J'ai découvert le groupe Planxty fin 1984 avec l'album "After the Break".

Très vite, j'ai été sous le charme de cet extra-ordinaire band composé de Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, Andy Irvine et Liam O' Flynn.

Quatre des meilleurs artisans du "folk revival" irlandais dans les années '70.

Par leurs qualités vocales, par leurs qualités exceptionnelles de multi-instrumentistes, par la créativité de leurs arrangements ils font partie de ceux qui ont révolutionné la musique irlandaise.

Ils font partie des artistes pour lesquels j'ai une admiration sans bornes.

Chantée par Christy Moore, "The pursuit of farmer Michael Hayes" est une de mes préférées sur ce disque.

Tant le chant, que le rythme des accompagnements ou les parties instrumentales à l'uilleann pipe sont vraiment terribles sur ce titre.

Vingt-huit ans après, je l'écoute toujours avec autant de plaisir.

Et si vous avez envie de la chanter...

I am a bold undaunted fox that never yet was trapped or caught
My rent, rates and taxes I was willin' for to pay
I made me name in fine good land between Tipperary and Knocklong
Where my forefathers lived and died three thousand years ago.

I lives as happy as King Saul and loved me neighbours one and all,
had no animosity for either friend or foe,
Then I was of late betrayed by one who was a fool I know,
He told me I should leave the place and show me face no more.

The day that he evicted me , its then I knew that I should flee,
Late one night I took his life and left him lyin' low.
He fell victim to a shot, his agency was soon forgot,
From that day on they're searchin' for farmer Michael Hayes.

Soon there was a great lookout by land and sea myself to rout,
From Dublin Quay to Belfast along the ragin' sea
By telegraph they did insert a great reward for my arrest,
me figure, size and form, me name without mistake.

They broke their brogues a thousand pairs this great reward for to obtain,
Still their search was all in vain for farmer Michael Hayes.
They searched Tipperary o'er and o'er, the cornfields near Galtymore,
They then went into Wexford town but did not long delay.

Through Ballyhale and Stranemore, they searched the woods as they went on,
Its they were hungry, wet and cold before the break of day.
You may roam the world both far and near but never such a tell you'll hear
Of a fox to get away so clear' as I did from them hounds.

They searched the rocks, the gulfs, the quays, the ships, the liners in the
bays,
The ferryboats and steamers as they were goin' to sea.
Around the coast they made a steer from Poolbeg lighthouse to Cape Clear,
Killarney town and sweet Tralee, they then crossed into Clare.

When they landed on the shore, they searched Kilrush from tip to toe.
They searched the baths at sweet Lisdoon, likewise Milltown Malbay.
Galway bein' a place of fame, they thought 'twas there I might remain,
Still their search was all in vain for I gave them all leg bail.

they searched the train at Oranmore as she was leavin' for Athlone,
Every wagon, car and coach they met along the road.
Connemara bein' remote, they thought 'twas there I might resort,
As they were gettin' weary they resolved to try Mayo.

In Ballaghadereen they had to rest until the hounds they were refreshed.
They then went on to Westport and searched it high and low.
Through Castlebar they made a trot when they heard I was in Castlerock,
Still they were deluded where I lodged the night before.

In swinford town as I lay down, I heard a dreadful cry of hounds
Which filled me with the notion to retaliate me chase.
Being weary from the road, I took a drink at half past four
Which filled me heart with strength and speed when the hounds were gettin' slow.

As the moon began to shine I thought I'd make a foreign clime,
Leave them all to search away for farmer Michael Hayes.
To Dublin town I made my way and then to Cobh and Americay;
Now I'm in the land of liberty, a fig for all my foes.

...racontée par un renard originaire de Tipperary,

 la poursuite mouvementée du fermier Michael Hayes à travers toute l'Irlande.

Bien des années plus tard, Christy Moore et Declan Sinnot proposent une nouvelle version pour l'émission télé "Late late show" en 2011.

Christy a un peu changé sa manière de chanter mais le résultat est tout aussi bon.

Ecoutez plutôt.