Belfast Child

Simple Minds

About Belfast Child

"Belfast Child" is a song by Simple Minds, first released as the lead track on the "Ballad of the Streets" EP on 6 February 1989. The EP also included "Mandela Day" (originally its B-side). The record reached number one on the UK Singles Chart as well as in Ireland and the Netherlands, and it became a top-ten hit in Belgium, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and West Germany.


Year:
2003
45 

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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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Simple Minds

Simple Minds are a Scottish rock band who achieved worldwide popularity from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. Although experiencing significant personnel changes, it has continued to tour to a cult following through that decade and into the new millennium. more »

1 fan

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".
Chart Success
The song became the band's first UK number one hit, topping the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in February 1989.
Inspiration
The lyrics of the song, written by lead vocalist Jim Kerr, voice his thoughts on The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
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.
Album Inclusion
Though 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.
Music Video
The music video for the song was directed by Andy Morahan. It features band members and various clips related to Ireland and The Troubles.
International Chart Positioning
Outside 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.
Cover Versions
Although 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.
Impact
The 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.
Live Performances
Despite 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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