Meaning of "Back Home In Derry" by Christy Moore

"Back Home In Derry" by Christy Moore is a poignant and emotive song that captures the struggles and hardship experienced by Irish rebels who were forcibly transported to Australia in the early 19th century. The lyrics evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and longing for their homeland, as they sail away from Derry, leaving their loved ones behind. The narrator expresses his anger and curses the English oppressors, blaming them for their current predicament.

The journey itself is depicted as treacherous and harrowing. The imagery of rusty iron chains symbolizes the physical and emotional burden imposed upon them. The mention of O'Docherty's scream and the vision of Robert dying suggests the psychological toll and trauma inflicted on the rebels. The conditions on the ship are described as deplorable, with the sun burning cruelly and illness ravaging the prisoners. The continuous burial of comrades each morning reflects the high mortality rate and the constant reminder of their own mortality.

The narrator's mention of Van Diemen's Land as a hellish place highlights the harshness of their punishment. The climate is described as raw, emphasizing the inhospitable nature of the environment. The reference to guns making the law and the disregard for bravery in the face of wind and rain depict the oppressive and lawless nature of their existence. The narrator's twenty years in bondage signify the lengthy and arduous struggle endured by the rebels in Van Diemen's Land.

Despite his release, the narrator sees himself as a rebel to the end. He carries the spirits of his fallen comrades with him and identifies with their cause. The final refrain of the song further emphasizes the longing for home and the deep connection to their homeland. The cold winter's night serves as a metaphor for the eternal struggle and longing that continues to reside within the Irish rebels.

The lyrics of "Back Home In Derry" capture the themes of longing, resistance, and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder of the historical injustices faced by the Irish people and the enduring strength of their culture and identity.