Today, Christy Moore releases Music to Our Ears, a spoken word tribute to President Michael D Higgins. Written by poet Johnny Broderick, the poem is a celebration of the life and legacy of our President in the last year of his tenure.
The spoken word track, produced by Gavin Murphy, will feature on the extended edition of Christy’s No.1 album A Terrible Beauty, coming later this year, and is accompanied by a beautiful lyric video – WATCH HERE.
Speaking of how the work came about, Christy states:
“I was working in Gavin Murphy’s Studio. Gavin shared music he was composing for a poem John Broderick had written in advance of President Michael D’s departure from Áras and Úachtaráin. I read the poem and listened to the music. I offered to recite the words. Claddagh heard it and suggested we make it available to the public.
I think it is a beautiful tribute to our esteemed President and His Family. I think Johnny B’s words express what many of us feel about Michael D. and, Our First Lady, Sabina”.
Christy Moore’s most recent offering “A Terrible Beauty”, released via Claddagh Records in November 2024, reached No 1 on the Official Irish Album Charts. A Terrible Beauty, arriving 56 years on from the release of Christy’s debut album Paddy On The Road, became Christy Moore’s first no. 1 album in seven years.
The album also features “Boy in the Wild”, a song featuring Christy’s own son, Andy, on backing vocals. The “Boy in the Wild” music video recently scooped the top prize of Best Music Video (Irish Category) at the prestigious Shark Music Video Awards in London. Featuring BAFTA-nominated and IFTA-winning Irish actor Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones, 3 Body Problem, The Vault, Hunger, The Wind That Shakes The Barley) and the sensational IFTA-nominated young actor Ollie West (The Sparrow, The Listeners), the video is only the second Christy Moore music video in existence, the other being 1983’s ‘Don’t Forget Your Shovel’.
Music To Our Ears
Words by Johnny b Broderick
Produced by Gavin Murphy
There is an aura that surrounds you
With decency you are blessed
There is a warmth in your presence
For every welcome guest
You are a voice for the voiceless
Like thunder in the plain
An empathetic ear for the afflicted
Selfless, humble, but never vain
You are the Aisling of our Celtic lore
Feasting on the Bradán of our day
Sharing your sage and wisdom
With all along the way
Your quiet measured oratory
Speaks volumes to keenest ears
Your deliberate delivery
Honed throughout the years
You are like a warm hug
To the masses of our race
Gentle kind reassurance
With effervescent dignity and grace
You are the lyrics of the verse
The melody of the song
You are the North Star of the night sky
When our compass is pointing wrong
Your core values EVER visible
An example for all to see
Truth, honesty, and decorum
And at the center, family
Immersed in tradition
Justice and fairness your deepest care
Culture and heritage born
From the spirits of county clare
Your service to our people
Will be etched in future lore
The EPITOME of irishness
With Céad míle fáiltes galore
Statesmanlike and diplomatic
Charismatic without fears
You are a national treasure treasured
You have been music to our ears.
Claddagh Records was relaunched in 2021 following the signing of a worldwide licensing agreement with Universal Music Ireland, and is home to recent additions DUG, Niamh Bury, Lemoncello and legendary Christy Moore.
Founded by the late Garech Browne, an heir to the Guinness empire, in 1959, Claddagh Records, one of Ireland’s oldest record labels, was established to protect Ireland’s musical heritage. Specialising in Irish traditional music, poetry and spoken word, Claddagh captures the sounds of a rich tradition and brings it to international audiences. Claddagh’s catalogue includes ten albums released the by The Chieftains (including their first six); Seán Ó Riada, best-known as composer of the orchestral score for the documentary on the struggle for independence, Mise Éire; uilleann pipers Liam O’Flynn and Séamus Ennis, fiddler Tommy Potts and singer Dolly McMahon.