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.
North And South
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And feel your hand across the water
Walk with you along an unapproved road
Not looking over my shoulder
I want to see
I want to hear
To understand your fears
But we're north and south of the river
I've been doing it wrong
all of my life
This holy town has turned me over
A young man running from what he didn't understand
As the wind from the lough just blew colder and colder
There was a badness that had its way
But love was not lost
it just got mislaid
North and south of the river
Can we stop playing these old tattoos?
Darling I don't have the answer
I want to meet you where you are
I don't need you to surrender
There is no feeling so alone
as when the one you're hurting is your own
North and south of the river
Some high ground is not worth taking
Some connections are not worth making
There's an old church bell no longer ringing
And some old songs not worth singing
North and south of the river
North and south of the river
The song "North And South" by Christy Moore is a reflective and poignant ballad that speaks of the division that separates two individuals in a relationship. The lyrics speak of a desire for connection and the willingness to take risks to reach out to the other person. The opening lines of the song express the longing to touch and feel the other person's presence across the lough, and the desire to walk on a path that hasn't been approved but without the need to look over one's shoulder. The song speaks of the desire to understand fears and create a connection, but the two people involved are divided by the river and their different backgrounds.
The second verse speaks of a young man's venture into the "holy town" and how he struggled to understand his surroundings, eventually becoming overpowered by the harshness of life around him. This verse highlights the difficulties people face when they enter an unfamiliar environment with different customs and traditions. The persistent wind from the lough blowing colder and colder signifying the young man's isolation and detachment from the world. The chorus, "North and south of the river," responds to this divide, indicating that despite their longing for a connection, the separation is too significant to overcome.
The third verse speaks of the need to cease playing old games, stop clinging to traditions and beliefs that no longer serve them, and find a way to be together. The line "Some high ground is not worth taking, Some connections are not worth making," advises the listener to choose their battles carefully and think about the costs of certain connections or disagreements. The song implores the listener to find a way to meet the other person where they are and not expect them to surrender to their will. The final chorus, "North and south of the river," reminds the audience of the persistent separation and the challenges that come with crossing borders both physical and emotional.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to reach out over the lough
I want to connect with you across the river
And feel your hand across the water
I want to physically touch you despite the divide between us
Walk with you along an unapproved road
I want to explore unknown paths with you
Not looking over my shoulder
I want to feel safe and not worry about judgement or consequences
I want to see
I want to truly understand
I want to hear
I want to listen and empathize
To understand your fears
I want to know what scares you and why
But we're north and south of the river
Our differences keep us apart
I've been doing it wrong
I've made mistakes in the past
all of my life
Throughout my entire existence
This holy town has turned me over
The strict religious environment has caused me distress
A young man running from what he didn't understand
I was ignorant and avoided what I didn't comprehend
As the wind from the lough just blew colder and colder
The harsh environment mirrored the struggles I faced
There was a badness that had its way
Negative influences had too much control
But love was not lost
Despite everything, love remained
it just got mislaid
It was overshadowed and forgotten
Can we stop playing these old tattoos?
Can we move past our past mistakes?
Darling I don't have the answer
I don't know how to fix things
I want to meet you where you are
I want to understand your perspective
I don't need you to surrender
I don't want you to give up your beliefs or identity
There is no feeling so alone
Loneliness is one of the worst emotions
as when the one you're hurting is your own
Especially when you're the one causing the pain
Some high ground is not worth taking
Some victories aren't worth the fight
Some connections are not worth making
Some relationships aren't worth pursuing
There's an old church bell no longer ringing
Traditions and customs have faded away
And some old songs not worth singing
Certain things from the past aren't worth revisiting
North and south of the river
Our divide remains
North and south of the river
Our differences are still present
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Christy Moore, David Evans, Paul David Hewson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richardsmith8094
I love Declan's playing in these recordings with Christy. Absolute model of tasteful, expressive, colourful accompaniment.
@jamie2205
Absolutely underated
@Chris-rs6ic
“There is no feeling so alone, as when the one you’re hurting is your own” That line always hits so hard.
@mickshrimpton1701
no truer words have ever been spoken.
@tommymorgan73
Wonderful music! Christy and Declan are Irish treasures!
@paddyopatrick2941
Christy Moore is nothing but class 💯%
@megandowney6715
Absolutely
@finneire2081
DECLAN IS EVEN BETTER
@rosekelly4653
What a fantastic combination these 2 guys are. Fantastic!
@steray7590
Absolutely one of the greats no doubt 👌 🙌 👏 👍 💯