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.
Trip to Jerusalem
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hikin', workin', travel in style; I'm a vagabond from Erin's Isle
My sunburned thumb stuck up in the air, many's the lift from here to there
Cars, buses, vans and trains, in the punishing heat, the snow and the rain
Chorus:
Whack fol the diddle fol the diro day
Whack fol the diddle fol the daro
I came from Dublin to Jerusalem town, had a drink or two on the journey down
At a railway station called Gare du Nord, I missed my train through garglin' hard
Three days later in Napoli, on a Turkish boat I sailed the sea
Slept in a hot hole down below, travelin' tourist class, you know
Chorus
When the Promised Land came into sight, the customs man gave me a fright
"How much money have you got with you, Joe?" I bluffed and said, "Fifty pounds or so."
He said, "Shalom," I said, "Good day." Grabbed me guitar, got fast away
Down to the dessert then I went, digging up history and livin' in a tent
Chorus
It was in the Gulf of Aqaba, I met some Paddies and we had a fleadh
Danced through streets of Eilat Town, sang Sean South of Garryowen
I was travelin', I don't know, you pack your gear, get up and go
Leave the crack for another bout, could damn well do with a pint of stout
Chorus
In Christy Moore's song Trip to Jerusalem, the singer tells the story of his adventurous journey as a vagabond traveling from Ireland to Jerusalem through various modes of transportation. He describes hitchhiking with his thumb and taking cars, buses, vans, and trains in all kinds of weather conditions. He also narrates how he missed his train at Gare du Nord while enjoying a drink or two, sailed on a Turkish boat in Napoli, and slept in a hot hole below the tourist class. When he finally reaches Jerusalem, the customs officer asks him how much money he had, and he bluffed by saying he had fifty pounds or so before moving on with his guitar. He eventually met some Irish people in the Gulf of Aqaba, danced through the streets of Eilat town, and sang Sean South of Garryowen.
The song gives listeners insights into the life of a vagabond traveler who loves the adventure of moving from one place to another, experiencing different cultures, and making new friends. It highlights the challenges of life on the road, such as missing trains due to excessive drinking or sleeping in uncomfortable and dangerous conditions. It also shows the singer's love for his country and heritage, as he sings traditional Irish songs with fellow Irish travelers.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a stranger here from Ireland's shore; I've been on the road six months or more
I am an Irish vagabond who has been traveling for the past six months or more.
Hikin', workin', travel in style; I'm a vagabond from Erin's Isle
I have been traveling around by hiking, working odd jobs, and taking various modes of transportation - all while embracing the life of a wandering Irish nomad.
My sunburned thumb stuck up in the air, many's the lift from here to there
I've thumbed my way across different towns and cities to get lifts in cars, buses, vans, and trains by signaling with my sunburned thumb.
Cars, buses, vans and trains, in the punishing heat, the snow and the rain
I have braved different weather and seasons, including harsh heat and cold snow, while using various modes of transportation to continue my journey.
Chorus: Whack fol the diddle fol the diro day Whack fol the diddle fol the daro Mrs. Dolan, your son he isn't workin'
Repeating the chorus is like saying 'come on, let's have a good time' while also acknowledging the fact that I have no permanent job, hence the reference to Mrs. Dolan's son not working.
I came from Dublin to Jerusalem town, had a drink or two on the journey down
I traveled all the way from Dublin to the city of Jerusalem while enjoying a few drinks along the way.
At a railway station called Gare du Nord, I missed my train through garglin' hard
I had too much to drink and missed my train at the Gare du Nord railway station.
Three days later in Napoli, on a Turkish boat I sailed the sea
I had to wait three days for another train and then eventually traveled by Turkish boat to Napoli.
Slept in a hot hole down below, travelin' tourist class, you know
I had to sleep in a cramped and hot lower level while traveling as a tourist in a lower class.
Chorus
Repeating the chorus is like saying 'come on, let's have a good time' while also acknowledging the fact that I have no permanent job, hence the reference to Mrs. Dolan's son not working.
When the Promised Land came into sight, the customs man gave me a fright
I was scared when the customs officer mentioned the Promised Land, referring to Israel, which I was approaching.
"How much money have you got with you, Joe?" I bluffed and said, "Fifty pounds or so."
I lied to the customs officer when he asked me how much money I had, and I responded with fifty pounds, which was not the real amount.
He said, "Shalom," I said, "Good day." Grabbed me guitar, got fast away
The customs officer let me go, and I quickly fled with my guitar in hand, excited to continue my journey.
Down to the dessert then I went, digging up history, and livin' in a tent
I went down to the desert to explore history while living in a tent.
Chorus
Repeating the chorus is like saying 'come on, let's have a good time' while also acknowledging the fact that I have no permanent job, hence the reference to Mrs. Dolan's son not working.
It was in the Gulf of Aqaba, I met some Paddies and we had a fleadh
I met fellow Irishmen while in the Gulf of Aqaba and we held a fleadh, or traditional Irish music festival.
Danced through streets of Eilat Town, sang Sean South of Garryowen
We danced and sang through the streets of Eilat Town while singing the song, Sean South of Garryowen.
I was travelin', I don't know, you pack your gear, get up and go
I am a traveler, and I don't know where I will end up next, but I know I need to pack my belongings and continue on my journey.
Leave the crack for another bout, could damn well do with a pint of stout
I am leaving the fun and enjoyment of this moment for another time, but for now, I could really use a pint of stout.
Chorus
Repeating the chorus is like saying 'come on, let's have a good time' while also acknowledging the fact that I have no permanent job, hence the reference to Mrs. Dolan's son not working.
Contributed by Violet V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
angela mcstay
What a great song this is, thankyou Joe Dolan. Well done Christy.
Paul Anderson
Deadly song and great backing from Andy, as usual...
Nizwa13
The origins of the song are explained in the Observer 22/09/13; 'Heat, dust and history in the sand as the riddle of Masada was uncovered'. Joe was one of those volunteers who made their way to Masada about October 1963 to take part in the first real 'dig' there. Sounds like he had a rare old time there with there needing to be a wheelbarrow on hand to get him back to his tent after an evenings singing and playing! :-)
Mr. Tea
The 2 reels following the initial ballad are: "The Mullingar Races" & "The Crooked Road"
stone rose
i have been looking for yhis for years,just listen to the lyrics they are sublime. brings back memories of myself and wimpy travelling upstate ny doing a sidejob. so long ago. thanks for putting it up
Padraig Stevens
Great autobiographical song by (Galway) Joe Dolan.
InParticularNobody
"digging up history and living in a tent" , "met some paddies and we had a fleadh" great great lines.....oh mrs dolan, your son he isn't working.... ;-)
Conor McCarthy
Is he on the fucking soup or what!!!
Jacques Chahin
Why is the line “your son he isn’t working”? Is it from the point of view of the Israeli border control telephoning Joe’s mother, asking if he is planning to work in Israel?