I sat within a valley green,
I sat me with my true love,
My sad heart strove the two between,
The old love and the new love, –
The old for her, the new that made
Me think of Ireland dearly,
While soft the wind blew down the glade
And shook the golden barley.
Twas hard the woeful words to frame
To break the ties that bound us
Twas harder still to bear the shame
Of foreign chains around us
And so I said, “The mountain glen
I’ll seek next morning early
And join the brave United Men!”
While soft winds shook the barley.
While sad I kissed away her tears,
My fond arms ’round her flinging,
The foeman’s shot burst on our ears,
From out the wildwood ringing, –
A bullet pierced my true love’s side,
In life’s young spring so early,
And on my breast in blood she died
While soft winds shook the barley!
I bore her to the wildwood screen,
And many a summer blossom
I placed with branches thick and green
Above her gore-stain’d bosom:-
I wept and kissed her pale, pale cheek,
Then rushed o’er vale and far lea,
My vengeance on the foe to wreak,
While soft winds shook the barley!
But blood for blood without remorse,
I’ve ta’en at Oulart Hollow
And placed my true love’s clay-cold corpse
Where I full soon will follow;
And round her grave I wander drear,
Noon, night and morning early,
With breaking heart whene’er I hear
The wind that shakes the barley!
Re
Christy's reply
Martin Carthy was the first one I heard sing this song (I think) over 50 years ago….Ewan MacColl’s “Green Island” is similar…one of the last songs he wrote ….I recorded it way back….would like to do it again…
Christy – Lifelong goal to see you live in concert. Any chance you will be scheduling a gig between June 2 and June 15? Your music continues to inspire! – Peter
Christy's reply
Peter….Sorry to say there wont be any additional dates to the schedule….Christy
Hows it going Christy,
I saw this today while thinking of Shane.
I think it was good they brought the hurling into it with the idea of “the sick bed of Cú Chulainn” in mind.
A great lyric and great piece of symbolism with the exhibit “They gave the walls a talkin”, it was the first song I learned how to play and always been a favourite of mine.
I’ll leave this if you haven’t seen it already. As im reading it i realize it has been about a while.
you’re listening to the good stuff Matty…..it don’t come better the Shane’s lyrics
See the bright new moon is rising,
Above the land of black and green.
Hear the rebels voices calling,
I will not die ’till you bury me.
The aunt upstairs in the bed she is calling,
Why has he forsaken me.
Faded pictures in the hallway,
Which one of them brown ghosts is he?
Bless the wind that shakes the barley,
Curse the spade and curse the plough.
I’ve counted years and weeks and days,
And I wish to God I was with you now.
Hello Christy,
A picture from six years ago popped up on Facebook this morning. It was a picture of my workspace then. Taken about 2 months before I first attended one of your gigs. It was in York 2018. The picture is of an efficient, soulless space. I’ve reposted it to Facebook with a picture of where I spend my time now. A warm nest full of music and life. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BnpP5wRQXTg8vkfm/
The difference was put in motion by the music I heard at your gig. It inspired me so much that I ordered my first harp from that neat desk. I’ve worked hard. Things turn up all the time now, and I feel very lucky. That first gig was the catalyst. So I need to say thankyou. Thankyou!
Hi christy, a night with my grandchildren before a day in airdrie.
At 5.30am one of them woke crying. It made me think of 2 things.
Children crying every hour of every day in Gaza.
And the song ‘how long’ , a beautiful, heartfelt, deep song……
Rory
Christy's reply
Let me tell you a story
I’ll be quick as I can
terrible news
from The Holy Land
Pictures of Children
etched on my mind
buried in the rubble
along the firing line………( from “Palestine” by Jim Page)
Just listening to my favourite Christy Moore Album (Live at the Point) . I went to your concert in Hobart Tasmania about 20 years ago. Fabulous. One of the best concerts I have ever been to. Last week I spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon at your brother Luka Bloom’s concert in Launceston. I could listen to those lyrics forever. Hope to see you live on stage again someday. Thank you for the music.
Christy's reply
Thanks for the memory Cynthia….. I remember it well…. my Brother currently playing up there in Taz & Oz..
I see Vince Power’s passing gets a mention. A great man for the live music and concerts. He started a Dublin Mean Fiddler didnt he? I was at the Tramore Feile.
Rest in peace. A tireless campaigner for Irish acts and their music.
Christy's reply
Vince was the real deal……. a Father, a Friend, a great Gig man…I’m deeply saddened by his passing…I loved working with him….he created gigs and venues in his own unique way, he always respected the musicians who worked with him….away from gigs he was a quiet,down to earth, gentle man….altho he lived in London for 60 years, Vince was pure Waterford…true and thru….we’ll miss Him
The police reminds me. Flicking channels at one stage last night, I came across that channel which seems to relay Dell Boy and all his antics all weekend.
I stopped flicking. Dell Boy, Rodney and grandpa are right in their element winning over a rather upper-class lady. Doubtless some ruse. House looked good quality. “Do any of you have a police record?” (Do we assume she’s getting suspicious?!)
Up pipes up Rodney. “Yes. ‘Man on the Moon.'”
Dont ya love it!? The timing was great. I had to laugh.
Just heard the sad news Christy that Vince Power has passed away. Did so much for Irish Music and music in general both here and and UK. Was in his venues many times here and London. Huge loss! You sensed it wasn’t just a business but a passion for him!
Sorry to hijack here with prattling about mosaics,but I hope some info will be of interest…
Today,I set off for the Samuel Beckett mosaic in Watson Street,knowing roughly where it was…ended up in a cafe bar,set in an archway,over 150 years old. Mr Beckett looked superb and the history of the 53two bar makes it worth a visit (and to the website) as is the current project,Inc a theatre…ace coffee too
Simon,the owner and his dad showed me round. After his dad left,S said that I’d probably be interested in his dad’s website…dead right I am and hopefully it’s of interest to you/readers here. http://www.richardmorriswrites.co.uk
Another eventful wander on the Irish mosaic trail!
Hi C. Thank you for marking IWD so well in Cavan, the setlist had everything ; songs celebrating women, love song, protest songs, happy songs, challenging songs. It was a great buzz, I’m sure the 2 big screens are having a very positive impact especially in big rooms like that, although it is a great room. I know Naas will also be special. GRAMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Hi Christy
Great to see you mention Steely Dan… an outfit that I’ve enjoyed for decades. They’re touring soon with The Eagles,but ticket prices are out of my league. Friends rave about the SD tribute band, Nearly Dan….they gig regularly and I hope to catch them,sometime.
Amongat many artists regularly mentioned here,there’s astounding song writing talent,they have my admiration.ill never come close.Sorry to be a killjoy,Rebecca….give it your best shots!!
I’d never heard the podcast you mentioned,Christy…I’ll have a look for it …
Fiftieth anniversary of the Birmingham and Guildford bombings
Thinking of all the victims …
Scales of justice balance up your act
Am I talking to myself or to the wall ?
Hugh Callaghan, Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter,
Johnny Walker, Billy Power, Dick McIlkenny,
Scapegoats all.
For sixteen years they were talking to the wall.
I am only one, but I am one
I cannot do everything, but I can do something
And I will not let what I cannot do
interfere with what I can do
A curse on the judges, the coppers and screws
Who tortured the innocent wrongly accused
For the price of promotion and justice to sell
May the judged be their judges
when they rot down in hell
The months are flying by,
looking forward to the NCH in May
Big screens and everything
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Christy's reply
Singing “Scapegoats” in Barrowland always stands out and echoes…Paddy Hill in the audience….an heroic man who suffered abuse, beatings,cruel interrogation and long incarceration…he came out fighting the bastards and dedicated himself to exposing miscarriages of justice…..
Regards Dave’s post,
That is how i discovered Matt McGinn.
In a manchester 2nd hand record exchange shop i picked out a written out card for a cd.
Matt McGiin fae glesga i assumed, and spirited it away on the train north to listen to the gorbals hero of the 70s…..
Got back home and stuck it on and ….goodness what on earth is that? he’s irish! thats not mr mcginn…. i was perplexed.
5 years later, i’ve seen Matt play in Hilltown, Glasgow a couple of times and had him play at our music festival in hawick twice , met him for lunch and a wander in the the hills near his home , becoming friends along the way with the Laird of the Mournes.
New sounds Dave, you are right, are worth finding.
Rory
Christy's reply
Two Matt McGinns..I was confused myself at first…heard the first in Manchester Folk Club in 1967…been listening to the man from Mountain in recent years…l Iove his sound
Good evening Christy,
Great to get your feedback about tje box set. Those gaps in the discs that then surprisingly burst into life are magical.
The way pearce turner sings, and the hamburh medley are a couple of my box highlights.
Stay well
Rory
Christy's reply
it was a great time….my good companero, Michael Traynor, took everything away and listened carefully…he came back with over a hundred CDs of out-takes, rehearsals, musings, folk club cassettes, bits of ancient reel to reel, slobberings, and from all that came the 6 cds…I brought it to Robin Robbyns in Enniskillen, (he played with Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band before meeting a beautiful Fermanagh red-haired woman)…Robin guided me thru the process of getting all these disparate recordings into some sort of compatabile running orders…since 2000 my world has changed…now everything exists on digital devices….
Hello Christy,
Thinking about Dave’s comment. There’s so much more music that I haven’t heard than the stuff I have. Dunno, I tend to deep dive it so, once I’ve found it, I don’t let go. A d I treat it very mimuch as a learning thing. I go deep to learn everything I can from each thing. I probably miss out on lots of things, but it’s ok.
Dave, I should be writing. Christy said its easier when you have a writing friend. Wondering if this might interest you again?
Went to the cinema this morning. It happens about once a year. We went to see the new Dune film at the Showcase in Leeds. Sat through half an hour of very loud pap before the film started. Almost didn’t make it to the start. I’m 50 years too old for all the noise and pointlessness.
Hello Christy,
I started to understand Shane’s reference to the wind that shakes the barley. Need to find out more about it.
https://genius.com/Robert-dwyer-joyce-the-wind-that-shakes-the-barley-annotated
The Wind That Shakes the Barley Lyrics
I sat within a valley green,
I sat me with my true love,
My sad heart strove the two between,
The old love and the new love, –
The old for her, the new that made
Me think of Ireland dearly,
While soft the wind blew down the glade
And shook the golden barley.
Twas hard the woeful words to frame
To break the ties that bound us
Twas harder still to bear the shame
Of foreign chains around us
And so I said, “The mountain glen
I’ll seek next morning early
And join the brave United Men!”
While soft winds shook the barley.
While sad I kissed away her tears,
My fond arms ’round her flinging,
The foeman’s shot burst on our ears,
From out the wildwood ringing, –
A bullet pierced my true love’s side,
In life’s young spring so early,
And on my breast in blood she died
While soft winds shook the barley!
I bore her to the wildwood screen,
And many a summer blossom
I placed with branches thick and green
Above her gore-stain’d bosom:-
I wept and kissed her pale, pale cheek,
Then rushed o’er vale and far lea,
My vengeance on the foe to wreak,
While soft winds shook the barley!
But blood for blood without remorse,
I’ve ta’en at Oulart Hollow
And placed my true love’s clay-cold corpse
Where I full soon will follow;
And round her grave I wander drear,
Noon, night and morning early,
With breaking heart whene’er I hear
The wind that shakes the barley!
Re
Martin Carthy was the first one I heard sing this song (I think) over 50 years ago….Ewan MacColl’s “Green Island” is similar…one of the last songs he wrote ….I recorded it way back….would like to do it again…
Christy – Lifelong goal to see you live in concert. Any chance you will be scheduling a gig between June 2 and June 15? Your music continues to inspire! – Peter
Peter….Sorry to say there wont be any additional dates to the schedule….Christy
Just following quickly on from the post by Matty, the very same exhibition about Shane opened last week on IWD in the Bob Dylan Centre in Tulsa and will run there until May https://bobdylancenter.com/visit/exhibits/they-gave-the-walls-a-talking/ Beir bua agus beannacht. H
24 hours from Tulsa…
great song….I heard Gene Pitney sing it in Dreamland, Athy back in 1964….admission 7/6 on the door…dancing 9-2…
Hows it going Christy,
I saw this today while thinking of Shane.
I think it was good they brought the hurling into it with the idea of “the sick bed of Cú Chulainn” in mind.
A great lyric and great piece of symbolism with the exhibit “They gave the walls a talkin”, it was the first song I learned how to play and always been a favourite of mine.
I’ll leave this if you haven’t seen it already. As im reading it i realize it has been about a while.
https://www.hotpress.com/culture/they-gave-the-walls-a-talking-honouring-the-extraordinary-story-of-the-pogues-and-shane-macgowan-at-epic-the-irish-emigration-museum-22999791
-Matty
you’re listening to the good stuff Matty…..it don’t come better the Shane’s lyrics
See the bright new moon is rising,
Above the land of black and green.
Hear the rebels voices calling,
I will not die ’till you bury me.
The aunt upstairs in the bed she is calling,
Why has he forsaken me.
Faded pictures in the hallway,
Which one of them brown ghosts is he?
Bless the wind that shakes the barley,
Curse the spade and curse the plough.
I’ve counted years and weeks and days,
And I wish to God I was with you now.
Hello Christy,
A picture from six years ago popped up on Facebook this morning. It was a picture of my workspace then. Taken about 2 months before I first attended one of your gigs. It was in York 2018. The picture is of an efficient, soulless space. I’ve reposted it to Facebook with a picture of where I spend my time now. A warm nest full of music and life.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BnpP5wRQXTg8vkfm/
The difference was put in motion by the music I heard at your gig. It inspired me so much that I ordered my first harp from that neat desk. I’ve worked hard. Things turn up all the time now, and I feel very lucky. That first gig was the catalyst. So I need to say thankyou. Thankyou!
Rebecca
you are very welcome…..thanks for sharing
Hi christy, a night with my grandchildren before a day in airdrie.
At 5.30am one of them woke crying. It made me think of 2 things.
Children crying every hour of every day in Gaza.
And the song ‘how long’ , a beautiful, heartfelt, deep song……
Rory
Let me tell you a story
I’ll be quick as I can
terrible news
from The Holy Land
Pictures of Children
etched on my mind
buried in the rubble
along the firing line………( from “Palestine” by Jim Page)
Just listening to my favourite Christy Moore Album (Live at the Point) . I went to your concert in Hobart Tasmania about 20 years ago. Fabulous. One of the best concerts I have ever been to. Last week I spent a beautiful Sunday afternoon at your brother Luka Bloom’s concert in Launceston. I could listen to those lyrics forever. Hope to see you live on stage again someday. Thank you for the music.
Thanks for the memory Cynthia….. I remember it well…. my Brother currently playing up there in Taz & Oz..
I see Vince Power’s passing gets a mention. A great man for the live music and concerts. He started a Dublin Mean Fiddler didnt he? I was at the Tramore Feile.
Rest in peace. A tireless campaigner for Irish acts and their music.
Vince was the real deal……. a Father, a Friend, a great Gig man…I’m deeply saddened by his passing…I loved working with him….he created gigs and venues in his own unique way, he always respected the musicians who worked with him….away from gigs he was a quiet,down to earth, gentle man….altho he lived in London for 60 years, Vince was pure Waterford…true and thru….we’ll miss Him
The police reminds me. Flicking channels at one stage last night, I came across that channel which seems to relay Dell Boy and all his antics all weekend.
I stopped flicking. Dell Boy, Rodney and grandpa are right in their element winning over a rather upper-class lady. Doubtless some ruse. House looked good quality. “Do any of you have a police record?” (Do we assume she’s getting suspicious?!)
Up pipes up Rodney. “Yes. ‘Man on the Moon.'”
Dont ya love it!? The timing was great. I had to laugh.
dont talk to me about Peelers
Jeez! And also just hearing of the passing of Karl Wallanger. A super songwriter/musician! Sad times!
Just heard the sad news Christy that Vince Power has passed away. Did so much for Irish Music and music in general both here and and UK. Was in his venues many times here and London. Huge loss! You sensed it wasn’t just a business but a passion for him!
Vince…RIP
Hi Christy
Sorry to hijack here with prattling about mosaics,but I hope some info will be of interest…
Today,I set off for the Samuel Beckett mosaic in Watson Street,knowing roughly where it was…ended up in a cafe bar,set in an archway,over 150 years old. Mr Beckett looked superb and the history of the 53two bar makes it worth a visit (and to the website) as is the current project,Inc a theatre…ace coffee too
Simon,the owner and his dad showed me round. After his dad left,S said that I’d probably be interested in his dad’s website…dead right I am and hopefully it’s of interest to you/readers here. http://www.richardmorriswrites.co.uk
Another eventful wander on the Irish mosaic trail!
Dave
I’ll get back to this Dave
Hi C. Thank you for marking IWD so well in Cavan, the setlist had everything ; songs celebrating women, love song, protest songs, happy songs, challenging songs. It was a great buzz, I’m sure the 2 big screens are having a very positive impact especially in big rooms like that, although it is a great room. I know Naas will also be special. GRAMMA. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
its the seandeliers that does it
Hello Christy,
Talking of music that’s new to us, Here’s a song I’ve just met.
https://youtu.be/oxDiNLfNGOE?si=fnfxpMl0K1Kx9Lsh
Maybe a day late but heartfelt all the same.
Rebecca
Thanks,Christy…I’ll have a look at the podcasts…
The only Police interviews I fancy!! D
Hi Christy
Great to see you mention Steely Dan… an outfit that I’ve enjoyed for decades. They’re touring soon with The Eagles,but ticket prices are out of my league. Friends rave about the SD tribute band, Nearly Dan….they gig regularly and I hope to catch them,sometime.
Amongat many artists regularly mentioned here,there’s astounding song writing talent,they have my admiration.ill never come close.Sorry to be a killjoy,Rebecca….give it your best shots!!
I’d never heard the podcast you mentioned,Christy…I’ll have a look for it …
Thanks,Dave
all three Police interviews are excellent
Hi Christy,
Fiftieth anniversary of the Birmingham and Guildford bombings
Thinking of all the victims …
Scales of justice balance up your act
Am I talking to myself or to the wall ?
Hugh Callaghan, Paddy Hill, Gerry Hunter,
Johnny Walker, Billy Power, Dick McIlkenny,
Scapegoats all.
For sixteen years they were talking to the wall.
I am only one, but I am one
I cannot do everything, but I can do something
And I will not let what I cannot do
interfere with what I can do
A curse on the judges, the coppers and screws
Who tortured the innocent wrongly accused
For the price of promotion and justice to sell
May the judged be their judges
when they rot down in hell
The months are flying by,
looking forward to the NCH in May
Big screens and everything
Tabhair Aire
Bourkey
Singing “Scapegoats” in Barrowland always stands out and echoes…Paddy Hill in the audience….an heroic man who suffered abuse, beatings,cruel interrogation and long incarceration…he came out fighting the bastards and dedicated himself to exposing miscarriages of justice…..
Regards Dave’s post,
That is how i discovered Matt McGinn.
In a manchester 2nd hand record exchange shop i picked out a written out card for a cd.
Matt McGiin fae glesga i assumed, and spirited it away on the train north to listen to the gorbals hero of the 70s…..
Got back home and stuck it on and ….goodness what on earth is that? he’s irish! thats not mr mcginn…. i was perplexed.
5 years later, i’ve seen Matt play in Hilltown, Glasgow a couple of times and had him play at our music festival in hawick twice , met him for lunch and a wander in the the hills near his home , becoming friends along the way with the Laird of the Mournes.
New sounds Dave, you are right, are worth finding.
Rory
Two Matt McGinns..I was confused myself at first…heard the first in Manchester Folk Club in 1967…been listening to the man from Mountain in recent years…l Iove his sound
Good evening Christy,
Great to get your feedback about tje box set. Those gaps in the discs that then surprisingly burst into life are magical.
The way pearce turner sings, and the hamburh medley are a couple of my box highlights.
Stay well
Rory
it was a great time….my good companero, Michael Traynor, took everything away and listened carefully…he came back with over a hundred CDs of out-takes, rehearsals, musings, folk club cassettes, bits of ancient reel to reel, slobberings, and from all that came the 6 cds…I brought it to Robin Robbyns in Enniskillen, (he played with Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band before meeting a beautiful Fermanagh red-haired woman)…Robin guided me thru the process of getting all these disparate recordings into some sort of compatabile running orders…since 2000 my world has changed…now everything exists on digital devices….
Hello Christy,
Thinking about Dave’s comment. There’s so much more music that I haven’t heard than the stuff I have. Dunno, I tend to deep dive it so, once I’ve found it, I don’t let go. A d I treat it very mimuch as a learning thing. I go deep to learn everything I can from each thing. I probably miss out on lots of things, but it’s ok.
Dave, I should be writing. Christy said its easier when you have a writing friend. Wondering if this might interest you again?
Went to the cinema this morning. It happens about once a year. We went to see the new Dune film at the Showcase in Leeds. Sat through half an hour of very loud pap before the film started. Almost didn’t make it to the start. I’m 50 years too old for all the noise and pointlessness.
Rebecca