Christy Moore started in the music business in the mid-sixties, when his life as a bank clerk was interrupted by a bank strike, and he moved to England. There he became involved in the folk music scene at the time, and spent a few years playing pubs and clubs around the country.
His return to Ireland was marked by the album 'Prosperous', which proved to be a milestone in the rapprochement of Irish music to the popular mainstream. This album benefited from a collaboration of the leading talents of contemporary folk music, musicians such as Andy Irvine, Donal Lunny and Liam O'Flynn, and this one-off was to lead to the formation of Planxty, a band who were soon to be at the leading edge of the revival of Irish traditional music.
Over the following years the musical status of Planxty became legendary both in Ireland, Britain and throughout Europe. However in 1974 the band split up to pursue solo projects. It was during this period that Christy continued to explore new ground as a solo artist recording a number of solo albums including 'The Iron Behind the Velvet' (TARACD2002) which featured Andy Irvine and 'Live in Dublin' (TARACD2005) with Donal Lunny.
The original Planxty lineup of Christy, Andy, Liam and Donal then reformed in 1979. They recorded two further albums with Tara Records 'After the Break' (TARACD3001) and 'The Woman I Loved So Well' (TARACD3005). There were several additions and changes to their lineup most notably the addition of Matt Molloy, flautist from The Bothy Band, who later joined The Chieftains, and Bill Whelan.
In 1981 Planxty performed a Bill Whelan arrangement called 'Timedance' as the intermission piece for the Eurovision song contest, held that year in Ireland. Later it was released as a single and is now included on Bill's CD of 'The Seville Suite' (TARACD3030) released by Tara in 1992.
In the eighties Christy again teamed up with Donal Lunny to form Moving Hearts, another ambitious and innovative Irish band which sought to mix jazz into the folk-rock fusion. Ever the wanderer, Christy was soon breaking out on his own again, and it was in the eighties that he began to establish himself as one of Ireland's leading solo artists with a string of acclaimed albums and high profile tours.
In the mid-nineties Christy decided to take a break from the music for a few years. In the year 2000 Christy return to live performances with a series of Dublin concerts. Over the last few years he has released a number of solo projects including a television series, a live album and a 6 CD boxset.
Another Song is Born
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's no place to look if you're writing a song,
Some songs grow ancient and live through the years,
While others die off and dry up like tears.
You open the cloak and lift up a veil,
The hammer is raised to drive home a nail,
The flesh is torn open, the bone is revealed,
Chorus:
Songs written for love and written for gain,
Some make you laugh, soothe a bad pain,
Songs have a heart, a body, a soul,
You lay one to rest and another song is born.
While we rescue banks and Royal Kilmanham Halls,
Hell on this earth means nothing at all,
My hands are all withered and I cannot breathe,
The nightmare of indifference to suffering and need.
Chorus
The elite on the plinth maintain status quo,
Marble and granite their movements are slow,
The silk stays unruffled as the eyebrows are raised,
Satin and mohair the good lord be praised.
Chorus
In the song "Another Song is Born", Christy Moore reflects on the art of songwriting, expressing the idea that some songs have longevity and continue to resonate with people over the years, while others simply fade away. The first stanza emphasizes the importance of being present in one's own experience when writing a song, rather than dwelling on the past. Looking back over one's shoulder can distract from the creative process, and it is essential to focus on the present moment. Moore then goes on to describe the process of crafting a song, comparing it to tearing open flesh to reveal something deeper. This can be painful, but it is necessary to create something authentic and meaningful.
The chorus reflects on the various purposes that songs can serve, from providing comfort and healing to making people laugh or seeking material gain. Moore asserts that songs have a life of their own and can create a chain reaction of new songs being born even when others have been put to rest. In the final stanza, Moore criticizes those in power who are indifferent to the suffering and needs of others. He contrasts their luxurious lifestyle with the plight of those less fortunate, and the song comes full circle as Moore once again emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful art that can inspire change.
Line by Line Meaning
I looked over my shoulder but not for too long,
Glancing back briefly, but not dwelling, as reflection is not conducive to songwriting.
It's no place to look if you're writing a song,
Looking back too long distracts from the creative process of writing a song.
Some songs grow ancient and live through the years,
Certain songs stand the test of time and remain relevant for generations.
While others die off and dry up like tears.
Other songs fade away and lose their emotional impact over time.
You open the cloak and lift up a veil,
Metaphorical language describing the process of revealing the deeper meaning behind a song.
The hammer is raised to drive home a nail,
Describing the force and precision behind crafting a powerful message in a song.
The flesh is torn open, the bone is revealed,
Metaphorically describing the painful, vulnerable process of creating something honest and raw in a song.
Wounds that fester seldom get healed.
Just as emotional wounds need to be confronted and treated, songs that deal with difficult topics can also be a means of catharsis.
Songs written for love and written for gain,
Songs can be created for both personal reasons as well as commercial success.
Some make you laugh, soothe a bad pain,
Songs have the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and provide comfort or distraction from pain.
Songs have a heart, a body, a soul,
Songs are not just a product, they are living and breathing works of art.
You lay one to rest and another song is born.
The creative process of songwriting is infinite and every song has its own unique place in the vast canon of music.
While we rescue banks and Royal Kilmanham Halls,
Politicians and society may prioritize the rescue of material objects over the needs of the people who inhabit them.
Hell on this earth means nothing at all,
People often turn a blind eye to the suffering of others and prioritize their own comfort.
My hands are all withered and I cannot breathe,
The physical toll of neglecting important issues takes a toll on individuals.
The nightmare of indifference to suffering and need.
Indifference, or apathy, towards others in need is a societal issue that can create a sense of hopelessness and despair.
The elite on the plinth maintain status quo,
The powerful, wealthy members of society perpetuate the oppressive systems that keep them in power.
Marble and granite their movements are slow,
Metaphorical language describing the lack of urgency in the actions taken by the powerful.
The silk stays unruffled as the eyebrows are raised,
Despite the facade of concern, the powerful remain unbothered by the struggles of those they oppress.
Satin and mohair the good lord be praised.
A satirical comment on the dangerous attitude of using religion to justify oppressive systems.
Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dawnscent
The fkn real deal.. beautifull, just love the simularity to christy's voice.. amayzin.. ♣♪♫
@sacknamee
lovely version well sung and well played