The track is from the album "The Tain" referencing Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley) which tells the story of a cattle raid in the middle of a War between Ulster and Connaught. The hero of this story was Cúchulainn.
Their electric version of the "O'neills march" used on this track was used in the "Official" 1990 world cup song for the Republic of Ireland. their campaign produced by Larry Mullen from U2. It was called "Put 'Em Under Pressure". It contained overdubbed quotes from the, then Manager, Jack Charlton.
Dearg Doom
Horslips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sea.
My heart is older than the cold oak tree.
I am the flash of silver in the sun.
When you see me coming you had better
Run...run...run...
>From Dearg Doom.
Slain,
By the fire of my silver Devil's Blade,
And still you dare to flaunt yourself at me.
I don't want you, I don't need you,
I don't love you, can't you see
I'm Dearg Doom.
And when the stars go out
You can hear me shout
"Two heads are better than none,
One hundred heads are so much better
Than one".
I'm a boy who was born blind to pain
And, like a hawk, I'll swoop and
Swoop again.
I am the flash of hawkeye in the sun.
When you see me coming you had
Better run...run...run...
The song Dearg Doom by Horslips is a dark and eerie song that speaks of a man who is feared and revered by others. The lyrics convey a sense of power and intimidation with lines such as "My love is colder than black marble by the sea" and "I don't want you, I don't need you, I don't love you, can't you see I'm Dearg Doom". The singer is portrayed as someone who has killed many, as indicated by "You speak in whispers of the devils I have slain, By the fire of my silver Devil's Blade". Despite this, the singer is not entirely in control, as seen by "When you see me coming you had better run...run...run...".
The chorus of the song, "Two heads are better than none, One hundred heads are so much better than one", adds to the sense of intimidation and fear. The singer is larger than life, with a hawk-like power and sight that allows him to swoop in and out of situations. The song is a powerful portrayal of a person who is simultaneously feared and respected, with a sense of otherworldliness and danger.
Line by Line Meaning
My love is colder than black marble by the
Sea.
I don't feel any warmth or affection towards you, my love is as cold as black marble beside the sea.
My heart is older than the cold oak tree.
I have faced many hardships and my heart has grown weary, older than even an old, cold oak tree.
I am the flash of silver in the sun.
When you see me coming you had better
Run...run...run...
I am fast, strong, and powerful, like the flash of silver in the sun. If you see me approaching, you should run away as fast as you can.
You speak in whispers of the devils I have
Slain,
By the fire of my silver Devil's Blade,
And still you dare to flaunt yourself at me.
You whisper about the devilish things I have done with my silver Devil's Blade, yet you still try to flirt with me.
I don't want you, I don't need you,
I don't love you, can't you see
I'm Dearg Doom.
I don't have any feelings for you, I don't require or desire you in my life. Can't you see, I am the great warrior, Dearg Doom.
And when the stars go out
You can hear me shout
"Two heads are better than none,
One hundred heads are so much better
Than one".
When everything is dark and silent, you can hear me proclaim that having someone to help you is far better than being alone. Having many people to assist you is even better.
I'm a boy who was born blind to pain
And, like a hawk, I'll swoop and
Swoop again.
I am the flash of hawkeye in the sun.
When you see me coming you had
Better run...run...run...
I am immune to pain and can attack swiftly, like a hawk. Again and again, I'll swoop in to take down my prey. I am as strong and sharp as a hawk's eyesight. If you see me coming, you should run away.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BARRY DEVLIN, CHARLES LESLIE O'CONNOR, EAMON JOHN CARR, JAMES FRANCIS LOCKHART, JOHN MARTIN RICHARD FEAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@skeletalwreck
RIP Johnny Fean. Such a legendary guitarist, and fantastic ambassador to musical talent from here in Ireland!
@RByrne
Sad to hear this news. A truly great player
@kcurran9913
Wait he died??
@cheayunju
Always sad to hear a man or lady passed
@alanmorgan3661
God bless Horslips, these guys came up north and played an amazing gig in Belfast in 1974, during the troubles, when very few bands would come to play for us. They played at Queens Whitla Hall and united music lovers across the sectarian divide, bless 'em!
@VamboRoolz
Well said, Alan. Though I didn’t witness that particular gig, I count the one I did see as one of the best live performances I ever attended.
@matthewfranklin9796
Alan Morgan super 🇮🇪🇬🇧🥂👍
@danwebb4418
Alan Morgan..Horslips and Rory Gallagher, never let their fans down..
@robbiebanks9182
Yes and Rory Galagher
@theesbband
…and of course, dear Rory Gallagher and his magnificent sidemen. He didn’t disappear for six years.
Two wonderful bands. 🎸🎸