Dempsey's earliest musical influences were the post-pub singsongs that his parents used to have at their home when he was a toddler. Good, bad or indifferent, everyone had to sing. Today his unique sound reflects the influence of traditional Sean-Nós as well as his musical heroes: Bob Marley and Elvis Presley.
After completing his secondary education,Dempsey went on to the Ballyfermot "Rock School" for 2 years where he studied musical performance as well as the practical side of the music industry. The school had its own small record label and star students were awarded a release on the label. Damien was chosen for that honour and the EP, "The Contender", was released in 1995.
In 1997 "Dublin Town", Dempsey's first commercial single, reached No. 18 in the Irish charts. Ireland's HOT PRESS remarked that it was "..an underground anthem for disaffected youth and closet balladeer alike". A re-recorded version of the song appeared on Dempsey's first album; "They Don't Teach This Shit In School" released in 2000.
His next release, the "Negative Vibes EP", (2002) featured Sinéad O'Connor on the title track and led to an invitation to support Sinéad on her 2002/2003 Irish, UK and European tour.
Dempsey's second album, "Seize the Day", was released May 2003 in Ireland on Clear Records via Sony and entered the charts first week of release at No. 5. It has since achieved double-platinum sales. Released in May 2004 in the UK on IRL, the album was awarded "CD of the Week" in the Sunday Times and received enthusiastic reviews in the National and music press.
Nominated in 4 categories in the 2004 Irish Meteor Awards, Dempsey walked away with two, the only 2004 double winner.
A documentary, "It's All Good: The Damien Dempsey Story" by independent filmmaker Dara McCluskey, that followed Dempsey's career progression up to the release of "Seize the Day", was broadcast on Ireland's national TV station RTE and shown at film festivals in Ireland and New York.
During 2004, Dempsey toured extensively headlining his own shows as well as supporting Bob Dylan during the Irish leg of his European tour and making his debut appearances at The Fleadh and Womad.
Dempsey has earned the passionate support of his peers, one of whom is Morrissey who invited him to support him on various UK and Irish dates as well as his autumn 2004 US tour. Morrissey went on to sign Dempsey to his Attack label, and "Seize the Day" had its U.S. release in October 2004.
His third album, "Shots", simultaneously released in Ireland and the UK in March 2005, entered the Irish album charts at Number 1 and achieved platinum status in December 2005.
In February 2006, Dempsey increased his Meteor Awards by winning in The Best Irish Male category.
Recorded in December 2005 at Dublin's Olympia Theatre and released in June 2006 in both Ireland and the UK, Dempsey's first live album, "Live at The Olympia", entered the Irish album chart at Number 10.
Maasai
Damien Dempsey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I want to die, not in a home built for the unknown
But by the hand of a Maasai
When I sing, I want to sing
Sing like a lark as dawn beats the dark
And let sweet melody set me free
Not like some swine with no semblance of spine
But like a flower loves sunshine
The battlefield, it rages on
Heart against mind, the mean versus kind
Small stones cause huge waves
When I die, I want to die
Not in a home built for the unknown
But by the hand of a Maasai
The recurring theme in Damien Dempsey's song "Maasai" is the desire for a meaningful life and death. The opening line expresses the desire to die in a way that is not detached or unremarkable, but rather in the hands of someone who knows how to honor life and death. The reference to the Maasai is a nod to the tribal culture that has a deep respect for both the living and the deceased. Dempsey's desire to die in this way also seems to parallel his overall desire to live a life that has depth and meaning.
The second stanza talks about singing with the freedom and joy of a bird in the early morning, expressing the desire to capture that same sense of liberation and release through music. The line, "let sweet melody set me free," portrays the idea that music can be a powerful tool for connecting the mind and the body and allowing one to experience a sense of freedom.
In the final stanza, Dempsey talks about the battle between the heart and the mind, which can lead to a sense of confusion or turmoil. He acknowledges that small things can have a ripple effect and cause significant changes. The song ends with the repeated desire to die in a setting that honors life and death, not in an anonymous, sterile home for the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
When I die
Upon my death
I want to die, not in a home built for the unknown
I do not wish to depart from this world in a place that is unfamiliar, constructed to house the dying
But by the hand of a Maasai
Rather, in the presence of and cared for by a member of the Maasai tribe, known for their bravery and honor
When I sing, I want to sing
When I express myself through song
Sing like a lark as dawn beats the dark
I wish to sing sweetly and joyfully, similar to the song of a lark in the early morning
And let sweet melody set me free
May the beauty of music liberate and uplift me
When I love, I want to love
In matters of the heart
Not like some swine with no semblance of spine
I want to love with dignity, not unlike a pig without backbone
But like a flower loves sunshine
Rather, like the way a flower yearns for the sun's rays, I want to love fully and naturally
The battlefield, it rages on
Life can be a fight
Heart against mind, the mean versus kind
A battle between emotions and logic, unpleasantness versus benevolence
Small stones cause huge waves
Even minor actions can have significant consequences
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@1wisewoman
Just heard this as the last sound track for King of the Travellers...LOVING IT INSTANTLY!
@stephenduffy1634
recommend this man live if you get the chance
@1wisewoman
I've been allowing his stuff to roll out since.
@firsttimeonyoutube756
How does he do such magic 🪄
@Larr3y
I had the opportunity to meet mr dempsey he is a gentleman