The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from the British Isles. London, Dublin, Spiddal, and Findhorn have all served as a home for the group. The band has played in a number of different styles, but most often their music can be described as a mix of Celtic folk music with rock and roll, or folk rock. After ten years of recording and touring, the band dissolved in 1993 and Scott pursued a solo career. The band reformed in 2000, and continues to release albums and tour worldwide. Scott himself emphasizes a continuity between The Waterboys and his solo work, saying that "To me there's no difference between Mike Scott and the Waterboys; they both mean the same thing. They mean myself and whoever are my current travelling musical companions."
More than thirty musicians have performed live as a Waterboy. Some have spent only a short time with the band, contributing to a single tour or album, while others have been long-term members with significant contributions. Scott has been the band's lead vocalist, motivating force, and principal songwriter throughout the group's history, but a number of other musicians are closely identified with the band.
Anthony Thistlethwaite was an original member of the band, and remained a member until 1991 when the band broke up, although he also joined a few recording sessions for A Rock in the Weary Land. After Scott and Wickham, Thistlethwaite has more songwriting credits than any other Waterboy. His saxophone, regularly featured in solos, was one half of the early group's distinctive brass section, but he has also played guitar, keyboards and a number of other instruments for the band. He pressed to return The Waterboys to a rock music sound after Room to Roam, but did not appear on Dream Harder, the result of that decision. He is now a member of The Saw Doctors, and has also released three solo albums.
Kevin Wilkinson, another original member, was The Waterboys' drummer from 1983–1984, and continued to play in some studio sessions afterwards. His most recent appearance was on A Rock in the Weary Land. He led the rhythm section of the group during its "Big Music" phase, sometimes without the assistance of any bass guitar. Scott describes Wilkinson's drumming as "bright and angular, an unusual sound".
Karl Wallinger joined the group in 1983, shortly after its formation. He left the group two years later, but in that relatively short period made important contributions to both A Pagan Place and This is the Sea. He co-wrote "Don't Bang the Drum", the environmentalism anthem on This is the Sea. His keyboards and synthesizer work expanded the group's sound, and he also did some studio work for demo sessions. Wallinger's World Party project was heavily influenced by his work with The Waterboys.
Roddy Lorimer's participation in the group began in 1983, contributing his trumpet playing "on and off" through 1990. He and Thistlethwaite took turns leading the brass section of the band, and Lorimer was also a featured soloist, most famously on "The Whole of the Moon" and "Don't Bang the Drum". He further contributed backing vocals to the song. His trumpet style is a combination of his classical training with an experimental approach encouraged by Scott. Lorimer returned for some studio work in 2006.
Steve Wickham transformed the group with his joining in 1985. His strong interest in folk music directly resulted in the band's change of direction. His initial involvement with The Waterboys ended in 1990 when Scott and Thistlethwaite wanted to return to rock and roll, but Wickham rejoined the group again in 2000, and, as of 2007, continues to perform with the band. Described by Scott as "the world's greatest rock fiddle player", he has written more songs for the band than anyone other than Scott, including the group's handful of instrumental recordings.
After 2000, Richard Naiff became one of the three core Waterboys members.Richard Naiff first recorded with the band in 1999, and joined permanently in 2000. As of 2007, he is a core member, along with Scott and Wickham. He is a classically-trained pianist and flautist, and plays keyboards for The Waterboys. Ian McNabb described him as Scott's "find of the century" and reviewers have described him as "phenomenally talented".
Other notable members of the band include bassist McNabb, leader of Icicle Works; Sharon Shannon, who became Ireland's all-time best-selling traditional musician; the experimental musician Thighpaulsandra, producer Guy Chambers, and Patti Smith Group drummer Jay Dee Daugherty.
December
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
December is the cruelest month
but this time for once my cheeks are warm
After long years in the monkey-house
I am ready for the storm
Let them throw all their cannonballs
let all their strongmen come
through venom, sick and scum!
December isn't always cold
but this year she's mine and I know why
Somewhere a flower has to grow
for every flower that dies
I'm stricken with fever
but my heart is strong as steel
I'm ready to go anywhere!
I can believe, I can feel!
December is a trusted friend
I always recognise her face
It's a plague of fool blown aside
forever by her soft and silent grace
She is reckless as a Mayday
gentle as a stone
And ready to go anywhere
to carry me back home!
December fell deep in the bleak
mid-winter time when Jesus Christ
Howled a baby saviour's howl
a primal truth as pure as ice
And though we crucified him on a cross
and dragged his name from payer to curse
He was able to go anywhere
he was almost one of us!
The Waterboys's song "December" opens with the line "December is the cruelest month", a reference to T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land". However, the singer delivers a positive perspective to the month. The singer conveys that after years of being stuck in the "monkey-house" or a place of chaos, he is ready to face any challenge that comes his way. He is also ready to experience the beauty that December brings. The unpredictability of the month is a welcome friend, one that brings both recklessness and gentleness. December is both the birth time for Jesus Christ and a time of renewal, as new growth springs up after the death of the old, much like a flower.
The lyrics can be interpreted in many ways, but the most significant theme is that of resilience. The singer is ready to face any challenge or difficulty, as he has been prepared by his time in the "monkey-house". He is certain that amidst the bleakness of December, there will always be something to keep his heart warm. The mention of Jesus Christ's birth signifies hope and patience, despite the cruel world we live in. The last line of the song "he was almost one of us" implies that the singer believes we are all capable of enduring the hardships of life and surviving to see the beauty in it.
Line by Line Meaning
December is the cruelest month
December can be the harshest time of the year
but this time for once my cheeks are warm
But this time I feel warmth despite the cold of December
After long years in the monkey-house
After being in a difficult situation for a long time
I am ready for the storm
I am prepared to face whatever comes my way
Let them throw all their cannonballs
I am not afraid of any obstacle or challenge
let all their strongmen come
Even if they send their toughest opponents against me
I'm ready to go anywhere
I am willing to face any situation head-on
through venom, sick and scum!
Even if it is a difficult and unpleasant journey
December isn't always cold
December can also have warmth and growth
but this year she's mine and I know why
This year, I claim December and understand its significance
Somewhere a flower has to grow
For every loss, there is potential for growth
for every flower that dies
For every loss and defeat
I'm stricken with fever
I am deeply passionate about my beliefs
but my heart is strong as steel
But I am also resilient and powerful
I can believe, I can feel!
I am confident in my abilities and emotions
December is a trusted friend
December can be a reliable ally and source of comfort
I always recognize her face
I am familiar with December's presence and significance
It's a plague of fools blown aside
December has the power to clear away the foolishness of the world
forever by her soft and silent grace
Through her gentle and calm influence
She is reckless as a Mayday
December can be unpredictable and chaotic
gentle as a stone
But also nurturing and steadfast
And ready to go anywhere
December is versatile and adaptable
to carry me back home!
And can bring me comfort and stability
December fell deep in the bleak
Winter can be difficult and somber
mid-winter time when Jesus Christ
During the time of the holiday season and religious significance
Howled a baby saviour's howl
Jesus' birth was a powerful and important event
a primal truth as pure as ice
It represents a fundamental and true aspect of humanity and existence
And though we crucified him on a cross
Despite humans' tendency to hurt and harm
and dragged his name from payer to curse
To turn beauty into something negative
He was able to go anywhere
Jesus was able to influence and impact many
he was almost one of us!
And was a relatable and admirable figure
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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