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.
Wave Up To The Shore
Christy Moore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It opens out its beauty to hear the cricket sing
But as quick as it does grow it decays away so soon
Before the summer sunshine has reached its golden noon
A stream it does rise in the mountains so tall
It swells into a river as gently it does fall
It meanders to country through city and through town
On the seas the winds do rage and the waves grow so high
As they turn into white horses leaping towards the sky
But soon the waves grow gentle no longer do they roar
As they make their lonesome passageway up to the pebble shore
If I were like a daffodil so fair upon the ground
Or like a gentle river with its sweet and mellow sound
Like a wave up to the shore like a river into the sea
I'd lay down in my resting place contented I would be
The lyrics of Christy Moore's song 'Wave Up To The Shore' are a metaphorical reflection on the transience of life, the cycle of growth, decay, and renewal found in nature, and the inevitability of death. The first verse describes the short-lived beauty of a daffodil as it blooms in the spring and then decays away so soon. The second verse compares a stream's journey from the mountains to the ocean to the human journey from birth to death, with the river ultimately drowned in the boundless ocean. The final verse expresses the desire to be content in one's resting place, whether it be as a daffodil, river, or wave.
Line by Line Meaning
A daffodil is born and rises in the spring
A new life begins in the season of growth
It opens out its beauty to hear the cricket sing
It blossoms to experience the joys of life
But as quick as it does grow it decays away so soon
However, life is fleeting and short-lived
Before the summer sunshine has reached its golden noon
Before one can enjoy the fullness of existence
A stream it does rise in the mountains so tall
In the heights of life, a humble beginning takes place
It swells into a river as gently it does fall
Progress is made with fluidity, grace, and ease
It meanders to country through city and through town
It navigates through different phases and territories with unpredictable twists and turns
And in the boundless ocean the river it is drowned
Eventually, one merges into something greater and loses oneself in the infinite
On the seas the winds do rage and the waves grow so high
Life can sometimes be tumultuous and chaotic
As they turn into white horses leaping towards the sky
Adversities can transform into opportunities to rise up and reach for the stars
But soon the waves grow gentle no longer do they roar
However, just as swiftly as things change, they can also calm down
As they make their lonesome passageway up to the pebble shore
And eventually arrive at a peaceful destination
If I were like a daffodil so fair upon the ground
If only one could find beauty in simplicity and humility
Or like a gentle river with its sweet and mellow sound
Or take a gentle and steady approach towards life
Like a wave up to the shore like a river into the sea
Or embrace the natural cycles of life and allow oneself to be carried by them
I'd lay down in my resting place contented I would be
Then, one could finally reach a state of peace and contentment
Contributed by John J. 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