Belfast Child
Simple Minds
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When my love said to me Meet me down by the gallow tree For it's sad news I bring About this old town and all that it's offering Some say troubles abound Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down One day we'll return here, When the Belfast Child sings again Brothers, sisters where are you now As I look for you right through the crowd All my life here I've spent With my faith in God, the Church and the Government But there's sadness abound Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down One day we'll return here, When the Belfast Child sings again When the Belfast Child sings again Some come back, Billy, won't you come on home Come back Mary, you've been away so long The streets are empty, and your mother's gone The girls are crying, it's been oh so long And your father's calling, come on home Won't you come on home, won't you come on home Come back people, you've been gone a while And the war is raging, in the Emerald Isle That's flesh and blood man, that's flesh and blood All the girls are crying but all's not lost The streets are empty, the streets are cold Won't you come on home, won't you come on home The streets are empty Life goes on One day we'll return here When the Belfast Child sings again When the Belfast Child sings again
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Written by: Charles Burchill, James Kerr, Michael Joseph Macneil
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Origin"Belfast Child" is a song by Scottish rock band Simple Minds that was released as the leading track on their 1989 EP, "Ballad of the Streets".
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Chart SuccessThe song became the band's first UK number one hit, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in February 1989.
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InspirationThe lyrics of the song, written by lead vocalist Jim Kerr, voice his thoughts on The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
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Music Components"Belfast Child" incorporates a melody based on the traditional Irish folk song "She Moved Through the Fair", with new lyrics addressing the issue of Northern Ireland's political turmoil.
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Album InclusionThough it was not initially released on an album, "Belfast Child" later appeared on the band's "Street Fighting Years" album, which was released a few months after the single.
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Music VideoThe music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan. It features band members and various clips related to Ireland and The Troubles.
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International Chart PositioningOutside of the UK, "Belfast Child" was equally successful. It reached number one in Ireland and the Netherlands, and number two in Sweden, Switzerland and Norway.
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Cover VersionsAlthough not extensively covered, "Belfast Child" was performed by George Michael in his concert for Linda McCartney's charity, which subsequently raised funds for Women's Cancer Research.
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ImpactThe song remains one of Simple Minds' most powerful tracks and is often cited as a classic example of music's ability to reflect contemporary events and social issues.
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Live PerformancesDespite its commercial success, "Belfast Child" is not commonly performed at Simple Minds’ concerts, perhaps due to its specific subject matter and emotional weight.
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Citation
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"Belfast Child Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5426198/Simple+Minds/Belfast+Child>.
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