Fiddler’s Green is a German band from Erlangen that plays independent Irish… Read Full Bio ↴Fiddler’s Green is a German band from Erlangen that plays independent Irish speedfolk, formed in 1990. Their first concert under the name of Fiddler’s Green was at the Newcomer-Festival in Erlangen in November 1990, where the band came second. The first album, entitled "Fiddler’s Green", was released in 1992, and was a mixture of live and studio tracks and of traditional and self-written songs. It was released on their own label, Deaf Shepherd Recordings. The band has been signed to a major label, but chose to go back to being independent.

The band has kept up the mix of traditional Irish or Scottish songs and self-written tracks, though the self-written tracks have progressively become less and less folky. The band's influences are wide and varied, but obviously heavily influenced by Celtic rock bands like the Pogues, the Waterboys and Great Big Sea. Recent albums also see a clear influence from Gothic rock music. Having enjoyed growing success in and around Germany, the band reached 1000 played concerts in 2004 (the only band member to play them all is bass player Rainer Schulz), which was celebrated with a concert at Castle Hoheneck. This concert was filmed and released on two DVDs: Celebrate! and Jubilate! The concert saw participation from former band members and other guest musicians. Main lyric and music writer Peter Pathos has left the band in summer 2006 and was replaced by Patrick 'Pat' Prziwara. A live DVD Folk's not dead was released to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary in 2010

Members:
Ralf 'Albi' Albers - Vocals, Guitar, Bouzouki
Tobi Heindl (Tobias Anton Heindl) - Violin, Vocals (since 2000)
Rainer Schulz - Bass
Stefan Klug - Accordion, bodhrán (since 1991)
Frank Jooss - Drums, percussion (since 2001)
Patrick 'Pat' Prziwara - Guitar, vocals (since 2006)

Former members:
Dr. Robert Oppel (1990 - 1991) - Violin
Eric Obst (1990 - 1995) - Drums
Wolfram Kellner (1995 - 2000) -Drums
Tobias Rempe (1991 - 1995) - Violin
Tobias Schäfer (1995 - 2000) - Violin
Peter Pathos (Peter Müller) (1990 - 2006) - Guitar, whistle, mandola

Discography:
Fiddler’s Green (1992)
Black Sheep (1993)
King Shepherd (1995)
Make Up Your Mind (1996)
On and On (1997)
Spin Around (1998)
Stagebox (1999) (Live)
Another Sky (2000)
Folk Raider (2002)
Nu Folk (2003)
Celebrate! (2005) (Live)
Celebrate! DVD (2005) (Live)
Jubilate! DVD (2005) (Live)
Drive Me Mad! (2007)
Sports Day at Killaloe (2009)
Folk's not dead DVD (2010) (Live)
Wall of Folk (2011)
Winners and Boozers (2013)

Black Sheep Rag
Fiddler's Green Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hello, I am your dance instructor
L et me take you by the hand
Please note my words
I'm your conductor
I’ll take you to the promised land

So put your hands on to your hips
Make on big step away from right

Now clap your hands and wet your lips
And let our future shine so bright

Cause now it is all up to you
To make a world of liberty

A world of freedom without hate
Against a small minority

Overall Meaning

The song "Black Sheep Rag" by Fiddler's Green is a catchy and upbeat tune with a deeper underlying message. The lyrics begin with the singer introducing themselves as a dance instructor, inviting the listener to take their hand as they lead them to the "promised land". The repeated use of the phrase "I'm your conductor" suggests that this is not just about dancing, but also about leading a movement towards a brighter future.

The lyrics then instruct the listener to put their hands on their hips and take a step away from the right. This can be interpreted as a call to break away from traditional, conservative values and embrace a more liberal perspective. The line "let our future shine so bright" suggests that the singer is hoping to create a better world for the future by encouraging listeners to adopt a more open-minded attitude.

Line by Line Meaning

Hello, I am your dance instructor
Greetings, I am the one who will teach you how to move your body rhythmically.

Let me take you by the hand
Allow me to guide you through the steps.

Please note my words
Pay close attention to my instructions.

I'm your conductor
Think of me as the leader of this dance.

I’ll take you to the promised land
Together, we will reach a place of pure enjoyment and fulfillment.

So put your hands on to your hips
Position your hands onto your hips accordingly.

Make on big step away from right
Lift your foot and step to the side.

Now clap your hands and wet your lips
Applaud and moisten your mouth in preparation.

And let our future shine so bright
Together, we will create a better tomorrow.

Cause now it is all up to you
It's in your power to make a change.

To make a world of liberty
To create a society where everyone is free.