I know I just posted against Irish nationalism, but this song really is beautiful. The Easter Rising of 1916 was one of only two times in the 20th century the republicans went to open war, which is no dishonorable thing (the second was the even more tragic Irish Civil War). There are two lines in this tune I love. The rhythm of "...while Britannia's sons with their long range guns..." I've always loved. And the tragedy of "...'t'was better to die 'neath an Irish sky than at Suvla or Sud el Bar" is beautiful. That line is a reference to the idea that Irish men should resist going off to fight Britain's wars.
Comments
Post a Comment