To fight the fight they believed to be right The song pulls no punches as the charging sentiments refer to the more violent aspects of the country’s history: According to Phil Lynott biographer Mark Putterford, Emerald was “the last word on the author’s burning fascination with Irish history, a blood-curdling clash of steel and morality embedded upon a spectacular Gaelic guitar riff”. Phil wrote the lyrics in tribute to his Irish heritage, and combined with the music the song takes the form of a thematic ‘fight’ against invaders, with dueling guitars and many different passages which nicely symbolise the various stages of battle and rebellion. It’s a song about ancient times in ancient Ireland, talking about the warring clans and all that.” But the main riff came straight out of Phil. Brian Robertson and I came up with the harmony guitars in there. Guitarist Scott Gorham later said, “It’s got the real sort of Irish-y feel in it. The song originated from a riff that Phil Lynott had. The song we’re talking about today is a striking example of this combination.Įmerald concludes the Jailbreak album, and is notable as the only composition credited to all four band members.
Much like their fellow Irishmen and folk-rock trailblazers Horslips, they would at times make a potent mix of Celtic/Irish folk music and hard guitar-based rock’n’roll. Thin Lizzy were one of those bands that weren’t afraid to dip into their cultural heritage from time to time, going all the way back to their early hit with Whiskey In the Jar (1972).
My favourite Lizzy albums overall would be the trio of albums following it – namely Johnny the Fox (1976), Bad Reputation (1977), and Black Rose (1979). It can be found on their best known album Jailbreak (1976), which starts their ‘golden era’. Emerald is one of my all-time favourite Thin Lizzy tracks.
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