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.
Sodom & Begorra
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Medjugorje or a rub of the extreme unction
Good people climb Croagh Patrick with serenity on their faces
But I found my salvation, below at the Galway Races.
Clergymen dressed up like men and models home from London
Whallup and how's she cuttin′ John? Begod sure only Middlin'
Gamblers with big wads of notes, going mad to gamble
Helen Lucy smells the mattress and reviews the hairy bacon
Says Mickey Finn to Galligan, hey Peter what are you takin′?
Shish kebabs, Kinvara crabs as people stuff their faces
Others couldn′t eat to save their lives below at the Galway Races.
Its there you'll see gentility and sheep dressed up like mutton
Double barrelled names with more airs than old melodeons
The talk is all of tillage and of silage and con acre
I tell you scraws and bottoms would be closer to the mark sir.
Sir John Muck Savidge-Smythe is there with Smurfit′s and O'Reilly′s
Owners and trainers, stable boys and jockeys
With silk around their arses getting up on rich mens' horses
Not to mention wives and daughters and marriages and divorces.
There′s pontoon, twenty five and there's savage games of poker
There's them would lay their lives on two flies walking up the wall sure
There′s wise men from the east making eyes at go-go dancers
And ministers of state accepting drinks from terrible chancers.
Salthill after dark, is like Sodom and Gomorra
There′s people doing things tonight that they'll regret tomorrow
There′s folk and trad, they're disco mad, karaoke and set dances
And people who′ve seen better days looking to take their chances
They're under starters orders and Michael O′Hehir is waiting
Lester's up on the favourite and she'll surely take some beating
Necks are craned and eyes are strained there′s fear upon their faces
There′s agony and ecstasy below at the Galway Races.
Bethlehem and Cheltenham, Lourdes and Limerick Junction
Medjugorje or a rub of extreme unction
Good people climb Croagh Patrick with serenity on their faces
But I found my salvation, below at the Galway Races.
The lyrics of Christy Moore's "Sodom & Begorra" describe the social scene and activities that take place during the popular Galway Races event in Ireland. The first verse references various religious places, highlighting the juxtaposition of spirituality and reckless behavior that the Galway Races represent for some people. Moore then goes on to describe the various types of people who attend the races: clergymen, models, gamblers, and locals out for a stroll. The second verse makes references to the class divides that are present at the races, with people from different backgrounds mingling with each other. Moore also describes the behavior of those in attendance, with some eating and drinking excessively while others are focused on the races themselves. The final verse depicts the excitement and anticipation leading up to the races, with everyone waiting in anticipation for the event to start, all drawn together by their shared love of horse racing.
The lyrics of "Sodom & Begorra" provide a vivid snapshot of the atmosphere and culture surrounding the Galway Races in Ireland, as well as the dichotomy of values and behaviors that take place there. The song underscores the idea that people from all walks of life come together at the races, with different motivations and interests, creating a unique and memorable experience.
Line by Line Meaning
There's Bethlehem and Cheltenham, Lourdes and Limerick Junction
People travel far and wide to religious sites, including Bethlehem, Cheltenham, Lourdes, and Limerick Junction.
Medjugorje or a rub of the extreme unction
Other religious activities including getting a rub of the extreme unction are also sought after.
Good people climb Croagh Patrick with serenity on their faces
Many people climb Croagh Patrick with peaceful expressions.
But I found my salvation, below at the Galway Races.
The artist believes they have found their own version of salvation at the Galway Races.
Clergymen dressed up like men and models home from London
Even clergymen dress up for the event, and people come home from London to attend.
Whallup and how's she cuttin' John? Begod sure only Middlin'
Friendly greetings and slang is used to communicate.
Gamblers with big wads of notes, going mad to gamble
There are many serious gamblers at the event.
Na boys' isteach as inverin, there just to take a ramble.
Some people are just there to walk around with no particular purpose.
Helen Lucy smells the mattress and reviews the hairy bacon
People gossip and make crude comments.
Says Mickey Finn to Galligan, hey Peter what are you takin'?
More casual conversation between attendees.
Shish kebabs, Kinvara crabs as people stuff their faces
Food is abundant and people are enjoying the variety.
Others couldn't eat to save their lives below at the Galway Races.
Some people are too nervous or stressed to eat.
Its there you'll see gentility and sheep dressed up like mutton
The upper class are present and trying to show off.
Double barrelled names with more airs than old melodeons
People with long and pretentious names are around.
The talk is all of tillage and of silage and con acre
Agricultural topics are being discussed.
I tell you scraws and bottoms would be closer to the mark sir.
The artist thinks the farmers themselves would be more accurate descriptors of the agricultural scene.
Sir John Muck Savidge-Smythe is there with Smurfit's and O'Reilly's
Even the wealthy and well-known, such as Sir John Muck Savidge-Smythe and the Smurfit and O'Reilly families, are present.
Owners and trainers, stable boys and jockeys
People involved in the horse racing industry are in attendance.
With silk around their arses getting up on rich mens' horses
Jockeys seriously prepare themselves for the race.
Not to mention wives and daughters and marriages and divorces.
Family and relationship matters are present in the atmosphere.
There's pontoon, twenty five and there's savage games of poker
There are many different gambling games to be played.
There's them would lay their lives on two flies walking up the wall sure
Some people are willing to do anything for a bet.
There's wise men from the east making eyes at go-go dancers
Some people are interested in more than just the horse races.
And ministers of state accepting drinks from terrible chancers.
Even important political figures are present, and some are accepting drinks from questionable sources.
Salthill after dark, is like Sodom and Gomorra
After dark, the atmosphere becomes one of sin and morality is ignored.
There's people doing things tonight that they'll regret tomorrow
Some people are engaging in risky or impulsive behavior.
There's folk and trad, they're disco mad, karaoke and set dances
Many different types of music and dance can be enjoyed.
And people who've seen better days looking to take their chances
Some individuals who are not doing well in life are hoping to find luck and success at the races.
They're under starters orders and Michael O'Hehir is waiting
The racing is about to begin, with commentator Michael O'Hehir ready to call it.
Lester's up on the favourite and she'll surely take some beating
Lester is riding the favorite horse and it looks like it will be tough to defeat.
Necks are craned and eyes are strained there's fear upon their faces
The audience is nervous and watching closely, with concern on their faces.
There's agony and ecstasy below at the Galway Races.
The experience at the races is filled with both happiness and heartache.
Writer(s): Christy Moore
Contributed by Landon G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Oisin feehilly
on By Barna
Hellow Lady, Can I borrow your teddy
Samuel Joseph Donnelly
on Whacker Humphries
Ask "whacker" about the Provo they marched on and set up for votes in council elections- set up by a brasser from the Barn named Lilly Healy- 18 fucking years in blocks/cages/ torture centres and back stabbed by wannabes from Dublin! Between Active service ( killing etc whacker in case you didn't know!!
Chloe Mcl
on Hey Paddy
Is that the words Brendan O'Carroll sing