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.
Avondale
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where tall trees whisper low the tale of avondale's proud eagle
Where pride and ancient glory fade
Such was the land where he was laid
Like Christ was thirty pieces paid
For Avondale's proud eagle
Oh have you been to Avondale and lingered in her lovely vale
Long years that green and lovely glade
Have lost for now our grandest Gael
And Cursed the land that has betrayed
Our Avondale's proud eagle
These poignant lyrics are from Christy Moore's song Avondale, a tribute to Charles Stewart Parnell, who was laid to rest in the picturesque grounds of Avondale House in County Wicklow, Ireland. Avondale was Parnell's family estate and he spent much of his childhood roaming the lush woodlands and towering trees that surrounded the grand mansion. The song paints a vivid picture of the peaceful, idyllic setting that Parnell loved so much and that continues to draw visitors to this day.
The lyrics also make reference to the high price that Parnell paid for his political beliefs and leadership. "Like Christ was thirty pieces paid" alludes to the betrayal by members of his own political party who conspired to undermine him and ultimately led to his downfall. Despite his tragic end, Parnell remains a towering figure in Irish history, revered for his leadership of the Irish Home Rule movement and his dedication to the cause of Irish independence. The mention of "pride and ancient glory fade" suggests that although Parnell's legacy lives on, there is a sense of loss and longing for a time when he was still alive and leading the charge.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh have you been to Avondale and lingered in her lovely vale
Have you ever visited Avondale's beautiful valley, with its tall trees and whispered stories of the proud eagle that once lived there?
Where tall trees whisper low the tale of avondale's proud eagle
The trees in Avondale speak quietly of the proud eagle that once lived there, telling its story for those who listen closely.
Where pride and ancient glory fade
Despite the glory of Avondale's past, pride and history are slowly fading away in the present day.
Such was the land where he was laid
The eagle was buried in Avondale, a testament to the land's natural beauty and reverence for the creatures that lived there.
Like Christ was thirty pieces paid
The eagle's death was a tragedy, akin to the biblical story of Judas receiving thirty pieces of silver for betraying Jesus Christ.
For Avondale's proud eagle
The eagle was a symbol of Avondale's strength and pride, a cherished part of the local ecosystem that will never be forgotten.
Long years that green and lovely glade
Over time, the lush greenery and beauty of Avondale have diminished.
Have lost for now our grandest Gael
The death of the eagle is a loss to the people of Avondale, who see it as the loss of one of their own.
And Cursed the land that has betrayed
The people of Avondale feel betrayed by the land that they once trusted to protect their natural treasures.
Contributed by Charlotte Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@nerodollinger
Never! Christy is king when it comes to this song. What a brilliant performance. I absolutely love his version.
@thelostirishmanmik
the ultimate folk singer. long live christy moore.
@Tessietots
Aw Christy. You are the man. Gorgeous then and Gorgeous now.
@Murphy4709
the man has aged fantastically
@uviclad
Hey Markmcdon1.....keep on posting.... great'''g
@nerodollinger
Unique. Excellent
@tomryan4501
Lovely song.
@nevilledoyle9849
Brilliant
@alanflood8908
Been looking for this,
@nerodollinger
I know that Dominic Behan was a great figure in Irish Hstory,with his background,Songs and plays.I heard that his ashes were scattered to the Royal Canal in Dublin,a place he would have wished,and I know of his Brothe Brendan, as I live very close to his original home today.I hope I didn't offend you as I have great respect for the Behan family.