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.
Cúnla
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla dear, don't come any near to me
Cúnla dear, don't come any near to me
Maybe's I shouldn't says Cúnla
Who is that there tickling the toes of me
Only me says Cúnla
Who is that there tickling the thighs of me
Only me says Cúnla
Who is that there taking the clothes off me
Only me says Cúnla
The lyrics of Christy Moore's traditional Irish song, "Cúnla," tell the story of a man named Cúnla knocking at a woman's window pane. The woman is reluctant to let him come closer, telling him not to come any nearer. However, Cúnla persists and starts tickling her toes and thighs, eventually taking her clothes off. Throughout the song, Cúnla's actions are met with the woman's hesitation and reluctance, suggesting a potential power dynamic between them.
One interpretation of the lyrics could be that it's a cautionary tale about unwanted advances and the importance of respecting a partner's boundaries. It could also be interpreted as a commentary on the societal expectations of women to be modest and pure, while men are allowed to pursue sexual desires at will.
The song's melody is also worth noting, as it's a lively and upbeat tune that contrasts with the content of the lyrics. This juxtaposition highlights the darker themes of the song and presents a poignant commentary on the complexities of relationships and power dynamics.
Line by Line Meaning
Who is that there knocking the window pane
Cúnla asks who is knocking on the window.
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla realizes that it is himself knocking on the window.
Cúnla dear, don't come any near to me
Cúnla warns himself not to get too close to himself.
Maybe's I shouldn't says Cúnla
Cúnla contemplates whether he should ignore his own warning and approach himself.
Who is that there tickling the toes of me
Cúnla wonders who is tickling his toes.
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla realizes that he is tickling his own toes.
Who is that there tickling the thighs of me
Cúnla wonders who is tickling his thighs.
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla realizes that he is tickling his own thighs.
Who is that there taking the clothes off me
Cúnla questions who is undressing him.
Only me says Cúnla
Cúnla realizes that he is undressing himself.
Contributed by Nora F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@UselessHumansMusic
52 views? Come on! This is incredible lads!
@99redcentaurs
I agree with you, but I"m not impartial. :)
@JamesmcQuillan-ji2nl
Gandalf or Sam Gamgee perhaps