Celtic
Sinéad O'Connor/The Chieftains Lyrics
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And he goes through Market Town
You'll be on the Celtic Ray
Are you ready?
When McMannus comes around
On his early morning rounds
Crying "Heron 'a' lay"
Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
I can hear the mothers' voices calling
"Children, children, children"
When the coal brick man comes 'round
On a cold November day
You'll be on the Celtic Ray
Are you ready? Are you ready?
Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
I can hear the mothers' voices calling
"Children, children, children"
Listen Jimmy! I want to go home.
Listen Jimmy! I want to go home.
I've been away from the Ray too long
I've been away from the Ray too long
All over Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
I can hear the mothers' voices calling
"Children, children, come home children"
"Children, come home on the Celtic Ray"
"In the early morning we'll go walking
Where the light comes shining through
On the Celtic Ray
Come home children
Come home on the Celtic Ray
The lyrics of "Celtic Ray" by Sinéad O'Connor/The Chieftains explore themes of nostalgia, homecoming, and longing for connection. The song refers to the Celtic Ray, a mystical voyage across the Celtic countries of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. The Ray represents a symbolic journey towards one's ancestral roots and cultural heritage.
The lyrics describe a series of encounters with different characters. Lewellyn and McMannus are traditional names in Irish folklore and represent two different aspects of Celtic culture. They are both catalysts for the singer's journey, signalling the start of a new adventure on the Celtic Ray. The coal brick man is a nod to the industrial revolution and the impact it had on traditional rural life.
The chorus contains the repeated phrase "I can hear the mothers' voices calling" which suggests a connecting thread between all Celtic peoples- they all share a homeland and ancestry, something that is felt deeply by the women of the region. The song ends with an emotional plea to come home and walk in the morning light on the Celtic Ray.
Line by Line Meaning
When Lewellyn comes around
And he goes through Market Town
You'll be on the Celtic Ray
Are you ready?
When Lewellyn, the local peddler, visits town and passes through, you'll be embarking on a journey on the Celtic Ray. Are you prepared for it?
When McMannus comes around
On his early morning rounds
Crying "Heron 'a' lay"
You'll be on the Celtic Ray
When McMannus, the milkman, makes his usual morning rounds and calls out for customers, that's when you'll set sail on the Celtic Ray.
Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
I can hear the mothers' voices calling
"Children, children, children"
The mothers of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales are calling out to their children to come back home - a universal maternal plea.
When the coal brick man comes 'round
On a cold November day
You'll be on the Celtic Ray
Are you ready? Are you ready?
When the coal brick man comes around on a chilly November day, it's time to board the Celtic Ray. Are you prepared?
Listen Jimmy! I want to go home.
Listen Jimmy! I want to go home.
I've been away from the Ray too long
I've been away from the Ray too long
The artist's name is Jimmy, and they miss being home - they've been away from the Celtic Ray for far too long.
All over Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales
I can hear the mothers' voices calling
"Children, children, children"
In every corner of Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, the voices of mothers can be heard imploring their kids to come home.
"Children, come home on the Celtic Ray"
"In the early morning we'll go walking
Where the light comes shining through
On the Celtic Ray
Come home children
Come home on the Celtic Ray
The mothers' plea is specific - they're asking their children to come home on the Celtic Ray, where they can take walks in the early morning light.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind