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 Sun Is Burning
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Strands of clouds go slowly drifting by
In the park the dreamy bees
Are droning in the flowers, among the trees
And the sun burns in the sky
Now the sun is in the west
Little babes lay down to take their rest
Are holdin' hands and waitin' for the dark
And the sun is in the west
Now the sun is sinking low
Children playin' know it's time to go
High above a spot appears
A little blossom blooms and then draws near
And the sun is sinking low
Now the sun has come to Earth
Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death
Death comes in a blinding flash
Of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash
And the sun has come to Earth
Now the sun has disappeared
All that's left is darkness, pain, and fear
Twisted, sightless wrecks of men
Go crying on their knees and cry in pain
And the sun has disappeared
The song "The Sun Is Burning" by Christy Moore evokes a sense of reflection and introspection as it progresses from the peaceful imagery of nature to the devastating effects of nuclear war. The first verse describes a serene natural setting, with the sun burning in the sky and the slow drifting of clouds. The dreamy bees in the flowers and the couples holding hands in the park add to the peacefulness of the scene. However, the second verse takes a darker turn as the sun begins to set and the little babes lay down to rest. The couples holding hands are now waiting for the dark, suggesting that something ominous is approaching. In the final verse, the song takes a dramatic shift as the sun has come to Earth, shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death. The apocalyptic imagery is disturbing as it describes the death and destruction that results, leaving only darkness, pain and fear behind. The final lines of the song describe the twisted, sightless wrecks of men crying in pain on their knees, signifying the utter devastation of the world.
Overall, the song speaks to the destructive power of humans and the importance of preserving nature and life. It highlights the contrast between the peacefulness of nature and the violence and destruction that can come from our own actions. It also touches on the idea of the inevitability of death and the fleeting beauty of life.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun is burning in the sky
The bright ball of fire in the sky is shining intensely
Strands of clouds go slowly drifting by
Thin layers of condensation are moving leisurely in the sky
In the park the dreamy bees
Honeybees in their relaxed state are buzzing around the park
Are droning in the flowers, among the trees
The bees are humming rhythmically in and out of flowers and amidst trees
And the sun burns in the sky
The sun continues to shine in the sky
Now the sun is in the west
The sun is now positioned in the western part of the sky
Little babes lay down to take their rest
Infants are lying down to sleep
And the couples in the park
Couples who were walking around the park
Are holdin' hands and waitin' for the dark
Hold hands and anticipate the arrival of darkness
Now the sun is in the west
The sun shows itself in the western part of the sky
Now the sun is sinking low
The sun is slowly descending towards the horizon
Children playin' know it's time to go
Kids enjoying their playtime realize it's time to leave
High above a spot appears
A spot becomes visible far up above
A little blossom blooms and then draws near
A small flower blossoms and moves close
And the sun is sinking low
The sun continues to set
Now the sun has come to Earth
The sun has appeared on the Earth's surface
Shrouded in a mushroom cloud of death
Covered in a poisonous cloud that causes death
Death comes in a blinding flash
Death arrives suddenly and violently
Of hellish heat and leaves a smear of ash
Accompanied by scorching temperatures and leaves a layer of ashes in its aftermath
And the sun has come to Earth
The sun has appeared at the surface of the planet
Now the sun has disappeared
The sun is no longer visible
All that's left is darkness, pain, and fear
Only darkness, agony and fear remain
Twisted, sightless wrecks of men
Deformed, sightless men who are unable to see
Go crying on their knees and cry in pain
Fall on their knees crying due to agony
And the sun has disappeared
The sun is no longer visible
Contributed by Mackenzie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jilly Griggs
I used to sing this awesome song 50 years ago. I am now 74 and it still moves me to tears.
majorMcpharter
No more War. Working men and women of all lands Unite.
josparkes1
Lovely song, and a very talented singer !
Michael McLean
This is still the best version I have ever heard for this song, mind that's not hard if you are Christie Moore
Ole Lukøje
Cindy Snow they both sing it good,just different. I love them both but prefer Luke ‘ version though :)
Cindy Snow
Imo Like Kelly sings everything better. But I'm kind of obsessed, haha.
manchesterblue2007
fearsome song
thought it would be fitting to draw attention to it at this particular time
rest well all who perished and may your loved ones find some solace....
the world is with you
Thundernut100
Anyone know where I can buy this? Wow, really great.
faithm
hey do you happen to know anything about this song? i first heard it sun by simon and garfunkel and didn't realize they didn't write it until today (though i never assume they wrote their songs because they do a few covers) or maybe where i can find info? i can't find much info
faithm
ah yes, i know it's about a nuclear bomb. er at least the simon and garfunkel cover seems to be. i wondered if it was the same meaning before then.