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.
Strange Ways
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There is a ring around the world
It ensnares the little Ones
As these priests and bishops fall
Innocence comes to an end.
Born of woman born through pain
In the shadow of a man
You are in me I am in you
Its not always easy to understand
Strange Ways......God works in Strange Ways
Bless me father I have sinned
God the father of all things
You are my everasting shame
God works in strange ways
Strange ways,god works in Strange ways
The lyrics of Christy Moore's song Strange Ways reflect on the concept of religion and its impact on the innocent children who fall victim to the predators disguised as priests and bishops. The ring around the world refers to the system which protects abusers and ensnares the innocent children in their web. The lyrics further emphasize on the pain and suffering of women, giving birth in shadow of men who hold power in society. The lines "You are in me, I am in you" suggest the idea of the presence of God within all human beings, and the difficulty in comprehending God's mysterious ways.
The phrase "God works in strange ways" is repeated throughout the song, implying the irony of how the supposed protector of mankind is the one who causes harm in the most perplexing ways. The song ends with the lines "Bless me father I have sinned, God the father of all things, You are my everlasting shame, God works in strange ways", highlighting the confusing and guilt-inducing nature of religion. The song reflects on the hypocrisy and damage caused by religion in our society, particularly the Catholic Church, and raises awareness about the issue of child abuse committed by members of the clergy.
Line by Line Meaning
There is a ring around the world
There is a sinister force that permeates the world.
It ensnares the little Ones
It traps the vulnerable, such as children, in its grasp.
As these priests and bishops fall
Even those who are supposed to be the most trustworthy and respected figures can succumb to the darkness.
Innocence comes to an end.
The corruption and evil that exist in the world can take away the purity and naivete of the innocent.
Born of woman born through pain
Life is difficult and often involves suffering, but it is ultimately worth living.
In the shadow of a man
Even the strongest people have flaws and weaknesses.
You are in me I am in you
We are all connected in some way, and our actions can affect others.
Its not always easy to understand
The mysteries of life are often complex and difficult to comprehend.
Strange Ways......God works in Strange Ways
The ways of the divine are sometimes strange and mysterious.
Bless me father I have sinned
An admission of wrongdoing and a request for forgiveness.
God the father of all things
God is the creator and ruler of everything in existence.
You are my everasting shame
Feeling regret and guilt for past mistakes and actions.
God works in strange ways
Reiterating the idea that the divine operates in mysterious and unconventional ways.
Strange ways,god works in Strange ways
Final repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the theme of the song.
Contributed by Scarlett B. 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