Music and its Historical Side

[Atomis27]

I'm feeling mildly profound today, so I thought I'd try my hand at provoking philosophical discussion.

I was listening to this particular piece of music, the lyrics of which are reproduced below, and it struck me that although this was written from the point of view of a much older conflict, it can also apply to the state of certain world affairs today.

The song is called The Patriot Game, and the version I'm listening to was recorded by Schooner Fare, a folk group from Canada. I enjoy music with a story to it, so a great lot of their stuff appeals to me. I doubt that this particular selection is one of their originals, but I've been wrong before.

Without further ado, here are the words:

Come all you young rebels and list while I sing,
For the love of one's country is a terrible thing.
It banishes fear with the speed of a flame,
And it makes us all part of The Patriot Game.

My name is O'Hanlon and I'm just gone sixteen.
My home is in Monahan, 'twas there I was weaned.
I learned all my life cruel England to blame,
And so I'm a part of The Patriot Game.

It's nearly two years now since I wandered away
With a local battalion of the bold I.R.A..
I'd read of our heroes and I wanted the same;
To play out my part in The Patriot Game.

I read how poor Conley was shot in the chair.
All his wounds from the battle, all bleeding and bare.
His fine body twisted, all battered and lame;
They soon made him part of The Patriot Game.

This Ireland of ours has for long been half free;
Six counties are under John Bull's tyranny
And it's always the leaders who are mostly to blame
For shirkin' their part in The Patriot Game.

And now as I lie here, my body all holes,
I think of those traitors who bargained and sold.
I wish that my rifle had given the same
To the quislings who sold out The Patriot Game.

How might what is described here apply to current world affairs, in your opinions? And, while you're at it, does this kind of music appeal to anyone else?

[IntegraBoy2003]

umm a good song, is Cult of Personality, by living color, that song had some world affairs in it,

I like Rock, and Rap, my band does a little of both,