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.
Malediction
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Whistling a hangman's tune with head held high, swinging my gun
I say this little boy is angry
I say this little boy is mad
This little boy comes to destroy, stone eyed, hard faced, in swathes of vengeance clad
And the black cock crows
And a dead wind blows
In my belly six wild wolves curse and howl from their foul hole
I say no earthly will may stop me
I say no earthly will may try
No earthly will may halt the spill of blood from wounds and tears from grieving eyes
And the black cock crows
And a dead wind blows
Below me burn the city lights like fires of pearls and jewels
I'm climbing down the city walls, unseen, unfussed - the sentries must be fools
I say all pleasantries are over
I say all pleasantries are past
My enemies you pimps and thieves prepare to meet your nemesis at last !
The opening lines of "Malediction" by The Waterboys set a dark and ominous tone for the rest of the song. The singer, a little boy, is described as angry and mad, walking in the diminishing light of the setting sun. He whistles a tune often associated with hangmen, while holding a gun, indicating his intention to cause harm. He is dressed for revenge, with hard features and an unwavering gaze, a destroyer of all that is in his way. The boy is accompanied by seven women who tried to steal his soul, and six wild wolves that curse and howl from his belly.
The chorus of the song, "And the black cock crows, and a dead wind blows" further reinforces the ominous atmosphere of the song. It symbolizes death, as the black cock is a bird associated with death and the dead wind reflects the stillness and emptiness of death.
The singer's focus then shifts to the city, which appears as a burning inferno of lights. He climbs down the walls of the city, undeterred by any obstacle in his path. He declares that all pleasantries are over, and any who have crossed him will meet their nemesis at last. The song ends with the same ominous chorus as before, leaving the listener to contemplate the boy's mission.
Line by Line Meaning
I am walking in the last rays of the setting sun
I am on a mission, taking on the world with a vengeful heart.
Whistling a hangman's tune with head held high, swinging my gun
I am feeling powerful and in control as I make my way towards my enemies.
I say this little boy is angry
I am filled with anger and rage, ready to unleash my fury.
I say this little boy is mad
I am not just angry, but consumed by madness and a desire for revenge.
This little boy comes to destroy, stone eyed, hard faced, in swathes of vengeance clad
My determination to destroy my enemies is absolute, and nothing can stand in my way.
And the black cock crows
The omens are in my favor, and I am emboldened by the signs around me.
And a dead wind blows
The world around me is bleak and lifeless, echoing the darkness within me.
In my wake are seven women who tried to steal my soul
I have faced countless obstacles and enemies on my path, and these women are among those who have failed to deter me.
In my belly six wild wolves curse and howl from their foul hole
My rage and violence are so intense that they feel like wild animals within me, egging me on to wreak havoc.
I say no earthly will may stop me
My determination is unwavering, and I will not be stopped by anyone or anything in my quest for revenge.
I say no earthly will may try
I am confident in my abilities and see myself as invincible, even in the face of great opposition.
No earthly will may halt the spill of blood from wounds and tears from grieving eyes
I am prepared to inflict great harm and pain on those who have wronged me, and I will not be deterred or swayed by their suffering.
Below me burn the city lights like fires of pearls and jewels
The world below me is beautiful but also full of corruption and greed, and I am determined to bring it down to its knees.
I'm climbing down the city walls, unseen, unfussed - the sentries must be fools
I am stealthy and confident, knowing that I can move unseen and undetected to complete my mission.
I say all pleasantries are over
There is no turning back now, and I am fully committed to my path of destruction.
I say all pleasantries are past
I am not interested in diplomacy or truces, and will not rest until my enemies have been defeated.
My enemies you pimps and thieves prepare to meet your nemesis at last !
My enemies are about to face their downfall, and I am their ultimate nemesis.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind