Thin Lizzy - The Friendly Ranger at Clontarf Castle (Unreleased Alternate Version)

Lyrics & Information

Until 2006 there was 5 tracks that had been hidden in the Lizzy vault that had never been released. Very early studio recordings of some of the later famous and best loved songs. But also 2 tracks 'Mama and Papa' and 'It's Really Worthwhile', that had been recorded but never released officially. Hope you enjoy! These were recorded in Dublin.

Now this track is very special as it is very different to the one that was released on the album. It is very interesting because Phil uses lyrics that were to be incorporated on the song 'Buffalo Gal' but switched them around. I therefore had to take the lyrics by ear, but if you think that the lyrics are wrong in any way, do not hesitate to contact me and I shall rectify them!

Lyrics :-

The Friendly Ranger paused
And scooping a bowl of beans
Spreading them like stars
Falling like justice
On different scenes

I'm damned
Indeed comrade
I'm being bombed
And all the people's faces turned strawberry blonde

By the morning gate
The Friendly Ranger waits
For the sun
Making sure it's not late

Just in time
No need to fear
Just in case
And all the people happy for another year

True to these circumstances no more dances
And your chances for further romances will be met
Till the young maid has been paid
Recieved the debt which was delayed
I'm afraid there's a bet

(Very cool bongos)

And in the evening shade
He climbs upon the sun
Getting it's glow
Goes on singing this song

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Thin
• Lizzy
• The
• Friendly
• Ranger
• at
• Clontarf
• Castle
• Unreleased
• Alternate
• Version

[BlueShark45]

The only thing that amazes me more than Thin Lizzy themselves-Is the fact that the fabulous song writing and incredible talent is not more widely known.

I suppose this is the special thing about them. We are a happy family of true fans and will always love the gift Phil gave to us. Not to exclude all the other musicians like Brian Downey,Gary,Eric,Brian R,Snowy and John.

[sbyrne1]

I could not have said it better my friend. It's interesting because everyone I spoke to said when they saw them live, they were the best band they had ever seen. Even if they hadn't been a fan before. The only reason I can think that they didn't get as much prolific is just they are in insanely rare band. When I think of the genre rock. It's always Thin Lizzy to me.

[ugar]

i know i'd already told, but i red "clontarf castle" somewhere! this one is really strange and beautiful version!

[sbyrne1]

Hey Riccardo how are ya? Yeh I think you read Clontarf Castle when you went on your trip to Dublin :P. It's a hotel now but used to be open to the public as a castle or something I think :P

[BlueShark45]

...and in the evening shade...

Thank you for this treat my friend.Wow.

[mdelair420]

Thin Lizzy are like a cave full of gold and priceless artifacts..It is not found by everyone.Yet to those who do find this cave full of wealth.. I say enjoy your spoils:D

[ORNERY714]

Where is the Original Version? So much Better

[gustavth1]

"to walk with my arms around your hips"

I simply love this song

[rutger5000]

I said goodby to a good friend never to meet again. I'm down.

[LtPrime]

this is what you call acoustic right? it sounds good

[dummytree]

@BlueShark45 Songwriting, yes. And variety too. People always think of Thin Lizzy as this "hard rock" band when they were actually much more diverse than that.

[dwstonemasonry]

Wow I've never heard this version before, sounds like a different song. Thanks for posting it

[lockie72]

Love this song haven't heard it for 20 years. wow, its like listening to it the first time, accept I have a 36" gut and a wrinkle or two and a grey hair, didn't have those last time I heard this tune.

[kfxm]

I grew up next to Clontarf Castle but never met the friendly ranger. It used to be a pub now its a fancy hotel. Used to see Phil at the bus stop on Clontarf Road sometimes in the '70s. I sawllive at my school before they were famous. Great band.

[jackshit64]

forgot scot and darren