Dirty Old Town
- The Story Behind Ewan MacColl's Folk Classic
Dirty Old Town
is one of those songs that nearly everyone knows, especially if you've spent any time in an Irish pub. Made famous by The Dubliners and later The Pogues, it's often mistaken for an Irish folk song. However, its roots actually go back to the industrial streets of Salford in England.
Who Was Ewan MacColl?
Ewan MacColl was a British folk singer, songwriter, actor and political activist, born in Salford in 1915 to Scottish parents. He became an important figure in the British folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, writing well-known songs including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
and Dirty Old Town
.
When Did Ewan MacColl Write Dirty Old Town?
MacColl wrote Dirty Old Town
in 1949 for his play Landscape with Chimneys
, which was set in an industrial town in northern England. The song was reportedly written to cover a scene change during the production. What started as a short piece of theatre music would eventually become one of the best-known folk songs around.
What Are the Lyrics of Dirty Old Town About?
The lyrics of Dirty Old Town
describe Salford, the industrial town where MacColl grew up. References to the gasworks, factory walls and old canal paint a picture of working-class life in the area. Despite the grim surroundings, the opening verse tells of young love, giving the song a surprisingly romantic side.
As the song continues, MacColl describes the sounds and sights of the town, including trains, dockside sirens and smoky streets. However, the mood changes when he sings about taking an axe to the town. It's a reference to wanting to tear down the old industrial surroundings and make way for something better.
The Dubliners' Version of Dirty Old Town
Irish folk group The Dubliners helped bring Dirty Old Town
to a much wider audience when they released their version in 1968. The recording reached No. 10 in the Irish charts and became a favourite among folk music fans. Their version also helped establish the song as a regular part of Irish pub singing.
The Pogues' Version of Dirty Old Town
The Pogues introduced Dirty Old Town
to another generation when they recorded it for their 1985 album Rum Sodomy & the Lash
. Shane MacGowan's distinctive vocals gave the song a rougher edge, while the band's folk instrumentation suited it perfectly. Their version reached No. 27 in Ireland and remains one of their best-known recordings.
Dirty Old Town at Irish Trad Sessions
More than 75 years after it was written, Dirty Old Town
remains a favourite at traditional Irish music sessions. Its simple chord structure and easy-to-remember lyrics make it a great choice for musicians and singers alike. Whether it's played in a quiet corner of a pub or sung by a packed bar, everyone seems to know the words.
Final Verdict
Dirty Old Town
has come a long way from its beginnings in a 1949 stage production. Although Ewan MacColl wrote it about Salford, The Dubliners and The Pogues helped turn it into a folk classic closely associated with Ireland. It's a simple, memorable song that still sounds just as good after a few pints.
