This is a great thing this forum. I'm clearing me brain of questions that have puzzled me for a long time. Reiver 2, were the black and tans NOT exclusively British? Larry, thanks for your thoughtful response and insight. I've been playing some of these songs for years,and the folks that enjoy the fire of them the most haven't a clue as to what they are about. They just enjoy them as music, but they do feel the purpose of them.As Frank said, most of these songs are beautifully constructed, they are not the ravings of lunatics. Hey Gargoyle, if you walk into a bar down south and ask for a black and tan, they'll hand you a coonhound across the bar!

Thanks again folks, I didn't mean to start an arguement amongst our various countries. Clifton.