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.
Musha God Help Her
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's in an awful state,
She's got that husband fellow's run away,
A teenage daughter in the family way,
And she can't pay her bills to nobody.
Poor Mrs. Donoghue,
Out there by Ballynew,
All of them were spotless in their parent's home,
Till she got married to that animal.
According to all accounts,
They never go to Mass,
He's with that young one out in Ballyhack,
She don't have a stitch across her back,
But she can well afford to drink.
I really don't know,
What's to become of them?
All the street is up in arms at them,
They make more noise than an army,
When she starts throwing all the cups at him.
I really wouldn't mind,
If they were friendly,
But they don't say hello to nobody,
You'd really think that they were somebody,
It makes me laugh you know,
At the back of it all.
Ah sure musha, God help her,
She's in an awful state,
She's got that husband fellows run away,
A teenage daughter in the family way,
And she don't pay her bills to nobody.
The song "Musha God Help Her" by Christy Moore is a powerful commentary on the plight of a troubled family in Ballynew, Ireland. The lyrics describe a woman named Mrs. Donoghue who is in a terrible state. Her husband has run away, leaving her to raise their teenage daughter who is pregnant. Furthermore, she is struggling to pay her bills and is the subject of gossip and criticism in the community.
Moore paints a vivid portrait of Mrs. Donoghue's troubles, highlighting the shame and hardship that she faces. However, even more than that, the song is a critique of the social and economic conditions that create such situations in the first place. Mrs. Donoghue's husband is depicted as an "animal" who is unfaithful and doesn't attend mass. Meanwhile, her daughter is pregnant and unmarried, a situation that reflects the lack of access to reproductive healthcare and education in many Irish communities.
The song is a poignant examination of the struggles that many working-class families face in Ireland, and it delivers a sobering message about the need for social change and economic justice. Overall, "Musha God Help Her" is a brilliant commentary on the challenges that face working-class families in Ireland and a call to action for those who would like to see change.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah Sure, musha, God help her,
Expressing sympathy towards a woman in a difficult situation
She's in an awful state,
This woman is experiencing a very stressful and difficult time.
She's got that husband fellow's run away,
Her husband has left and abandoned her.
A teenage daughter in the family way,
Her teenage daughter is pregnant.
And she can't pay her bills to nobody.
She is struggling with financial issues and cannot afford to pay her bills.
Poor Mrs. Donoghue,
Referring to the woman in question, emphasizing her unfortunate situation.
Out there by Ballynew,
She is located in a specific area.
She used to be a King from Davitt Street,
Her family name used to be well respected in a different neighborhood.
All of them were spotless in their parent's home,
Her family was highly regarded in their community.
Till she got married to that animal.
Her life took a turn for the worse after marrying an abusive husband.
According to all accounts,
Reportedly, based on what has been said by others.
They never go to Mass,
They do not attend church.
He's with that young one out in Ballyhack,
He is spending time with another woman in a different location.
She don't have a stitch across her back,
The other woman is not properly dressed.
But she can well afford to drink.
The other woman has enough money to buy alcohol.
I really don't know,
Expressing uncertainty about the situation.
What's to become of them?
Wondering what will happen to this troubled family.
All the street is up in arms at them,
The entire neighborhood is outraged at their behavior.
They make more noise than an army,
Their fights are very loud and disruptive.
When she starts throwing all the cups at him.
Their fights become violent and dangerous.
I really wouldn't mind,
Expressing that the artist is not bothered by their behavior.
If they were friendly,
The artist wishes that they were more amicable and approachable.
But they don't say hello to nobody,
They do not greet anyone in the neighborhood.
You'd really think that they were somebody,
Despite their problems, they act as if they are important or superior to others.
It makes me laugh you know,
The singer finds their behavior humorous or ironic.
At the back of it all.
Despite their issues, there may be deeper underlying problems contributing to their situation.
Contributed by Aaliyah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fiona Kelleghan
Jan, thank you for posting this. I have not thought of this song for many years, but it brings back good memories. I know that sounds bizarre, because it is a tragic song, but I first heard it during some good times. Thanks!
Colleen Shannon
oh this song- story....sheer brilliant
emotional story.
Colleen Shannon
Irelands living poet
Raymo Mull
Colleen Shannon this song was written by pierce turner from Wexford.
Try It sometime
my mother use to watch him in the bars and clubs in newbridge when he was a nobody preforming absolute gem of an artist
dick head
Sheer class.
Patrick Loftus
the irish speak in poetry. i am patrick. ikinow that pride is a sin. awfy proud tae be irish
paddy ,
no one does it better .
Colleen Shannon
love u christy...real life
other side
Play It Loud Lads