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Sunday, 26 April 2015

The Pogues: And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda

Track of the week - w/e 26 April 2015

This week saw the commemoration of the centenary of the Battle of Gallipoli, an eight month campaign in World War One where 131, 000 troops died. Many of them were from Australia and New Zealand and 25 April, the start of the campaign, is now remembered as ANZAC Day.

Lest we forget, this week's track is The Pogues' version of And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The song was written by Scottish-born folk singer Eric Bogle in 1971 but this version comes from The Pogues' excellent 1985 album, Rum, Sodomy and the Lash.

The song, now listed as one of the Top 30 Australian songs, is sung from the point of view of someone maimed in the battle. It doesn't just focus on the horrors of war but time claiming the men who made it home and the indifference to their sacrifices.

It's a long way from The Pogues' shouty, folk-punk efforts but Shane MacGowan's alcohol and nicotine damaged vocal fits the mood well.



If you haven't got time for the full eight magnificent minutes then at least check out the lyrics.

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