Long past time for another thank you for the music. Some fun and some that makes me ponder the injustice in the world. A good mix altogether. Go raibh maith agat
John Flood
Christy's reply
Fáilte romhat a Shéain….
Growing up in Newbridge Co.Kildare I had a good pal who bore the same name as yourself….he was a couple of years older then me….in the Summer of ’62 we went to The Galway Races and set our wee tent up in Salthill…that was the closest we got to Ballybrit….we spent most of our time in O’Connors Music Pub where the Fear-an-Tí invited me to sing ( at John Flood’s behest)……one night we met with “Doggy”Anderson & “Fido” White…two hometown stalwarts of the Moorefield GAA club….we had a right few gargles before heading back to our wee tent in Salthill…..some great memories revisited when I see your name….
……………John died while still in his prime, I think of him often
Christy,
We’ve been enjoying our vacation and I haven’t had a chance to thank you for playing FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK in Mullingar. It was the highlight of our trip. We appreciate the kind words for us as well. Later on our holiday we requested a Christy Moore song in An Pucan in Galway and the band declined saying it would be too controversial.
Hi Christy, I’ve always been a big fan of yours and enjoyed your music. I have to close my eyes when I hear Beeswing as it’s too beautiful and I’m always transported right into the story.
I’m currently studying music in university and am taking an Irish Trad module. I have a presentation on Irish singing due tomorrow and I’m delighted to tell you the presentation is on you and your career as a musician/singer! Your memories through the years have been a great help to me and I enjoyed reading back on everything you have done.
All the best,
Slainte mhaith!
I have seen you many times live, but last night was the first time I heard your most heart breaking tribute to Ann Lovett. I think a couple of times you said to the audience “a noble call” when they suggested a few songs, but really, your call to sing that song, was the most noble of them all. Thank you for including such an honest and moving piece in the set. I had both my dad and my daughter with me last night, (she is just 8 years old), but by God did I hug her during that piece you sang. It was very moving…. (I thought I might have to cover her ears during the song about Amsterdam, but thankfully she just thought you were singing a song about wanting to be on Instagram! 🙂
Christy's reply
and thank you too for your feedback…..when I hear of 3 generations coming together to hear the songs it does my heart good…you there with your Dad and Daughter is better then any Gold Disc, better then any Oscar !
We braved the wintery elements this afternoon and queued to get tickets for your gig. The wind blew down on us from the Cavehill (its profile the shape of a sleeping giant …inspiration for the giant in Gulliver’s Travels) and warmly welcomed the call to ‘tar isteach’!
Hi.. this time I will just ask for forgiveness instead of permmission,,,,,here is the clip of Colm on TV,,, its from Facebook,,,, so that it will be availably globally I hope and not restricted !!! CONGRATS COLM https://www.facebook.com/RTEOne/videos/1431614950245674/
Christy's reply
Was’nt young Colm (12) just brilliant..he did a great job
Dear Christy, I’m sitting in front of the lyrics of HARD CASES by Johnny Mulhearn and he’s been using a word I’ve never come across before. The word is ‘cadgilation’. Could you kindly explain what this word means! Thanks. Alex
Christy's reply
I’m not sure whether this word is in Johnny’s original lyric or whether its a “liberty”of my own (nor does it matter !!)
This new word, for me,describes the art of “the cadge”…puttin the hammer on someone for the price of a drink, neither begging nor borrowing but sidling up hopefully with a wojious thirst, shaking body and mind all in need of comforting elixir… empty pockets always marked the difficult circumstance of gaining the wherewithal to purchase a cure for looming delerium…sometimes cruelly described as “cadgers” I spent manys the happy hour supping with alkies who were happy and prepared to share their brilliance and insightful perspectives so long as the gargle kept flowing their way…Bless Them All
speaking of Johnny Mulhearn, I have been working lately towards re-introducing his brilliant “Continental Ceilí” back into the set…along with the above mentioned “Hard Cases” and “Matty” they are three brilliant songs written during a purple patch in Johnny’s writing…I had the good fortune to record all 3 songs on the “Ordinary Man” album over 30 years ago….had a great time making that album with Donal Lunny, Arty McGlynn, Andy irvine,Liam O’Flynn, Enya, Nicky Ryan, Nollaig Bridgeman, Tony Molloy and Anto Drennan ( apologies if I.m missing anyone ) a month or so in Nicky Ryan’s studio was , for me , a very happy time…within a matter of months the happiness turned when Butterly sued us in the High Court and the song “They never Came Home” was banned by Judge Frank Murphy…Judge Murphy is long since gone (Mercy on Him) but the song lives on….
you are getting more here then you asked for but its one of them days
Hi all…. a grand energetic gig last night,,,, in a new venue,,,, with an audience drawn from all around,,,,, far and wide… I hope its OK to post here young Colm from remote Connemara will be on the Ray D’Arcy tonight on RTE 1 at 9.30. Colm wrote this song in honour of the Olympic success of the O ‘ Donovan brothers…..they will also be on the show,,, https://youtu.be/Ub6WEncZAUg…. H
Christy's reply
been following the progress of Colm and Róisín for a few years now…a very talented Brother and Sister from the Western Sea Board…hope he nails it on the Ray Darcy tonight…Shine On
No Sweat Dave….the original lyric was sent me by Eamon Cowan and over the years it emerged into its current arrangement….always hugely uplifting to sing it in Glasgow where the audience have taken both Paddy Hill and the song to their hearts….thanks for posting
Em G Em
A rabbit in my headlights late tonight
G Bm C G
Twitching, flailing dying in the light
Em G Em
Me, I’m kind of scared, upset
G Bm C G
Witness to the gruesome sight I met
Em G Em
I should have driven over it I thought
G Bm C G
As its last frenzied battle was fought
Em G Em
Be merciful to it in its tragic state
G Bm C D
But didn’t realise until too late
Interlude – Em G Em G Bm C G
Em G Em
It was just a small, sentient thing
G Bm C G
On the edge of the abyss and giving in
Em G Em
And one living, conscious being
G Bm C G
Could smell the fear that death will bring
Dave Clinch
Words and music by Woody Guthrie, with changes by David Clinch
Chorus C F C
This land is your land this land is my land
C G C
From Haifa City to the Eilat border
C F C
From the shores of Gaza to the Jordan River
G C
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
C F C
As I was walking that ribbon of highway,
C G C
I saw above me that endless skyway:
C F C
I saw below me that golden valley:
G C
This land was made for Palestine.
Chorus
I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
There was a great high wall there that tried to stop me
The sign was painted said “Private Property”.
So when we tore it down the voice was saying
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
When the sun come shining and I was strolling,
The olive trees waving and the dust clouds rolling,
A voice came chanting and the fog was lifting
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can make me turn back
This land belongs to Palestine
Great reading all of the memories here – the mention of Liam Clancy always makes me think of his delivery of a poem – every bit as impressive as his singing. Remembering too your playing in St Columb’s Hall and the energy and power of the performance – still great energy in your gigs. it. Fond memories of hearing the late Donald Woods speak there of apartheid and South Africa – a warm gentle and good man.I see they’ve plans to restore the Hall to it’s former glory – was a great place for a show – lovely atmosphere about it. Maybe you’ll play there again sometime – won’t be taxis through the microphone either http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/02/15/news/historic-st-columb-s-hall-to-be-base-for-new-derry-cultural-quarter-932066/?ref=sh
Christy's reply
That gig was 1972..I still have the programme somewhere..it featured Seamus Heaney, Seamus Deane,Pumpkinhead and Planxty…..great news about restoration of St Columb’s Hall….historically and architechturally (is it a word ?) the old hall is a pure gem
Ah well Christy, another Cropredy comes around in August and I still have not had the pleasure of listening to you in the field. It is Fairport’s 50th anniversary. Anyway never say never. See u Manchester or Liverpool next year PG
Christy's reply
Not to worry …..August is usually our park-the-vans Month:
“When Paddy goes to the Boston Fleadh
Johnny cuts the grass in Rossnowlagh
Geoff is at the lights in Sandymount Green
Mick with The Dubs on Hill 16
Davy at the mixer mixin songs
Dikons at the Black & Decker hammer and thongs
Declan in the scratcher with The Grateful Dead
I do be divin for the crack down the old Sheep’s Head”
reading the guestbook these last few weeks ,there’s been a lot of lovely trips down memory lane and reminders of good times long past. So ,tonight as we sit here in the hills and think of you getting ready to step on to the stage in Gormanstown, its brought back some memories here too. . . .1982 . . .myself and my best mate Sean,both of us bout 17, jumped on a CIE bus in Lifford and went to Slane from where we thumbed [hitched] a lift to Gormanstown to see our local U15 GAA team play in the finals of the all-Ireland Og-Sport competition. Queen and ZZtops were the music we were into at the time…..Now ….tomorrow I head for London to see him, probably for the last time, and I think of Wally Pages Mercy and John o’Dreams and Missing You……the good memories are the ones to hold on to I guess.
Christy's reply
Hey Marty,
you travel safe with love in your heart…spread the good juju and take care, love and best wishes to you and your good friend
Hi Christy, Really looking forward to your upcoming gig in the Park Hotel, Clonmel on the 10th March.You are probably fed up of me asking you if you could include Nancy Spain and The Galtee Mountain Boy on your playlist. Slight change of plan this time round……is there any chance at all you could include “Little Musgrave” this time .. I know its a big ask but its a classic song and I don’t think I’ve heard you sing it live since the good old days of Planxty. Well Christy, if you can you can and if you can’t you can’t, either way it promises to be a great night.
Kindest regards…John O Neill.
PS. If possible could you give a shout out to Johnnie & Di from Ardfinnan.. It was Johnnie who first introduced me to the “Christy” sound.
Christy's reply
is Babs still playing in his bare feet ?
Thats a noble call there Bocsti…I’ve not sung Little Musgrave in Clonmel since 1976 when I sang it in Annie Kehoe’s snug after a gig in Hotel..soon as the gig was over twas down to Annie’s for a few powerful Dannos with Annie…She always had a great way with the Large Bottle and presented them in prime condition..you could drink them all night and be as bright as a button the following day
Hi there Christy, so looking forward to your show tonight. I am bringing two of your biggest fans Ciaran and Sean Finnegan(Sean is one of your youngest fans – he’s 10) they would get a great surprise if you sang Honda 50 or indeed any song for them. Have a great night ????
Hi Christy , my special needs brother David Savage is coming to your gig on Saturday 25th Feb , he is so excited to see you as you are his favourite singer. Can you please play RIDE ON and give him a shout out. I would be so grateful and I know it would make his day . thank you , Sophie .
Christy's reply
Thank You Sophie…hopefully all will work out as you request…I hope that David has a good night
Long past time for another thank you for the music. Some fun and some that makes me ponder the injustice in the world. A good mix altogether. Go raibh maith agat
John Flood
Fáilte romhat a Shéain….
Growing up in Newbridge Co.Kildare I had a good pal who bore the same name as yourself….he was a couple of years older then me….in the Summer of ’62 we went to The Galway Races and set our wee tent up in Salthill…that was the closest we got to Ballybrit….we spent most of our time in O’Connors Music Pub where the Fear-an-Tí invited me to sing ( at John Flood’s behest)……one night we met with “Doggy”Anderson & “Fido” White…two hometown stalwarts of the Moorefield GAA club….we had a right few gargles before heading back to our wee tent in Salthill…..some great memories revisited when I see your name….
……………John died while still in his prime, I think of him often
Christy,
We’ve been enjoying our vacation and I haven’t had a chance to thank you for playing FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK in Mullingar. It was the highlight of our trip. We appreciate the kind words for us as well. Later on our holiday we requested a Christy Moore song in An Pucan in Galway and the band declined saying it would be too controversial.
Thanks again!
John and Jennifer Mannion and Family
Glad you had a good visit….safe journey onwards….
Hi Christy, I’ve always been a big fan of yours and enjoyed your music. I have to close my eyes when I hear Beeswing as it’s too beautiful and I’m always transported right into the story.
I’m currently studying music in university and am taking an Irish Trad module. I have a presentation on Irish singing due tomorrow and I’m delighted to tell you the presentation is on you and your career as a musician/singer! Your memories through the years have been a great help to me and I enjoyed reading back on everything you have done.
All the best,
Slainte mhaith!
Hope it all goes well for you
Abhaile Aris , thanks Christy….. very much appreciate your thoughts at this time.
Fáilte thar nais mo cara
Dear Christy, well appreciated your thoughtful and witty answer to my word question… I do know what it really means now.. thanks Alex
Sound
Dear Christy,
I have seen you many times live, but last night was the first time I heard your most heart breaking tribute to Ann Lovett. I think a couple of times you said to the audience “a noble call” when they suggested a few songs, but really, your call to sing that song, was the most noble of them all. Thank you for including such an honest and moving piece in the set. I had both my dad and my daughter with me last night, (she is just 8 years old), but by God did I hug her during that piece you sang. It was very moving…. (I thought I might have to cover her ears during the song about Amsterdam, but thankfully she just thought you were singing a song about wanting to be on Instagram! 🙂
and thank you too for your feedback…..when I hear of 3 generations coming together to hear the songs it does my heart good…you there with your Dad and Daughter is better then any Gold Disc, better then any Oscar !
Hi Christy,
Thank you so much for dedicating Nancy Spain to me and my new wife last night in City North! (I think my mam got to you too!)
It is a memory we will truly treasure and caps off a magical week (back to reality tomorrow!)
It was a great gig and you were in fine form! Keep it going!
Thanks again,
Brian and Jane
Ye brought love to the night….Nancy never sounded so good…
We braved the wintery elements this afternoon and queued to get tickets for your gig. The wind blew down on us from the Cavehill (its profile the shape of a sleeping giant …inspiration for the giant in Gulliver’s Travels) and warmly welcomed the call to ‘tar isteach’!
See you adup in a few weeks
Hi.. this time I will just ask for forgiveness instead of permmission,,,,,here is the clip of Colm on TV,,, its from Facebook,,,, so that it will be availably globally I hope and not restricted !!! CONGRATS COLM https://www.facebook.com/RTEOne/videos/1431614950245674/
Was’nt young Colm (12) just brilliant..he did a great job
Dear Christy, I’m sitting in front of the lyrics of HARD CASES by Johnny Mulhearn and he’s been using a word I’ve never come across before. The word is ‘cadgilation’. Could you kindly explain what this word means! Thanks. Alex
I’m not sure whether this word is in Johnny’s original lyric or whether its a “liberty”of my own (nor does it matter !!)
This new word, for me,describes the art of “the cadge”…puttin the hammer on someone for the price of a drink, neither begging nor borrowing but sidling up hopefully with a wojious thirst, shaking body and mind all in need of comforting elixir… empty pockets always marked the difficult circumstance of gaining the wherewithal to purchase a cure for looming delerium…sometimes cruelly described as “cadgers” I spent manys the happy hour supping with alkies who were happy and prepared to share their brilliance and insightful perspectives so long as the gargle kept flowing their way…Bless Them All
speaking of Johnny Mulhearn, I have been working lately towards re-introducing his brilliant “Continental Ceilí” back into the set…along with the above mentioned “Hard Cases” and “Matty” they are three brilliant songs written during a purple patch in Johnny’s writing…I had the good fortune to record all 3 songs on the “Ordinary Man” album over 30 years ago….had a great time making that album with Donal Lunny, Arty McGlynn, Andy irvine,Liam O’Flynn, Enya, Nicky Ryan, Nollaig Bridgeman, Tony Molloy and Anto Drennan ( apologies if I.m missing anyone ) a month or so in Nicky Ryan’s studio was , for me , a very happy time…within a matter of months the happiness turned when Butterly sued us in the High Court and the song “They never Came Home” was banned by Judge Frank Murphy…Judge Murphy is long since gone (Mercy on Him) but the song lives on….
you are getting more here then you asked for but its one of them days
Hi all…. a grand energetic gig last night,,,, in a new venue,,,, with an audience drawn from all around,,,,, far and wide… I hope its OK to post here young Colm from remote Connemara will be on the Ray D’Arcy tonight on RTE 1 at 9.30. Colm wrote this song in honour of the Olympic success of the O ‘ Donovan brothers…..they will also be on the show,,, https://youtu.be/Ub6WEncZAUg…. H
been following the progress of Colm and Róisín for a few years now…a very talented Brother and Sister from the Western Sea Board…hope he nails it on the Ray Darcy tonight…Shine On
Scapegoats
I did this for a friend. He posted it, so apologies for the misspelling of your name Christy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIK-WGmw6q4
No Sweat Dave….the original lyric was sent me by Eamon Cowan and over the years it emerged into its current arrangement….always hugely uplifting to sing it in Glasgow where the audience have taken both Paddy Hill and the song to their hearts….thanks for posting
Hello Christy
Here’s another couple of mine. The explanation is at the beginning of the song
A Rabbit in My Headlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx5zftRTlwI
Em G Em
A rabbit in my headlights late tonight
G Bm C G
Twitching, flailing dying in the light
Em G Em
Me, I’m kind of scared, upset
G Bm C G
Witness to the gruesome sight I met
Em G Em
I should have driven over it I thought
G Bm C G
As its last frenzied battle was fought
Em G Em
Be merciful to it in its tragic state
G Bm C D
But didn’t realise until too late
Interlude – Em G Em G Bm C G
Em G Em
It was just a small, sentient thing
G Bm C G
On the edge of the abyss and giving in
Em G Em
And one living, conscious being
G Bm C G
Could smell the fear that death will bring
Dave Clinch
This Land is Your Land – Palestine Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YUST0kGjH4
Words and music by Woody Guthrie, with changes by David Clinch
Chorus C F C
This land is your land this land is my land
C G C
From Haifa City to the Eilat border
C F C
From the shores of Gaza to the Jordan River
G C
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
C F C
As I was walking that ribbon of highway,
C G C
I saw above me that endless skyway:
C F C
I saw below me that golden valley:
G C
This land was made for Palestine.
Chorus
I’ve roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts;
And all around me a voice was sounding:
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
There was a great high wall there that tried to stop me
The sign was painted said “Private Property”.
So when we tore it down the voice was saying
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
When the sun come shining and I was strolling,
The olive trees waving and the dust clouds rolling,
A voice came chanting and the fog was lifting
This land belongs to Palestine.
Chorus
Nobody living can ever stop me,
As I go walking that freedom highway;
Nobody living can make me turn back
This land belongs to Palestine
Here’s a couple of songs I wrote that you might like.
A Song of Love in Gaza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-vWBSgP4cA
Lonnie Donegan Stood
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NaBaiMPP88
Great reading all of the memories here – the mention of Liam Clancy always makes me think of his delivery of a poem – every bit as impressive as his singing. Remembering too your playing in St Columb’s Hall and the energy and power of the performance – still great energy in your gigs. it. Fond memories of hearing the late Donald Woods speak there of apartheid and South Africa – a warm gentle and good man.I see they’ve plans to restore the Hall to it’s former glory – was a great place for a show – lovely atmosphere about it. Maybe you’ll play there again sometime – won’t be taxis through the microphone either http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/02/15/news/historic-st-columb-s-hall-to-be-base-for-new-derry-cultural-quarter-932066/?ref=sh
That gig was 1972..I still have the programme somewhere..it featured Seamus Heaney, Seamus Deane,Pumpkinhead and Planxty…..great news about restoration of St Columb’s Hall….historically and architechturally (is it a word ?) the old hall is a pure gem
Ah well Christy, another Cropredy comes around in August and I still have not had the pleasure of listening to you in the field. It is Fairport’s 50th anniversary. Anyway never say never. See u Manchester or Liverpool next year PG
Not to worry …..August is usually our park-the-vans Month:
“When Paddy goes to the Boston Fleadh
Johnny cuts the grass in Rossnowlagh
Geoff is at the lights in Sandymount Green
Mick with The Dubs on Hill 16
Davy at the mixer mixin songs
Dikons at the Black & Decker hammer and thongs
Declan in the scratcher with The Grateful Dead
I do be divin for the crack down the old Sheep’s Head”
Catch you the “Pool or in The United City
reading the guestbook these last few weeks ,there’s been a lot of lovely trips down memory lane and reminders of good times long past. So ,tonight as we sit here in the hills and think of you getting ready to step on to the stage in Gormanstown, its brought back some memories here too. . . .1982 . . .myself and my best mate Sean,both of us bout 17, jumped on a CIE bus in Lifford and went to Slane from where we thumbed [hitched] a lift to Gormanstown to see our local U15 GAA team play in the finals of the all-Ireland Og-Sport competition. Queen and ZZtops were the music we were into at the time…..Now ….tomorrow I head for London to see him, probably for the last time, and I think of Wally Pages Mercy and John o’Dreams and Missing You……the good memories are the ones to hold on to I guess.
Hey Marty,
you travel safe with love in your heart…spread the good juju and take care, love and best wishes to you and your good friend
Hi Christy, Really looking forward to your upcoming gig in the Park Hotel, Clonmel on the 10th March.You are probably fed up of me asking you if you could include Nancy Spain and The Galtee Mountain Boy on your playlist. Slight change of plan this time round……is there any chance at all you could include “Little Musgrave” this time .. I know its a big ask but its a classic song and I don’t think I’ve heard you sing it live since the good old days of Planxty. Well Christy, if you can you can and if you can’t you can’t, either way it promises to be a great night.
Kindest regards…John O Neill.
PS. If possible could you give a shout out to Johnnie & Di from Ardfinnan.. It was Johnnie who first introduced me to the “Christy” sound.
is Babs still playing in his bare feet ?
Thats a noble call there Bocsti…I’ve not sung Little Musgrave in Clonmel since 1976 when I sang it in Annie Kehoe’s snug after a gig in Hotel..soon as the gig was over twas down to Annie’s for a few powerful Dannos with Annie…She always had a great way with the Large Bottle and presented them in prime condition..you could drink them all night and be as bright as a button the following day
Hi there Christy, so looking forward to your show tonight. I am bringing two of your biggest fans Ciaran and Sean Finnegan(Sean is one of your youngest fans – he’s 10) they would get a great surprise if you sang Honda 50 or indeed any song for them. Have a great night ????
Hi Christy , my special needs brother David Savage is coming to your gig on Saturday 25th Feb , he is so excited to see you as you are his favourite singer. Can you please play RIDE ON and give him a shout out. I would be so grateful and I know it would make his day . thank you , Sophie .
Thank You Sophie…hopefully all will work out as you request…I hope that David has a good night