Christy Moore - Ordinary Man (Official Live Video)

Recorded in 2006 at The Point Theatre, Dublin.
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Lyrics
I'm an ordinary man, nothing special nothing grand
I've had to work for everything I own
I never asked for a lot, I was happy with what I got
Enough to keep my family and my home
Now they say that times are hard and they've handed me my cards
They say there's not the work to go around
And when the whistle blows, the gates will finally close
Tonight they're going to shut this factory down
Then they'll tear it d-o-w-n
I never missed a day nor went on strike for better pay
For twenty years I served them best I could
Now with a handshake and a cheque it seems so easy to forget
Loyalty through the bad times and through good
The owner says he's sad to see that things have got so bad
But the captains of industry won't let him lose
He still drives a car and smokes his cigar
And still he takes his family on a cruise, he'll never lose
Well it seems to me such a cruel irony
He's richer now than he ever was before
Now my cheque is spent and I can't afford the rent
There's one law for the rich, one for the poor
Every day I've tried to salvage some of my pride
To find some work so's I might pay my way
Oh but everywhere I go, the answer's always no
There's no work for anyone here today, no work today
I'm an ordinary man, nothing special nothing grand
I've had to work for everything I own
I never asked for a lot, I was happy with what I got
Enough to keep my family and my home
And so condemned I stand just an ordinary man
Like thousands beside me in the queue
I watch my darling wife trying to make the best of life
And God knows what the kids are going to do
Now that we are faced with this human waste
A generation cast aside
And as long as I live, I never will forgive
You've stripped me of my dignity and pride, you've stripped me bare
You've stripped me bare, you've stripped me bare
#ChristyMoore, #OrdinaryMan, #Live, #Official, #ThePoint, #Dublin, #Ireland, #Acoustic, #Folk, #Irish

[@Kaner95]

Thank you for this piece of music Christy. A voice for all the blue collar men working hard to feed their families. I absolutely treasure this song. Just an ordinary man from Belfast.

[@jackieobrien-murphy320]

My husband Denis was a massive fan of Christy Moore and I remember being dragged to one of his concerts in London under protest. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Such an amazing artist. I could not believe when the concert. So my thanks to my wonderful amazing husband whose 60th birthday is today. RiP. I remember being on the boat back from Ireland and buying this CD for my husband. Thank you for all the wonderful beautiful music Christy 🍀. Happy heavenly birthday my love. We miss you every day. 💕💚🌹🍀

[@Dylankatieella]

I'm from Ireland and I think this is the best song ever ❤❤❤

[@davidbrewster8071]

What about a kind word about the ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL guitarist accompanying Christy Moore. !!!

[@TheBlueskyson]

Declan Synott. He's a very tasteful musician. Compliments the great man well. ty

[@siliconmunky]

That's Declan Sinnot, I believe.

[@russelsprout2155]

He's killing it 🎉

[@TheBlueskyson]

He nails it Bruss to be sure bro. Caid mille a failte

[@AwwYaaWakeUpYa]

​@@TheBlueskysonmn

[@stalag14]

This gentleman is a gift from God.

[@jujucaesar7751]

One of the best songs i never heard! From a french worker. Solidarity!

[@michaelf4506]

Keep fighting the good fight friend

[@ABCDEFGconversation]

Solidarity comrade ✊️

[@salimbegum3179]

Thank you for the opportunity 🎉🎉🎉❤FREE FREE FREE.

[@markarchibald]

Christy Moore, you are a living legend 🇮🇪✊️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@irishdeetalks]

He’s a TRAITOR OF IRELAND. Great music’yes’ but he’s a fkn sell out . He can sing all he wants about our heritage, while he supports IRELAND being invaded by Islam

[@Tsureiki]

I'm truly thankful for the existence of the internet when I find absolutely brilliant music like this, which would be virtually non existent to any one not born in the same country (or general vicinity) where it was created.

[@nixieNICLA]

There's a little bit of ordinary and a lot of extraordinary to be found in any one of us. I love this song.

[@cloruske]

I'm stunned ..Christy came up to me today whilst I was busking and said some nice things , I didn't realise it was him , he had a bobble type hat on , then after a minute or two I said , you look like Christy Moore, he said I am , we chatted a bit more , I'm homeless at the moment , he gave me a warm long hug and a large note ..wow , I'm still buzzing four hours later ..

[@chessisfornoobs4880]

yet u can access a computer

[@DIFFIEH]

Because computers are subjected to a strict protocol of being in homes only....

[@paulaylward7149]

+Mikey Mikey gfgvgg

[@elliehalliday6554]

Fdssrichard giltrap

[@tomehheiden6115]

Still buzzing after hours must be good shit you got with that note😂😂...... Only messing that's class he is a legend

[@lauriebailey7885]

My dad passed from covid in 21.. all christy songs were played through his ceremony and also a guitarist at his grave, it was really beautiful, I grew up on christy but heard his songs differently in those few days xx

[@Jonalisa754]

Sorry for your loss. My dad loved him too🎶🎵🫶🏼

[@jimbobb77]

I am half west Indian half English and so privileged to have grown up listening to Christy Moore....I will forever be thankful to my old man..❤

[@adammoore442]

hes great ur dad sure has good music tastes

[@eithneinx2417]

Do you have any Irish in your family? You should listen to Luke Kelly he is another Irish legendary singer. 🇮🇪❤️

[@rydokray3094]

One love my Celtic brother one love from Scotland 🤗👍

[@mickdorgan4833]

👍

[@cloruske]

So many thanks to the total of 35 people that gave my comments the thumbs up...I haven't checked this song out for a year or so and was very touched to see the response ..I'm no longer homeless, over two years have past since my Rosslare lass took her life , I have picked up my life again and doing ok back in England but my heart is still in Ireland .....like all places there is good and bad , but the good are fecking good!...the one thing I miss about being homeless is the daily need to pick up the guitar and sing for survival..... Whats that they say about necessity being the mother of invention.?Thank you Ireland xxxxx

[@appleandpear69]

Good luck to you in the future man, Ireland will always be your home. God bless you sir..

[@philipfagan2476]

+richard giltrap Best of luck Richard, Happy Christmas from Ireland... Ill have a pint of the black stuff for ya :)

[@cloruske]

+Philip Fagan cheers Phil...Christy is over here in Feb so will get along and pay my dues...Ireland always in my heart..

[@cloruske]

+Philip Fagan and a Merry Christmas to you and yours...two years ago I had nothing and grieving...thanks to kindness and help...especially the citizens of Greystones , and the U.K. Salvation Army..I'm out the other side , housed , happy ..and even have a new woman in my life ...and doing voluntary work with the homeless so it all goes around...good luck to anyone else that is going through it ...but keep going ...Cheers .

[@avalynch3353]

A boy in my school sang this song for our school play. I thought it was a brilliant song

[@kazikowski1976]

Tribute to mighty Chris and all grand Irishmen from brothers of Poland

[@t.b.bishop9749]

Respect friend. I got to know many great Polish men and women, and learn many bad Polish words. Stronger together. I know how lucky we are to have friends such as Poland. Our flags are safer for it I firmly believe.

[@tomburnes6356]

All of the irish love you Poland

[@arthmei6913]

@@tomburnes6356 Many love from France to my Irish an my Polish brother! I never forgive you!

[@urma7713]

@@tomburnes6356 Thanks for speaking for all off us.

[@mattybhoy6373]

Much love from Glasgow Scotland UTLR 🇮🇪💚

[@noface8807]

I lived in Ireland back in the nineties, how I miss this wonderfull place, just magic! Christy MOore is one of my favourites! GOd bless you all Irish!

[@gerriberri1805]

Listening again tonight to ur music christy after 40years with the same company my husband was made redundant today he has got another job thanks christy for keeping our hopes up with your music means a lot

[@kierandoherty5]

If Christy Moore was British or American he'd be right up there with the best singer / songwriters there is no1

[@westsideisdabest7825]

Grandad came over to London to work the roads in the 50's. Song always reminds me of him.

[@rocketman5931]

Christy Moore legend 💯🇮🇪☘️

[@patriciathewisher2315]

The Travellers who came to a pub I used to go to played this on the jukebox about ten times a night. Ordinary, quite lovely men. Such a great song. ❤

[@nickwill1465]

One of the greatest songs ever written.

[@fredbennett5285]

true that

[@ADAMmoor]

@@fredbennett5285 very true

[@chrisharro]

As long as you're working class. WHICH I AM!

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, the lead guitarist is wonderful and probably underrated all the good ones are

[@McFraneth]

God I love this man... Sings with his heart. He grips you.

[@heatherwhite5191]

Now we're on it!!! Christy Jesus Bai.... What a musician x

[@h2oboater]

Christy has the most captivating Voice !! 👍👍👍 Amazing !! 💖💖

[@powderedground78]

Happy St Patricks day to the Irish around the world.

[@clementwolf4081]

no clue if i have Irish blood ... but a Scotish man called me leprechaun after i gave him 2 clover 4`s. Happy St Patricks day

[@stevejones3034]

God bless all Irish around the world. Proud nation . Proud people . TAL 🇮🇪☘️💚

[@and6669]

@IRISH JAY IRISH JAY and bogs and potato's oh yeah and famine all associated with Ireland. And being thick.

[@TonyGallagher.1956]

Ah Christy ! An extraordinary man singing for the ordinary man.

[@saltwaterbye]

WHAT A GREAT WAY YOU HAVE WITH THIS SONG CHRISTY THATS HOW ACCUSTIC GUYTARS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE PLAYED..JUST MY OPINION.

[@MadDadLad]

My old man God rest him used to love belting this out at the local. I knew the song by heart and he'd always be onto me to help him out if he forgot the lyrics. This was our tune and it always reminds me of him.

[@jamesfennessy6863]

nice one derek great tune seems like good memories

[@MadDadLad]

+James Fennessy they were bud! One of the highlights of his life was seeing him live at the Marquee in Cork a few years back. He even took a snap of the gig and made it his phone's wallpaper and all. Miss the man terrible these days. His 1st anniversary is next month so I'm just going on a wee bit of trip down memory lane going over all his favourite tunes.

[@mori1166]

thanks for sharing :)

[@davidbaillie5398]

w

[@lewisgamer4869]

class class

[@ForaneverDragon7]

Heard when I was 12 or 13 and been one of my favorite songs; the kind that you forget in hurdles of life but finds you back again. I hope I won't forget existence of such beauty this time.

[@user-gz6yw4xi4n]

Fantastic song, written by Peter Hames, many many years ago. Thank you Peter !

[@ivovandeboom6767]

I've been to ireland when I was about 16. A friend of the guy I stayed with played guitar and showed me this. His father was a sheep farmer, they warmed their home with coal, and he played gaelic football. Man too much to tell, Ireland was amazing.

[@chucky2316]

Coal? Not turf

[@paddy_wax]

Wow, this is a masterpiece - a true legend, Ireland once again making me so proud it hurts.

[@user-lr2no8xu4r]

Aye great Christy Moore fan,& Planxty since first heard,& yes great duo music these two,am Australian of SW Irish descent so back home in derry a favourite (,thanks Bobby Sands),this one right on now as first day unemployed since sacked by toxic management arsholes after 25 yrs good service,lotta time unemployed younger days between many different labouring jobs,been luckier than many ,to be still kickin at 60 now,musics good,Full Moon tonite too,as Dad told me his Mother said the Irish go mad,don't I bloody know it,dont need Moon either

[@kennymcadams9295]

Will become vary relevant in the coming months as millions once again face the dole sad times once again for working class people

[@Pauly421]

These lyrics grow more true every day. Christy is a legend

[@WilsonDK100]

It's so true many lost their jobs so somebody else can be rich on their behalf. I hope the ones who lost the ability to provide for their families will be able to do so in the new year! Merry Christmas and even though they take away our money they may never take away our love for our families! Chris Moore thanks for this great song.

[@killiankiid]

I remember pulling into sugar factory in thurles with me grandad before they closed it down. He loved Christy. Mam used sing black is the colour to me as a baby. Good family.

[@Elmwood-ze3cr]

My Dad would of loved this song , he died in 96, a true working class bloke that could of related to this song , being put out of work etc etc Its an absolute classic

[@cornerback4074]

This was out in the 80s

[@davidobrien5623]

The mighty man from Kildare! Class act. Love this.

[@SEAMY1100]

Can't believe I'm going to watch him in 4 hours can't wait 😃

[@richardbarrow6606]

Beautiful, Thank You 💚💚💚

[@JollyPoggger]

stepping off a ship after serving a cpt at sea for 4yrs is an odd feeling, this songs first verse hits home

[@Dublin17Ireland]

He is great live and really gets the crowd going, I'm proud to say I was at the point when he recorded the live album some night that was

[@jonathansmith2835]

The best too come out of our beautiful Country 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@salimbegum3179]

Thank you for the truth 🎉🎉🎉❤THANKS FREE FREE FREE.

[@bastimulla7134]

This song never gets old.. God bless you all

[@clairebettington4297]

I have loved Christy Moore for many years now. Funnily enough I have never seen him before - quite a surprise to see what he looks like.

[@anthonymahon4751]

One law for the rich, and another for the poor,How true these words are today.

[@fxq777]

Well said AM and it's now 2019. Greetings from dublin

[@cornerback4074]

not what he says but ok

[@matthewhiggins8976]

@@cornerback4074 that is what he says " one law for the rich and one law for the poor "

[@user-jq1ie7iy6s]

Like our government

[@dermotmcneice6975]

Always

[@stevieforbes2160]

Fantastic Song, highlights the divide of the "big guy" beating the working class man which is so true in our world. Christy is a legend!!!

[@mro1864]

I am an Ulster Protestant and my mates give me a bit of ribbing as I love Christy/Pogues/Fureys etc until one night we were having a few jars at the house after the bar closed and I put this song on, they went mad for it so I ended up playing missing you, black is the colour, ride on and they couldn't get enough! I made a fair few Christy fans that night.

[@johncarolan8713]

What has a good tune (with no political or religious implications) got to do with religion?, sad if they’d follow an artist based just on religion.

[@TheLoughDuck55]

John Carolan welcome to norn iron would you like to take a seat

[@gerardhale199]

Music has no religion

[@jonnygraham5415]

I'm from so called loyalist Larne and love a bit of Christie!! Religion's a sham!!

[@theliamofella]

Winnie, fair play Fuk division

[@cloruske]

Reply to Alec...I came to Ireland from England sixteen years ago ...for a week or two...but met the lady who became my lover and mother of my son after three days , beautiful girl but suffered depression , badly treated by ever changing mental health doctors in Wexford .. ...I'm now out the other side from a bad year and using my busking skills in Gran Canaria....meeting Christy was a turning point along with so much kindness from folks I hardly knew ..busked Greystones most of last year ..so many kind people there..if you are going through hell....keep going ...that has been my mantra...thanks to all those kind comments ...

[@giantscauseway45]

u keep things goin ,and always remember givin up is the easiest xxxx

[@rosyenrica]

+richard giltrap fair play to you Richard, takes courage sometimes to keep going, i used to live in Greystones, where you busked. Thank you too, i think your words and experience give others hope, when things seem hopeless, what the song is about i guess, so prevalent when i moved to ireland in the 80s and as someone else said on a previous post, here we are again.

[@annnutty4813]

What a great guy love his music miss Ireland

[@oconnor3334]

And how are you doing now lad?

[@jayd1974]

Ah a great song from a brilliant song writer and performer 👌I seen him live at the Bridgewater Hall Manchester a couple years back in 2019 was class🇮🇪👍

[@socialpiratekeyboardwarrio6546]

Love this the man is a legend

[@marktolster5147]

What a man... i listen to Christy often, and love to play his albums.... completely never skip a song

[@Liamers95]

"Now we're on it" ✊

[@kelo0ne]

First heard this played at my 21st and I’m 30 in august and it’s still like hearing it for the the first time all over again. I think this songs properly one of the best songs I’ve ever ever came across. It’s brilliant

[@chriscoughlan5221]

christ this should be a million + !!! good man christy!

[@donkelleher9726]

Richard I hope your not homeless bud , or stuck in some kind of hostel. I really do .. it goes to show you how small minded people can be with comments like these, not all some are warm to the heart. Christy Moore hats off to you brother, you practice what you preach.. much respect. Keep going Richard

[@wboyle9721]

One of my favorite Christie Moore songs a song about life

[@user-jq1mc7sf6f]

mon idole, mon timonier, mon dieu ! bien dormir! Que Dieu vous bénisse !

[@gordonmcp]

Beautiful, raw, honest! Christy Moore!

[@gordonmelrose2514]

Best fucking song ever written in the history of all the galaxies in the universe. ❤❤

[@michaelmccue9394]

Declan sinnott is one of the best guitarists in the world

[@johndavidcollins6163]

I never knew his name. My music teacher in Cork prison told me that Christy was the writer that's why beginner's could play any Christy song but playing Declans was another matter. Christy plays so simple but I can't even see what Declan is doing with his fingers

[@rosemariedoyle1462]

From my home town Wexford Declan is very talented

[@infomoro3091]

Ohh yeeh the best guitare

[@Rufusapbt]

Fair

[@johnobrien8463]

Up the working class!

[@BabyKieransParty]

I love this song I have to get my fix everyday. Thank you Christy Moore for making this world a bit more bearable

[@carlmildner859]

Seen Christy perform live , a couple of times now... a fantastic man of the people ... and this is an outstanding presentation of a superb song thank you Christy

[@tonyt5919]

Now that's what I'm talking about, we don't hear enough of him and people like him, true songs from the heart,!

[@rosshannigan2204]

Love this man. He brings all your memories back 😁

[@JC-sq9pg]

an ordinary irish man! but just look at every major city in the world! youll finsd many succesful irish men and women!makes me proud when i visit boston philly new york n irsih names everywhere!

[@stevenm9254]

Why? It's not an Irish song, but an English sentiment. Written by a man from Hull in the UK about the Thatcher years.

[@HolgerWerner-so2ki]

❤Thank you for all, lovely wunderfull person Christy mooore❤ absolutli great ❤

[@zeinabkhorrami]

I can listen to this forever ... Love it

[@michaelhewson6725]

god bless you, brendan from ballymore eustace, for introducing me to christy's music (kadesh barnea, 1993)...i cry every time i hear this track.hope that you are well. my friend. mikey baby : )

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

Christy Moore is hands down Ireland's greatest folk singer and one of the best in the world. Hon Christy boy

[@mrdynamic7887]

This song suits 99%of us working class I'll do anything to have a little bit of something rather than a whole lot of nothing proud to be working class I may never be a rich man but I'll do what I can to make my familys life better ❤

[@CarmelMcNulty]

Brilliant never get tired of Christy Moore music x

[@Paddy7576]

christy moore, what a legend...........

[@fallenangel-caroline2601]

160 dislikes that's obviously trolls I've loved christy Moore since I was 12 n not because my parents listened because my friends had him on all the time by 15 we walked around with a getoblaster with christy Moore bellowing for it we didn't care and ended up hanging out with people from another area who loved christy and all our other music best days ever

[@mickyjoeful]

I grew up in a Republican housing estate.and Christy was always blasting out of ppls houses.he sings for the working class and the ordinary man .

[@lorcacombatano1963]

Christy is a working class hero ... a pain in the arse for tyrants & bosses worldwide the guitar is an AK47 in his hands

[@mickyjoeful]

he sings the truth.he has experienced one law for the rich one for the poor .

[@robbierobbie4343]

me too fallen angel grew up.listening to.him because of friends my parents were never into him more so my mates

[@rhyscroninkeating4967]

Mickyjoe

[@fellamelad22]

saw him in 1990 in Brighton. Happy Days ....

[@bocklinskitten4335]

I seldom heard such a good voice, I love to listen to this, lovly Irish....

[@rrappscallion]

So much emotion and passion in this song!

[@irishelk3]

What a ballad go on Christy !

[@martyfoley4088]

Heading to London from Canada in April to see the incomparable Christy Moore. Number 1 on my bucket list.

[@solarfall9175]

+Marty Foley man i wish! hes on my bucket list too. just dont come back with the dts lol

[@mikelit691]

Wish he would come play in London, what a legend

[@FlatlandMando]

What a solid performer, almost unknown in U.S. & Canada I would say.

[@bornslippy9208]

one of the best, goooo on Christy

[@rbedding1]

I am very lucky in life but this song and this man makes so grateful for what I have. I love you Christy.

[@Skullmanone]

A man of the people. Heard him many a time up around the curragh of kildare. A gent and what a performer

[@christinebordes9991]

Wow, this is a sacred text for a sacred song! Thank you. :)

[@carolinephantran5635]

Magnifique chanson, très émouvante. Merci beaucoup Christy Moore.

[@andrewwormald5289]

For those of us who lived through the 80s this is so powerful 😢

[@evelynoconnor3062]

A magnificent performance of a truly brilliant song by the FOREVER GREAT MUSICIAN and FOLK SINGER, Christy Moore, LOVE ❤️ Evelyn O'Connor r

[@TheKevin52xmx]

I sang that song across Europe for 12 years,great busking song,happy days.god bless ya christy

[@patsymccrthy2813]

Andy werentdatbadkev

[@enigma1785]

Ordinary man, Extraordinary singer.

[@Ellierua]

Happy pride to all. This man is just great altogether, Go on the lilies!

[@johnbrady3015]

Come on Ireland 🇮🇪..we need to stand up now as a nation like the brave men did to create our nation

[@irishdeetalks]

4uk Christy, he’s a traitor

[@sherp2u1]

The soundtrack to me auld fella's life...we forgot our socialist roots, sold out to the Euro and the Yankee Dollar...God Bless you Christy +++

[@kevincleary5953]

Rhythm and coordination at speed a lesson in itself…😎

[@headlesspigion]

Reminds me of a gentleman that was taken from us to soon, Rip breandan donnelly forever young 🙏

[@gerriberri1805]

fantastic song fantastic music your lyrics are so powerful amazing songwriter and amazing singer love you christy