Matt Heckler, “Ain’t No Ash Will Burn,” by Walt Aldridge // GemsOnVHS™
An incredible journey. Across the Atlantic ocean to the fatherland of folk songs and fighting spirit, Ireland. We were told West is best, so we rambled down the coast to county Clare, to the small towns of Doolin and Liscannor. It was off season for tourism and bitterly cold. The folks about town welcomed us with open arms. We stayed in a small cabin near the Cliffs of Moher, where one evening we clamored up the trail to sing this old classic song into the setting sun, off the edge of the majestic cliffside.
One night we sat in the back of a little pub in the little village, enjoying our Guinness’s and listening to the locals interact. Eventually, folks in the pub started singing to each other, acapella at that. The others would shush everyone down as one lonesome voice after another bellowed some old Irish folk song. It wasn’t part of some show or program made for tourists, it was just what they decided to do. Later we found it was a funeral wake for an old fisherman who’d died, all the folks meeting at the pub after to celebrate the way they knew how, singing and drinking to their memory. We got closer and they invited us to sing. They knew nothing about us, didn’t know if we could carry a tune or remember a song, but they demanded we join in. Matt and I both sung songs (not, as he likes to tell it of me, Wagon Wheel), and they listened and clapped and passed around drinks. Eventually Matt broke out the fiddle, and the night grew long. That’s Ireland, for me. A moment I’ll never forget.
Matt is on tour. Check out more of his music and whereabouts on his website. It’s a show you will never forget, if you can listen like those Irish folks do.
https://www.mattheckler.com/
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Want to learn how to play this song? Check out these tabs: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/matt-heckler/aint-no-ash-will-burn-chords-2849627
GemsOnVHS is a long running series of intimate, off-stage performances by songwriters we love.
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@PostDimIV
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
That's just earth making aintihistaberms, will shine quickly.
@randomblackholesproduction2012
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Why is the song being rushed ?
@Darkwasthenightcold
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
There's playing that well and there's playing that well whilst dangling off of a 120 metre cliff!
@Cheesy303
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
You look like my cousins man . Thank you so much for recording this song and sharing
@JustinLamzik
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Hey Irishman. We stand where we want. We're fully aware it's dangerous but if we get injured in Europe we get to see a doctor
@anyg1v3nsunday
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
August 2025 I'm coming back and just keep coming back
@MadHatter-ef6xn
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
This is absolutely fuckin beautiful. New favorite fiddler period. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@DumasLiberals
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Top tier. Bravo.
@toupadasmontanhas6915
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
https://youtu.be/YIT12hQF_68?feature=shared
@katlynklassen809
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I love this so deeply.
@Beards_Outdoor_Adventures
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I saw you in fresno California 2019 I was the guy screaming play that fucking fiddle…..all I wanna say is play that fucking fiddle….. God bless you my brother….. been a fan ever since
@mattmadolah
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I live on the other side of these rocks, On the adjacently frightful cliffs of Newfoundland.
You're music moves my soul like Newfoundland Traditional Rhymes and Reels
@blueridger28
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
We played this song tonight in Boone NC at a picking circle, first time i heard and played it.
Buetiful tune not sure how it got past me after all these years 😔
@alexdavis6711
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
@thelittlemoontravelers
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
So good
@red4life848
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
We love you
@angelinafernandez5888
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
What kind of fiddle u got?
@randykubick
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
This song was in movie Hell or High Water – learn something new about corruption every time I watch it.
@dickydanger6504
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Saw matt at a bar in my indiana town earlier this summer, and he told the story of this video. A couple months later and i just visited the cliffs today!
@rhetoricstephen
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
It kills me that the people in the background have no idea what they're missing out on.
@ShadareaRapt
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
if it's done, it's done
@human.rationally
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I like all the covers he does. Opens it up to more artists
@BNRmatt
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Have you heard Paul McKenna cover of this song? Outstanding.
@Roarts32
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
What jackets he got on??
@69440500
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I love singing with you, thanks for sharing.
@jameshoff7986
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
This channel made me realize I like country/folk way better than any rap or hip hop artists. I love feeling my soul being moved by these wonderful artists that are empowered with such talent.
@mashruralam5795
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I’ve never seen anyone else hold the violin like that. Is that an effective way to play the instrument? Since classical violinist don’t hold their violins that way I assume one cannot play complex pieces that way?
@joshlott3355
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I love your authenticity and I saw you open for Lost Dog Street Band and you are amazing. Birmingham AL Zydeco. You had taken your night meds and were so sleepy. But you are an amazing person and musician. You asked us what we'd like to hear. . I thank you for your collectively genius performance. And I am so grateful 💖 to have seen you perform. Ides of march I'm Irish and German… You touch my soul. God Bless You Love n 🕯️ Jenn Geisenhoff !! Keep the Gems coming!!!!
@FistyMcGee
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Ungodly! This guy gives me chills. Plus it’s a sad yet great song.
@macdorfingfyrslf
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I've heard countless versions of this song…nothing touches this one..
@sIacker
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I've walked these cliffs and have forever longed to go back. couldn't even imagine listening to Matt here. incredible
@vincentrobinson9325
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
🤘😍🍀
@johnable917
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
This is one of the best songs I've ever heard. I listen to so tons of different types of music and this song is hands down amazing 👍👍
@markduffield8110
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Just heard this man for the first time today love his music look forward to listening to more
@estebanchristinogallardo5991
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Okay English as second language. Is there any info on the term , “ain’t no ash will burn” I’d it old term ? Is comma after no ? Does “when” need to come before ? I’d it “when there ain’t no, ash will burn “
Or what ??
@Euclid_Agenda
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
There ain't no ash will burn..
@barbarapettry6817
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
My fav by Matt. Really like that "crying" in his voice!!!
@vinsamson8061
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Matt is a very talented soulful guy! Much respect 👌🤘🎶
@elder_brewster
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
SO glad Matt finally put a version of this on spotify. Though this version will always be the best
@nathanmccollum5583
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Lyrics:
I have seen snow that fell in May
And I have seen rain on cloudless days
Somethings are always bound to change
There ain't no ash will burn
Love is a precious thing I'm told
It burns just like West Virginia coal
But when the fire dies down it's cold
There ain't no ash will burn
You say this life is not your lot
Well I can't be something that I'm not
We can't stoke a fire that we ain't got
There ain't no ash will burn
In every life there comes a time
Where there are no more tears to cry
We must leave something dear behind
There ain't no ash will burn
@garrettyeater1750
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Does anyone know the melody of this for viola
@mayoman8565
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Great song You go Matt
@garrity5
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
When I die and pass on to the other side. I'd like for this to be played as I'm finally put to rest.
@sofakingdrunk66
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Fantastic location and song..
@joseph2832
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I play my fiddle the same way when I sing! You would be surprised how comfortable it is when you get used to that hold.
@SethOfTruth
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Interesting
@blakemanwhitcomb6489
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Holy shit
@UndiscoverdGenius
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I’m getting married there in 2022, it’s crazy because I’ve loved this so long and thought the landscape was beautiful and here I come full circle, I’ll be married there
@mountaindreamer7883
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
Dam son !!! Brings a tear to me eye
@Shane-the-Libra
March 20, 2026 at 5:27 am
I bet he had a great time in Ireland, its such a musical place. The hills, valley's and cliffs will carry his beautiful sound for miles. So inspired!!
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