☝️ Key Points
- The song tells the story of an encounter at a well.
- The singer offers water to a thirsty gentleman and warns him not to fall into the well.
- The story takes an unexpected turn when the woman at the well denies her true lovers.
- The gentleman confronts the woman with the truth and announces consequences for her lies.
- The lyrics remind us that lies and deceit have consequences and that honesty and truth are always better.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "Well Below the Valley" by
Christy Moore tell a story of an encounter at a well. The singer describes how a thirsty gentleman passes by the well and asks for a sip of water. The singer fills his cup to the brim and warns that he could fall into the well if he leans too far.
The text emphasizes the kindness and hospitality of the singer, who would also offer a sip of water to his true lover if they were to pass by. This gesture symbolizes the singer's willingness to do anything for his true love.
However, there is a twist in the story when the woman at the well swears that her true lover was never born. The gentleman counters and says that she has six children whose fathers are her brother John, her uncle Don, and her father.
The woman is confronted with the truth and the text ends with the gentleman's question about what will happen to himself. The gentleman replies that he will ring a bell for seven years and burn in hell for another seven years. But he hopes that the Lord will save his soul.
The lyrics of the song remind us that lies and deceit can have consequences and that honesty and truth are always better. It is also a reminder that every action, whether good or bad, can have consequences.