Sally MacLennane

The Pogues

About Sally MacLennane

"Sally MacLennane" was the second single by The Pogues to make the UK Top 100, reaching number 54. The song was composed by Shane MacGowan and featured on the band's second album, Rum Sodomy & the Lash. It is one of the best known Pogues songs and has been included in all set lists by the reformed Pogues. Sally MacLennane is a type of stout.


Year:
1991
2:45
640 
#3

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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

But 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 pours
So sad to see the grieving and 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

(Far away) I'm sad to say I must be on me 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 went 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

(Far away) I'm sad to say I must be on me 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
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

(Far away) I'm sad to say I must be on me 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

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Pogues

The Pogues are a Celtic punk band from London, formed in 1982 and fronted by Shane MacGowan. The band reached international prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. MacGowan left the band in 1991 due to drinking problems but the band continued first with Joe Strummer and then with Spider Stacy on vocals before breaking up in 1996. The band reformed in 2001, and has been playing regularly ever since, most notably on the US East Coast around St Patrick's Day and across the UK and Ireland every December. The group has yet to record any new music and, according to Spider Stacy on Pogues.com, has no inclination to do so. more »

2 fans

Written by: SHANE PATRICK LYSAGHT MACGOWAN

Lyrics © DOWNTOWN MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Genre
The song "Sally MacLennane" belongs to the genre of Celtic rock, a sub-genre of folk rock. This genre combines the elements of traditional Celtic music with the sound of rock music.
Release Date
It was released in 1985 as part of the Pogues' second studio album, "Rum Sodomy & the Lash."
Inspiration
The song was inspired by a traditional Irish style of music called 'sean-nós'. It is a highly-ornamented style of solo singing in the Irish language, usually dealing with themes such as love, death, and war.
Chart Performance
"Sally MacLennane" performed well on the UK Singles Chart, reaching a peak position of number 51 in September 1985.
Band Formation
The Pogues, the band who performed "Sally MacLennane," were formed in London in 1982. Their early style was heavily influenced by the traditional Irish music they grew up with, combined with punk rock.
Song Theme
The song's narrative revolves around an old man who shares his tales of youth, loss, departure and return. He speaks fondly of a pub named "Sally MacLennane," symbolic of his hometown and youth.
Songwriter
The track was written by Shane MacGowan, the lead vocalist of The Pogues. MacGowan's Irish heritage and background have significantly influenced the lyrical content of the song.
Popular Culture
"Sally MacLennane" has been featured in several films and commercials, which includes a 2008 advertisement for Magners Irish Cider.
Band's Reputation
The Pogues were renowned for their raucous live performances and consumption of alcohol, which often reflected in their songs, including "Sally MacLennane."
Album Success
The album "Rum, Sodomy & the Lash" on which the song was featured is regarded as one of The Pogues' best works. It received widespread critical acclaim and is ranked 445 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.

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