Introduction
“Come out ye Black and Tans” is a protest song that was popularized in Ireland during the Irish War of Independence. The lyrics were written by Dominic Behan, an Irish songwriter and playwright, in the 1960s. The song is a call to action against the British forces that were sent to Ireland to suppress the Irish independence movement. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of “Come out ye Black and Tans.”
The Black and Tans
The “Black and Tans” were a force of British soldiers and police recruited to assist in the suppression of the Irish independence movement. They were notorious for their brutality and violence against Irish civilians, and the term “Black and Tans” became synonymous with terror and oppression. The Black and Tans were responsible for numerous atrocities during the Irish War of Independence, including the burning of Cork city and the killing of civilians in the town of Balbriggan.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Come out ye Black and Tans” are a powerful call to action against the British forces in Ireland. The song begins with the lines “I was born on a Dublin street, where the Royal drums do beat, and the loving English feet, they tramped all over us.” The lyrics go on to describe the brutality of the Black and Tans and call on the people of Ireland to resist their oppression. The chorus of the song is a defiant call to action: “Come out ye Black and Tans, come out and fight me like a man, show your wife how you won medals down in Flanders, tell her how the IRA made you run like hell away, from the green and lovely lanes in Killeshandra.”
The Significance
“Come out ye Black and Tans” has become an important cultural symbol of the Irish struggle for independence. The song is often heard at political rallies and protests, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The lyrics of the song are a powerful reminder of the bravery and determination of the Irish people in the face of British oppression. The song has also been used as a rallying cry for other oppressed peoples around the world, including Palestinians and Kurds.
The Legacy
The legacy of “Come out ye Black and Tans” lives on in the struggle for freedom and justice around the world. The song has become a symbol of resistance against oppression and a call to action for those who seek change. The bravery and determination of the Irish people during the Irish War of Independence continues to inspire people around the world, and the lyrics of “Come out ye Black and Tans” remain a powerful reminder of the need for unity and solidarity in the face of injustice.
The Controversy
The use of “Come out ye Black and Tans” in recent years has led to controversy in some quarters, with some people accusing the song of glorifying violence and terrorism. However, supporters of the song argue that it is a legitimate expression of resistance against oppression, and that the use of the song is a powerful reminder of the struggle for Irish independence.
The Conclusion
“Come out ye Black and Tans” is a powerful protest song that has become an important cultural symbol of the Irish struggle for independence. The song is a call to action against the British forces that were sent to Ireland to suppress the Irish independence movement, and the lyrics are a powerful reminder of the bravery and determination of the Irish people in the face of oppression. The legacy of “Come out ye Black and Tans” lives on in the struggle for freedom and justice around the world, and the song remains a powerful reminder of the need for unity and solidarity in the face of injustice.
