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.
The Big Music
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I'll never be the same
Something so pure
Hey!
Just called my name
I have drowned in the big sea
Now I find I'm still alive
And I'm comin' up for ever
Shadows all behind me
Ecstasy to come
I have climbed the big tree
Touched the big sky
I just stuck my hand up in the air
And everything came into color
Like Jazz manna
From sweet sweet chariots
I have seen the big mountain
And I swear I'm half way there
(You'll never get there, you'll never get there
You'll never get there)
But I will
I will always climb the mountain
Because I have heard the big music
And I'll never be the same
Something so pure
Hey!
Has called my name!
The Waterboys' song "The Big Music" is a powerful and ambitious piece of music that touches upon several themes. The lyrics describe an experience of hearing something that alters the listener's consciousness and view of the world, which is referred to as "the big music." The song emphasizes that this experience is so powerful that it fundamentally transforms the person who hears it, and they can never be the same again. The big music is described as something "so pure," and it seems to be a spiritual or transcendent experience.
Throughout the song, the singer describes several experiences that he has had which are related to the big music. He has heard it, drowned in it, climbed a big tree and touched the big sky, and seen the big mountain. All of these experiences seem to be part of a journey towards a higher spiritual understanding, and the lyrics suggest that the singer is still on this journey. Despite setbacks and challenges, the singer is determined to keep climbing the mountain, driven by his connection to the big music.
Overall, "The Big Music" is a poetic and evocative song that explores themes of spirituality, transcendence, and personal transformation. The unique and powerful experience of hearing the big music seems to be a metaphor for the journey of personal growth that we all take in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I have heard the big music
I have experienced an intense feeling of awe and wonder when listening to music that is so powerful and moving that it has left a lasting impact on me.
And I'll never be the same
My life has been forever changed by the experience of hearing this big music, and it has influenced the way I see the world and interact with others.
Something so pure
The beauty and power of the music is untainted and uncorrupted, and fills me with a sense of reverence.
Hey!
An exclamation of excitement and joy, expressing the energy and enthusiasm that the music has inspired within me.
Just called my name
The music has a personal significance and relevance to me, as if it were created just for me and speaks to my deepest self.
I have drowned in the big sea
The overwhelming emotions and sensations that the music inspires have swept over me like a tidal wave, leaving me breathless and lost in the awe-inspiring sound.
Now I find I'm still alive
Despite the intensity of the experience, I have emerged from it with a renewed sense of vitality and purpose, energized and inspired by the music.
And I'm comin' up for ever
The experience of the music has given me a sense of transcendence and a feeling that I am connected to something greater than myself, that will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life.
Shadows all behind me
The darkness and negativity that once plagued me have been left behind, replaced by a sense of clarity and positivity inspired by the music.
Ecstasy to come
The experience of the music has sparked a sense of anticipation and excitement for the future, which is filled with endless possibilities and potential for further inspiration.
I have climbed the big tree
I have scaled the heights of achievement and accomplishment, reaching the pinnacle of my potential and realizing my full capability.
Touched the big sky
I have experienced a sense of boundlessness and infinite expansiveness, touching the very heavens and surpassing all limitations.
I just stuck my hand up in the air
In a moment of spontaneous expression and celebration, I raised my hand in the air, sharing my joy and gratitude with the universe.
And everything came into color
The world around me was transformed and imbued with a vividness and vibrancy that I had never seen before, thanks to the transcendent power of the music.
Like Jazz manna
The music was like a spiritual nourishment, imbuing me with a sense of fulfillment and sustenance as if I had been touched by the divine.
From sweet sweet chariots
The music was like a heavenly chorus, lifting me up and carrying me away on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.
I have seen the big mountain
I have set my sights on a lofty goal or ambition, something that seemed unattainable or impossible to reach.
And I swear I'm half way there
Despite the obstacles and challenges I have faced, I am making progress towards my goal and am determined to see it through to the end.
(You'll never get there, you'll never get there
Despite the doubt and criticism of others, who insist that my goal is unachievable, I remain committed and undaunted by their negativity.
You'll never get there)
These doubters and naysayers will not deter me from my path, and I am resolved to continue striving for greatness and achieving my dreams.
But I will
I am steadfast and determined in my pursuit of my goal, and will not let anything stand in my way.
I will always climb the mountain
Regardless of the outcome, I am committed to the journey and the pursuit of excellence, and will continue to strive for greatness in all that I do.
Because I have heard the big music
The experience of hearing this powerful and transformative music has given me the strength, inspiration, and motivation to push beyond my limits and pursue my passions.
And I'll never be the same
The music has left an indelible mark on my soul and my spirit, transforming me into a new person and giving me a renewed sense of purpose and direction in life.
Has called my name!
The music resonated with me on a deep and personal level, as if it were a message specifically crafted for me, and has become a defining part of my identity and my journey in life.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL SCOTT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind