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.
Beeswing
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You wouldn't want me any other way."
The lyric "So long as there's no price on love I'll stay; You wouldn't want me any other way" in Christy Moore's song Beeswing captures the true essence of a love that exists beyond the superficiality of materialism. This beautiful line aches with a sense of longing and defiance, as the singer chooses love over material possessions. Through the lyric, the singer depicts a deep and unwavering love that transcends monetary value, indicating that the stability of their relationship is built upon something real and beautiful.
The singer's declaration of love seems to challenge the singer's partner's judgement, yet she remains obstinate in her response. The line speaks to the importance of remaining true to yourself, as well as the importance of staying true to what is important – in this case, love. It is a reminder that true love cannot be broken by materialistic desires, but rather thrives in a world where the heart reigns supreme.
Overall, "So long as there's no price on love I'll stay; You wouldn't want me any other way" is a poignant reminder that love is the most important thing. It speaks to the fragility of relationships while offering a glimmer of hope for a love that can survive any challenge.
Line by Line Meaning
She said, "So long as there's no price on love I'll stay;
She declared that she would remain with him as long as love remained priceless and not for sale;
You wouldn't want me any other way."
He would not desire her any differently than as she currently is.
Contributed by Gavin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Patrick-qc4zy
I was 18 when I came to town they called it the Summer of Love
Burning babies, burning flags, the hawks against the dove
I took a job at the Steaming way down on Caltrim Street
And they fell in love with a laundry girl, that was working next to me
Brown hair, zigzagged all round face, a look of half surprise
Like a fox caught in the headlights, there was animal in her eyes
She said to me, "Can't you see I'm not the factory kind?"
And if you don't take me out of here, I'll lose me mind
She was a rare thing, fine as a beeswing
So fine, a breath of wind might blow her away
And she was a lost child, she was running wild
She said, "So long as there's no price on love, I'll stay
You wouldn't want me any other way"
We busked around the market towns, fruit picking down in Kent
We could tinker pots and pans or knives wherever we went
We were campin' down the Gower, but the work was mighty good
She wouldn't wait for the harvest and I thought we should
I said to her, "We'll settle down and get a few acres dug"
With a fire burning in the heart and babies on the rug
She said, "Oh man, you foolish man, that surely sounds like Hell
You might be Lord of half the world, you'll not own me as well"
But she was a rare thing, fine as a beeswing
So fine, a breath of wind might blow her away
And she was a lost child, she was running wild
She said, "So long as there's no price on love, I'll stay
You wouldn't want me any other way"
We were drinking more in those days, our tempers reached a pitch
Like a fool, I let her run away when she took the rambling itch
And the last I heard, she is living rough back on the Derby beach
With a bottle of white horse in her pocket, a wolfhound at her feet
They say that she got married once to a man called Romany Brown
Even a gypsy caravan was too much to settling down
They say her rose has faded, rough weather and hard booze
Maybe that's the price you pay for the chains that you refuse
Oh, she was a rare thing, fine as a beeswing
And I miss her more than ever words can say
If I could just taste all of her wildness now
If I could hold her in my arms today
I wouldn't want her any other way
If I could hold her in my arms today
I wouldn't want her any other way
@dougieladd
I heard this song for the very first time last week... I'm 56. I can't believe I've never heard this until now. This version of Richard Thompson's song is so good too. It's beautiful song.
@allanhughes7859
ME TOO !!
@user-tr5ny9mq2m
No matter how many times I listen to Christy sing Beeswing it sounds amazing and tugs at my heart.
@oriorda9470
The brilliant Declan Sinnott is quite extraordinary in the way he enhances everything Christy does, with a minimalist approach, no unnecessary notes and perfect in every way. Listen to him playing behind Christy - the man is a consummate musician.
@lorraynecorre8635
😂
@lorraynecorre8635
77th brigade mate, don't like truth or love ❤
@dieselman7453
Declan is an extremely talented guitarist 🎸🎸🎸🇮🇪
@AlanMorrissey-wu9zf
Frankl was declan brother
@kevlally
Beautifully said sir... So right!
@johnnylynch1216
Been listening to this song for a couple of years now and after we lost two children in early pregnancy I have got great comfort from it but find myself a very lucky man to have an amazing wife and 3 beautiful children. such a very touching song