Celtic Thunder’s Keith Harkin and his fellow performers brought the house down with their lively and infectious version of “Man of Constant Sorrow.” The performance, part of their celebrated Mythology show, has since become a fan favorite — not just for its incredible musicality, but for the sheer joy that radiated from the stage.
Backed by Dave, Laura, Barry, Neil, and Nicole, Keith took this century-old American folk classic and gave it a distinctly Celtic twist. His voice — smooth yet raw with emotion — fit the song perfectly, turning a piece rooted in American bluegrass into something that felt timeless and global.
Fans couldn’t get enough. “Keith, you took that group by storm,” one viewer wrote. “When you hit that high note and just smiled, the whole audience smiled with you.” Another added, “Keith with the help from the band made this song unforgettable in Mythology.”
Originally published in 1913 under the name “Farewell Song” by Kentucky fiddler Dick Burnett, “Man of Constant Sorrow” has lived many musical lives. It resurfaced through The Stanley Brothers in the 1950s, and later found new fame thanks to the Coen Brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?, where it became a Grammy-winning anthem. Since then, artists from Bob Dylan to Joan Baez and Ralph Stanley have reinterpreted it, each generation finding its own meaning in its sorrowful lyrics and haunting melody.
But in Celtic Thunder’s hands, the song takes on something refreshingly different — a fusion of old-school Appalachian bluegrass and Irish charm. Fans around the world have praised this version as “better than the original” and “a heel-clickin’ good time.” One Kentuckian even commented, “As a Kentuckian, I approve of this version! They all did an excellent job on it!”
Keith’s performance stands out not only for his voice but for his stage presence — that trademark grin and ease that lights up the room. “Keith, I’ll call you Mr. Show Business,” one admirer said. “There’s not one thing you can’t do. You’re so blessed with this abundance of talent.”
The charm of the performance lies in how much fun everyone seems to be having. The musicians laugh, dance, and exchange playful glances, turning a melancholic classic into something joyful and celebratory. One viewer perfectly summed it up: “It’s the funnest song I’ve seen them do in a while.”
More than a simple cover, Celtic Thunder’s “Man of Constant Sorrow” is a heartfelt bridge between traditions — a song born in the hills of Kentucky, reborn with Irish spirit and modern flair. And through Keith Harkin’s effortless charisma and soulful voice, it’s clear why this performance continues to captivate fans over a decade later.
