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.
The Dying Soldier
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Am i going to die here? I don't wanna die here! Someone come and pick me from the dirt.
(Refrain)
I don't belong here, i don't wanna die here, Oh no!
I don't belong here, don't let me die here, Oh no!
My hands are gettin' colder, My thoughts are growing weaker, this must be the way it is.
Stop the shootin', don't ya see i'm dying? Someone come and say a prayer.
(Refrain)
My eye's are closin', i see someone comin', he turns his back and runs away.
They stop shootin', it started rainin', This must be the way.
(Refrain)
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
(Instrumental)
The song "The Dying Soldier" by Christy Moore tells the story of a soldier who is dying on the battlefield. He hears someone whispering that he is dying, and he can see the blood coming through his shirt. He is scared and desperate for help, asking someone to come and pick him up from the dirt. He doesn't want to die in that place, as he feels like he doesn't belong there. The soldier's hands are getting colder, and his thoughts are growing weaker, as he faces the reality of his situation. He pleads with the enemy to stop shooting, and asks someone to say a prayer for him.
The soldier's eyes are closing, but he sees someone coming towards him. However, the person turns their back and runs away, leaving the soldier to die alone. The shooting eventually stops, and it starts raining as the soldier takes his last breath. He longs to go back home to where his friends are, to continue living his life.
The song is a powerful anti-war ballad that highlights the devastating effects of war on soldiers and their loved ones. It reminds us of the human cost of conflict, and the importance of cherishing life and peace. Through the soldier's words, we can feel his fear, pain, and longing, and we are encouraged to reflect on the senselessness of war.
Line by Line Meaning
"Look at the dying soldier", I heard someone whisper, then i saw the blood come through my shirt.
A voice whispered to me, 'look at that dying soldier', and I saw my own blood seeping through my shirt.
Am i going to die here? I don't wanna die here! Someone come and pick me from the dirt.
I'm questioning, 'will I die here?' and begging someone to save me from this fate.
"I don't belong here, i don't wanna die here, Oh no!
I don't feel like I belong here and I don't want to die in this place.
I don't belong here, don't let me die here, Oh no!"
I continue to express that I don't belong and plead for someone to save me.
My hands are gettin' colder, My thoughts are growing weaker, this must be the way it is.
My body is giving up as my hands grow colder and my mind gets weaker, accepting that this may be the end.
Stop the shootin', don't ya see i'm dying? Someone come and say a prayer.
I'm pleading for the violence to stop and for someone to acknowledge my tragic state.
My eye's are closin', i see someone comin', he turns his back and runs away.
As my eyes become heavy, I see someone approaching but they abandon me and run away.
They stop shootin', it started rainin', This must be the way.
The fighting comes to a halt and it starts raining, indicating that this is the way things must be.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I desire to return to the safety of my home where my friends are and to experience more days of life.
I want to go back home where my friends are, i want to go on livin' days.
I repeat my desire to go back home and keep living.
Contributed by Declan C. 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