There’s something deeply peaceful about “Scarlet Ribbons”—a lullaby that, when sung by Celtic Thunder, becomes a soft-spoken prayer full of warmth and nostalgia. Their latest rendition, shared recently, has once again drawn listeners into that tender soundscape of faith and reassurance
With candles flickering and voices weaving in harmony, the performance begins simply — a haunting, solitary melody. Then, one by one, the members join in, layering harmonies like threads in a tapestry. The effect? A gentle crescendo that feels like hope rising from the heart. It’s so pure, it almost feels sacred.
But there’s something even more profound for longtime fans: it’s George Donaldson’s voice you can still hear within the song. Known affectionately as the “Gentle Giant,” George was a cornerstone of Celtic Thunder — a tall, calm presence with a voice that anchored the group’s most heartfelt moments
When he passed away in 2014 from a massive heart attack at just 46, the world felt a little less warm. Yet, in performances like this, many fans say they can still hear his unmistakable tone:
“Until now, I don’t believe he passed away,” one fan shared under the new video. “Play this, and I feel him here—still singing, still protecting.”
That’s the true magic of “Scarlet Ribbons.” Born out of love and loss, it becomes a vessel for memory — especially when sung by the voices who lived those stories on stage and through the years.
So yes, George Donaldson is gone in body, but in every note of this encore, his legacy lives on — not as a shadow, but as a comfort.
This performance isn’t just a song. It’s a living tribute.
An Irish lullaby for the soul, a reminder that love — and music — never truly fade.
