Hi Christy Absolute brilliant show at the Lyrath hotel tonight My wife bought me tickets earlier this year for my birthday so looked forward for a long time, we are from Waterford so we’re outnumbered with the cats tonight 🤣 anyway you replied to me many years ago on the fan chat as I missed a show due to me been away in the merchant navy and couldn’t get home to see the show was stuck off the coast of Liberia and you told me to look after my diamonds out there anyway I’m here to tell the tail and I’m back on dry land since 2019 and now married since May this year long may you continue entertaining what you do is unique in a live show thank you
Christy's reply
Great turn out tonight…going way back,Kilkeny has always been good to me…first time there was 1962 with the FCA (square bashin around the wet canteen) then back 10 years later with Planxty…( lock in in Kytelers)
Will check out Mick Maloney on YOUTUBE Christy when I get back from reading local newspaper on air for our visually impaired community members
Yes Flower Moon was very good but long
One of my favourite old Westerns as a kid was Ambush at Tomahawk Gap – out of print now probably
Even as a kid I knew then it was a bit extraordinary
Also like My Darlin’ Clementine (OK corral story) & yeah BIG fan of McCabe & Mrs. Miller
Longmire worth a look too I suggest
Good day to you un-dude
Danny Harris
Hey Christy,
I hope you’re keeping well, Myself and Michelle are travelling from Athy to see your show tonight in Kilkenny, we are really looking forward to seeing you again, keep an eye out for the lily white jerseys,
Chat soon.
Christy's reply
Good man Wes…I hope you and Michelle will have a nice spin from Athy to Kilkenny…I had an awful experience once making that very same journey..twas back around 1972… took a wrong turn at Ballylinan and ended up in Clogh..then we had to take on juice in Mooneenroe and ended up in the Salmon Pool…lost bearings coming out and ended up in Sheeran’s of The Ridge and then down hill to Moloney’s of beautiful Coon…I’ll tell you Wes if a fellow ever needed a sat nav twas that night in 1972…we pulled in at Larkin’s of Kanesbridge for directions but asked the wrong woman for we ended up in The Arkle Bar in Gowran…then we doubled back and hit Muckalee at closing time when a fellow mentioned that there was an extension in Pedigree Corner…by this time I’d forgotten entirely about my gig in Kilkenny …next day we crawled into Bapti Mahers where we got a lift to The Hideout in Kilcullen via Brennan’s of Old Kilcullen..sure tis no wonder we all ended up in Consilio’s….any way I’m here in Kilkenny now good and early..I got a bit of sense about 35 years ago…one day at a time
I’ll pass your good wishes on to Martin.
I’ll keep my eye open for the Bundoran gig.
Hopefully Ill get to that one next year.
Stay alive and stay safe ,my friend.
Thanks Christy!
I shall try to have a word with Chris Wood and pass on your best.
Dalesmans Litany is precious to me. It’s so local to here and it rings so true to my Yorkshire ear. Treasure. I feel very lucky to be able to work with it.
As you know, I learnt it from your gig in York, five years ago. And how my life has changed from then. I was in a musical desert. Now it’s blooming.
I’m working hard on the harp part. Listening to it without the voice is helping me tighten it up and maybe even get some phrasing in there…. if it goes OK on 20th November and I get a reasonably clean recording, I’ll post it up here, show you my Yorkshire vowels and dropped consonants…
Rebecca
Christy's reply
40 miles of heathery moor twixt me and the coal pit slack
A late one tonight, Christy…
Míceál did his first Transfer paper today, with the follow up in a fortnight. He has your gig in the Carrickdale Friday night to enjoy between now and then and he’s counting down the days.
He was asked to sing as guest of honour at an awards evening which showcases local people doing good things in the community and guess where it was.. the Armagh City hotel. It was a warming thought to see him on the stage, knowing that this wasn’t his first time to sing in that room… anyway he did Nancy Spain and Johnny Boy as a bit of a mash up, and they went down beautifully.
Should be a lively crowd on Friday..it always is! Hope you’re keeping well.
Dearbhla.
Christy's reply
Well Dearbhla… great to hear that Míceál is pursuing song and studies.. reminds me of my own early days… when I was 10 I was singing Kevin Barry and Meeting of The Waters at local concerts….I held on to my boy soprano til I was 13…it broke just before the Boys Choir were due to do a gig in the Parish Church…Brother Michael held it agin me for the remainder of that primary school year..
getting prepped here for Kilkenny tonight…I wont be getting into Carrickdale mode til Tue when I’ll begin manouvres in that direction…best wishes to you and the Lad
On the road to the marble city.. just watched raplh mctell tonight in the liberty therte
A very good show . Great story teller
Havnt watchd many films lately but killers of the flower moon is getting good reviews
All the best
Christy's reply
Good Man Adam…Hope you have a safe journey down from The Wicklow Mountains into Kilkenny…watch out for the wild cats ….Ralph is an old friend from many years back….I’d hoped to meet him but I was in rehersals last night for an upcoming project….I think the Moon Flower is about 90 minutes too long….last two movies were feckin marathons….for us,Oppenheimer was 100 cigarettes too long…Jim Page’s Hiroshima Nagasaki covered it in 4 minutes (with instrumental breaks)…see you later
Hi Christy
It’s Martin Lynot’s birthday later this month.
He will be 80.
He has Parkinsons so cannot play anymore and he relies on Sheena a lot as his carer as well as his wife.
I’ll be going to his local session as he wants to go for what may be his last time.
I met up with Gerry and Robin a couple of weeks ago in Stalybridge.
They were paying a visit to Vivians grave.
A lovely girl.
Looking at your schedule you’ve got your work cut out next year.
No Bundoran this time.
Hope all the recording went well.
Stay safe.
Christy's reply
come the Autumn there will be a Bundoran gig ..all we gotta do is stay alive and kickin..always good to hear from you..
Vivian was a beautiful lady..I always remember when She and Gerry first got together..
hope Martin has a Happy 80th…I remember him so well from those heady Thursday nights in The Crown & Anchor
I do remember Tom Paxton playing Christy but the Hamish Imlach thing is driving me bonkers! Maybe I saw him on the Len Graham “As I Roved Out” show that would have been on UTV around the same time as your first CM and Friend’s. And to add to the confusion I’m now starting to think I saw him live also. He didn’t support Planxty at the Staudium gig in ’82 did he? I was defo at that! Went to that many gigs back then and with seeing stuff on the telly I’m getting confused between the two! Is there any more to tell about the tour you mention with Matt Molloy, Natie Comerford and Jimmy Faulkner. I have no recollection of that.
I always thought the Anti Nuke gigs were a series of annual festivals between 78 and 81, didn’t realise there was a tour, all 32 counties?
Here’s a good article with images of first two posters.
There was a gig in The Stadium in 1982…. I think it was a fund raiser for a strike fund..both Planxty and Moving Hearts played… (I think !!!)…I recall myself and the late Declan McNelis did the raffle…6th prize was a bottle of brandy… but by the time we got to the sixth prize the brandy was gone
thats a great anti nuclear document ..thanks for posting
Hello, Christy.
In Altman’s film, Julie Christie’s Mrs Miller advises Beatty’s McCabe to not wear cheap cologne if he’s going to present himself as some fancy dude, so I suppose dude is American frontier era slang akin to dandy. I don’t think word fits you, Christy.
That film holds up well, what with the good script, actors, and Leonard Cohen songs subtly revealing McCabe’s psychology. I have some Ken Loach catching up to do. Lucky me.
Hope all is well christy
That Anti-Nuclear 12″ Single was a black and yellow cover lp i think may not be the one Ive a copy of that somewere in the colection of vynal must dig it out
Strike wepon was pn paddy on the road i dont think its heard it song at a gig but i recall a more resent version think you did a video a few years back with the song i might be thinking of something else
Hello Christy,
Chris Wood is coming to the trades Club in Hebden Bridge in March. Tickets in the bag!
Had a quick shift about and found the old poem that inspired Dalesmans Litany. The language isn’t Yorkshire-y. I’ve put the dialect version of the song here too. I don’t sing the dialect exactly, more a modern version of it.
Loved hearing you sing it in Salthill. Thank you!
The Beggars’ litany
Written by John Taylor in 1639
There is a proverb and a prayer with all,
That we may not to three strange places fall;
From Hull, from Hell, from Halifax, ’tis this, From all these three, Good Lord, deliver us.
This praying proverb’s meaning to set down, Men do not wish deliverance from the town; The town’s named Kingston, Hull’s the furious river;
And from Halifax’s dangers, I say, Lord, deliver.
At Halifax, the law so sharp doth deal,
That whoso more than 13 pence doth steal; They have a gyn that wondrous, quick and well,
Sends thieves all headless unto Heaven or Hell.
From Hell each man says Lord, deliver me. Because from Hell can no redemption be. Men may escape from Hull and Halifax,
But sure in Hell, there is not heavier tax.
Let each one for themselves in this agree, And pray – from Hell, Good Lord, deliver me
A Dalesman’s Litany
From Hull, Halifax, and Hell,
A Yorkshire Proverb.
By F R Moorman
It’s hard when fowks can’t finnd their wark
Wheer they’ve bin bred an’ born;
When I were young I awlus thowt
I’d bide ’mong t’ roots an’ corn.
But I’ve bin forced to work i’ towns,
So here’s my litany:
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
When I were courtin’ Mary Ann,
T’ owd squire, he says one day:
“I’ve got no bield[1] for wedded fowks;
Choose, wilt ta wed or stay?”
I couldn’t gie up t’ lass I loved,
To t’ town we had to flee:
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve wrowt i’ Leeds an’ Huthersfel’,
An’ addled[2] honest brass;
I’ Bradforth, Keighley, Rotherham,
I’ve kept my barns an’ lass.
I’ve travelled all three Ridin’s round,
And once I went to sea:
Frae forges, mills, an’ coalin’ boats,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve walked at neet through Sheffield loans,[3]
’T were same as bein’ i’ Hell:
Furnaces thrast out tongues o’ fire,
An’ roared like t’ wind on t’ fell.
I’ve sammed up coals i’ Barnsley pits,
Wi’ muck up to my knee:
Frae Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve seen grey fog creep ower Leeds Brig
As thick as bastile[4] soup;
I’ve lived wheer fowks were stowed away
Like rabbits in a coop.
I’ve watched snow float down Bradforth Beck
As black as ebiny:
Frae Hunslet, Holbeck, Wibsey Slack,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
But now, when all wer childer’s fligged,[5]
To t’ coontry we’ve coom back.
There’s fotty mile o’ heathery moor
Twix’ us an’ t’ coal-pit slack.
And when I sit ower t’ fire at neet,
I laugh an’ shout wi’ glee:
Frae Bradforth, Leeds, an Huthersfel’,
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
T’ gooid Lord’s delivered me!
Wonderful gig with Ralph McTell in Derry Guildhall last night. In fine voice and had the audience I the palm of his hand from the very start. I think the venue played a part in it too – its a place we haven’t used as much as we should- I think the Troubles played a part in that- but it definitely creates a special atmosphere. I think my last 3 gigs have been yourself, Ralph and Freddie White, and Andy Irvine lined up for 2024 – wonderful to see music still calling decades down the road. It has been a special gift in days of joy and sorrow and I couldn’t imagine a world without it.
Christy's reply
Good man John…you certainly walk the walk…Ralph is an outstanding singer, a true knight of the road….Freddie too, another great performer whom I first heard in Toner’s of Merrion Row in the 1970s….later,with his Band, he was part of The Anti Nuclear Roadshow which toured the 32 counties back in 1979 to great effect..the tour culminated on the Late Late Show and gained the attention and ire of Mrs Maureen Lynch …at the time Ms Lynch was wife of An Taoiseach Jack Lynch…her displeasure gained traction in the media when the good woman heard the verse;
“it was in 1969 Jack Lynch went back to Cork
to open Whiddy Island , where a handfull of men got work
the multi-national oil tycoons all turned out in style
10 years later 50 men lie slaughtered in the oil”
The song “The Workers are being used again” was written by Mick Hanly with additional lyrics added during the Tour by Johnny Moynihan and myself….it featured on the ‘Anti-Nuclear 12″ Single” released by Tara Records in 1980
Well Christy, seems you’re part of a Larrimah cult!!
The show is kicking arse on FOXTEL I see.
My wife Shirley actually stayed there in a previous life – pre Paddy Moriarty & his ilk
As for you finding him, be careful prising the crocs jaws open – could be they’re fond of travelling Irishmen
Watched your interview & ramble with The Two Norries: great stuff: candid, blunt, self effacing & thought provoking
At our age, scars & all with bits of skin off from a few falls (some our own fault, others life’s bowling ball) we do well I reckon to tune up, clear the head & throat & sail on & ride on & sing on & play on…
May you continue to find both peace & wonderful challenges as you chug along Christy
Many highest regards
Danny Harris
Christy's reply
Danny Boy….when I was a lad I used to hear a song called “Are you there Moriar i t ”
Must check the Larrimah juke box next I’m in town
try: “Are you there, Moriarty?” Mick Moloney youyube
Mick was a great singer , also a doctor of Folk Music who had an outstanding career in American Academia…sadly he died last year…he was formerly a member of The Parnell Folk Group in the 1960s and later of The Johnstons who enjoyed great success with “Travelling People” and “Curragh of Kildare” ( learned from yours truly) Mick gave me a song in 1964 which I hope will be on my forthcoming album…he is missed by many
I could be imaging this but in me minds eye, with the mentions here lately of Hamish Imlach, me memory is racing! Didn’t he appear on your (RTE) show, CM and Friend’s? For the life of me can’t remember what he sang?
Christy's reply
I don’t think so Gipp..there were two RTE series..one in the late 70s another in 2001…far as I can recall Tom Paxton in the 70s and Neil MacColl in 2001 were the ones from off the Island
Hamish and I toured together here in the mid 80s… along with Matt Molloy, Natie Comerford and Jimmy Faulkner…it was a wild and wonderful time
Hey Christy, visiting from Newfoundland with the wife and sister ! Can’t wait for your show in Kilkenny ! All the best !
Larry
Christy's reply
we’re nearly there now Larry… I’m deep in prep here, fresh string, new plectrum, clean calvins and a bunch of new songs…its a great room and Kilkenny always welcomes balladeers and visitors..face the puck out
Yo dude! How’s it going after so long. Glad all your gigs are selling out. House full everywhere! Fair play to you. Hope all is well with you and yours
Christy's reply
I always find it hard to respond to Dude, Boss and Sir….Boss gets my goat, Sir gets up my nose, cant figure out where dude comes from, any clues ?
all that said Goatboy, good to hear from you..all goes well here ..just after a Rogan Josh and about to watch Munster v Leinster at the Rugby….
gigs going well, some new songs emerging, lots of new listeners….
Christy,
My grandaughter last night wanted ‘Ally Bally Bee’ sung as we played with a balloon.
I found it on youtube with Hamish Imlach singing it, a braw version and she liked it age 2.
Perhaps there is time yet to release a live version of ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ ?
Rory
Christy's reply
I’ll be singing Mother Hubbard’s come Sunday Night in The Marble City…. Dinny Lacey too….I think of Hamish most days..we covered some road together..left Manchester one Saturday in1967 after a Gig in MSG .. we drove nonstop to Caithness where Hamish had a gig on the Sunday ..pre Motorway..and we made it too…Hamish had a new Green Volvo .. we shared the driving..and golden balls of Russian Speed
Hi Christy Absolute brilliant show at the Lyrath hotel tonight My wife bought me tickets earlier this year for my birthday so looked forward for a long time, we are from Waterford so we’re outnumbered with the cats tonight 🤣 anyway you replied to me many years ago on the fan chat as I missed a show due to me been away in the merchant navy and couldn’t get home to see the show was stuck off the coast of Liberia and you told me to look after my diamonds out there anyway I’m here to tell the tail and I’m back on dry land since 2019 and now married since May this year long may you continue entertaining what you do is unique in a live show thank you
Great turn out tonight…going way back,Kilkeny has always been good to me…first time there was 1962 with the FCA (square bashin around the wet canteen) then back 10 years later with Planxty…( lock in in Kytelers)
Will check out Mick Maloney on YOUTUBE Christy when I get back from reading local newspaper on air for our visually impaired community members
Yes Flower Moon was very good but long
One of my favourite old Westerns as a kid was Ambush at Tomahawk Gap – out of print now probably
Even as a kid I knew then it was a bit extraordinary
Also like My Darlin’ Clementine (OK corral story) & yeah BIG fan of McCabe & Mrs. Miller
Longmire worth a look too I suggest
Good day to you un-dude
Danny Harris
Hey Christy,
I hope you’re keeping well, Myself and Michelle are travelling from Athy to see your show tonight in Kilkenny, we are really looking forward to seeing you again, keep an eye out for the lily white jerseys,
Chat soon.
Good man Wes…I hope you and Michelle will have a nice spin from Athy to Kilkenny…I had an awful experience once making that very same journey..twas back around 1972… took a wrong turn at Ballylinan and ended up in Clogh..then we had to take on juice in Mooneenroe and ended up in the Salmon Pool…lost bearings coming out and ended up in Sheeran’s of The Ridge and then down hill to Moloney’s of beautiful Coon…I’ll tell you Wes if a fellow ever needed a sat nav twas that night in 1972…we pulled in at Larkin’s of Kanesbridge for directions but asked the wrong woman for we ended up in The Arkle Bar in Gowran…then we doubled back and hit Muckalee at closing time when a fellow mentioned that there was an extension in Pedigree Corner…by this time I’d forgotten entirely about my gig in Kilkenny …next day we crawled into Bapti Mahers where we got a lift to The Hideout in Kilcullen via Brennan’s of Old Kilcullen..sure tis no wonder we all ended up in Consilio’s….any way I’m here in Kilkenny now good and early..I got a bit of sense about 35 years ago…one day at a time
I’ll pass your good wishes on to Martin.
I’ll keep my eye open for the Bundoran gig.
Hopefully Ill get to that one next year.
Stay alive and stay safe ,my friend.
I am a Little Beggarman and beggin I have been
Thanks Christy!
I shall try to have a word with Chris Wood and pass on your best.
Dalesmans Litany is precious to me. It’s so local to here and it rings so true to my Yorkshire ear. Treasure. I feel very lucky to be able to work with it.
As you know, I learnt it from your gig in York, five years ago. And how my life has changed from then. I was in a musical desert. Now it’s blooming.
I’m working hard on the harp part. Listening to it without the voice is helping me tighten it up and maybe even get some phrasing in there…. if it goes OK on 20th November and I get a reasonably clean recording, I’ll post it up here, show you my Yorkshire vowels and dropped consonants…
Rebecca
40 miles of heathery moor twixt me and the coal pit slack
A late one tonight, Christy…
Míceál did his first Transfer paper today, with the follow up in a fortnight. He has your gig in the Carrickdale Friday night to enjoy between now and then and he’s counting down the days.
He was asked to sing as guest of honour at an awards evening which showcases local people doing good things in the community and guess where it was.. the Armagh City hotel. It was a warming thought to see him on the stage, knowing that this wasn’t his first time to sing in that room… anyway he did Nancy Spain and Johnny Boy as a bit of a mash up, and they went down beautifully.
Should be a lively crowd on Friday..it always is! Hope you’re keeping well.
Dearbhla.
Well Dearbhla… great to hear that Míceál is pursuing song and studies.. reminds me of my own early days… when I was 10 I was singing Kevin Barry and Meeting of The Waters at local concerts….I held on to my boy soprano til I was 13…it broke just before the Boys Choir were due to do a gig in the Parish Church…Brother Michael held it agin me for the remainder of that primary school year..
getting prepped here for Kilkenny tonight…I wont be getting into Carrickdale mode til Tue when I’ll begin manouvres in that direction…best wishes to you and the Lad
Though i may have had it mixed up alright
On the road to the marble city.. just watched raplh mctell tonight in the liberty therte
A very good show . Great story teller
Havnt watchd many films lately but killers of the flower moon is getting good reviews
All the best
Good Man Adam…Hope you have a safe journey down from The Wicklow Mountains into Kilkenny…watch out for the wild cats ….Ralph is an old friend from many years back….I’d hoped to meet him but I was in rehersals last night for an upcoming project….I think the Moon Flower is about 90 minutes too long….last two movies were feckin marathons….for us,Oppenheimer was 100 cigarettes too long…Jim Page’s Hiroshima Nagasaki covered it in 4 minutes (with instrumental breaks)…see you later
Hi Christy
It’s Martin Lynot’s birthday later this month.
He will be 80.
He has Parkinsons so cannot play anymore and he relies on Sheena a lot as his carer as well as his wife.
I’ll be going to his local session as he wants to go for what may be his last time.
I met up with Gerry and Robin a couple of weeks ago in Stalybridge.
They were paying a visit to Vivians grave.
A lovely girl.
Looking at your schedule you’ve got your work cut out next year.
No Bundoran this time.
Hope all the recording went well.
Stay safe.
come the Autumn there will be a Bundoran gig ..all we gotta do is stay alive and kickin..always good to hear from you..
Vivian was a beautiful lady..I always remember when She and Gerry first got together..
hope Martin has a Happy 80th…I remember him so well from those heady Thursday nights in The Crown & Anchor
I do remember Tom Paxton playing Christy but the Hamish Imlach thing is driving me bonkers! Maybe I saw him on the Len Graham “As I Roved Out” show that would have been on UTV around the same time as your first CM and Friend’s. And to add to the confusion I’m now starting to think I saw him live also. He didn’t support Planxty at the Staudium gig in ’82 did he? I was defo at that! Went to that many gigs back then and with seeing stuff on the telly I’m getting confused between the two! Is there any more to tell about the tour you mention with Matt Molloy, Natie Comerford and Jimmy Faulkner. I have no recollection of that.
I always thought the Anti Nuke gigs were a series of annual festivals between 78 and 81, didn’t realise there was a tour, all 32 counties?
Here’s a good article with images of first two posters.
https://www.europeana.eu/en/blog/anti-nuclear-protests-at-carnsore-point
There was a gig in The Stadium in 1982…. I think it was a fund raiser for a strike fund..both Planxty and Moving Hearts played… (I think !!!)…I recall myself and the late Declan McNelis did the raffle…6th prize was a bottle of brandy… but by the time we got to the sixth prize the brandy was gone
thats a great anti nuclear document ..thanks for posting
Hello, Christy.
In Altman’s film, Julie Christie’s Mrs Miller advises Beatty’s McCabe to not wear cheap cologne if he’s going to present himself as some fancy dude, so I suppose dude is American frontier era slang akin to dandy. I don’t think word fits you, Christy.
That film holds up well, what with the good script, actors, and Leonard Cohen songs subtly revealing McCabe’s psychology. I have some Ken Loach catching up to do. Lucky me.
I almost met Julie Christie once
Hope all is well christy
That Anti-Nuclear 12″ Single was a black and yellow cover lp i think may not be the one Ive a copy of that somewere in the colection of vynal must dig it out
Strike wepon was pn paddy on the road i dont think its heard it song at a gig but i recall a more resent version think you did a video a few years back with the song i might be thinking of something else
thats a different song Adam
Hello Christy,
Chris Wood is coming to the trades Club in Hebden Bridge in March. Tickets in the bag!
Had a quick shift about and found the old poem that inspired Dalesmans Litany. The language isn’t Yorkshire-y. I’ve put the dialect version of the song here too. I don’t sing the dialect exactly, more a modern version of it.
Loved hearing you sing it in Salthill. Thank you!
The Beggars’ litany
Written by John Taylor in 1639
There is a proverb and a prayer with all,
That we may not to three strange places fall;
From Hull, from Hell, from Halifax, ’tis this, From all these three, Good Lord, deliver us.
This praying proverb’s meaning to set down, Men do not wish deliverance from the town; The town’s named Kingston, Hull’s the furious river;
And from Halifax’s dangers, I say, Lord, deliver.
At Halifax, the law so sharp doth deal,
That whoso more than 13 pence doth steal; They have a gyn that wondrous, quick and well,
Sends thieves all headless unto Heaven or Hell.
From Hell each man says Lord, deliver me. Because from Hell can no redemption be. Men may escape from Hull and Halifax,
But sure in Hell, there is not heavier tax.
Let each one for themselves in this agree, And pray – from Hell, Good Lord, deliver me
A Dalesman’s Litany
From Hull, Halifax, and Hell,
A Yorkshire Proverb.
By F R Moorman
It’s hard when fowks can’t finnd their wark
Wheer they’ve bin bred an’ born;
When I were young I awlus thowt
I’d bide ’mong t’ roots an’ corn.
But I’ve bin forced to work i’ towns,
So here’s my litany:
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
When I were courtin’ Mary Ann,
T’ owd squire, he says one day:
“I’ve got no bield[1] for wedded fowks;
Choose, wilt ta wed or stay?”
I couldn’t gie up t’ lass I loved,
To t’ town we had to flee:
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve wrowt i’ Leeds an’ Huthersfel’,
An’ addled[2] honest brass;
I’ Bradforth, Keighley, Rotherham,
I’ve kept my barns an’ lass.
I’ve travelled all three Ridin’s round,
And once I went to sea:
Frae forges, mills, an’ coalin’ boats,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve walked at neet through Sheffield loans,[3]
’T were same as bein’ i’ Hell:
Furnaces thrast out tongues o’ fire,
An’ roared like t’ wind on t’ fell.
I’ve sammed up coals i’ Barnsley pits,
Wi’ muck up to my knee:
Frae Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
I’ve seen grey fog creep ower Leeds Brig
As thick as bastile[4] soup;
I’ve lived wheer fowks were stowed away
Like rabbits in a coop.
I’ve watched snow float down Bradforth Beck
As black as ebiny:
Frae Hunslet, Holbeck, Wibsey Slack,
Gooid Lord, deliver me!
But now, when all wer childer’s fligged,[5]
To t’ coontry we’ve coom back.
There’s fotty mile o’ heathery moor
Twix’ us an’ t’ coal-pit slack.
And when I sit ower t’ fire at neet,
I laugh an’ shout wi’ glee:
Frae Bradforth, Leeds, an Huthersfel’,
Frae Hull, an’ Halifax, an’ Hell,
T’ gooid Lord’s delivered me!
[1] Shelter.
[2] Earned.
[3] Lanes.
[4] Workhouse.
[5] Fledged.
https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3232/pg3232-images.html#chap01
Rebecca
I love this post..
if poss please give my regards to Chris Wood…Top man
Wonderful gig with Ralph McTell in Derry Guildhall last night. In fine voice and had the audience I the palm of his hand from the very start. I think the venue played a part in it too – its a place we haven’t used as much as we should- I think the Troubles played a part in that- but it definitely creates a special atmosphere. I think my last 3 gigs have been yourself, Ralph and Freddie White, and Andy Irvine lined up for 2024 – wonderful to see music still calling decades down the road. It has been a special gift in days of joy and sorrow and I couldn’t imagine a world without it.
Good man John…you certainly walk the walk…Ralph is an outstanding singer, a true knight of the road….Freddie too, another great performer whom I first heard in Toner’s of Merrion Row in the 1970s….later,with his Band, he was part of The Anti Nuclear Roadshow which toured the 32 counties back in 1979 to great effect..the tour culminated on the Late Late Show and gained the attention and ire of Mrs Maureen Lynch …at the time Ms Lynch was wife of An Taoiseach Jack Lynch…her displeasure gained traction in the media when the good woman heard the verse;
“it was in 1969 Jack Lynch went back to Cork
to open Whiddy Island , where a handfull of men got work
the multi-national oil tycoons all turned out in style
10 years later 50 men lie slaughtered in the oil”
The song “The Workers are being used again” was written by Mick Hanly with additional lyrics added during the Tour by Johnny Moynihan and myself….it featured on the ‘Anti-Nuclear 12″ Single” released by Tara Records in 1980
Anyone remember the tour ??
Well Christy, seems you’re part of a Larrimah cult!!
The show is kicking arse on FOXTEL I see.
My wife Shirley actually stayed there in a previous life – pre Paddy Moriarty & his ilk
As for you finding him, be careful prising the crocs jaws open – could be they’re fond of travelling Irishmen
Watched your interview & ramble with The Two Norries: great stuff: candid, blunt, self effacing & thought provoking
At our age, scars & all with bits of skin off from a few falls (some our own fault, others life’s bowling ball) we do well I reckon to tune up, clear the head & throat & sail on & ride on & sing on & play on…
May you continue to find both peace & wonderful challenges as you chug along Christy
Many highest regards
Danny Harris
Danny Boy….when I was a lad I used to hear a song called “Are you there Moriar i t ”
Must check the Larrimah juke box next I’m in town
try: “Are you there, Moriarty?” Mick Moloney youyube
Mick was a great singer , also a doctor of Folk Music who had an outstanding career in American Academia…sadly he died last year…he was formerly a member of The Parnell Folk Group in the 1960s and later of The Johnstons who enjoyed great success with “Travelling People” and “Curragh of Kildare” ( learned from yours truly) Mick gave me a song in 1964 which I hope will be on my forthcoming album…he is missed by many
Howdy Christy!
I could be imaging this but in me minds eye, with the mentions here lately of Hamish Imlach, me memory is racing! Didn’t he appear on your (RTE) show, CM and Friend’s? For the life of me can’t remember what he sang?
I don’t think so Gipp..there were two RTE series..one in the late 70s another in 2001…far as I can recall Tom Paxton in the 70s and Neil MacColl in 2001 were the ones from off the Island
Hamish and I toured together here in the mid 80s… along with Matt Molloy, Natie Comerford and Jimmy Faulkner…it was a wild and wonderful time
Hey Christy, visiting from Newfoundland with the wife and sister ! Can’t wait for your show in Kilkenny ! All the best !
Larry
we’re nearly there now Larry… I’m deep in prep here, fresh string, new plectrum, clean calvins and a bunch of new songs…its a great room and Kilkenny always welcomes balladeers and visitors..face the puck out
Yo dude! How’s it going after so long. Glad all your gigs are selling out. House full everywhere! Fair play to you. Hope all is well with you and yours
I always find it hard to respond to Dude, Boss and Sir….Boss gets my goat, Sir gets up my nose, cant figure out where dude comes from, any clues ?
all that said Goatboy, good to hear from you..all goes well here ..just after a Rogan Josh and about to watch Munster v Leinster at the Rugby….
gigs going well, some new songs emerging, lots of new listeners….
Ride On Goatboy…Git
Here’s a spot of Dinny Lacey
https://youtu.be/yf2411oswdY?si=7qnG1vWpRWfiHoqC
Never thought about nursery rhymes… looks like we’ve all been singing folk songs all our lives…
Come Out Ye Black & Tans
Hello Christy,
Lots of practice going on here. I’m determined to get Dalesmans Litany up to scratch for the next Topic Zoom session.
Rebecca
a great song..apparently based on an older Yorkshire dialect poem
Christy,
My grandaughter last night wanted ‘Ally Bally Bee’ sung as we played with a balloon.
I found it on youtube with Hamish Imlach singing it, a braw version and she liked it age 2.
Perhaps there is time yet to release a live version of ‘Old Mother Hubbard’ ?
Rory
I’ll be singing Mother Hubbard’s come Sunday Night in The Marble City…. Dinny Lacey too….I think of Hamish most days..we covered some road together..left Manchester one Saturday in1967 after a Gig in MSG .. we drove nonstop to Caithness where Hamish had a gig on the Sunday ..pre Motorway..and we made it too…Hamish had a new Green Volvo .. we shared the driving..and golden balls of Russian Speed