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.
St. Brendan's Voyage
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Twas a damp and dirty mornin' Brendan's voyage it bega
Tired of thinnin' turnips and cuttin' curley kale
When he got back from the creamery he hoisted up the sail.
He ploughed a lonely furrow to the north, south, east and west
Of all the navigators, St, Brendan was the best.
When he ran out of candles he was forced to make a stop,
He tied up in Long Island and put America on the map.
Who went on to find Australia then China and Japan.
When he was touchin' 70, he began to miss the crack,
Turnin' to his albatross he sez "I'm headin' back".
To make it fast he bent the mast and built up mighty steam.
Around Terra del Fuego and up the warm Gulf Stream,
He crossed the last horizon, Mt. Brandon came in sight
And when he cleared the customs into Dingle for the night.
Whe he got the Cordon Bleu he went to douse the drought,
He headed west to Kruger's* to murder pints of stout
Around by Ballyferriter and up the Conor Pass
He freewheeled into Brandon, the saint was home at last.
The entire population came (281) the place was chock-a-block
Love nor money wouldn't get your nose inside the shop.
The fishermen hauled up their nets, the farmers left their hay,
Kerry people know that saints don't turn up every day.
Everythin' was goin' great 'til Brendan did announce
His reason for returnin' was to try and set up house.
The girls were flabbergasted at St. Bredan's neck
To seek a wife so late in life and him a total wreck.
Worn down by rejection that pierced his humble pride,
"Begod", sez Brendan "If I run I'll surely catch the tide"
Turnin' on his sandals he made straight for the docks
And haulin' up his anchor he cast off from the rocks.
As he sailed past Inishvickallaun there stood the albatross
"I knew you'd never stick it out, 'tis great to see you boss"
"I'm bailin' out" sez Brendan, "I badly need a break
A fortnight is about as much as any aul saint could take. "
Chorus
"Is it right or left for Gibraltar"
"What tack do I take for Mizen Head?"
"I'd love to settle down near Ventry Harbour",
St. Brendan to his albatross he said
The song St. Brendan's Voyage is a folk ballad about the mythical voyage of St. Brendan, a sixth-century Irish monk who supposedly sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to North America. It tells the story of how St. Brendan set out to sea in his boat from Brandon in the year 501, tired of his mundane life of farming and hoping to find new lands. He sails in all directions, south, east, west, and north, becoming one of the greatest navigators of his time. When he runs out of candles, he stops in Long Island where he puts America on the map. It is said that he also discovers Honolulu, Australia, China, and Japan.
The lyrics of the song are infused with humor, like when St. Brendan declares his intention of finding a wife at his late age, which the girls find hilarious. Throughout the song, St. Brendan's albatross, his companion throughout his voyage, advises him on the best routes to take and his whereabouts. The song ends with St. Brendan bidding farewell to his albatross and contemplating where to settle down next, near Ventry Harbour.
In summary, the song tells the legendary tale of St. Brendan's adventures and exploits on his voyage. It is a humorous, folksy tune that also speaks of the human spirit's resilience, determination, and curiosity.
Line by Line Meaning
A boat sailed out of Brandon in the year of 501
In the year 501, a boat left Brandon.
'Twas a damp and dirty mornin' Brendan's voyage it bega
Brendan began his voyage on a damp and dirty morning.
Tired of thinnin' turnips and cuttin' curley kale
Brendan was tired of his regular job of thinning turnips and cutting curly kale.
When he got back from the creamery he hoisted up the sail.
After finishing his work at the creamery, Brendan hoisted the sail and started his journey.
He ploughed a lonely furrow to the north, south, east, and west
Brendan navigated by himself to all four directions.
Of all the navigators, St. Brendan was the best.
St. Brendan was considered the best navigator among all others.
When he ran out of candles he was forced to make a stop,
When Brendan ran out of candles, he had to stop.
He tied up in Long Island and put America on the map.
Brendan stopped at Long Island and discovered America.
Did you know that Honolulu was found by a Kerryman,
It is a lesser-known fact that a Kerryman found Honolulu.
Who went on to find Australia then China and Japan.
This Kerryman then continued his journey and discovered Australia, China, and Japan.
When he was touchin' 70, he began to miss the crack,
As he was getting older, Brendan began missing the excitement of his youth.
Turnin' to his albatross he sez "I'm headin' back".
Brendan told his trusted albatross that he was heading back home.
To make it fast he bent the mast and built up mighty steam.
Brendan made his journey faster by bending the mast and building up steam.
Around Terra del Fuego and up the warm Gulf Stream,
Brendan sailed around Terra del Fuego and up the warm Gulf Stream.
He crossed the last horizon, Mt. Brandon came in sight
Brendan crossed the last horizon and saw Mount Brandon in sight.
And when he cleared the customs into Dingle for the night.
Brendan cleared customs and entered Dingle for the night.
Whe he got the Cordon Bleu he went to douse the drought,
Brendan went to the Cordon Bleu to quench his thirst.
He headed west to Kruger's* to murder pints of stout
Brendan headed west to Kruger's to drink pints of stout.
Around by Ballyferriter and up the Conor Pass
Brendan traveled around Ballyferriter and up the Conor Pass.
He freewheeled into Brandon, the saint was home at last.
Brendan arrived in Brandon and was back home at last.
The entire population came (281) the place was chock-a-block
The entire population of 281 people came, and the place was crowded.
Love nor money wouldn't get your nose inside the shop.
The shop was so crowded that even love or money couldn't get you inside.
The fishermen hauled up their nets, the farmers left their hay,
Fishermen stopped fishing and farmers stopped working to see the returning saint.
Kerry people know that saints don't turn up every day.
People in Kerry knew that it was rare for saints to return home.
Everythin' was goin' great 'til Brendan did announce
Everything was going well until Brendan made an announcement.
His reason for returnin' was to try and set up house.
Brendan revealed that he returned to set up his own household.
The girls were flabbergasted at St. Bredan's neck
The girls were shocked at Brendan's audacity to seek a wife at his age.
To seek a wife so late in life and him a total wreck.
They couldn't believe that Brendan, who was past his prime, wanted to settle down.
Worn down by rejection that pierced his humble pride,
Brendan's pride was hurt by the rejection he faced.
"Begod", sez Brendan "If I run I'll surely catch the tide"
Brendan decided to leave and said, 'If I start now, I'll surely catch the tide.'
Turnin' on his sandals he made straight for the docks
Brendan turned on his sandals and headed straight to the docks.
And haulin' up his anchor he cast off from the rocks.
Brendan pulled up his anchor and left the rocks.
As he sailed past Inishvickallaun there stood the albatross
As Brendan sailed past Inishvickallaun, he saw his trusted albatross standing there.
"I knew you'd never stick it out, 'tis great to see you boss"
The albatross said to Brendan, 'I knew you wouldn't stay, and it's great to see you.'
"I'm bailin' out" sez Brendan, "I badly need a break
Brendan said to the albatross, 'I'm leaving, I need a break.'
A fortnight is about as much as any aul saint could take. "
"Two weeks is about as much time off as any old saint could take."
"Is it right or left for Gibraltar"
Brendan asked the albatross, 'Should I go right or left for Gibraltar?'
"What tack do I take for Mizen Head?"
Brendan asked for advice on the best direction to take to reach Mizen Head.
"I'd love to settle down near Ventry Harbour"
Brendan expressed his desire to settle down near Ventry Harbour.
St. Brendan to his albatross he said
Brendan spoke to his trusted albatross.
Contributed by Nolan J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Gimmer3
St. Brendan’s Voyage
Christy Moore
A boat sailed out of Brandon in the year of 501
’twas a damp and dirty mornin’ Brendan’s voyage it began.
Tired of thinnin’ turnips and cuttin’ curley kale
When he got back from the creamery he hoisted up the sail.
He ploughed a lonely furrow to the north, south, east and west
Of all the navigators, St. Brendan was the best.
When he ran out of candles he was forced to make a stop,
He tied up in Long Island and put America on the map.
Did you know that Honolulu was found by a Kerryman,
Who went on to find Australia then China and Japan.
When he was touchin’ 70, he began to miss the crack,
Turnin’ to his albatross he sez “I’m headin’ back”.
To make it fast he bent the mast and built up mighty steam.
Around Terra del Fuego and up the warm Gulf Stream,
He crossed the last horizon, Mt. Brandon came in sight
And when he cleared the customs into Dingle for the night.
When he got the Cordon Bleu he went to douse the drought,
He headed west to Kruger’s* to murder pints of stout
Around by Ballyferriter and up the Conor Pass
He freewheeled into Brandon, the saint was home at last.
The entire population came (281) the place was chock-a-block
Love nor money wouldn’t get your nose inside the shop.
The fishermen hauled up their nets, the farmers left their hay,
Kerry people know that saints don’t turn up every day.
Everythin’ was goin’ great ’til Brendan did announce
His reason for returnin’ was to try and set up house.
The girls were flabbergasted at St. Bredan’s neck
To seek a wife so late in life and him a total wreck.
Worn down by rejection that pierced his humble pride,
“Begod”, sez Brendan “If I run I’ll surely catch the tide”
Turnin’ on his sandals he made straight for the docks
And haulin’ up his anchor he cast off from the rocks.
As he sailed past Inishvickallaun there stood the albatross
“I knew you’d never stick it out, ’tis great to see you boss”
“I’m bailin’ out” sez Brendan, “I badly need a break
A fortnight is about as much as any aul saint could take.”
CHORUS
“Is it right or left for Gibraltar”
“What tack do I take for Mizen Head?”
“I’d love to settle down near Ventry Harbour”,
St. Brendan to his albatross he said.
@tommymorgan73
Christy you are an Irish treasure!!
@rosemaryholland6595
Christy you are an Irish music treasure god bless.💚☘🇮🇪💚
@neilbrennan8883
The pipes at the end are really really brilliant. Brilliant idea
@horse5407
Liam Og
@TrueBlueEG8
What a fantastic song
@garrettfitzgibbons2501
Quite glorious...... Witty, insightful, and tongue in cheek demolition of all the "Haters"........, an a great tune.
@gofishglobal7919
The islander mindset is the same around the world!! St. Brendan, pray for Ireland...and the America you discovered!
@gerardallen5043
Love this song!!!!!
@Elmwood-ze3cr
Iv recently stayed in a cottage overlooking Brandon Bay, could i feck get this song out of me head , morning,noon and night : )
@jamesmandolin
Just back from Kerry and missing the craic already - can't agree with St Brendan about a fortnight being enough.. and I can't drink the Guinness in Britain, it isn't the same.. Thanks for this!