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.
James Larkin
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The women working and the children hungry then on came Larkin like a mighty wave
The workers cringed when the boss man thundered seventy hours was their weekly chore
They asked for little and less was granted lest getting little they'd asked for more
Then came Larkin in 1914 a mighty man with a mighty tongue
The voice of labour the voice of justice and he was gifted, he was young
God sent Larkin in 1914 a labor man with a union tongue
It was in August the boss man told us no union man for them could work
We stood by Larkin and told the boss man we'd fight or die but we'd never shirk
Eight months we fought eight months we starved we stood by Larkin through thick and thin
But foodless homes and the crying children, they broke our hearts and we could not win
When Larkin left us we seemed defeated the night was black for the working man
But on came Connolly came with new hope and counsel his motto was we'll rise again
In 1916 in Dublin City the English army burnt our town
They shelled the buildings and shot our leaders the harp was buried beneath the crown
They shot McDermott and Pearse and Plunkett they shot McDonagh Ceannt and Clarke the brave
From bleak Kilmanham they took their bodies to Arbour hill to a quicklime grave
Last of all of the seven leaders they shot down James Connolly
The voice of labour the voice of justice gave his life that we might be free
The lyrics to Christy Moore's song James Larkin tell the story of the struggles of the working class in Dublin in 1914, and the arrival of James Larkin as a labor leader who inspired the workers to demand their rights. The song describes the terrible conditions of the workers, who were working seventy hours a week for very little pay, while the boss was rich and the poor were slaves. The workers were afraid to ask for more, but when Larkin arrived, he gave them courage and became their hero.
Larkin was described as a mighty man with a mighty tongue, the voice of labor and justice. He raised the workers' spirits and inspired them to fight for their rights. However, the boss was determined not to allow the workers to unionize, and after eight months of fighting and starvation, Larkin left them, seemingly defeated. But on came James Connolly, who gave the workers new hope and counsel, and his motto was to rise again.
In 1916, the English army burnt down Dublin City and shot the leaders of the workers' rebellion. They killed McDermott, Pearse, Plunkett, McDonagh, Ceannt, and Clarke, and finally, they shot down James Connolly, the voice of labor and justice. He gave his life for the workers' cause, and his memory lives on in this powerful song.
Line by Line Meaning
In Dublin City in 1914 the boss was rich and the poor were slaves
At the time of 1914 in Dublin City, the wealthy were vastly in control, while the poor had very little power or agency.
The women working and the children hungry then on came Larkin like a mighty wave
The women were forced to work to provide for their families, while their children lacked proper nutrition. Enter Larkin, who approached his work with a forceful and resolute nature.
The workers cringed when the boss man thundered seventy hours was their weekly chore
The workers were made to feel powerless in the face of their employer, who demanded that they work an overwhelming amount of time each week.
They asked for little and less was granted lest getting little they'd asked for more
If the workers tried to negotiate for their rights, they were met with pushback from their employer, who was intent on giving them as little as possible.
Then came Larkin in 1914 a mighty man with a mighty tongue
Larkin came onto the scene with both a powerful presence and the ability to articulate his message effectively.
The voice of labour the voice of justice and he was gifted, he was young
Larkin spoke up for labor rights and justice, and he had a natural talent for communication that drew people to him.
God sent Larkin in 1914 a labor man with a union tongue
Larkin's abilities and qualities led many to view him not just as a human leader, but as a divinely inspired one.
He raised the workers and gave them courage he was their hero and a workers son
Larkin's leadership gave the workers a sense of strength and bravery, and he was highly regarded as a champion of their rights.
It was in August the boss man told us no union man for them could work
The employer banned union members from working for them during a time that happened to be in August.
We stood by Larkin and told the boss man we'd fight or die but we'd never shirk
The workers stood proudly with Larkin and were ready to do whatever it took to stand up for their rights.
Eight months we fought eight months we starved we stood by Larkin through thick and thin
The workers continued to fight for eight months, living through immense hardship, but they remained loyal to Larkin throughout it all.
But foodless homes and the crying children, they broke our hearts and we could not win
Despite their best efforts and dedication, the lack of food and the suffering of innocent children proved too difficult to overcome for the workers.
When Larkin left us we seemed defeated the night was black for the working man
With Larkin gone, the morale of the workers was low, and they felt that they had suffered a significant loss.
But on came Connolly came with new hope and counsel his motto was we'll rise again
Connolly brought renewed purpose and optimism to the workers, giving them renewed hope for the future.
In 1916 in Dublin City the English army burnt our town
The English army, in a show of force and brutality, burned down a portion of Dublin City in 1916.
They shelled the buildings and shot our leaders the harp was buried beneath the crown
In the midst of the chaos and violence, the English army targeted and killed several key leaders, symbolically crushing Irish hope and pride.
They shot McDermott and Pearse and Plunkett they shot McDonagh Ceannt and Clarke the brave
Several important actors in the Irish community were killed by the English army, including McDermott, Pearse, Plunkett, McDonagh, Ceannt, and Clarke.
From bleak Kilmanham they took their bodies to Arbour hill to a quicklime grave
The English army disposed of the dead bodies in a manner that was efficient but lacking in any kind of dignity or respect toward the deceased.
Last of all of the seven leaders they shot down James Connolly
Of all the Irish leaders, James Connolly was the last to be killed.
The voice of labour the voice of justice gave his life that we might be free
Though costly, Connolly's life served as a sacrifice for the greater good - he stood up for labor and justice, even if it meant giving up his own life.
Contributed by Samantha P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ahmad A M Jaber
Collins, Ireland’s glorious son
You never ceased to thrive
The body yes has gone
But your spirit is still alive
She calls upon my psyche
Pushing me to rise
Your pat on my shoulder
Is a might I can derive
Never will I surrender
No retreat nor compromise
I shall follow you to render
What’s wrong into right
From the Middle East I set my sail
To Glasnevin where Freedom breeze
From your shrine I can inhale
Where lies your body which
No tyranny cold ever hinder
Which brought an empire to its knees
As do Emmet’s and Jim Larkin’s
Your spirit will always soar
Guarding the land and guiding the poor
Here is a vow to join your Sinn Fein
And slap the misrule we’ve been suffering under
I hope Ireland does embrace
My pledge to be her loyal son
Robert
I have listened to song a million times but just now in a certain verse I learned something new. That’s the power of Christy, it’s more than just a song , it’s an education threw a story. Magical!! Only now I realize how much Larkin and Connolly improved workers conditions!
Mettz Musik
I have never heard such conviction and heart put into a song as does Christy in this excellent performance. Also, what a fantastic song which explains the hardship of the peole of 1913, and the great spirit of the Irish to overcome the tyranny of the day. Fantasic song and well done to Christy
PD1968
Proud to call Larkin a scouser by birth,he was a true Irish legend!
apocuinn
Christy has a different singing accent in this song to modern time. In those days he tried to sing more like other folk singers at the time, rather than singing with his own voice. He once said that the greatest lesson he learned in singing was to sing with his own voice.
majorMcpharter
The voice of Labour, the voice of Justice.
Angry Squirrel
Christy's a hero. He's for truth & justice. He stands for what's right in my opinion.
Mark B
What a legend Christy Moore is.. this goes into my Favourites folder..
JohninRosc
I was at a Christy Moore concert in Derry/Derry last night. Still in top form and ably accompanies by Declan Sinnott. Go Christy!
Nulty16
"concert in *Derry/Derry*" haha :clap:
bradygeoffrey
as an Irishman, this song is extremely prevalent in my world outlook. A mighty tune for a mighty country. I carry this song with me over here in America. Slan! GB