A folk song about the WWI Gallipoli campaign has nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day, but everything to do with the truth Shane MacGowan and The Pogues could wring from a song.
Finding this after Shane’s passing this week. I can never listen to their version without tearing up. Such a tragic tale of a decent fella caught in the power games of those who rarely suffer the consequences of their folly! Thanks for drawing out the essential and raw humanity of the performance. And for a great Elvis Costello quote ;-)
I am a huge Pogues fan and traditional Irish music fan. Thank you for this Substack. I was just listening to Ronnie Drew’s version of this song and I will be putting up a Substack of the lyrics. Such a sad song relevant even today.
Thanks for this. I haven’t listened to the Pogues for a while. I included a “A Pair of Brown Eyes” on many a mix tape back in my youth.
Finding this after Shane’s passing this week. I can never listen to their version without tearing up. Such a tragic tale of a decent fella caught in the power games of those who rarely suffer the consequences of their folly! Thanks for drawing out the essential and raw humanity of the performance. And for a great Elvis Costello quote ;-)
I am a huge Pogues fan and traditional Irish music fan. Thank you for this Substack. I was just listening to Ronnie Drew’s version of this song and I will be putting up a Substack of the lyrics. Such a sad song relevant even today.