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 Ladder
The Waterboys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The ladder ascending in front of me
I've been searching without
I've been searchin' within
Up, down, all around, roundabout
Here and there, out and in
The ladder ascending in front of me
I have a come a long way
Over oceans and hills
I'm weary and unwhole
And I need my cup refilled
Once in my lifetime, I intend to see
The ladder ascending in front of me
The Waterboys' song "The Ladder" speaks to the idea of personal growth and the search for enlightenment. The main theme is the desire to see the ladder ascending or to attain that new level in one's personal evolution. The verse "I've been searching without, I've been searching within" speaks to a journey of self-discovery and the search for meaning. The search has led the singer "over oceans and hills," and despite being "weary and unwhole," there is a clear and unwavering intention to reach this new level of understanding.
The imagery of the ladder ascension can be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and steps that we take in order to climb higher in our personal evolution. The ladder represents the path to enlightenment or the goal of attaining a higher level of consciousness. The search for this enlightenment is universal and speaks to the human desire for understanding and a sense of purpose.
Overall, "The Ladder" is a contemplative and introspective song about the search for personal meaning and the desire to reach a higher plane of existence.
Line by Line Meaning
Once in my lifetime, I intend to see
I have a desire to witness the ladder ascending before me at least once during my existence.
The ladder ascending in front of me
The physical image of a ladder moving upwards right before my very eyes.
I've been searching without
I have looked for this ladder and its meaning in external sources and circumstances.
I've been searchin' within
I have also looked internally for this ladder and its deeper significance within myself.
Up, down, all around, roundabout
I have looked in every direction and explored all possible avenues, yet the ladder still eludes me.
Here and there, out and in
I have searched both inside and outside of myself, and in various places throughout the world.
I have a come a long way
My search for the ladder has taken me through much of the world and across great distances.
Over oceans and hills
I have traversed vast bodies of water and trekked through difficult terrain in my quest for the ladder.
I'm weary and unwhole
This length of my journey has left me fatigued and incomplete.
And I need my cup refilled
I require new experiences and insights to continue my search for the ladder with renewed vigour.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Michael Scott
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
SUNSHINEandSPIRIT
Powerful song for sure :)
Steve Joyce
I have loved them since 1984. This song reduces you to your elemental parts. No space for feelings. Just pure guts. BEAUTIFUL
Annemarie Govers
once in a lifetime we have such great poets as Mike that for our pleasure....record their art. Bravo Mike...and crew..
4846steven
that picture at the start really drew me in love the style of zooming in with these pictures you got a talent with these they are almost like movies for the songs you choose dont know this song its really good man this is a work of art what you have done is impressive angels in the clouds where does he get these wonderful toys
Kinky Tresses
great song, this one and red army blues are my favorites
Pete Glr
The sounds of our lifes. Thank you Mike..
Adrian McGrath
Just realise how amazing this band is for you Johnny rip brother 😎😇🙏
cedarwynn
Thank you for adding to my Waterboys Playlist with such beautiful videos!
pur69
Mike Scott once had the most passionate and emotive voice in music. He could have sung "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and I would have wept! Great to see this once getting an airing. Thanks!
danny slammy
what do you mean once?