Oh, "Harris and the Mare" is dramatic enough, and the message is evident that sometimes even peaceful people are forced to stand up for those they love and do brutal things. Yes, it happens.

Of course the song would also have been "dramatic" if Clary had been persuaded to "cool it" before he got abusive enough to provoke a slap. I find conflict resolution even more dramatic. Maybe I'll compose a different version of the song, with Harris and his mare taking everyone back home to sleep it off. Then the mare trots back to the pub for a stiff drink.

Of course, Steel-eyed Stan also composed "The House of Orange" which I believe condemned violence on both sides of that, thankfully, historic conflict in Northern Ireland.

Charley Noble