From the bottom bar at QUB with Planxty to Lisdoon to the Waterfront glad to hear your still doin it and I hope to get to Armagh or Newcastle.
Havin past 50 tried to give writin a go! Is this any use? Sort of 9/11 inspired.
Not hard to match a tune to
Forgotten
There’s an old man singing songs in a New York subway station
In a city where Sweet Charity gave all she had and more
The only free show left in town, for him no adulation
As nothin’ more than pennies went spinnin’ to the floor.
Thirteen years of playing, beneath those city sidewalks
Passersby who wont take time, to listen to his song
Too busy seeking out, new underground locations
No-one spares a minute, to make him feel like he belongs
No shirt and tie or fancy suit no executive position
To many just a street bum prob’ly worn out by the booze.
Forgotten by the powers that be beyond consideration
Just litter in the gutter not worthy of the news
Footsteps fade, he gathers up his pride and battered guitar.
And tappin with his cane he makes his way alone
Passing testaments and tributes to near forgotten faces
Just memories where people stood, now coldly carved in stone.
Mute commemorations offer little comfort
To those who say they struggle to survive.
On every street there’s someone
Who no-one will remember
Even though they’re very much alive
Same time same place same faces emerging from that subway
Rising upwards, to the sunlight, like believers going to pray.
Entering those marble halls for money not salvation
While the old man plays the same old song
Sure its just another day
No-one ever asks him if he ever saw the sunlight
No-one stops to listen or really hear him play.
If they did they might have offered more than solitary pennies
Because the day the sky came falling, in his darkness came to stay.
Mute commemorations offer little comfort
To those who say they struggle to survive.
On every street there’s someone
Who no-one will remember
Even though they’re very much alive
Hi Christy
I love buskin my own songs on Grafton Street, only started playing and writing when I was 35. It’s amazing what you see on the street all the different people. Every different person is a song. All the different stories there’s millions, millions there all stars every single one.
So after four days in the County of Cork I’m going home. I’ve seen some sights from Cobh to You has to CastletownBere to Eyeries and back. I heard Luka Bloom. I swear I saw Jack Doyle smiling. The Titanic sank. We’ve all come a long way Christy. All I’ve ever wanted like everyone else is to be happy. I’ve my miraculous medal so I’m hanging on to hope, kindness and the odd bet. Thanks for the music. Xx
Christy's reply
thanks for sharing your journey…hope you got back to base ..its wild wet and windy here this June night…better times ahead
I’m all togged out tonight to play centre half back marking Damo in Moorefield!!
but there will be no “negative vibes” and we will sing all our cares away!!
Theres a good vibe around the town with the june fest happening and I was talking to a few people during the week and I think next Saturday will be the highlight of the week.
Thanks for your music, energy and time. 🙂
Christy's reply
had a great Curragh Ramble yesterday..lookin forward to a few of the gigs and to John Coffey’s photos
Thanks Christy for yet another couple of cracking gigs. Love the sound the band adds to things too. Got carried off to a few memories during The Time Has Come on Thursday night and 33 years and more just fell away – deeply moving. Loads of highlights and plenty of tunes flying around in my head that will carry me through the working week. Keep doing what you do Christy – haven’t the words to express how greatly it is appreciated. Hopefully will make the Letterkenny gig. Hope the cold is gone now – would never have noticed it in the gigs.
Christy's reply
Thanks John, your words after Belfast are more then adequate….glad you like the band..I’m loving it myself
Christy, I was hitching in Missoula, MT. I don’t have a car currently. Here in Montana, people still trust one another. It’s is still a farming mentality in a lot of ways. I am talking of the old farming, working class folk that are old Montanans still here, but other new folk are kind too. So, I hitch and I meet such nice people that I could tell you of but I won’t. But, I met this man who really was inspirational in his vibe to me. I won’t go into it. Suffice it to say. I may stop drinking on my birthday this August. He was such a cool dude. He totally trusts in God – as I do- but, he was saying how what you eat/ take into you effects your consciousness. I have always trusted in God or Spirit in guiding my life. Anyway, he was talking about how negative thoughts about ourselves bring negative effects. Now, I have done a lot of Spiritually focused work in my younger years and was aware of this principle already. It was just good to be reminded of it again, as you have voiced as well. As Janet Joplin once said, ” Never compromise yourself because you are all you have”. Ha! So, we will see. I didn’t drink until I was forty. A girl friend in Colorado started me in the habit. And I am Irish and Scottish genes so….. But, I will either continue in my drinking into my older years and that is ok; or, I will stop this year on my birthday, We will see. Ha! Either choice is ok with me.
Now, I wanted to share a brilliant video. It is important to be aware of the reality of things so that if we don’t agree we can change it or fight it. Here it is:
Thanks for the link to the JFK 2 video which I am watching…..I don’t consider your chats as “rants” although I’m pretty certain that millions would consider them thus……..I did not stop drinking until I was 43. 26 years later I view life very differently… for decades alcohol was my friend, crutch, enabler, consolidator, tongue loosener, crowd facer, sleep inducer, shake dispenser…..I simply love the new life, the second chance. Life can be rough betimes but now I get to deal with it, to be part of it……….Good luck with your decision in August,whatever you decide, I wish you well
Hi Christy,
Could tell me the name of the opening song you sang in Killarney last Saturday night ? There’s a girl called Emer she’s from Kildare and was at the show with me but she’s a bit shy to ask you, she loved the words .
Thanks,
Dermot.
Christy's reply
Tell Emer that the song is called “How Long”…I learned it from Jackson Brown in a field outside Lisdoonvarna. I did record it a few years back but the current solo version is better (I Think)…maybe someone might send you the Killarney version and you could pass it on
Hi Christy, Is that oul’ neb still running? Wouldn’t have known a thing last night! Great 2 nights! Thanks.
Christy's reply
whallup there our kid…fairly shifted some of it last night…got home at 3 am..just after watching the Leinster/Glasgow game…I suppose you were gutted when Ulster went down !!..have you ever tried that song they sing in Ravenhill..
Hi Christy, This is Julie (Artie’s wife). We were at your concert in Belfast last night and you did a special request for us….Thank you so much for taking the time to do it. It was a lovely surprise and singing The Voyage made it even more special!! We really enjoyed the concert!
We have seen you lots of times now and you just seem to get better and better!
Christy's reply
I loved your story from Castlebar and what has happened since…the auld ship sails on
Hello Christy, many thanks for a great gig tonight in Belfast. Janice and I enjoyed it from start to finish. The band are a treat to hear and you looked like you were having a ball! I hadn’t been to a gig since you were last in Belfast but it still makes the hair on my neck stand up when you come out on stage. The opener was perfect and I’ll never tire of seeing never how you still the crowd and the night. Safe trip down the road and I’m looking forward to Newcastle already. Thanks, Kevin
Christy's reply
Back in Bertigrad, safe and sound after a great Fleadh i mBéal Feirste. The 5 of us staggered off stage last night, merrily drunk upon the fun of it all. I could have happily played for another hour but good sense prevailed, the job was done. The Waterfront was leppin, the reels were hoppin, the stalls were clappin,the smart phones flashin as we stumbled back to the dressing room for strong sweet tea and the post mortem…. last night’s gig reduced ageing and aged players to giggling youngsters as we recounted some of the 2 hour set…we had a visit from Gino, Bodhrán supremo with “4 Men and a Dog”, Tommie Gorman from Sligo dropped by with fresh news. Then we clambered aboard our traps and galloped for the four corners of Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore…
Hi Christy, travelled all the way from Lancashire to see you at the Waterfront on Thursday night. You were so good we came on Friday night too!!
We will have to live on beans on toast in June but who cares as we had two fantastic nights!!
Sharon and Mark
Christy's reply
Fair play Shaz…yiz are gluttons for punishment..safe journey back to Rawtenstall
Hi christy, my husband and the lurgan crew were at the barrowlands gig in April and enjoyed the gig of their lives. There back at the waterfront Saturday nite and my 12 year old nephew’s goin to his first concert. If there’s any chance could you give him a mention. He’s called daire furphy and a massive fan. No harm if you can’t comrade. Hope your enjoying the waterfront, i know the lurgan boys are looking forward to it big time. Keep er lit Christy!
Christy's reply
you logged on too late ! hope the lad enjoyed himself
Christy was just wondering if there was any chance you could play, the time has come, for my sister and uncle who are down at your show tonite, and are torturing me because I’m not there. So for Maria murray and Michael Gilvary it would be much appreciated,
Many thanks Ciara
Christy's reply
you gotta get in earlier….at 6.30 on the night of a gig I am deep in Yoga and Meditation, Getting my Shakra Oiled and my Aura Shimmied, Preparations are essential before facing out before the lights…Macs and PCs, IPhones and Ipads are barred from the dressing room once the seance bell has chimed
Was at the waterfront last night. Me and the missus had a great time. Last time I saw Christy live was in the Green Briar 30 odd years ago. Jesus doesn’t time fly but the music remains magic.
Christy's reply
I remember that night in The Green Briar. A Moving Hearts Gig and a real stomper. A Summer’s evening 1982 with all the exits thrown open for air..A helicopter hovered above as we played “Irish Ways,Irish Laws”. The interloper adding a grand backdrop as we sang “again again the soldiers came, burned our houses,stole our grain, shot the farmers in their fields, working for a living” ( John Gibbs- Moving Hearts 1981 album) Thanks for the memory…Is the Green Briar still standing ?
Was front row and centre last night Christy. A great venue a great band and a great man. Thank you for yet another amazing evening
Christy's reply
when I was a young lad there were many things I wanted to be…at different times I wanted to be a jockey ( like Jimmy Eddery) a Kildare County Footballer (like Larry McCormack) play rugby for Ireland ( like Noisy Murphy)….for a week I wanted to be a priest, then I saw Ads in The Hotspur for the RAF and I fancied myself as a Spitfire Pilot. I felt, given the chance,that I could sing like Bill Haley, for a while I covered Lonely Boy and Heartbreak Hotel by Paul Anka and Elvis Presley. Then came the day when I heard Liam Clancy sing. My fate was sealed. From that moment to this, 53 years later,all I’ve wanted to do is sing these songs. that was, and still is, the real extent of my ambition. I never dreamt of the sort of concerts that we shared last night in Belfast. It is still beyond my widest dreams. To sit with such great musicians, to play before such a generous and warmhearted audience of listeners in such a class venue….I am humbled by what has become this working life……Thank you for your feedback
Hi Christy, we are going to see you tonight in belfast 🙂 your my inspiration for picking up a guitar, and your voice melts me! My fave singer/player of all time! Please could you sing nancy spain for mary and chris (my bf and I) it would totally make my year! Cheers dude, good luck tonight x
Christy's reply
we’ll take it as it comes…no planned set, we play it on the hoof…chances are we’ll sing Nancy…..she is fairly constant in the set..hope ye have a good one
Well Christy
From the bottom bar at QUB with Planxty to Lisdoon to the Waterfront glad to hear your still doin it and I hope to get to Armagh or Newcastle.
Havin past 50 tried to give writin a go! Is this any use? Sort of 9/11 inspired.
Not hard to match a tune to
Forgotten
There’s an old man singing songs in a New York subway station
In a city where Sweet Charity gave all she had and more
The only free show left in town, for him no adulation
As nothin’ more than pennies went spinnin’ to the floor.
Thirteen years of playing, beneath those city sidewalks
Passersby who wont take time, to listen to his song
Too busy seeking out, new underground locations
No-one spares a minute, to make him feel like he belongs
No shirt and tie or fancy suit no executive position
To many just a street bum prob’ly worn out by the booze.
Forgotten by the powers that be beyond consideration
Just litter in the gutter not worthy of the news
Footsteps fade, he gathers up his pride and battered guitar.
And tappin with his cane he makes his way alone
Passing testaments and tributes to near forgotten faces
Just memories where people stood, now coldly carved in stone.
Mute commemorations offer little comfort
To those who say they struggle to survive.
On every street there’s someone
Who no-one will remember
Even though they’re very much alive
Same time same place same faces emerging from that subway
Rising upwards, to the sunlight, like believers going to pray.
Entering those marble halls for money not salvation
While the old man plays the same old song
Sure its just another day
No-one ever asks him if he ever saw the sunlight
No-one stops to listen or really hear him play.
If they did they might have offered more than solitary pennies
Because the day the sky came falling, in his darkness came to stay.
Mute commemorations offer little comfort
To those who say they struggle to survive.
On every street there’s someone
Who no-one will remember
Even though they’re very much alive
I think its a fine song…dont stop now
Was wondering when you would get around to bringing up the rugby. An Ulsterman I’m proud to be, from the Antrim glens I come…….
was that you I saw on the terraces with the tri-colour ?
Hi Christy
I love buskin my own songs on Grafton Street, only started playing and writing when I was 35. It’s amazing what you see on the street all the different people. Every different person is a song. All the different stories there’s millions, millions there all stars every single one.
Here’s a song I wrote, I don’t know where it’s from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF1ztuCKfgI
I’ll keep an eye out for you Joe
So after four days in the County of Cork I’m going home. I’ve seen some sights from Cobh to You has to CastletownBere to Eyeries and back. I heard Luka Bloom. I swear I saw Jack Doyle smiling. The Titanic sank. We’ve all come a long way Christy. All I’ve ever wanted like everyone else is to be happy. I’ve my miraculous medal so I’m hanging on to hope, kindness and the odd bet. Thanks for the music. Xx
thanks for sharing your journey…hope you got back to base ..its wild wet and windy here this June night…better times ahead
How ya Christy,
I’m all togged out tonight to play centre half back marking Damo in Moorefield!!
but there will be no “negative vibes” and we will sing all our cares away!!
Theres a good vibe around the town with the june fest happening and I was talking to a few people during the week and I think next Saturday will be the highlight of the week.
Thanks for your music, energy and time. 🙂
had a great Curragh Ramble yesterday..lookin forward to a few of the gigs and to John Coffey’s photos
Hi Christy,
Was at the gig on Friday night, 1st gig I’ve been to. It was fantastic! Hope you got my letter and maybe see/hear from you.
Stephen Hughes
will be in touch
Thanks Christy for yet another couple of cracking gigs. Love the sound the band adds to things too. Got carried off to a few memories during The Time Has Come on Thursday night and 33 years and more just fell away – deeply moving. Loads of highlights and plenty of tunes flying around in my head that will carry me through the working week. Keep doing what you do Christy – haven’t the words to express how greatly it is appreciated. Hopefully will make the Letterkenny gig. Hope the cold is gone now – would never have noticed it in the gigs.
Thanks John, your words after Belfast are more then adequate….glad you like the band..I’m loving it myself
Christy, I was hitching in Missoula, MT. I don’t have a car currently. Here in Montana, people still trust one another. It’s is still a farming mentality in a lot of ways. I am talking of the old farming, working class folk that are old Montanans still here, but other new folk are kind too. So, I hitch and I meet such nice people that I could tell you of but I won’t. But, I met this man who really was inspirational in his vibe to me. I won’t go into it. Suffice it to say. I may stop drinking on my birthday this August. He was such a cool dude. He totally trusts in God – as I do- but, he was saying how what you eat/ take into you effects your consciousness. I have always trusted in God or Spirit in guiding my life. Anyway, he was talking about how negative thoughts about ourselves bring negative effects. Now, I have done a lot of Spiritually focused work in my younger years and was aware of this principle already. It was just good to be reminded of it again, as you have voiced as well. As Janet Joplin once said, ” Never compromise yourself because you are all you have”. Ha! So, we will see. I didn’t drink until I was forty. A girl friend in Colorado started me in the habit. And I am Irish and Scottish genes so….. But, I will either continue in my drinking into my older years and that is ok; or, I will stop this year on my birthday, We will see. Ha! Either choice is ok with me.
Now, I wanted to share a brilliant video. It is important to be aware of the reality of things so that if we don’t agree we can change it or fight it. Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uEXJUqbP9M&list=UUnsUaXejSLQrfjyszAaOGcA
Thanks for the link to the JFK 2 video which I am watching…..I don’t consider your chats as “rants” although I’m pretty certain that millions would consider them thus……..I did not stop drinking until I was 43. 26 years later I view life very differently… for decades alcohol was my friend, crutch, enabler, consolidator, tongue loosener, crowd facer, sleep inducer, shake dispenser…..I simply love the new life, the second chance. Life can be rough betimes but now I get to deal with it, to be part of it……….Good luck with your decision in August,whatever you decide, I wish you well
Hi Christy,
Could tell me the name of the opening song you sang in Killarney last Saturday night ? There’s a girl called Emer she’s from Kildare and was at the show with me but she’s a bit shy to ask you, she loved the words .
Thanks,
Dermot.
Tell Emer that the song is called “How Long”…I learned it from Jackson Brown in a field outside Lisdoonvarna. I did record it a few years back but the current solo version is better (I Think)…maybe someone might send you the Killarney version and you could pass it on
Hi Christy, Is that oul’ neb still running? Wouldn’t have known a thing last night! Great 2 nights! Thanks.
whallup there our kid…fairly shifted some of it last night…got home at 3 am..just after watching the Leinster/Glasgow game…I suppose you were gutted when Ulster went down !!..have you ever tried that song they sing in Ravenhill..
Hi Christy, This is Julie (Artie’s wife). We were at your concert in Belfast last night and you did a special request for us….Thank you so much for taking the time to do it. It was a lovely surprise and singing The Voyage made it even more special!! We really enjoyed the concert!
We have seen you lots of times now and you just seem to get better and better!
I loved your story from Castlebar and what has happened since…the auld ship sails on
Hello Christy, many thanks for a great gig tonight in Belfast. Janice and I enjoyed it from start to finish. The band are a treat to hear and you looked like you were having a ball! I hadn’t been to a gig since you were last in Belfast but it still makes the hair on my neck stand up when you come out on stage. The opener was perfect and I’ll never tire of seeing never how you still the crowd and the night. Safe trip down the road and I’m looking forward to Newcastle already. Thanks, Kevin
Back in Bertigrad, safe and sound after a great Fleadh i mBéal Feirste. The 5 of us staggered off stage last night, merrily drunk upon the fun of it all. I could have happily played for another hour but good sense prevailed, the job was done. The Waterfront was leppin, the reels were hoppin, the stalls were clappin,the smart phones flashin as we stumbled back to the dressing room for strong sweet tea and the post mortem…. last night’s gig reduced ageing and aged players to giggling youngsters as we recounted some of the 2 hour set…we had a visit from Gino, Bodhrán supremo with “4 Men and a Dog”, Tommie Gorman from Sligo dropped by with fresh news. Then we clambered aboard our traps and galloped for the four corners of Paddy’s Green Shamrock Shore…
Hi Christy, travelled all the way from Lancashire to see you at the Waterfront on Thursday night. You were so good we came on Friday night too!!
We will have to live on beans on toast in June but who cares as we had two fantastic nights!!
Sharon and Mark
Fair play Shaz…yiz are gluttons for punishment..safe journey back to Rawtenstall
Just heard this young guy, Sam Lee, on Mike Harding’s show. Lovely stuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss24LSJqcqY
Hi christy, my husband and the lurgan crew were at the barrowlands gig in April and enjoyed the gig of their lives. There back at the waterfront Saturday nite and my 12 year old nephew’s goin to his first concert. If there’s any chance could you give him a mention. He’s called daire furphy and a massive fan. No harm if you can’t comrade. Hope your enjoying the waterfront, i know the lurgan boys are looking forward to it big time. Keep er lit Christy!
you logged on too late ! hope the lad enjoyed himself
Christy was just wondering if there was any chance you could play, the time has come, for my sister and uncle who are down at your show tonite, and are torturing me because I’m not there. So for Maria murray and Michael Gilvary it would be much appreciated,
Many thanks Ciara
you gotta get in earlier….at 6.30 on the night of a gig I am deep in Yoga and Meditation, Getting my Shakra Oiled and my Aura Shimmied, Preparations are essential before facing out before the lights…Macs and PCs, IPhones and Ipads are barred from the dressing room once the seance bell has chimed
Was at the waterfront last night. Me and the missus had a great time. Last time I saw Christy live was in the Green Briar 30 odd years ago. Jesus doesn’t time fly but the music remains magic.
I remember that night in The Green Briar. A Moving Hearts Gig and a real stomper. A Summer’s evening 1982 with all the exits thrown open for air..A helicopter hovered above as we played “Irish Ways,Irish Laws”. The interloper adding a grand backdrop as we sang “again again the soldiers came, burned our houses,stole our grain, shot the farmers in their fields, working for a living” ( John Gibbs- Moving Hearts 1981 album) Thanks for the memory…Is the Green Briar still standing ?
John Carter Cash…for his Da. ‘Hurt’
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/culture/live-sessions-john-carter-cash?click=feed
Was front row and centre last night Christy. A great venue a great band and a great man. Thank you for yet another amazing evening
when I was a young lad there were many things I wanted to be…at different times I wanted to be a jockey ( like Jimmy Eddery) a Kildare County Footballer (like Larry McCormack) play rugby for Ireland ( like Noisy Murphy)….for a week I wanted to be a priest, then I saw Ads in The Hotspur for the RAF and I fancied myself as a Spitfire Pilot. I felt, given the chance,that I could sing like Bill Haley, for a while I covered Lonely Boy and Heartbreak Hotel by Paul Anka and Elvis Presley. Then came the day when I heard Liam Clancy sing. My fate was sealed. From that moment to this, 53 years later,all I’ve wanted to do is sing these songs. that was, and still is, the real extent of my ambition. I never dreamt of the sort of concerts that we shared last night in Belfast. It is still beyond my widest dreams. To sit with such great musicians, to play before such a generous and warmhearted audience of listeners in such a class venue….I am humbled by what has become this working life……Thank you for your feedback
Hi Christy, we are going to see you tonight in belfast 🙂 your my inspiration for picking up a guitar, and your voice melts me! My fave singer/player of all time! Please could you sing nancy spain for mary and chris (my bf and I) it would totally make my year! Cheers dude, good luck tonight x
we’ll take it as it comes…no planned set, we play it on the hoof…chances are we’ll sing Nancy…..she is fairly constant in the set..hope ye have a good one