One of the Jims (C I think) said "As far as the songs are concerned, it is not necessarily what songs are sung, but rather how, why and where they are sung."

I said that in the first few posts way back when I was a Gnome!:-)

I heard from a friend of mine a very disturbing story the other day. I must say I have never encountered such a thing but I have no reason to disbelieve him. He was on holiday in the south of Ireland, Cork to be precise. He went into a bar where there was a music session on and when he went to the bar and spoke in an obviously English accent he was insulted and told to 'f*** off' back to England by the local drunkard. The barman, in all fairness, apologied and served my mate, ushering the drunk out of the way.

The session musicians seeing this happen welcomed my mate and his wife by changing the music to a set of Irish rebel songs. He commented that he did not feel particularly threatened but it was made very clear he was not very welcome and left without finishing his beer. For the record he is a fine guitarist, a very quietly spoken and polite man and an excelent luthier!

Anyhow, point is that songs can become a weapon and if they do they instantly become offensive. In a different context the self same songs would have done mo harm at all.

In fact some songs about the 'troubles' do the exact opposite. Just look up Anthony John Clarkes website to see some examples of songs from the North of Ireland that help and heal:-)

Cheers

Dave