There are songs that make you want to head down to the pub, find a seat, order a drink, and stay awhile. This Pogues song is one of those songs for me. I’m not a drinking man, but when I hear this one, I suddenly feel like I should be raising a glass with everybody in the room. It’s got that wonderful atmosphere of an old neighborhood pub where everybody knows somebody, the stories get better as the night goes on, and nobody is particularly interested in going home.
It was written by Shane MacGowan; the song appeared on The Pogues’ 1985 album Rum Sodomy & the Lash, produced by Elvis Costello. It has everything I love about The Pogues: the accordion, banjo, tin whistle, pounding rhythm, and MacGowan’s unmistakable voice. There’s an infectious energy to it that makes you want to sing along (and drink!) even if you don’t know all the words. Interestingly, the song draws on the world of Irish pubs and drinking culture, including a bar owned by MacGowan’s uncle.
What I really love is the atmosphere. The song sounds like a celebration, but there’s also a little sadness underneath it as the years pass and people move on. That’s part of what makes it so good. The Pogues could make you laugh, raise your glass, and feel a little nostalgic all at the same time. So, even though I’m not much of a drinker, I’ll make an exception for this one. Somebody turn it up!
This song peaked at #51 in the UK in 1985.
Sally MacLennane
Well, Jimmy played harmonica in the pub where I was born
He played it from the night time to the peaceful early morn
He soothed the souls of psychos and the men who had the horn
And they all looked very happy in the morning
Now Jimmy didn’t like his place in this world of ours
Where the elephant man broke strong men’s necks
When he’d had too many Powers
So sad to see the grieving of the people that I’m leaving
And he took the road for God knows in the morning
We walked him to the station in the rain
We kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we’d be seeing him again
sad to say I must be on my way
So buy me beer and whiskey ’cause I’m going far away (far away)
I’d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane
The years passed by the times had changed I grew to be a man
I learned to love the virtues of sweet Sally MacLennane
I took the jeers and drank the beers and crawled back home at dawn
And ended up a barman in the morning
I played the pump and took the hump and watered whiskey down
I talked of whores and horses to the men who drank the brown
I heard them say that Jimmy’s making money far away
And some people left for heaven without warning
We walked him to the station in the rain
We kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we’d be seeing him again
sad to say I must be on my way
So buy me beer and whiskey ’cause I’m going far away (far away)
I’d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane
When Jimmy came back home, he was surprised that they were gone
He asked me all the details of the train that they went on
Some people they are scared to croak but Jimmy drank until he choked
And he took the road for heaven in the morning
We walked him to the station in the rain
And we kissed him as we put him on the train
And we sang him a song of times long gone
Though we knew that we’d be seeing him again
sad to say I must be on my way
So buy me beer and whiskey ’cause I’m going far away (far away)
I’d like to think of me returning when I can
To the greatest little boozer and to Sally MacLennane
Discover more from PowerPop... An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
My ears listening, my feet dancing !
That is a perfect description of the song! Way better than I did!
I don’t remember it as I have likely only heard this song once as my best friend has been a Pogues fan since the album came out. It contains one of his most favourite songs. You chose a great song that demonstrates MacGowan’s ability as a songwriter. As you say it’s a story told in a language and manner that takes you to a place and time. With all the rawness Shane can deliver. One way of life certainly foreign to most in North America with exception of the decedents of the Irish, Scottish and British Immigrants. Yet somehow we all can feel the universal human experience. Really enjoyed learning about the song.
Thanks Randy…the song just makes you feel good…I love the emotions with it.
You don’t have to be a drinking man to head down to the pub for a Guinness. Guinness is food – liquid bread – and low in alcohol (same ABV as Bud, Miller, and Coors “light” beers, but with actual flavor). That two-step polka rhythm seems to be in many cultures – this is a song that makes it hard to sit still.
True to my post… I did end up drinking last night… Heineken that I haven’t had in ages…I’ve always wanted to try a Guiness…we have an Irish pub near where I work and they have these…so I’m goin to give it a try.
(Get your Guinness in the can, and pour into your glass DON’T get one off the pump!)
Got ya!
Can’t listen without a big smile on your face and a bounce in your knees!
Yes! It’s so much fun.
While I’ve yet to explore The Pogues more systematically, their ‘happy music’ is right up my alley. This song perfectly illustrates the upbeat vibe of their music. Like you said, it’s an invitation to ‘join and celebrate with them.’ It also helps I generally dig Celtic folk music.
I really do…and today to my surprise…I have an Irish connection between both posts…lol…never really thought about it until this morning.
I think “Rum, Sodomy & the Lash” is the best album from the Pogues. This goes also to the production of Elvis Costello, who managed to tie together the loose ends of the band. It’s pure Irish folk music: fast, spirited songs who smells of whiskey and beer, along slow with simple melancholic ballads who are compelling with their vocals and atmosphere.
I’m exploring them more now, I’m still not expert on them but I’m trying to catch up…I have to say, so far this is my favorite album by them. The music just makes you feel good.
I can also recommend “If I Should Fall from Grace with God.” The production was broader in scope, and the songwriting and instrumentation were more refined. This album marked the (commercial) peak for The Pogues; unfortunately, it was all downhill for the likeable lads from that point on.
Thank you Fox…I appreciate it!
Fox. Did they ever bring the party close to you?
Yes, I saw The Pogues once in a overcrowded place in Zürich. It was hot, sweaty, and the room was thick with smoke; people were pushing, jumping up and down, singing along, and practically falling into another. It was a wild, chaotic scene. And in front stood Shane MacGowan with his messy hair, a gap in his teeth and waving one of his bottles of white wine and claiming, “The microphone has been drinking, not me.”
Yup that was my experience also. Plus MacGowen had a cigar in the same hand as the bottle. The this was Fox , the music kept coming and there was no let up. They played until they and the crowd were wiped out.
Typical Pogues and instantly recognizable even though I hadn’t heard it before. Definitely the ultimate Irish party band and one who evoke pictures of being in a crowded old pub even to those of us who’ve never crossed the Atlantic
Yes it does…and I love it. The atmosphere on this one is off the charts.
they always sounded like they were just in a rowdy pub, rather than a sterile studio
Yes, they sound right on the edge of collapse yet they keep on staggering along.
I caught these guys on a Saturday night and it was one of the wildest fun nights in my memory. It was a different crowd than the one in the video you posted. The place went nuts in a good way. One of those times when the synergy was 100%. Nice surprise Max.
I bet they were like going to watch and participate in a party….that does sound like a great night dude.
It was like stumbling into another world. The music carried the day. The singer was the drunkest guy in the place but he still did his job. The band was wild like Bruce said somewhere “Played like a jungle fire”
I can picture the scene…that is so cool. It sounds like a band that wanted the crowd to participate as much as they did.
Absolutely!
Thanks, Max. I think you captured the pleasure I have held for the Pogues in what you wrote. And then princecranoir‘s comment. I agree with your reply.
Two great posts today. Thank you.
Thank you!
Excellent. Festive but also doesn’t shy away from the reality of bar life. It seldom has a happy ending. As you might remember, my mom worked as a bartender for many moons. My stepdad, being a railroad man, was quite familiar with them also.
Yes I do remember that! God knows I’ve played in enough of them…see the waitress bringing me a beer…I sweat it out and go on to the next one without a tiny buzz…see the same regulars every night…like I said in the CCR post a few weeks ago…it makes you think of your life choices.
Watched that vid and makes me want to hit a pub and eat fish and chips as this boy (moi) can’t down the lager anymore!