Motherland
Moore Christy Lyrics
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Far from this concrete sprawl that keeps crawling it's way,
About a thousand miles a day.
Take one last look behind, commit this to memory and mind,
Don't miss this wasteland, this terrible place, when you leave,
Keep your heart off your sleeve.
Keep me safe, lie with me stay beside me don't go.
My five and dime queen, tell me what have you seen,
The lust and the avarice the bottomless cavernous greed,
Is that what you see?
Motherland cradle me, close my eyes lullaby me to sleep,
Keep me safe, lie with me stay beside me don't go.
It's your happiness I want most of all and for that I'd do anything at all.
If you want the best of life and the most of love,
If there is anything I can do at all.
Come on shotgun bride, what makes me envy your life,
The faceless the nameless the innocent the blameless and free,
What's that like to be?
Motherland cradle me, close my eyes lullaby me to sleep,
Keep me safe lie with me stay beside me don't go,
Don't you go ...
The lyrics to Christy Moore's song "Motherland" speak of the desire to escape from the familiar and monotonous surroundings of everyday life. The singer questions where one can go to be far from the "concrete sprawl" that dominates daily life and the thousand miles a day that crawl along with it. He urges the listener to take a last look behind and commit the memories to heart before departing. The wasteland and terrible place are contrasted with the motherland, a cradle that lulls and protects the singer.
As the lyrics continue, the singer addresses a "five and dime queen," asking her what she has seen. He notes the lust, avarice, and bottomless greed that he equates with her vision. However, the singer remains focused on the motherland, where he feels safe and protected. He desires happiness above all else, willing to do anything to obtain it. The words "shotgun bride" suggest a nomadic lifestyle, and the singer asks what it is like to be free from the trappings of society. He concludes with an entreaty not to leave his side, begging the motherland to stay close and to protect him.
Line by Line Meaning
Where in hell can you go, far from the things that you know,
Is there a place far away from your familiar surroundings?
Far from this concrete sprawl that keeps crawling it's way,
Away from this spreading and suffocating city landscape.
About a thousand miles a day.
A fast escape from this urban monstrosity.
Take one last look behind, commit this to memory and mind,
Memorize the wasteland you are leaving behind.
Don't miss this wasteland, this terrible place, when you leave,
Don't long for this forsaken and desolate place when you depart.
Keep your heart off your sleeve.
Don't make yourself vulnerable by letting your emotions show.
Motherland cradle me, close my eyes lullaby me to sleep,
Dear country, embrace me and lull me to peaceful sleep.
Keep me safe, lie with me stay beside me don't go.
Protect me and stay with me, don't leave me alone.
My five and dime queen, tell me what have you seen,
My cherished woman, what have you witnessed?
The lust and the avarice the bottomless cavernous greed,
The insatiable materialism and selfishness of our society.
Is that what you see?
Is that what you perceive and experience?
It's your happiness I want most of all and for that I'd do anything at all.
Above all, I desire your happiness and I am willing to do whatever it takes to make you happy.
If you want the best of life and the most of love,
If you seek a fulfilling and affectionate life,
If there is anything I can do at all.
I am ready to assist and support you in any way possible.
Come on shotgun bride, what makes me envy your life,
Hey, hasty bride, what aspect of your life do I covet?
The faceless the nameless the innocent the blameless and free,
The anonymous, pure, and guiltless people who are free from oppression.
What's that like to be?
What does it feel like to live such a life?
Don't you go ...
Please, don't leave me...
Contributed by Ella H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rosey6118
Most beautiful song ...my chosen one for my brother's passsing so lovely....finally something minding him first in his life n last ...rip my baby big brother Stephan 💚🎤🖤
@bridgetquinn8294
One of my favorite songs covered by one of my favorite guys. Lovely.
@TheKgv1
Christy, you and Dec are absolute Irish musical legends -(and gents to boot) in my book....
@heathermcdougall8023
Now that's a fretless guitar! Now us bass players are used to that, and it' different sound. Nice one!!
@onestepbeyond5221
Beautiful! 🎸🍀🎶
@vetmedaus
Brilliant version brilliant song.
@TheZeusIsHere1
Ride on Christy, ride on!
@irishfield1
So amazing singing and song ever Christy and Declan tops ever amazing
@albertenzian7873
Einzigartig, traumhaft schön, wundervoll❤❤❤❤❤
@diddi58300
Beautiful song ✌