The people of Irleand had no soul for the fight to be fought against the tyranny of our neighbours when our forgotten Irish neighbours of the North rose up and begged for our help. Rise up and cofront the Tyranny of our own Southern Government is well served with many pints in the pubs of Ireland……I have live to see that is where we best pacify the soul of our cowardice.
Ah the power of the internet Christy! I see our last short conversation stirred a few people. A half page in an English owned ‘Oirish’ daily and a full thread on a political website! It appears that your words have caused some to shift uneasy in their seats but more so NOT because what you said was true BUT because you had the audacity to say it. Last weeks budget and the largely meek acceptance of it amongst the populace vindicated every word you said. The Irish are indeed the most supine nation in Europe quite accepting and tolerant of their fate. Sometimes people get the government they deserve as the nation appears to be quite happy with those who are grinding them into the ground so why should we worry ourselves and get worked up over it when those on the receiving end don’t?. That the media have to consult your website for stories is a great compliment; it’s the old maxim that there is nothing worse than being talked about than NOT being talked about. Good Luck!
Heading along to the vicar street gigs for the 4th year in a row. Bringing along my 16 year old brother this year who is a massive fan of yours. I know you cant say much and vicar street is “over 18s” but what do you reckon of our chances of getting in no problem??Both just two genuine lads looking to experience you and deccy (front row tickets might i add):-)
All the best,
Simon.
Christy's reply
I suspect the issue will only arise if you bring it up…when I was 16, going to hear The Clancy brothers, we just went for it…..let us know how you get on..hope ye have a good night
Christy,
Thanks for another wonderful chat, and Hilary’s diary.Saw Andy and the boys while watching the Late Late on the Sky plus this morning. I was just imagining you joining in with them to perform that lovely song about Willie Clancy country , the ‘goatskin’ would have really added to it. Just like old times !!!!
Best regards.
Christy's reply
they sounded good this morning too with Marian O ‘Callaghan….
Hi Christy, On my return home after a couple of months away at work, I went in search of some quality notes to satisfy my craving and found myself heading to Kilkenny to see Declan in the ideal intimate setting of Cleere’s. What a warm memorable night he gave us. A treat in store for those who haven’t been yet. By the way, enjoyed reading Hilary’s synopsis of the Scottish gigs included in the chat update. See you in Vicar St.
Christy's reply
Played John Cleere’s Theatre with Declan 12 years ago….maybe the most vital gig I ever played..there was a lot riding on it and we got past the post
Hi Christy was looking at Hilary’s comment and went on to Tiles and Slabs and my 4 year old walked in while it was on and within a few seconds he said that.s on the cd in the car so he’ll be gettin an extra spoon of cornflakes this morning. after that I came on to Planxty’s Bonnie Light Horseman I can recall nights coming home from weddings usually the longer distance ones car and trailer and 4 of us in the car when the form was good a sing song would break out that song featured regularly I always liked it and now even more now with the memories it conjures up Keep well face the puck out
Christy's reply
when Planxty were recording The Bonny Light Horseman in Windmill Lane circa 1978 there was an hour of pure magic that was never released…the Engineer still has the tape and I would love to get my hands on it if only for my own archive….it was the four of us attempting the 4 part harmony parts…O Napoleon Bonaparte was a far as we got before collapsing into paroxysms time after time….we were so exhausted from laughter that we had to retire around to The Dockers pub for a few hours. There Paddy, the man of the house, revived us with Stingers and large bottles and we resumed our efforts.
looks like the original was pulled off you tube and this new version has a slight edit in the middle of it and states that it’s not you in the description, sounds very like you, and the silhouette isn’t bad either. here it is anyway Christy, what do ya think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csktTV3mFgE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Hi Christy, hope all is well. Thanks for the chat and thanks also to Hilary for the Scottish Blog. As always good to have been part of the journey !! It’s funny how we both kicked-off the tour at Anfield.. LOL ! Overall not a great game but was worth being there to see the little magician from Uraguay and to mark Stevie G’s 600th appearance in a red shirt. I am always overwhelmed by the history of LFC and never more so than when singing the famous anthem on match day…t’was dissapointing that the referee chose not to respect YNWA but that’s showbuisness I guess….Would never have taken Mr. Devine for a closet Liverpool fan… LOL ! ….. Truly enjoyed the Scottish experience as well and it will live long in the memory Christy….. Looking forward to getting another gig or two in shortly …..and the map is out for Wales next year… Love & Respect Martin Mac
Christy's reply
Mr Devine has had a life long devotion to The Magpies. My son is a loyal LFC supporter. I prefer Accrington Stanley myself but also go to Gigg Lane occasionally. Lincoln City used to turn me on big time until I went to see Raith Rovers in 1967. (Twas the night they danced on the street of Raith). West Hartlepool caught my attention for awhile. I once went to Cowdenbeath. I now follow Bray Wanderers.
Thanks for sharing your latest chat, Christy – it’s obvious that the wisdom is not gone with the tooth … Was thrilled to read about re-recording of your own songs – hope for a collection to be published on CD soonish … The songs you have written or co-written are among the gems in your repertoire, I love St. Brendan’s Voyage, Lisdoonvarna, The Rose of Tralee, North and South, or the achingly beautiful Yellow Triangle. Hope to catch some of your gigs in 2013 – shine on, Christy !
Christy's reply
4 of those have been recorded but I am still struggling with The Rose. Its hard to pin her down. She struggles a lot. Thank you Petra…
Hello Christy on this wintry day!
Thank you for another great Chat. Hope your wounds are healed up and you are willing to sing again.
Enjoyed reading the amazing setlists, seems you spoilt your Scottish audience especially with some seldom played beautiful songs. Even Hurt and Spancil Hill appeared at one night. Wow! How I’d love to had been there.
It was also a pleasure to read Hilary’s review again, well done to add it.
Looking forward eagerly to see you soon in Galway. Hopefully the weather gods will be good to us then. At present the white blanket is spread out here.
Have a happy, not too frosty winter, Traudel
Christy's reply
Galway shines in all kinds of weather..the river is always high, the bay always beautiful
Many thanks for coming back to me on The Time Has Come. I’m quite new to your music Christy, and folk music in general, and hence often don’t know much of the background. But I’m pleased I now know more about such a powerful song.
Best wishes.
Sue
Christy's reply
your post reminds me….. my primary purpose when setting up this site was to create a space for dialogue about songs….I’m well pleased that you availed of the opportunity..thank you Sue
Christy I just seen the video up on you tube for country anger and thought it was absolutely brilliant, tis getting close but if you could try and release that as a single I reckon it’d make Christmas no.1. I’d definitely buy it! Great song, to add to many more. Well done sir!
Christy's reply
not sure what song you mean..I tried country anger on you tube and found myself listening to Reba McIntire. I enjoyed that.
A winterish night,,,, Ideal for trawling through youtube.. Tiles & Slabs captures a moment in time,,, tragic events in the Spring of 1994 that I feel were a turning point, in ways,,, here is a clip from 1997, the song is also on Folk tale. H http://youtu.be/I5bNu0blWHI
Sue, it has always been my understanding that The Time Has Come was written about Peggy O’Hara and her son Patsy – the hunger striker – to describe the pain the mothers felt in accepting their sons wishes that their strike be to the death if necessary- against a mother’s natural instinct to protect her child. I think it’s one of the saddest most powerful songs, and when Christy sings it in Derry, well…….. In their “wisdom” RTE didn’t realise what it was about and played it merrily, until they found out and promptly banned it from the airwaves. It was a hard time for so many families.
Hey Christy,
I talked to you on here once before. I was just watching a video of your live rendition of fairy tale of new york, and i have to say once again… THANK YOU. You’ve been so influential to me as a folk singer, musician and activist.
Forever in your debt!
-Kevin
Christy's reply
we are, all of us, under various influences at different times….keep following your dream…Shine On
No mention of the Mountmellick gig anywhere, which was wonderful.
Would it possible to get the playlist?
Christy's reply
there was some mention back at the time…I remember writing about the wonderful venue..try 4711ers.org for set list ……there may even have been a recording…I know of at least one person down that neck of the woods with a bootleg…you may have left it too late
Hi Christy,Just got tickets for the welsh gig in Rhyl,Having checked the seating arrangement I have found out that a half Dutch half welsh man will be sitting next to me,And a lady from across the pond called H will be on the other side,Do you think I should make other seating plans or just chance it ?
For Sue, Isle of Wight. It’s about the Hunger Strike in 1981, and the words/thoughts of one of the hunger strikers. I’m not sure if it’s for a specific person but someone else might.
Hi Christy
First of all, many thanks for all the music that gives us such pleasure. Secondly, would you mind telling me what “The Time Has Come” is about? From the lyrics, it seems to be about something really specific, and I’d be really interested to know what.
Many thanks and take care.
Sue
Christy's reply
Dear Sue,
I wrote this song in 1981 for the Mothers of those on Hunger Strike.Their families suffered terribly. I got to know many of them before,during and afterwards.What those families endured was often overlooked and I wrote this song for them. Donal Lunny wrote the melody. However the song has painted different pictures for other listeners. I usually just sing it without any explanation leaving it open to the interpretation of the listener. It might have stayed that way too. When first recorded it was played a few times on National Radio. A renowned Derry journalist revealed on a talk show what had inspired the song . It was subsequently banned off the airwaves for about 20 years.
The people of Irleand had no soul for the fight to be fought against the tyranny of our neighbours when our forgotten Irish neighbours of the North rose up and begged for our help. Rise up and cofront the Tyranny of our own Southern Government is well served with many pints in the pubs of Ireland……I have live to see that is where we best pacify the soul of our cowardice.
Ah the power of the internet Christy! I see our last short conversation stirred a few people. A half page in an English owned ‘Oirish’ daily and a full thread on a political website! It appears that your words have caused some to shift uneasy in their seats but more so NOT because what you said was true BUT because you had the audacity to say it. Last weeks budget and the largely meek acceptance of it amongst the populace vindicated every word you said. The Irish are indeed the most supine nation in Europe quite accepting and tolerant of their fate. Sometimes people get the government they deserve as the nation appears to be quite happy with those who are grinding them into the ground so why should we worry ourselves and get worked up over it when those on the receiving end don’t?. That the media have to consult your website for stories is a great compliment; it’s the old maxim that there is nothing worse than being talked about than NOT being talked about. Good Luck!
Hi christy,
Heading along to the vicar street gigs for the 4th year in a row. Bringing along my 16 year old brother this year who is a massive fan of yours. I know you cant say much and vicar street is “over 18s” but what do you reckon of our chances of getting in no problem??Both just two genuine lads looking to experience you and deccy (front row tickets might i add):-)
All the best,
Simon.
I suspect the issue will only arise if you bring it up…when I was 16, going to hear The Clancy brothers, we just went for it…..let us know how you get on..hope ye have a good night
Lovely “natural” interview with Glen Hansard on Marian Finucane’s show yesterday morning. Great to see him saying how he remembers you visiting his school and what a big occasion that was. Great to see how you can create special memories that people remember years later. http://podcast.rasset.ie/podcasts/audio/2012/1208/20121208_rteradio1-marianfinucane-interviewg_c20123561_20123564_232_.mp3
get them young
Christy,
Thanks for another wonderful chat, and Hilary’s diary.Saw Andy and the boys while watching the Late Late on the Sky plus this morning. I was just imagining you joining in with them to perform that lovely song about Willie Clancy country , the ‘goatskin’ would have really added to it. Just like old times !!!!
Best regards.
they sounded good this morning too with Marian O ‘Callaghan….
Hi Christy, On my return home after a couple of months away at work, I went in search of some quality notes to satisfy my craving and found myself heading to Kilkenny to see Declan in the ideal intimate setting of Cleere’s. What a warm memorable night he gave us. A treat in store for those who haven’t been yet. By the way, enjoyed reading Hilary’s synopsis of the Scottish gigs included in the chat update. See you in Vicar St.
Played John Cleere’s Theatre with Declan 12 years ago….maybe the most vital gig I ever played..there was a lot riding on it and we got past the post
Hi Christy was looking at Hilary’s comment and went on to Tiles and Slabs and my 4 year old walked in while it was on and within a few seconds he said that.s on the cd in the car so he’ll be gettin an extra spoon of cornflakes this morning. after that I came on to Planxty’s Bonnie Light Horseman I can recall nights coming home from weddings usually the longer distance ones car and trailer and 4 of us in the car when the form was good a sing song would break out that song featured regularly I always liked it and now even more now with the memories it conjures up Keep well face the puck out
when Planxty were recording The Bonny Light Horseman in Windmill Lane circa 1978 there was an hour of pure magic that was never released…the Engineer still has the tape and I would love to get my hands on it if only for my own archive….it was the four of us attempting the 4 part harmony parts…O Napoleon Bonaparte was a far as we got before collapsing into paroxysms time after time….we were so exhausted from laughter that we had to retire around to The Dockers pub for a few hours. There Paddy, the man of the house, revived us with Stingers and large bottles and we resumed our efforts.
looks like the original was pulled off you tube and this new version has a slight edit in the middle of it and states that it’s not you in the description, sounds very like you, and the silhouette isn’t bad either. here it is anyway Christy, what do ya think? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csktTV3mFgE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Goodnight Luke
Hi Christy, hope all is well. Thanks for the chat and thanks also to Hilary for the Scottish Blog. As always good to have been part of the journey !! It’s funny how we both kicked-off the tour at Anfield.. LOL ! Overall not a great game but was worth being there to see the little magician from Uraguay and to mark Stevie G’s 600th appearance in a red shirt. I am always overwhelmed by the history of LFC and never more so than when singing the famous anthem on match day…t’was dissapointing that the referee chose not to respect YNWA but that’s showbuisness I guess….Would never have taken Mr. Devine for a closet Liverpool fan… LOL ! ….. Truly enjoyed the Scottish experience as well and it will live long in the memory Christy….. Looking forward to getting another gig or two in shortly …..and the map is out for Wales next year… Love & Respect Martin Mac
Mr Devine has had a life long devotion to The Magpies. My son is a loyal LFC supporter. I prefer Accrington Stanley myself but also go to Gigg Lane occasionally. Lincoln City used to turn me on big time until I went to see Raith Rovers in 1967. (Twas the night they danced on the street of Raith). West Hartlepool caught my attention for awhile. I once went to Cowdenbeath. I now follow Bray Wanderers.
Thanks for sharing your latest chat, Christy – it’s obvious that the wisdom is not gone with the tooth … Was thrilled to read about re-recording of your own songs – hope for a collection to be published on CD soonish … The songs you have written or co-written are among the gems in your repertoire, I love St. Brendan’s Voyage, Lisdoonvarna, The Rose of Tralee, North and South, or the achingly beautiful Yellow Triangle. Hope to catch some of your gigs in 2013 – shine on, Christy !
4 of those have been recorded but I am still struggling with The Rose. Its hard to pin her down. She struggles a lot. Thank you Petra…
Hello Christy on this wintry day!
Thank you for another great Chat. Hope your wounds are healed up and you are willing to sing again.
Enjoyed reading the amazing setlists, seems you spoilt your Scottish audience especially with some seldom played beautiful songs. Even Hurt and Spancil Hill appeared at one night. Wow! How I’d love to had been there.
It was also a pleasure to read Hilary’s review again, well done to add it.
Looking forward eagerly to see you soon in Galway. Hopefully the weather gods will be good to us then. At present the white blanket is spread out here.
Have a happy, not too frosty winter, Traudel
Galway shines in all kinds of weather..the river is always high, the bay always beautiful
Many thanks for coming back to me on The Time Has Come. I’m quite new to your music Christy, and folk music in general, and hence often don’t know much of the background. But I’m pleased I now know more about such a powerful song.
Best wishes.
Sue
your post reminds me….. my primary purpose when setting up this site was to create a space for dialogue about songs….I’m well pleased that you availed of the opportunity..thank you Sue
Christy I just seen the video up on you tube for country anger and thought it was absolutely brilliant, tis getting close but if you could try and release that as a single I reckon it’d make Christmas no.1. I’d definitely buy it! Great song, to add to many more. Well done sir!
not sure what song you mean..I tried country anger on you tube and found myself listening to Reba McIntire. I enjoyed that.
A winterish night,,,, Ideal for trawling through youtube.. Tiles & Slabs captures a moment in time,,, tragic events in the Spring of 1994 that I feel were a turning point, in ways,,, here is a clip from 1997, the song is also on Folk tale. H http://youtu.be/I5bNu0blWHI
on we go round and round, heel to the toe
Sue, it has always been my understanding that The Time Has Come was written about Peggy O’Hara and her son Patsy – the hunger striker – to describe the pain the mothers felt in accepting their sons wishes that their strike be to the death if necessary- against a mother’s natural instinct to protect her child. I think it’s one of the saddest most powerful songs, and when Christy sings it in Derry, well…….. In their “wisdom” RTE didn’t realise what it was about and played it merrily, until they found out and promptly banned it from the airwaves. It was a hard time for so many families.
Hey Christy,
I talked to you on here once before. I was just watching a video of your live rendition of fairy tale of new york, and i have to say once again… THANK YOU. You’ve been so influential to me as a folk singer, musician and activist.
Forever in your debt!
-Kevin
we are, all of us, under various influences at different times….keep following your dream…Shine On
No mention of the Mountmellick gig anywhere, which was wonderful.
Would it possible to get the playlist?
there was some mention back at the time…I remember writing about the wonderful venue..try 4711ers.org for set list ……there may even have been a recording…I know of at least one person down that neck of the woods with a bootleg…you may have left it too late
Hi Christy,Just got tickets for the welsh gig in Rhyl,Having checked the seating arrangement I have found out that a half Dutch half welsh man will be sitting next to me,And a lady from across the pond called H will be on the other side,Do you think I should make other seating plans or just chance it ?
For Sue, Isle of Wight. It’s about the Hunger Strike in 1981, and the words/thoughts of one of the hunger strikers. I’m not sure if it’s for a specific person but someone else might.
Hi Christy
First of all, many thanks for all the music that gives us such pleasure. Secondly, would you mind telling me what “The Time Has Come” is about? From the lyrics, it seems to be about something really specific, and I’d be really interested to know what.
Many thanks and take care.
Sue
Dear Sue,
I wrote this song in 1981 for the Mothers of those on Hunger Strike.Their families suffered terribly. I got to know many of them before,during and afterwards.What those families endured was often overlooked and I wrote this song for them. Donal Lunny wrote the melody. However the song has painted different pictures for other listeners. I usually just sing it without any explanation leaving it open to the interpretation of the listener. It might have stayed that way too. When first recorded it was played a few times on National Radio. A renowned Derry journalist revealed on a talk show what had inspired the song . It was subsequently banned off the airwaves for about 20 years.