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.
Blantyre Explosion
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Among the pit heaps as the evening grew nigh
I spied a young woman all dressed in black mourning
Weeping and wailing with many a sigh
I stepped up beside her and gently addressed her
Would it help you to talk about the cause of your pain?
Weeping and wailing at last she did answer
Johnny Murphy, kind sir, is my true lover's name.
Twenty one years of age, full of youth and good looking
To work down the mine of High Blantyre he came
Our wedding was fixed all the guests were invited
That calm summers' evening my Johnny was slain
The explosion was heard by the women and children
With pale anxious faces they ran to the mine
When the news was made known all the hills rang with mourning
Thee hundred and ten Scottish miners were slain.
Mothers and daughters and sweethearts and lovers
The Blantyre explosion you'll never forget
All you good people who hear my sad story
Remember the miners who lie at their rest.
The lyrics to Christy Moore's song Blantyre Explosion convey a sense of heart-wrenching grief and mourning. The song is set in the aftermath of an explosion in a Scottish coal mine, High Blantyre, which claimed the lives of 110 miners. The singer encounters a young woman dressed in black, weeping and wailing with many a sigh. As he approaches her, he offers a gentle reassurance and a listening ear. The woman introduces herself as the true love of Johnny Murphy, a 21-year-old miner who lost his life in the tragedy.
The lyrics bring to life the devastating consequences of the explosion on the community of Blantyre. The explosion was heard by women and children, who ran to the mine with anxious faces. When news spread of the tragedy, the hills rang out with mourning. Mothers, daughters, sweethearts, and lovers were all affected by the loss of life in the Blantyre explosion.
The song serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of working in the mines and the sacrifices made by those who worked there. It also highlights the impact that such an event can have on the wider community, with families and loved ones left to grieve their loss.
Line by Line Meaning
By Clyde's bonny banks as I slowly did wander
As I walked along the beautiful Clyde river, taking my time and strolling, without any particular destination in mind.
Among the pit heaps as the evening grew nigh
As the sun began to set, I found myself among the debris of coal mines and heaps.
I spied a young woman all dressed in black mourning
I noticed a young woman wearing black attire as a symbol of mourning.
Weeping and wailing with many a sigh
Tears of sadness and sorrow flowed from her eyes, accompanied by deep, sorrowful sighs.
I stepped up beside her and gently addressed her
I walked near to her and kindly approached her to show my concern and care.
Would it help you to talk about the cause of your pain?
May I ask if sharing the reason of your distress would ease your burden or comfort you?
Weeping and wailing at last she did answer
Finally, she replied while continuing to sob and mourn.
Johnny Murphy, kind sir, is my true lover's name.
The name of my beloved partner whom I lost is Johnny Murphy and I address you as 'kind sir'.
Twenty-one years of age, full of youth and good looking
Johnny was in the prime of his life, being young, handsome, and energetic.
To work down the mine of High Blantyre he came
He was employed in the High Blantyre mine which was his workplace.
Our wedding was fixed all the guests were invited
Our wedding date was fixed, and invitations had already been sent out to all the guests.
That calm summers' evening my Johnny was slain
On a peaceful summer evening, the tragic incident took place, and Johnny lost his life.
The explosion was heard by the women and children
The explosion could be heard by the community, including women and children.
With pale anxious faces they ran to the mine
Fearing for the safety of their loved ones, they hurriedly made their way to the mining site with fearful and anxious expressions on their faces.
When the news was made known all the hills rang with mourning
After the confirmation of the loss of life, the community grieved with intense sorrow and mourning could be heard throughout the hills.
Three hundred and ten Scottish miners were slain.
In total, 310 Scottish miners lost their lives in the Blantyre explosion, a staggering and tragic loss of life.
Mothers and daughters and sweethearts and lovers
The explosion affected and caused grief to people in various relationships, such as mothers, daughters, sweethearts, and lovers.
The Blantyre explosion you'll never forget
This event will remain etched in people's memories, and they will never forget the tragic explosion at Blantyre.
All you good people who hear my sad story
To all the kind individuals who listen to my tale of sorrow.
Remember the miners who lie at their rest.
Please keep in mind the miners who lost their lives and are now at peace.
Contributed by Jasmine M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ethnicmusiclover
This is one of my all time favorite songs. Shantalla did incredible version. Christy is one of our favorites and this is gem. Thank you so much.
@baldyholly79
Mate, i love your dialect when you sing. It really makes the listener concentrate on the story your telling, excellent.
@TyreTim
I started School in in 1976 at St Blane's Primary school in Blantyre. The next year we attended the opening of the centenary monument that was unveiled in the town. Most of the people of Blantyre know very little of this.
@evolaine
It does not get any better than this does it ? Thank you so much for sharing, did you get the DVD... and the T.Shirt :-) ???
@sinner48
glad you enjoyed it and it is a lovely song
@sinner48
got the dvd and i was a great night
@sinner48
love to say it was me singing but it is not. but glad you like it