The Wolfe Tones, an I… Read Full Bio ↴The preferred artist name is The Wolfe Tones.
The Wolfe Tones, an Irish rebel music band, incorporate elements of Irish traditional music in their songs. They take their name from the Irish rebel and patriot Theobald Wolfe Tone, one of the leaders of the Irish Rebellion of 1798, with the double entendre of a wolf tone – a spurious sound that can affect instruments of the violin family.
The Wolfe Tones began in 1963. They and have continued recording and performing to this day. They originally consisted of the brothers Derek and Brian Warfield and their friend Noel Nagle, with Tommy Byrne joining soon after. It was then 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 apart.
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."
It was later that year while they were waiting in a pub in the village of Kilrush, County Clare to catch a ferry across the estuary of the river Shannon to play in Ballybunnion, County Kerry that they named themselves "Wolfe Tones". It was in honour of the 18th Century Irish Nationalist leader who was condemned to death by the occupying British forces but cheated the hangman the night before he was to be executed by cutting his own throat. The name and the symbol it evokes in Irish history and republicanism, has inspired them since.
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 will continue to tour, but only at select venues according their website.
The well known rebel song, "Celtic Symphony" was written by Brian Warfield back 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.
The band achieved an honour in 2002, when their song "A Nation Once Again" was voted the best world music song of all time by an online BBC poll.
Holy Ground
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
The Wolfe Tones' song "Holy Ground" tells the story of a sailor's longing to return to his home in Ireland, specifically to a place called the Holy Ground. The sailor blithely recounts his experiences abroad, from gambling in San Francisco to hunting whales in the Arctic Sea, but ultimately concludes that he would rather be back in his homeland. His nostalgia is palpable in the recurring lyrics, "Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more," as he yearns for the comforts and familiarity of home.
The "Holy Ground" in question is widely believed to refer to an area in Cork City called Dean Street, which was known for its pubs and social scene in the mid-20th century. The song has become something of an anthem for Irish emigrants and expatriates, who often relate to the sailor's wistful reminiscence. However, it can also be interpreted more broadly as a lament for the loss of one's roots and connection to a place that is loved.
Musically, the tune is typical of Irish folk songs, with its lilting melody and simple chord progression. The Wolfe Tones' version features acoustic guitar, mandolin, and accordion, giving it a traditional feel. The repetition of the chorus adds to the song's catchiness and sing-along quality.
Line by Line Meaning
As I rolled into Frisco, boys, I went upon the street
I arrived in San Francisco and walked around the city
I drank and gambled all night long, as drunk as I could be
I spent the entire night drinking and gambling until I was extremely drunk
I drank and gambled all night long, till I could drink no more
I continued to drink and gamble 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
At that moment, I realized that I wanted to return to the Holy Ground
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
I want to return to the Holy Ground again and again
I shipped on the Angeline, me boys, down for the Arctic Sea
I embarked on the Angeline, sailing towards the Arctic Sea
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, was as cold as it could be
The Arctic Sea was bitterly cold, with frosty winds and snow
Where cold winds blow amid frost and snow, but the good old ship she did roll
Despite the harsh weather, the ship continued to sail bravely
We weren't long in the Arctic Sea when we had spied a whale
Soon after arriving in the Arctic Sea, we saw a whale
With harpoon in my icy hands, to hit I dare not fail
Holding a harpoon in my frozen hands, I couldn't afford to miss the shot
With harpoon in my icy hand, I shot but I struck before
Although I fired the harpoon, I hit the whale too soon
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
My thoughts went back to the Holy Ground and I longed to return there
When you're aboard a whaling ship with storms and gales afore
When you're on a whaling ship facing storms and strong winds
Your mind is in some public house that lies upon the shore
Your mind wanders to a tavern on the shore
'Twas then that I thought that I'd like to be back in the Holy Ground once more
Once again, I yearned to return to the Holy Ground
Once more, boys, once more, the Holy Ground once more
I want to go back to the Holy Ground repeatedly
Contributed by Levi A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.