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.
Voyage
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Chorus:
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew
Together we're in this relationship
We built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination's not marked on any charts
We're navigating to the shores of the heart
Chorus 2x
In the song "Voyage" by Christy Moore, the singer describes the journey of a relationship as an ocean voyage. He is a sailor, and his first mate is his partner in life. The two of them set out together, determined to face any obstacles and find the treasure of love. The singer acknowledges that there are no maps to guide them, but he believes that working together, they can steer their own course.
Throughout the voyage, the couple faces many challenges - storms, doldrums, and other unforeseen difficulties. However, they ride out these challenges together, learning valuable lessons about patience and perseverance. The journey is not always easy, but the singer believes that the two of them can keep each other afloat in the troubled waters of life.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the metaphor of the ocean voyage - life is like an ocean, and love is like a boat that helps us navigate through its ups and downs. When the couple first started their journey, it was just the two of them, but now they have a crew of their own - family and friends who support them along the way. The singer is grateful for this community, but he also recognizes that the real destination of their journey is not something that can be found on a map - it is the shores of the heart, a deep and meaningful connection with each other that transcends ordinary charted territory.
Overall, "Voyage" is a touching tribute to the power of love and the journey of a relationship. The song reflects on the challenges and triumphs of a life spent together, and it encourages us to navigate the ocean of life with the people we love by our side.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a sailor, you're my first mate
I see us as sailors on this journey, with you as my trusted partner and first in command.
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
We made a mutual promise to embark on this journey as life companions, united in our destiny.
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
We set out with great resolve, lifting the anchor that held us back, with a determination not to let each other down.
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail
Motivated by love, we cast off for this voyage together, in search of a priceless treasure that resides deep within our hearts.
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
We don't have a blueprint for our journey, so we trust in our own instincts to navigate our relationship's path.
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
We persevered through the toughest of times, with our love providing shelter from the strongest of storms.
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
During the periods of stillness, we waited patiently and hoped for the winds of change to push us forward on this voyage.
Working together we learned how to cope
As a team, we learned to withstand the challenges that life presents, and use them to strengthen our relationship.
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
Life takes many twists and turns like the ocean, but love provides the vessel in which we journey through it all.
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we encounter difficulties in life, it is our love for each other that provides buoyancy to keep us afloat.
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Our journey began with just us as the main players, setting out to navigate the seas of love and life.
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew
As we journey together, our love has grown and attracted others to us, making us part of a larger community.
Together we're in this relationship
Our partnership is a collaborative endeavor, built on trust and mutual respect.
We built it with care to last the whole trip
Our relationship was constructed with great care, so that it will endure for the long haul.
Our true destination's not marked on any charts
While we may not know our ultimate destination, we are committed to exploring the journey together with love and devotion.
We're navigating to the shores of the heart
Our path is leading us to deep, meaningful connections that reside at the core of our being-- the heart.
Chorus 2x
The chorus is a reminder of the central theme of the song-- the uncharted journey through life and love, supported by a sense of community and a steadfast commitment to navigate rough seas with patience and hope.
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheIzzyloud
i am a sailor, you're my first mate
We signed on together, we coupled our fate
Hauled up our anchor, determined not to fail
For the hearts treasure, together we set sail
With no maps to guide us we steered our own course
Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force
Sat out the doldrums in patience and hope
Working together we learned how to cope
Chorus:
Life is an ocean and love is a boat
In troubled water that keeps us afloat
When we started the voyage, there was just me and you
Now gathered round us, we have our own crew
Together we're in this relationship
We built it with care to last the whole trip
Our true destination's not marked on any charts
We're navigating to the shores of the heart
Chorus 2x
@EmmoF2
Today is my Father's Months Mind, when we were saying goodbye to him we had the Voyage playing while my Mother, Brother, Sister and Myself held hands around his coffin as we gently sang this.
@conormcandrew1646
It's a truly beautiful song and powerful tune for you and you mum and siblings to share with your dad as you Said goodbye. That song could draw a teat from a stone. Every word is deep. Even though I don't know you all I hope you're all keeping ok, it's hard but I lost my dad two years ago, I find comfort in the memories 💚
@MeirbhinOConaill
I see this comment, must be close to a year's anniversary. Hope yere all keeping well now
@IrishEyesASMR
My mum passed 15 years ago..... This was hers and my dads song... It sounds like you have a beautiful memory of celebrating your dad's life and amazing family 💛
@david-qi3pn
Damm bro I feel you vibe me dad hung himself
@spmoran4703
I am crying . I can imagine the scene . May you all be blessed.
@1324ghvgg
My wedding song we danced with out kids. On the way home from the hospital after lossing our angel baby my husband put the radio on this song came on we both cried together. This song will forever mean so much to us x
@paddydaly9357
Sorry for your loss me and my wife lost twins babies
@1324ghvgg
@@paddydaly9357 my heartaches hearing your sad news. Time does help you heal you'll always have your angels watching over you. We've had our rainbow baby, she's two. then our little surprise came along, He's 8 months.
@TheIloveyouxxo
My uncle sang this a few days ago at my grannys funeral. No backing music or any tune, just raw.
Love this song.