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Subject: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Alex W. West Date: 26 Jun 99 - 10:05 AM Hi all, I'm looking for the words to an Irish Song called 'Ride On'. I've only heard it a few times but I absolutely love it. The only thing that I can think of to help is it's about a horse named SeaDew. If anybody knows the words please post or email to me. Alex awwest_98@yahoo.com |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Big Mick Date: 26 Jun 99 - 11:38 AM Hi Alex, Welcome to the Mudcat, greatest town in the world. We are glad you are here, now stick around a while and contribute to the threads. The short answer to your request is CLICK HERE. I would encourage you to use the search features in our town when you are looking for lyrics. There are two of them. The blue box in the upper right corner of the screen will search the Digitrad database. I searched there and didna find what I was looking for. I then did a search on the Forum itself. Often members post lyrics there which have not made there way to the DT. I put "Ride On" in there and voila. Up pops a thread where Alan of Australia very kindly posted lyrics and chords. Happy Mudcatting and remember .......MUD IS THICKER THAN WATER. hahahahahahahahahahaha..........I got to use it first in the threads, pholks. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Susanne (skw) Date: 26 Jun 99 - 07:25 PM Can anyone give any info about the song's background - why it was written, whether it refers to a particular story, etc.? Thanks, Susanne |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Brian Hoskin Date: 28 Jun 99 - 03:56 AM It was written by Jimmy MacCarthy, if that's any help. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Te Burren Ranger. Date: 28 Jun 99 - 01:10 PM 2 great versions of 'Ride On'...Christy Moore and Mary Coughlan. Check 'em out. make that three....Maura O'Connell too! |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: alison Date: 29 Jun 99 - 05:04 AM I would like to know what people think the lyrics are about...... is it a horse? is it a woman? why does he ask her/it to "run your claw along my gut one last time?" any ideas..... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Susanne (skw) Date: 29 Jun 99 - 07:22 PM Seconded! - Susanne |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Indy Lass Date: 29 Jun 99 - 07:53 PM Me,too; me,too!! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: RIDE ON (Jimmy MacCarthy)^^ From: Len Wallace Date: 29 Jun 99 - 09:34 PM Lyrics to Ride On:
True you ride the finest horse I've ever seen,
Ride on, see you.
When you ride into the night without a trace behind, From "Ride On", Christy Moore. Len Wallace http://lenwallace.homepage.com/Len.html ^^ |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Brian Hoskin Date: 30 Jun 99 - 03:16 AM Jimmy MacCarthy has a website that's worth a visit. I had no idea that he was responsible for so many great songs http://www.dojo.ie/jimmymaccarthy/index.html (Apologies for no blue clicky thingy) Brian |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: alison Date: 30 Jun 99 - 06:58 AM still no takers for what it's about? |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: John OSh Date: 30 Jun 99 - 12:08 PM I always thought it was about the leaving of a lover or relationship...possibly noble and commoner One is riding the finest horse, skilled rider (nobility) and the other could never go with them ever though they wanted. And the "claw along my gut" is, I believe, in reference to "so long" sex. Just my opinion. John OSh |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: MMario Date: 30 Jun 99 - 12:19 PM I always pictured the lover of a highwayman off to stage another robbery- and the "claw" being the fear that he wouldn't return. MMario |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: alison Date: 30 Jun 99 - 08:55 PM I like the highwayman theory... never even thought of it that way slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Brian Hoskin Date: 01 Jul 99 - 03:20 AM I'd go along with John's theory. The 'run your claw . . .' line I read as a reflection of the torment of a last encounter between the besotted man and the woman he'll never have again. I'm not sure that there has to be a commoner/nobility division, but she's moved on and he's still desperately in love. Having said this, I don't believe that the meaning as intended by the writer has any more importance than that which is constructed in the interpretation of both the singer and the audience. This song is undoubtedly emotionally powerful, and all the more so for its ability to bring different images and ideas to different people. So whether you're imagining a highwayman (or woman) or a spurned lover, or a hopeless love across an impossible dividing line, it really doesn't matter; each is just as valid and just as powerful. Besides, if you think this one's difficult to interpret, what do you make of MacCarthy's songs (also recorded by Christy Moore) 'Mystic Lipstick' and 'Bright Blue Rose'? Brian |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Declan Date: 21 Mar 07 - 04:56 PM Refreshed from the "Name this song" thread. If its any help to know Jimmy MacCarthy is a former jockey. One of his albums of his own songs is called "The song of the Singing Horseman." I've been told that Jimmy wrote "run the claw along my gut". The claw being an implement used in grooming horses. Don't know if this helps the interpretation any. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Murray MacLeod Date: 21 Mar 07 - 07:58 PM Declan, I worked for two years in one of the most high profile racing yards in England, (with many Irish employees) and I never heard any of the grooming implements being referred to as "the claw". And "along my gut" makes me a little dubious as well. Stable hands don't normally run any implement "along the gut" in my experience. Not to say you are wrong, this could be a usage in Ireland, and I stand prepared to be informed. I would actually like to know which particular implement MacCarthy meant, if the grooming explanation is correct. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Murray MacLeod Date: 21 Mar 07 - 08:08 PM incidentally, from the opening post ...the only thing that I can think of to help is it's about a horse named SeaDew ... this has got to rank among the greatest Mondegreens of all time ... |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Effsee Date: 21 Mar 07 - 08:46 PM Yup! |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 21 Mar 07 - 08:59 PM I read somewhere that the horse was a metaphor for republicanism. (Green eyes anyone?) The idea being she'd sort of got on it and it took her to a mental 'place' he would never want to go to. (Armed struggle, blah bla blah.) Could be complete and utter rubbish of course. Doesn't really matter in some ways. It's a song that touches the emotions rather more than the intellect (for me at least.) Yeah the claw along my gut thing is interesting. To me it seems like an obviously very sensual, loving gesture, but (maybe because it is the last time) it is emotionally agonising, hence the harsh physical imagery. Hmmm, my English, just keep saying stuff and maybe they'll give you a decent mark for trying skills are still sharp. I think I ought to be propping up a bar. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Declan Date: 21 Mar 07 - 09:14 PM I noticed the Sea Dew, and it is a brilliant Mondegreen. Jimmy Mac used to always sing it as See Ya. Christy made it more of a you sound. I don't claim any expertise in horse grooming whatsoever, I was just relaying a story that I had heard, could be as accurate as Sea Dew. If I get a chance I'll listen to Jimmy's recorded version again and try to make out whether he said "your claw" or "the claw". |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 22 Mar 07 - 01:15 AM Any Irish or British equestrians on board? Isn't "ride on" a standard phrase they use in hacking/hunting which means (more or less) "let's go"? I played music every week (in Cork) with a guy who used to sing this song regularly, and he definitely put a sarcastic twist on the "run your claw" line, so I've always interpreted it much the same as John OSh above does - a farewell roll in the hay. You know it's the last time ever with this person, hence the image of deep visceral pain. Mary Black sings this song too. I think Jimmy still works with and/or owns horses up in Kildare (prime horse country). Great song - good on yas for resurrecting this song, Declan. Happy Vernal Equinex everybody - |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 22 Mar 07 - 01:19 AM I meant EquiNOX. That's what I get for Mudcatting at 5:20 in the morning (Irish time) - |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Morris-ey Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:02 AM I think the republican metaphor theory is correct in the sense of no longer being able to support the more extreme para-military activities |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Den Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:28 AM Its about a the break-up of a relationship with all the pain and angst associated. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 22 Mar 07 - 08:33 AM Sea Dew! I've just got it! Brilliant!!!! |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,SeaDew Date: 22 Mar 07 - 09:09 AM Just got the "Sea Dew" too... i'm in stitches. I've got the "Ride On" MacCarthy's book at home, very interesting kind of Autobiography through his songs, very similar in the idea to the unique "One Voice" by Christy. I will copy what he says about the song tonight for you guys. From what i remember, it's about parting love and there is a bit about the "claw" thing too. Hang on... SeaDew... |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST Date: 22 Mar 07 - 09:26 AM Googling sea due came up with rosemary. So perhaps that's his sweetheart that he was breaking with! |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: MikkinNotts Date: 22 Mar 07 - 12:19 PM When I have sung this in the past. I have always assumed (rightly or wrongly) that it was about the relationship between man and beast, The horse being near to death. "The claw" being the man's hand. That's what in my mind anyway when singing it.. Mikk |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Murray MacLeod Date: 22 Mar 07 - 03:05 PM I have the most awful premonition that this could become another Raglan Road - type thread ... |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Girl Friday Date: 22 Mar 07 - 10:30 PM I like the man / dying horse theory. It straightaway made the words sensible. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 23 Mar 07 - 06:29 AM What's that little sideways-hook thing called that you use to prise muck out of the horse's hooves? Whatever its name is, it certainly looks like a claw. The song line could be referring to both the grooming implement AND the girl's hand - nice bit of symbolism (if there is any such tool). |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Sea Dew Date: 23 Mar 07 - 08:55 PM From "Ride On", a fantastic book by Jimmy Mac. Reissued by Town House, Dublin, in paperback, this year and highly recommended : quote Page 31 : " Ride On People often ask me about this song but, purely and simply, it is a song of parting. The parting of lovers, the parting of emigrants from their homeland and friends, the parting when illness or accident takes the life of a loved one. I have been asked to sing this song at many funerals services and, somehow, it always feels right. Christy Moore recorded this song on his Ride On album in 1984 and it was my first hit. I will always be grateful to him for giving me the start with what would have been then regarded as a most unlikely song-writing voice. Christy obviously recognised "Ride On" as a song of parting when, on its release, he dedicated it to the memory of the great Luke Kelly. I am often asked about the line "Run the claw along my gut one last time" (in the same way as i'm asked about the line "I am the geek with the alchemist's stone", from my song "The Bright Blue Rose"). These dramatic lines jolt the listener into a deeper engagement, or at least this was my intention in employing such devices. That is not to say that they were not a natural part of the flow of expression but, while most writers would edit them out, i feel that a song, like llife, depends on the decisions one makes and these decisions were not taken lightly. Some people may think that i just throw paint at the canvas, but there is exactitude and detail in the placing of every word and phrase until i am satisfied that the lyric is absolutely watertight. It has always bothered me that the previously mentioned line from "Ride On" has often been changed to "Run YOUR claw along my gut one last time", which clearly denotes an intention to cause pain, when the pain i envisioned is simply the pain of living life. The pain of parting and separation that no life can escape. Life is hard. Ride on. " End of quote Hope this helps... |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,teachers pest Date: 24 Mar 07 - 04:34 AM I always thought the song was about love and regret.Wanting to be with someone,but for whatever reason was unable to go away with them.It is a very passionate song and always brings out a flood of emotion.Who cares what it is about,just enjoy the great writing. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Mo the caller Date: 24 Mar 07 - 07:25 AM The implement is a hoof pick. I liked the thought of a 16'1" high horse, too 16 hands surely. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,teachers pest Date: 24 Mar 07 - 09:59 AM Standing 16 one or two with eyes wild and green,is how i sing it. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 25 Mar 07 - 08:29 AM But that must be hands rather than feet. I mean sixteen hands is common enough I think. (No expert or anything). I find it hard to imagine a sixteen foot horse. You'd have to climb out the bedroom window to get on its back. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Declan Date: 25 Mar 07 - 11:01 AM Getting your hands and feet mixed up could lead to all sorts of complications. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 25 Mar 07 - 01:26 PM I love Jimmy MacCarthy's songs but he is a bit away with the fairies. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Declan Date: 25 Mar 07 - 02:29 PM Interestingly, Sea Dew's quote confirms that Jimmy wrote "Run the claw along my gut". So if it isn't a grooming implement, what is it? Anyone got any ideas? |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser) Date: 26 Mar 07 - 07:42 AM Awful song. 'Danny Boy' for hippies. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 26 Mar 07 - 12:46 PM I think JMac's lyrics don't always make much sense because he likes the sound that they create, rather than the meaning. The phonemes in "Run the claw along my gut" create a harsh cruel sound. The meaning is irrelevant. Rather like those Japanese t-shirts that just have words on because people like the shape of the words. The meaning doesn't matter. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Bardan Date: 26 Mar 07 - 08:01 PM Ah no Chris B, it's a lovely song. A seriously overplayed song and an occasionally butchered one, but you can't deny it stirs some emotions up. (Having said that, I'd tend to have a similar opinion of Danny Boy.) |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,cobra Date: 27 Mar 07 - 04:25 PM "I love Jimmy MacCarthy's songs but he is a bit away with the fairies." Well, fair play to you, Chris Murray! I also happen to think he is a bit "away with the fairies" but, unlike your insinuation, I think that in a good way. He is a very spiritual sort of an individual. Someone above made reference to his book "Ride On" and I would commend that to anyone. In it he write about his life and about his lyrics. The fairies were lucky to have him for company and I, for one, feel lucky to have been exposed to his exquisite poetry. Chris Murray, I am sure you did not mean any offence to the man. BUt I would encourage you to listen to (and read) the man's own words. It may just help you to offer a rather more informed opinion. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 28 Mar 07 - 04:25 AM JMac is one of my idols. It was his songs that got me into Irish music. I've got all of his CDs and love his songs very much and rather resent your assumption that I don't know what I'm talking about. 'Away with the fairies' isn't an insult where I come from. I do, however, think that he uses words he likes the sound of and the meaning is often secondary. Nothing wrong with that. It wasn't meant as a criticism. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: GUEST,Chris Murray Date: 28 Mar 07 - 04:29 AM One of my favourite songs ever is 'The Bright Blue Rose'. Christy Moore will occasionally sing it but it's a very special song to him and I think he'll only play it if someone from the audience suggests it. Read what he says about it in his book. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: The PA Date: 28 Mar 07 - 08:46 AM Yep, this one of my favourite songs too. Been involved with horses professionally and competitively for almost 50 years. ''16.1 or 2'' Height of horse, 16 hands - 1 inch, 16 hands - 2 inches. A hand being a measurement of 4 inches. In all 50 years of owning horses a hoof pick has always been known as a hoof pick and nothing else. Never heard of sort of equestrian equipment at all referred to as a 'claw'. 'Walk on' is a common term used to ask a horse to walk from a standstill. Often used when schooling and backing a young horse. Never heard of the expression 'ride on' used in this connection. I just thought it was a song about some bird on a horse and a bloke who fancies her but cant have her for whatever reason. Do you think we sometimes try to make things more complicated than they are. |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 28 Mar 07 - 08:53 AM Probably, but it's such FUN! Thanks for the info - |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: The PA Date: 28 Mar 07 - 09:03 AM No problem, glad to be of help. Now, everybody - walk on!! |
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Subject: RE: Irish Song; 'Ride On' From: Big Mick Date: 28 Mar 07 - 09:14 AM Thanks for saying what I have been fighting off saying since this thread started, PA. The reason I didn't was the one Bonnie Shaljean gave. Folks just having fun, that's a good thing. But it has been said a number of times by the author, and by Christy Moore. It's just a song about a guy and a gal. Claw along the gut is just vernacular, and pretty sexy vernacular at that. Love the song. And I really love singing it in the right setting. Mick |
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