Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Starship
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 02:22 PM

Here it is on YouTube. If it's been posted already, sorry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCiHLzB2kOo

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Peter Dornan
Date: 02 Dec 19 - 02:53 AM

Vincent Campbell was my Great Uncle, he stayed in Abercrombie Street along with his cousins Patrick and Jane Campbell and they were all arrested for the incident.
Here is a link to the song you are looking for
https://www.itma.ie/digital-library/sound/smashing_of_the_van_maggie_magee

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,S.Fullerton
Date: 12 Mar 17 - 10:54 AM

I was born in Dennistoun in my grandmother s house 40Kilberry st.She was mother of James and Willie Fullerton.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 11 Mar 17 - 07:03 PM

oops haven't looked at this thread for ages - -- re Sandeman, I know an excellent musician (fiddle/violin and accordion both folk and classical)originally from Killearn who is a Sandeman----last time I was in contact he was a scientist in Cambridge but still playing music, in a ceilidh/country dance band and also classical gigs.

Re Duke Street Jail (womens' prison?) -

There is a happy land
Down in Duke Street Jail
Where all the prisoners stand
Tied tae a nail
Ham an' eggs they never see,
Dirty water fer therr tea
There they live in miseree
(God save the queen? -- canny mind the last line!?

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jack Campin
Date: 10 Mar 17 - 06:34 PM

Wow. There can't be many people around who even remember Duke Street Prison, let alone have that sort of connection to it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duke_Street_Prison

I used to live in Dennistoun (late 80s/early 90s) so I knew where it had been.

Being called William Fullerton would have been a bit of a liability for an Irish Republican - I presume no relation...

Billy Fullerton

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,S.Fullerton
Date: 10 Mar 17 - 05:22 PM

Just found this page this evening.My father was James Fullerton and my uncle William Fullerton i have the newspaperDaily Sketch where a photo of my father released on Mon.29th August 1921 with a group of friends there to greet him.i also saw the bullet hole in the brick of Duke st .prison when i trained in the Royal Infirmary close by.my father died in Dublin in 1987.
great to read all your memories S.F.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jim McLean
Date: 12 Jul 14 - 01:41 PM

SANDEMAN, port and sherry house with one of the most famous logos in the wine trade, the black Sandeman Don. It was founded in London by a Scotsman, George Sandeman, who in 1790 established his shipping business with a £300 loan from his father.

I see the thread was opened by my old friend Big Tim who is no longer with us.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gutcher
Date: 12 Jul 14 - 01:59 AM

Put it down to old age G.M.
I should have known better having done work for Ms. Sandeman when she was still married to her ex husband, the doctor.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gallus Moll
Date: 11 Jul 14 - 07:13 PM

Sandeman

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gutcher
Date: 11 Jul 14 - 01:41 PM

Jim
Sandieman is an old name in Scotland---an old established wine firm in Perth bears the name and if my memory serves a lady of that family had a hit song in the popular music scene.
The names Mcgee and Sandyman [Sandieman] can of course be checked out in the list of Glasgow Councillors for the date mentioned.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jul 14 - 04:46 AM

The courtroom it was crowded we were not allowed to speak
There were murmurs of disapproval as the judge he took his seat
defended by those councillors Mcgee and sandyman
The verdict was not guilty at the smashing of the van

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Apr 13 - 05:49 PM

*not my great-grandfather, my great-grandad's brother.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Stephen McGuire
Date: 13 Apr 13 - 05:25 PM

Father Patrick McRory was my great-grandfather, when the arrested him he was badly treated in jail and starved and when he was realeased he died as a result. Don't think anybody knows that bit of the story..


If anyone has any questions about the story (I can see from below) contact me at: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Stephen McGuire
Date: 13 Apr 13 - 05:22 PM

Father Patrick McRory was my great-grandfather, when the arrested him he was badly treated in jail and starved and when he was realeased he died as a result. Don't think anybody knows that bit of the story..

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Lynne Lees
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 12:53 PM

Could you please tell me if a Cornelius Oconnell was involved ? He was my Grandfather and we have always believed that he was,,,, thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 11 - 03:04 PM

The incident took place 4 May 1921. The man they were trying to rescue was Frank Carty. (See Wikipedia.) The priest involved was Father McRory (not McGroray). I don't know what to make of "Mack Jay" and "Sandy Man."

There was a book written about the incident: Coyle, Stephen (2008). "High Noon on High Street: The Story of a Daring Ambush by the IRA in Glasgow in 1921". ISBN 9781873586440.

From http://www.theglasgowstory.com/image.php?inum=TGSA05246:

An 18th century Bailie confronts a poster with 20th century news, in this cartoon published in The Bailie in 1921.

The cartoon reflects the outrage felt by many Glaswegians at a violent attempt to free an IRA prisoner from police custody. Frank Carty, a senior Irish Republican Army officer wanted by the Irish police, was arrested in Glasgow. A police motor van was taking him from the Central Police Court to Duke Street Prison when thirty armed men attacked it in Cathedral Square. Inspector Robert Johnston was killed in the first volley of shots and Detective Sergeant George Stirton was wounded as he and another detective returned fire. The attempt to release the prisoner failed.

Thirty-four people were later arrested, thirteen of whom were sent for trial. The trial lasted eleven days and hinged on the question of identification of the accused. The jury accepted the plea of alibi for the defendants, and they were released. Carty was sent to Dublin.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,MaryAnn McCarra-Fitzpatrick
Date: 26 Oct 11 - 05:39 PM

This is off-topic, but I wonder where one would find a listing of the names of the men involved in this incident?

MaryAnn McCarra

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gutcher
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 12:42 PM

Thanks J.D. I took it from the reading of the message that the link
given would give an audio rendition of this song. I will keep trying
to get a connection.

Joe.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE GLASGOW SMASHING OF THE VAN
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 26 Aug 10 - 12:02 PM

Here are GUEST,Jim's lyrics, reformatted, and with spelling standardized to the best of my ability:


The Glasgow Smashing Of the Van

This Song was sung by a Glasgow man who lived in Bright Street Garngad Glasgow whose name I may give you at a later date.

If you listen to the song with headphones on, you should hear another man singing alongside with him. This man is his son who also is my brother and the song was recorded in my father's living room. Enjoy.


THE GLASGOW SMASHING OF THE VAN

'Twas on the twelfth of May, boys, in nineteen twenty-one,
When the news ran through old Scotland that a daring deed was done.
'Twas by a band of rebels to release an Irish man
They assembled in the high street where they smashed the prison van.

CHORUS: So here's to the boys who done it! Their cause was staunch and true.
Each man who played his part that day was Irish through and through.
Side by side they stood, their revolvers in their hands,
With that band of Irish rebels at the smashing of the van.

Those clever Glasgow police were quickly on the scene.
They arrested everybody connected to Sinn Fein.
They arrested Father McGroray, an R.C. clergyman,
But they only showed their ignorance at the smashing of the van.

Now the trial it was over and the Crown case it is failed,
Although they did their very best to send our boys to jail.
Defended by their councillor, Mack Jay and Sandy Man,
Sure the verdict was not guilty at the smashing of the van.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Gutcher
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 10:34 AM

Guest 21. 8. 10. 8.22am.
Have tried the no. you gave with no result.
Could you please confirm.
Joe.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 08:22 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPHIqdUJgUc&NR=1 here is a link to the song

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 10 - 06:25 AM

My mother used to point out the bullet holes in the walls of the old High St jail to us when we were kids and I had a old uncle who used to sing the song and to my memory those where the words

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 10 Jul 10 - 11:49 AM

Further to another much earlier posting, Duke Street and High Street do indeed meet, as a crossroads just north of High Street Station, and rather to the south of the Royal Infirmary and Cathedral. Sections of the old prison wall also remain, and I've been told, many years ago, that bullet holes/damage can be seen.

The lyrics given above would easily fit to the air of "The Smashing of the Van" (Manchester...), as I suppose we'd expect.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Jim
Date: 08 Jul 10 - 07:33 PM

The Glasgow Smashing Of The Van
This Song was Sung by a Glasgow Man who lived in Bright Street Garngad Glasgow Who's Name I may give you at a later date
If You Listion to the song with head phones on you should hear a nother man singing along side with him this man is his son who also is my Brother and the song was recorded in my fathers living room en - joy
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

            The Glasgow Smashing Of The Van
***********************************************************
Twos on the twelfth of May boys in nineteen twenty-one.
When the news ran through old Scotland that a daring deed was dun Taws by a band of Rebels to release an Irish man they assembled in the high street where they smashed the prison van.
Chorus
So hears to the boys who dun it there cause was staunch and true. Each man whom plaid his part that day was Irish through and through' Side by side they stood their revolvers in their
Hands with that band of Irish Rebels at the smashing of the van.

Those clever Glasgow police where quickly on the seen they arrested every body connected to Sinn Fein. They arrested Father McGroray an R-C clergyman but they only showed their Ignorance at the Smashing of the Van.
Chorus
So hears to the boys who dun it there cause was staunch and true. Each man whom plaid his part that day was Irish through and through. Side by side they stood their revolvers in their hands with that band of Irish Rebels at the smashing of the van.

Now the trial it was over and the crown case it is failed all though they did there very best to send our boys to jail.
Defended by their councillor. Mack jay and Sandy Man.
Shour the verdict was not guiltily at the smashing of the van.

Chorus
So hears to the boys who dun it there cause was staunch and true. Each man whom plaid his part that day was Irish through and through. Side by side they stood their revolvers in their hands with that band of Irish Rebels at the smashing of the van.


Chorus

So hears to the boys who dun it there cause was staunch and true. Each man whom plaid his part that day was Irish through and through. Side by side they stood their revolvers in their hands with that band of Irish Rebels at the smashing of the van.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Alex Cameron
Date: 15 Jan 10 - 02:55 AM

Hi All,

I can only remember the bit "The rested Father McGrory an RC Clergy man, but they coudnt find him guilty of the smashing of the van.

This has been part of our families upbringing, as my Grandfather was one of the policemen on that day.

If you go to the Prison wall in Castle Street, I believe it is still there, about 2 metres from the southern end you should be able to see one of the many bullet marks on the wall, it is about 1 1/2 metres from the ground.


Alex. F.M. Cameron

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 04:25 PM

Wolfgang,

Thanks a lot, the missing words were beginning to drive me nuts, even nuttier than I already am. I just knew someone out there would come up with them. I hope Big Tim reads your posting, I see Ard Macha already has. I am going to copy them and send them to Enoch Kent, I am sure he would want to have them as well.

Again thanks

Slan

Jimmy C

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 12:52 PM

Wilfgang, if you had been around in ould Pinkerton`s time he would have signed you on. Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: Lyr Add: THE GLASGOW SMASHING OF THE VAN
From: Wolfgang
Date: 21 Dec 01 - 07:01 AM

I just today found another version on the web, complete with chords. It is different enough to warrant posting. I found it here.

Wolfgang

THE GLASGOW SMASHING OF THE VAN

It was on the 12th of May boys in 1921,
When the news ran through all Scotland that a daring deed was done,
It was by a band of rebels to release an Irishman,
They assembled in the high street where they smashed the prison van.

[chorus]
So here's to those boys who done it, their cause was staunch and true,
Each man who played his part that day was Irish through and through,
Side by side they stood there, revolvers in their hands,
Did that band of Irish rebels at the smashing of the van.

Those clever Glasgow polis were quickly on the scene,
They arrested everybody connected with Sinn Fein,
They arrested Father Magrory, an RC clergyman,
But they only showed their ignorance at the smashing of the van.

Now the trial it is over and the crown case badly failed,
Although they did their very best to send our boys to jail,
Defended by their councillors, McKay and Sandy Mann,
Sure the verdict was 'not guilty' at the smashing of the van.

---

CHORDS


It was [G] on the [C] 12th of [G] May boys in 19[D]2[G]1,
When the news ran [C] through all [D] Scotland that a daring deed was [G] done,
It was by a [C] band of [G] rebels to release an [D] Irish[G]man,
They assembled [C] in the [D] high street where they smashed the [C] prison [G] van.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: ard mhacha
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 01:50 PM

Thanks Jimmy, I await with patience the remainder of the song. Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: Lyr Add: SMASHING OF THE VAN - GLASGOW
From: Jimmy C
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 12:45 PM

Big Tim and Ard Mhacha

Nothing from the brother in Scotland BUT these additional words came to me this morning, maybe the rest will follow, the memory is not gone yet I think! I am now thinking that the reference to the two councillors does not belong in the chorus as they are part of the second verse, - any comments? Sorry for the format but my keyboard is acting up, if I press the keys to format a new line or for a question mark, I get some letter with a French accent, but I am sure you will be able to sort that part out.

SMASHING OF THE VAN - GLASGOW

It was upon the 4th of May in the year of twenty-one
The news went round old Glasgow town that a daring deed was done
A band of Irish rebels to release an Irishman
Assembled down in Duke Street for the smashing of the van

Here's to the boys that did it, for they were brave and true
Every man who played a part that day was Irish through and through,
Defended by two counsellors McKay and Sandyman,
The verdict was not guilty for the smashing of the van.

The trial it was started but the crown could not prevail
Though they tried their best they could not send those Irishmen to gaol
Defended by two councillors McKay and Sandyman
The verdict was not guilty for the smashing of the van

Will keep you posted

Jimmy C

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 12 Oct 01 - 11:10 PM

Just to keep you all up to date. Heard from my sister in Ireland, unfortunately she has the Manchester one ?. She will look further for the Glasgow song. Also contacted a brother in Motherwell, he is asking around also. Someone must remember this song. Will keep you posted. Anyone else find anything ?.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Big Tim
Date: 13 Aug 01 - 02:04 PM

Thanks Dita, will keep an eye open. Got the Benny Lynch book. At present I reading Fr Sydney MacEwan's autobiog (On the High C's)and he also refers briefly to the incident saying he remembered it clearly (he was age 13 at the time) and that the bullet marks on the building on High Street were still visible (in 1973). Don't think the song tho was Father Syd's type!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 13 Aug 01 - 11:31 AM

A further account of the 1921 "Van" is in

Great Glasgow Stories - John Burrowes.

Mainstream publishing 1998 ISBN 1 84014 079 X

Pages 142 - 153 "The Glasgow Outrage"

Still no mention of the song however.
Burrows is a Glasgow journalist and the author of "Benny" the biography of Benny Lynch.
love, john.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Big Tim
Date: 02 Aug 01 - 04:26 PM

Thanks guys: checked the "Thistle" book in Waterstones in Glasgow today: it is currently out of print but in the process of reprinting, will see if I can borrow it thru local library. (Ard: you were lucky last night, two offside goals and Chris Sutton should have walked!!)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 02 Aug 01 - 09:36 AM

Sorry, that should read
"he was very interested in the article about the Glasgow incident, have not been in touch with him since."

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 02 Aug 01 - 09:33 AM

Nothing yet from Ireland. Last spoke to Enoch a few weeks ago, he was the article about the Glasgow incident, have not been in touch with him since.

Will keep all interested parties posted as soon as I get something.

Jimmy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 02 Aug 01 - 09:27 AM

The bibliographic details for Skelton's book are:

Skelton, D (1994) Blood on the Thistle: A Casebook of Twentieth Century Scottish Murder London: Harper Collins.

ISBN 0006383602

(It was originally published in Edinburgh in 1992)

Brian

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: ard mhacha
Date: 02 Aug 01 - 08:35 AM

Big Tim, The song is out there somewhere, some old Celtic fan may be humming it right now, espically after last nights result against Man Utd. Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Big Tim
Date: 01 Aug 01 - 01:41 PM

Thanks Dita: good to hear from you again. Come in Jimmy C, any news from the old country? has the old memory been playing tricks! How's Enoch taking all this interest in a track he recorded over 40 years ago? Has anyone got bibliographical details of the book "Blood on the thistle" which supposedly has an account of the Glasgow incident? I asked in my new local library here in Partick sur Mer but no joy!!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 01 Aug 01 - 06:45 AM

I meant to say that I think the Paddy somebody's book that Enoch learned the Manchester song from, (see above) was Patrick Glavin's which was published by the Folklore Press in the 50's and reprinted in USA by OAK in 1962.
love, john.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 01 Aug 01 - 06:27 AM

Tim, tracked down a copy of the Enoch Kent single of "The Smashing of the Van". It is on Beltona label 45-BL 2728 dated 1960. As suspected it is the same version as is on the Ace of Clubs album, electric guitar, drums and backing vocals. It is indeed the Manchester version.
Songs from Ireland's History edited by Andrew Moyes from the Glasgow Folk Centre in the 60's features the Manchester "Smashing" and their prayer - "God save Ireland", but no mention of the Glasgow song.
Patrick Glavin's "Irish songs of Resistance" again only deals with the Manchester songs. Still looking,
love, john.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: ard mhacha
Date: 06 Jul 01 - 05:52 AM

Jimmy C, Good on you, my oul mate will be pleased when you oblige, Well done and thanks. Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 05 Jul 01 - 10:06 PM

As promised I mailed a copy of Wolfgang's newspaper report to Enoch Kent. He received it today and phoned me right away.He is certain that he did not record this song. He recorded the Manchester one on Top Rank Records, In fact he never even heard of the Glasgow incident until I phoned him last week. He found it interesting as he was born and bred in Glasgow. I did hear from a niece in Ireland, She has a recording of the song but no artist's name, the tape is a compilation of various singers. My sister has the words in a book (I hope they are the Glasgow words). The tape and book are on their way to me. I will keep you posted.

This is going to drive me nuts, I would have bet my life that I learned the song from one of EC's recordings.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,jonilog
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 04:41 AM

There is also an account of the event in the book" Blood on the Thistle" by Douglas Skelton, a Glasgow journalist.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Big Tim
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 11:59 AM

Jimmy C: Unless Enoch recorded BOTH versions his "Smashing of the Van" recording (1963, Ace of Club's label) is definitely about the Manchester incident as it contains the line "in Manchester one morning in the year of '67". Mind you Ewan MacVicar also said that it referred to Glasgow, I let that pass at the time, thinking he was mistaken, but maybe he was right! Yes, very curious.

This has to be my last post as my good lady is literally set to pull out the plug, down girl! Bye for now and thanks again to all who have contributed, Mudcat at its best. Hope to be up and running and posting from Argyll quite soon.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Jimmy C
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 11:02 AM

I am now almost certain that the EK recording was about the Glasgow Incident, maybe he did not know it at the time when he recorded it, Where else would I come up with Duke street ?. Also the Manchester event was 18 September and the words I remember May 4th. also correspond with the newspaper article . I have e-mailed my brothers in Ireland to look around their collection of LP's to see which one of them took this particular one after our parent's passed away and the old house was cleared out.

I will print out the newspaper story and send it to Enoch this week.

Thanks Wolfgang

Curiouser and curiouser

Good luck with the move Tim.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: ard mhacha
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 10:01 AM

Hello Big Tim, Of the 34 persons arrested the following were sent for trial to Edinburgh High Court, 20-8- 1921, the remainder being released. Daniel Patrick Walsh, Daniel Braniff, James McCarra, John McGarrigle, Vincent Campbell, John Carney, William Fullerton, James Fullerton, Michael O`Carroll, Sean O`Daire, James Kavanagh, Thomas Tracey.. A Thomas Doherty was among the remainder released. Good luck with the flittin`. Slan Ard Mhacha.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: Big Tim
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 07:12 AM

Dita; that's basicaly how I read it myself. An old Protestant, and very loyalist, friend of mine used to love singing songs like Kelly of Killanne, Rising of the Moon, etc. He even went with me to see the Dubliners, Dominic Behan, etc in the old Concert Hall[ you were probably there too!]. Mind you, EK also recorded "Sean South" just a few years after the incident. It's still the best version of the song that I've heard, surprisingly lots of electric guitar. Who says Dylan invented folk rock!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: ard mhacha
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 07:00 AM

Hello All Thanks to all of you, Big Tim, Wolfgang, Jimmy C, Dita etc. Jimmy C keep searching the oul memory banks, the song is nearly there. What a Site this is,full of the most helpful people. I am new to all of this, but, I will stay around. My friend is a retired school teacher and he has been researching into the part his father played in the Glasgow incident, he sends his thanks. Slan agus Beannacht. Ard Macha. Lurgan.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Smashing of the GLASGOW van
From: GUEST,Dita (at work)
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 06:03 AM

Thanks for the kind words Big Tim,
to answer your question about what Josh and Enoch were doing singing "Rebel" songs, I think you have to look at the time in which the recordings took place.
In the late 50's and early 60's the revival was in full swing, The Clancy's were popular, and many popular artists were recording covers of their songs, (only we didn't call them covers in those days). Even Peter, Paul and Mary did "Rebel" songs.
The songs were sung as historical artifacts, much in the same way as today you'll find people who are not royalist or RC singing Jacobite songs.
At this time the IRA were not as active as they had been and were to become again, and there was little stigma attached to performing them.
I remember being given some in a (non-denominational) school folk club by a teacher, without it being regarded as a subverise act, they were just folk songs, no politics involved.

love, john.