Formed by Leo Moran and Davy Carton, members have included singer, guitarist, and mandolin player John "Turps" Burke; bass player Pearse Doherty; keyboard and accordion player Tony Lambert; keyboard player and guitarist Derek Murray; and drummers Padraig Stevens, John Donnelly, Jimi Higgins, and Fran Breen. The current line-up is Leo Moran (vocals, guitar), Davy Carton (vocals, guitar), Kevin Duffy (keyboards), Anthony Thistlethwaite (bass guitar, saxphone), and Eímhín Craddock (drums).
There is a special place in rock 'n' roll mythology reserved for that rare phenomenon, the people's band. The Grateful Dead, The Faces, Status Quo and Bruce Springsteen during his years as leader of the E Street Band are examples which define the breed: performers who have established a special relationship with their audience irrespective of marketing budgets and media approval, and for whom the dictates of fashion are broadly meaningless. The Saw Doctors are the latest in this strangely noble line" - The Times
"One of the Great Live Bands"
Chris Evans, BBC Radio 2
"The Saw Doctors are the very definition of the people's band." - Q Magazine
"The band's formula can best be described as one part Creedence, one part Hootie, and one part Irish Historical Society" - Rolling Stone Magazine
"One of the world's most appealing roots rock outfits." - Washington Post
During 2010 the band played a number of music festival appearances, including playing at the 40th anniversary of the Glastonbury Festival. September 2010 saw the release of their seventh album, The Further Adventures of... The Saw Doctors.
In 2013 the band decided to quit touring .Three members (Moran, Thistlethwaite and O'Neill) have formed a band with fellow Galway musicians called The Cabin Collective. It is currently unknown whether the Saw Doctors will be returning from their break.
Still Afraid Of The Dark
The Saw Doctors Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
feel a danger
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
there's someone beside me, i think it must be my guardian angel
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
and it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
somewhere in the darkness, black dogs bark
and insects crawl and creep
and the door left ajar
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
she'd fly around the room on a broom
to the pulse of my frightened heart
oh i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
and it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
somewhere in the darkness black dogs bark
and insects crawl and creep
i often hear a whisper in the trees
like someone's in there looking out
and watching me
sometimes at night i can sense a presence
feel a danger
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
but there's someone beside me, i think it must be my guardian angel
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
and it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
yes it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
oh it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
yes it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
The lyrics to The Saw Doctors' "Still Afraid of the Dark" evoke a sense of fear and vulnerability that is often associated with childhood. The opening line, "sometimes at night I can sense a presence, feel a danger," creates an atmosphere of unease and uncertainty. It suggests that the singer is not alone, and there may be something or someone lurking in the darkness.
The repetition of the phrase "I'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark" emphasizes the singer's fear and highlights the theme of growing up but still carrying childhood fears. The reference to a guardian angel further emphasizes this idea of protection, suggesting that the singer still needs guidance and support.
The second verse describes a specific memory of the singer's fear of the dark, with the imagery of insects and black dogs adding to the sense of unease. The reference to someone flying around the room on a broom to the pulse of the singer's frightened heart adds a fantastical element and reinforces the idea of childhood fears.
The final verse returns to the idea of someone watching the singer, with the whisper in the trees suggesting a hidden presence. The repetition of the opening stanza adds to the overall feeling of anxiety and unease.
Line by Line Meaning
sometimes at night i can sense a presence
I feel like somebody is there with me in the dark
feel a danger
I sense danger or something bad that may happen
i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
Despite being an adult, I still feel like a child when it comes to the fear of the dark
there's someone beside me, i think it must be my guardian angel
I believe that there is someone looking out for me and protecting me from harm
and it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
Sleepless nights feel like they go on forever
somewhere in the darkness, black dogs bark and insects crawl and creep
The sounds of the night terrify me, such as barking dogs and creepy insects
she'd come in from the shed when the lights went off and the door left ajar
I remember how scared I was when my mom would let the pet cat out in the dark shed and I was left alone in the house
she'd fly around the room on a broom to the pulse of my frightened heart
I recall imaginary fears of my mom flying on a broom in the dark, which made my heart race with fear
oh i'm a child inside, still afraid of the dark
No matter how old I get, the fear of the dark remains the same
i often hear a whisper in the trees like someone's in there looking out and watching me
The wind rustling through the trees often makes me feel like someone is watching me from afar
but there's someone beside me, i think it must be my guardian angel
Despite my fear, I take solace in believing that someone is there to protect me
yes it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
Sleepless nights are never-ending and full of fear
oh it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
I can't escape my fear of the dark even when I try to sleep
yes it's a long 'oul night when you can't get to sleep
The fear of the dark keeps me up at night and seems to never end
Contributed by Ian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SawDocker
Sorry to hear of your darkness my friend.I hope you find peace and comfort.Yes!We do grow stronger from our fears.I hope you grow even stronger through yours.Glad you like the song and video.Take care,best wishes,Paul xox
Shawn Fitzpatrick
Hi Sawdocker, you rock my friend!! I am as big a fan as one can be of the Saw Doctors!!
SawDocker
@shawnfitzpatrick1961 Thankyou for your wonderful comments.The Doc's Rock and yet are still unknown to so many.They deserve so much more,more publicity and more air-time. Keep enjoying my friend and thanks again.. Paul
Shawn Fitzpatrick
Hi Sawdocker, you rock my friend!! I am as big a fan as one can be of the Saw Doctors!!
Shawn Fitzpatrick
What's the chances of the great Saw Doctors comin' to perform for your Irish brethren here in Newfoundland, Canada? Would love to see that happen!
SawDocker
Thanks Elaine.This song holds so many memories for me.Good ones that is. I met my Gaurdian Angel.Happy Listening honey.Huggs and Smiles,Love Paul xxx
oscor indiepop
Shortcurt, i'm sad for you comment and i hope all the lucky of this worls for you...I don't know you but my eyes are crying.....Lucky again friend!!!