It was in 1963 that three neighbouring children from a quiet working-class Dublin suburb, Inchicore, brothers Brian and Derek and a pal Noel Nagle started playing round the fleadhs of Ireland more for fun than anything else. They used to get together at weekends playing Fleadh cheoils or music festivals, mainly as a pastime. Thoughts of fame and riches were a world away.
Brian and Noel had taken tin whistle lessons at the Pipers Club in Thomas Street in Dublin, while Derek took up the mandolin for no better reason than his father played it. During the summer of 1963 the four of them had hitch-hiked across Ireland, from Dublin to Kerry, for a weekend at a Fleadh Ceoil, an annual gathering of traditional Irish musicians where there's lashings of drink and non-stop music. The lads were really there for the beer although they did play and sing, but only for their own amusement.
Brian Warfield recalls what happened next: "I remember arriving in Killarney fairly late at night and looking around for somewhere to bed down. It was two o'clock in the morning as we trooped through the streets of the town and probably, because we had a few drinks in us, we started to play and sing. It was August and there were still some people on the streets. A few of them gathered around us as we sang and after a dozen tunes a fella with an American accent came up and asked us if we knew some song or other. We knew it - and played it for him."
In 2002 Derek Warfield left the group to pursue a solo career but the rump of The Wolfe Tones still tour constantly, usually appearing at small function halls. However, 2004 was their last tour year doing that. They continue to tour as a three-piece band comprising Brian Warfield, Noel Nagle and Tommy Byrne.
The well-known rebel song, "Celtic Symphony" was written by Brian Warfield in 1987 for the 100th anniversary of Celtic Football Club. It has been covered by countless bands around the world. Other famous songs written by the group include Joe McDonnell, a song about the life and death of the IRA Volunteer who was the 5th person to die on the 1981 Hunger Strike, which is also said to be their most popular stage song.
Holy Ground
The Wolfe Tones Lyrics
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I drank and gambled all night long, as drunk as I could be
I drank and gambled all night long, till I could drink no more
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
'Twas then I that thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, was as cold as it could be
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, but the good old ship she did roll
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
We weren't long in the Arctic Sea when we had spied a whale
With harpoon in my icy hands, to hit I dare not fail
With harpoon in my icy hand, I shot but I struck before
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
When you're aboard a whaling ship with storms and gales afore
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
In "Holy Ground" by The Wolfe Tones, the singer tells the story of his adventures beyond the Holy Ground, which is a term that refers to the holy land or Ireland. He talks about his experience in San Francisco, where he would spend his nights drinking and gambling until he could no longer drink anymore. Despite the excitement in San Francisco, he couldn't help but yearn to be back in the Holy Ground.
He then ships off to the Arctic Sea, where the cold winds and frost make it as cold as it could be. In this new environment, he develops a longing for home and the familiar comforts that come with being on the Holy Ground. The singer then goes hunting for a whale, where he comes close to hitting it with his harpoon. As he reflects on how his mind wanders to the Holy Ground while he's out at sea, he realizes that he truly wants to be back home more than anything.
This song is a tribute to homesickness and the bond people have with their homeland, even when they are out exploring or adventuring. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how far people travel, their home will always be a place that they hold dear to their hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
As I rolled into Frisco, boys, I went upon the street
As I arrived in San Francisco, I walked around the city streets
I drank and gambled all night long, as drunk as I could be
I spent the entire night drinking heavily and gambling
I drank and gambled all night long, till I could drink no more
I continued drinking and gambling until I couldn't consume any more alcohol
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
It was at that point that I wished to return to the Holy Ground
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
Again and again, I long to return to the Holy Ground
I shipped on the Angeline, me boys, down for the Arctic Sea
I boarded the Angeline to sail towards the Arctic Sea
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, was as cold as it could be
In the Arctic Sea, there were freezing temperatures with snow and strong winds blowing
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, but the good old ship she did roll
Despite the harsh weather conditions, our ship continued to move forward
We weren't long in the Arctic Sea when we had spied a whale
Not long after we arrived in the Arctic Sea, we spotted a whale
With harpoon in my icy hands, to hit I dare not fail
I held an icy harpoon and knew I couldn't afford to miss the whale
With harpoon in my icy hand, I shot but I struck before
With my icy harpoon, I struck the whale successfully
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
At that moment, my thoughts turned to the Holy Ground and my desire to return there
When you're aboard a whaling ship with storms and gales afore
When you're on a whaling ship, you face stormy weather and strong winds ahead
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore
Your thoughts drift towards a pub on the shore
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once again, my mind wandered to the Holy Ground and my desire to return there
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
Again and again, I yearn to go back to the Holy Ground
Contributed by Levi A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Hagarviking
another early gem from the Tones. I'm Manx and was brought up with this stuff by my mother, and I know every word. I'll raise my glass to you for posting these. Slaynt shoh!
Colin McDonald
The less known salute to the Holy Ground - there's also a Liverpool variant, Go to Sea No More. Good to hear it - go raibh maith agat, boys!
MrLikon7
well Go to Sea No More is the original, I wouldnt call it a variant
Paul Kinsella
@MrLikon7 The Dubliners recorded Go to sea no more. (Luke Kelly.) Great song!