be okay...Never forget whatever happens your Mum always and will always love you..x
I don't know you, but I am sending you as much love and strength as I can.
thank you for all the kind replies,unfortunately my mum passed away just before xmas so this song has now taken on a whole different meaning to me ,everytime i listen to it i feel her next to me and imagine her singing it to me like she used to , but also remember the happiness in her eyes as i sung it to her in t hospital xxx
Your story and Colm's voice together moved me deeply... Sorry for your loss, best wishes Jim.
No matter how much I love Alfie Boe....Colm Wilkinson is Jean Valjean, and always be
+Javier Hinojosa ^^^ Gets it ^^^
+Javier Hinojosa YES!!! He fully embodied Jean Valjean to me.. He is the only one in my opinion..
I agree with you. He is Jean Valjean from inside to outside! I love his eyes in additional to his voice
Gotta disagree here. Hugh Jackman may not have had the voice but his presence--wow! Multi-talented and seen by millions. The acting is important too. Oh sure...Colm has an AMAZING voice...but Hugh..Wow!
+Helen Eschenbacher completely agree. also, the director insisted on filming in "realistic" conditions. Hugh has a GREAT voice on stage, but he was pretty much chronically dehydrated and it was filmed outdoors in poor acoustics, with minimal sound processing.
I saw Les Mes in New York. It was a true blessing because my sister was ill at the time and she really wanted me to see a broadway show. It was fantastic. When I got home to Wis consin and found about the 10th Anniv. Production. I HAD to have it. By then I was in love with Michael Ball ,Colm Wilkinson ,Lea Salonga and Judy Kuhn and all the others. Needless to say I've watched my dvd over and over..My sister sadly passed away so LesMes means the world to me.I Always cry. I know theres the other Anniversary salute to it but it doesn't hpld a candle to the original one. Thanks New York for the best time ,I could ever have.
My son died suddenly 3yrs ago of heart attack.This song evokes such grief to me.
OMG NO ONE ANSWERED YOU. I AM CRYING RIGHT NOW. I AM SORRY.
So, so sorry for your loss. God bless you both.
This was played at my 23 year old brothers funeral as requested by my mother, there wasn't a dry eye there
so sorry to hear about your brother? May I ask how he died?
sorry for your lost, Kerry ;/
btw, this was a really great choice. I would definitely be happy if this played in my funeral. ps: this wasn't a joke.
May he rest in peace Kerry
May he have found peace
wow. Colm is the best
I'm bawling before he even starts singing, such a moving, powerful performance.
So was I. My little Sammy died one year ago today. How I wish I could "bring him home!”
+Helen Eschenbacher I'm so sorry for your loss.
great performance but come on, don't be a pussy ...
crying before it starts... lets get real haha
he is the best Valjean I have ever heard. I was fortunate to see him play Les Mis live! He moves me to tears every time! His performance is the gold standard imho.
That final note he holds into the very end is what makes this song so divine. It reduces this wretched and scarred man into a gentle creature seeking God's mercy with such humility because he knows of no other recourse. The tone of his voice "bring him home" tells me everything about the condition of this man as he lays his cares upon God. Such a man... its everything about humanity, that moves me about this song and character
You have heard my soul groaning...thank you for putting it into words.
@@donnalpitzer This video draws me nearer to god although im not a religious man. I sure hope god has heard your groans answered your prayers
This song never fails to reduce me to tears. It touches my soul.
I just heard this song and it brought to tears halfway through the video. I’m only here because I saw Jim Barber perform it in another video
Me too. Cry like a baby every time. Now that i have my own son its even worse. Beautiful song. I wasnt introduced to his version, i first saw les mis in 2013 but this song and i dreamed a dream get me everytime
Amen 🙏, especially if you're a parent. I can imagine pleading with God just like that (minus the amazing vocals, hehe)
I agree...me too.
The very first time the Les Mis production team debuted this song, the rest of the cast listened quietly while Colm sang it.
After the last note died away, you could hear a pin drop. Trevor Nunn broke the silence by saying, "I told you this show was all about God."
One of the cast replied:
"Yes...but you didn't tell us you'd gotten Him to sing it."
This has to be one of the best comments I've ever read on UA-cam.
Awww lol
I love your comment Jennifer. Thank you to let us know that
No truer words have ever been spoken.
got dear boy got
My question is- How does something this beautiful even exist?!?!
Agreed!
Some people have extraordinary talents and we are blessed that they choose to share them with us!
Laura, because there is a GOD in Heaven.
When I was 5, my mom let me stay up past my bedtime to watch a late-night broadcast of this 10th anniversary performance with her on PBS, Channel 13. I was mesmerized. I’m 33 now, and next year, my daughter will be 5, and you can bet we’ll be watching this together. I weep for the past, but I have an optimistic eye on the future. Bless you all.
I saw Colm in 1988 on Broadway. His voice is reverberating & quivering, just when most important. His voice is resonating and strong, too. He is totally transforming when he is in a roll, & we feel every note he sings. Therefore, his acting & singing are one, for him as well. He is the top of them all, in my opinion. I am lucky to have lived that with him, the cast, and the other listeners!
Ramin has said that Colm has tears in his voice. This song is the perfect example of the tears in Colm's voice! Just beautiful!
This is the most beautiful thing i've ever heard
You haven't heard this then lol ua-cam.com/video/tI4jb-Aca9M/v-deo.html
This is for me always. With all that’s going on in the world today, I must listen to him everyday. It is a great beginning and ending of my day.. touches my soul.
I agree with you.
I love Colm. He's absolutely phenomenal and I don't think we'll ever have another Valjean like him. That said, can we please talk about how fucking good the orchestra is here? 2:10 to 2:40 is just actual masterwork, and the notes at "Let him be, let him live" get just as big an emotional response out of me as Colm does.
Colm, is one of the finest tenor to come from the island of Ireland. No one can sing this song as well as Colm. This song belongs to Colm. The first time I watched Colm sing this song was with my parents, who are both sadly passed now. It was on national TV, Christmas '87 I think. Amazing voice. We are soo proud of you Colm. ☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
His voice is just pure heaven. He will always be the true Jean Valjean to me.
Oh, absolutely!
Colm Wilkinson OWNS this song. He is simply amazing. I saw him in Phantom.
OneJoshFan: Amazing song and singer!
+OneJoshFan Best Phantom ever
I saw colm in the phantom when I was 11 it was amazing
the best performance of "bring him home" i've ever seen
There simply is no other version imo.
Check out Anthony Warlows version... prolly better 👍🏻
No matter how many times I watch it, it always brings a tear to my eye
Before I die I would like to have Colm Wilkinson hold my hand and sing to me. Then I could truly die in peace.
Colm Wilkinson will always be Valjean, for me. What a legend.
agree😊
Lol yeah
I sing this song at Karaoke now and then, along with I Dreamed A Dream. There’s no possible way that I can find the range, and stentorian prowess, that Colm possesses with this solemn piece. Simply phenomenal!!!!!
Amen!
Colm Wilkinson owns this song. Others have borrowed for a spell but the title lives here.
I had the luck of hearing him sing this at one of the performances. Tears streaming down my face. I was embarrassed and looked around and everyone me else was the same. My god it was spiritual.
I want to sing this to Colm 'n' make him cry . . . . . . .see how he bloody likes it !
LOL. LOVE IT
I know what you mean. This would be without a doubt the last song i would listen to if the world ended.
@@leedscab123 so, I guess you're revisiting this right about now.
The best way to put it ... love this !!!
Good luck
The greatest Jean Valjean in the history of Les Mis
Emi Pellegrino I like Killian a lot too
He's the first Jean Valjean
The last 'home' is such a show off, holy damn... what a voice. I can only dream of bringing such a performance. Voice of perfection. Will never stop watching this video, will always remember it.
He is the voice of parents of young American servicemen who have been sent to arrogantly stupid wars since the 1960's that we could not possibly win, but only brought suffering to countless people here and abroad.
I don't care who you put in the part of Valjean, there can be only one........ this is one of the greatest performances of any genre of music, the prescence, the clarity, the emotion, it always brings a lump to my throat....... and i'm a tattooed, long haired, rocker........ simply wow, just fkn wow!!
This is my favourite version! Nobody can beat Colm so far. In an interview, Colm disclosed that the composer composed this song for him....That's his signature song!
Colm was also the best Phantom. And he could glide across the stage like a big cat. He gives me chills.
I was at this concert - The Dream Cast - 10th anniversary of Les Mis ... Sat in the 3rd row just left of center, AMAZING concert. and to bring 17 Valjeans on at the end ... Spectacular.
Colm,aka the blade was born for this,so happy for him,he sang all his life,battled demons and overcame,hey head,ya did well,love ya man ,blessings, from Dublin
God on high
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He is young
He's afraid
Let him rest
Heaven blessed.
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
He's like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone.
Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy
You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live
If I die, let me die
Let him live
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home.
Helen Eschenbacher lot of free time?
To Kate Whelan No. I have eidetic memory--Google it.
Kate Whelan lowlife she was just providing lyrics. You must have no life at all to criticize others on the internet ad hominem
Amen!!
here it is
I can't keep my eyes dry when I hear this song. I do have a son, and he is so much to me, I hope he knows how much one day.
He sings every parent's prayer for their child.
Heart and soul.
Having never seen Les Miserables, I was brought here after seeing a 74 year old Colm Wilkinson on Irelands Late Late show, holy God what a voice!!
O M G. The world stops just to hear C W. Sing "Bring him home". Absolutely NO ONE sings it as good as he does. I play this over & over hundreds of time & never tire of it. The way he says"if I die let me die" with such power in physical & vocal, just rips & owns my heart & soul. I have his video, I recommend all to buy & listen to a master singer & performer. 👌🏽👍🏼👌🏽👍🏼🎶 perfection !!💜💜💜💜
Same here. I never ever tire of it
He is from outerspace. OMG... THAT Voice! nothing will ever compare.
born Drimnagh Dublin
Colm is the absolute best! Alfie is brilliant and Hugh did a great job in the film but Colm for me will always be the best x
3:05 The man held that note for 17 SECONDS!!! thats an amazing singer right there
Carried my 58 year father into his funeral for this song. No song will ever mean more to me…❤
My dads favorite song :) Now he's in heaven, he was brought home. :')
my dad always loved CT. we played this for him, God i was never so proud that day. God bless Jack/ Daddy... no one will ever catch the emotion like this.CT.
This moved my heart. My heartbeat is now in my leg.
Colm Wilkinson has the most incredible voice I have ever heard.
The insane amount of breath control you have to have to sing like this...
When this man sings this song, it is truly a prayer. I lost my younger brother 25 years ago in a construction accident. This has been my song to him ever since. It's always on my playlist. I don't want a day to go by that I don't think of him. Sometimes it's with a smile, sometimes it's with a heaviness in my heart, but mostly it's with the joy that he was once in our lives. Today would have been his 61st birthday. I love you buddy, this is for you.
There are many great voices that have sung this song but Colm just owns it. His expression, his feeling, his power, his countenance grab at your heart & soul. He is there on the battlefield with this young boy ... and he brings us there like no there can. He is so powerful, every time. Thank you Colm Wilkinson !
I read about this play while living in MD. When it came to National Theater I got tickets in the Balcony. When Colm sang this, I cried. This still affects me today, even after seeing this play a number of times. Will never forget that first time though. My favorite play.
Love him for 25 years….
Sharing this piece to my son. A 10 years old boy. Wish he understood when he grow up.
You can hear the emotion in every syllable he sings. A wonderful performance.
I don't think I've heard that song sung better. Awesome... Did anyone get chills in the back of their necks?... Because I did... lol.
Especially on the last note. He held it pretty long!
16 count unreal
I saw him play Valjean in Toronto a few years ago and I cried like a baby when he started this, a true legend and beautiful voice.
And down my arms
I've heard this song better with other voices...Alfie Boe for instance! Colm's voice is way too breathy for this song and the power in his voice isn't natural like Alfie
I think Colm’s version is the most emotional and probably the best.
I never tire of listening to Colm's version of this song... the best Valjean in Les Mis history!!!
I’ve listened to so many great singers perform this song - I’ve listed to many times Colm himself has performed it, too, over many years - but this particular one, this particular one on this special night, it is just beginning-to-end EPIC. The highs, the lows, the pleading, the anger and the anguish and the most selfless, perfect prayer. 🙏🏻
Many years ago we saw Colm Wilkinson in London perform.
Now this song has a special meaning for me because I am waiting for my son to come home. He dead in 2015 at the age of 28. But he will come home someday.
My Dad loved this song and we used to play it for him all the time. He passed away in October and this is my first time listening to it since
you have my condolences. and if you ever need someone to listen to i am here for you!!!!!
10+ years later and I still love this. No one can sing it like Colm Wilkinson!
The soft father-like figure and voice is definitely unique to Colm, Alfie has an amazing voice but Colm was just such a believable character
Incomparable! Colm Wilkinson owns this song.
My Dad has passed away recently. I have been listening this song since he has gone.It seems like God himself sing this song. My eyes are full of tears. What a lyrics
“He's like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son.
The summers die
One by one
How soon they fly
On and on
And I am old
And will be gone.”
bless ya mate,thoughts are with you
So sorry ,rip
It simply does not get any better than this.
that last note is like a trigger for catharsis for me. so powerful.
Perfection encapsulated right there.
Lost my father 10 days ago , will carry him with my brother on his last journey to this song xxx
Peace to you sir. My thoughts are with you this holiday season. 🫂
Sorry for your loss. Hang in there🤗
Seriously breaks me friggin heart every time. No one can touch this. This is *his* song.
It's not just his superb voice that makes this the best version, it's the totally realistic, powerful feeling that he puts into it.
Colm Wilkinson: the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be!
I was fortunate enough to see Colm Wilkinson perform this when Les Miserables first came to the West End in London in the 1980's. It still brings a tear to my eye and I can not listen to him sign this enough. His voice is magical - he is the voice of Jean Valjean and no-one else has come near.
So beautiful. This is the best man to ever sing this song. He was blessed with that voice. We are lucky to hear him.
Colm's performance of this song is a masterclass
I'm going to see this for the 12th time on Tuesday. I have seen 11 incredibly talented men sing this beautiful song. But there is no one who.sings this as perfectly as Colm.
I saw him sing this on Broadway in 1987....it was unlike anything I've seen before or since... the whole audience was crying and after he finished they gave him a standing ovation for the longest time....
Who cares who it originally was written for, how many people have sung it, what song it was and the lyrics changed... The bottomline is it was first sung in Les Miserables by Colm Wilkinson as Valjean and it's hands-down the best rendition ever. Colm was made to play Valjean and sing this song. Impeccable!
It was written for Colm!
@@terriogorman It was most definitely inspired by and then written for Colm. ua-cam.com/video/KUoGjrrHhK0/v-deo.html
Lea, Colm and Ruthie, were really the best trio. This is the best version I’ve ever heard. Thank You Mr. Wilkinson.
no phillip quast? You monster.
@@veganvanguard8273 My bad. I’ve not heard anyone do a comparable Stars like Mr. Quast.
With tears rolling down my face I watch & appreciate this. Beautiful.
I never cry when someone sings.
I cried.
Just heard bring him home. Absolutely 💯 brilliant. I'm crying 😢 😭
I saw him perform at a small venue in Ireland and he sang Bring him home as well as songs like Whiskey in the jar. He is absolutely incredible.
Fiontan Cahill m
Yes it might not have actually been written for Colm, but it would have been adapted if required during the rehearsal period, as many of the songs were ir even written then.It was certainly written for a countertenor, which is why tenors such as Alfie sing it well, it loses something and never is quite right to those of us who saw Colm perform it.
Many, many excellent renditions but this is the signature one. Perfection personified.
The voice on this man and the emotion.... wow. Chills and Awe!
There are few--if any--castings as perfect as Colm Wilkinson in the role of Jean Valjean. He shined among a cast of near perfection.