The north of England and Scotland were suffering financially in the early 80's and shipbuilding was a once boom trade for them that had lost ground to ship yards abroad during that time, so it was mixed feelings for people to suddenly celibrate the return of work to the area while soldiers and sailors were dying, add to that the political strife of union/Gov relations and it was a potent mix of feelings.
Top answer. I’m from the North East and there were shipyards on the Tyne. I’d just turned 18 when this came out and I was looking forward to voting in my first General Election hoping Thatcher wouldn’t get in. I was gutted when she got back in.
Not much walking during this one, and I count that as a compliment to the song. :-) You have to pay attention, and I'm glad you did. (By the way, it's also the same war that inspired Pink Floyd's entire "The Final Cut" album.) I'd suggest "Veronica" for your next Costello walk.
Thought provoking song. I peter the Robert Wyatt interpretation.
Such a beautiful poignant song. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Yes. It’s a very nice song. 😜
The north of England and Scotland were suffering financially in the early 80's and shipbuilding was a once boom trade for them that had lost ground to ship yards abroad during that time, so it was mixed feelings for people to suddenly celibrate the return of work to the area while soldiers and sailors were dying, add to that the political strife of union/Gov relations and it was a potent mix of feelings.
Thank you for the information. Your explanation helped me better understand the song as well as the war. Take care. ✌️
Top answer. I’m from the North East and there were shipyards on the Tyne. I’d just turned 18 when this came out and I was looking forward to voting in my first General Election hoping Thatcher wouldn’t get in. I was gutted when she got back in.
@1966wilky thank you for sharing this. ✌️
Yes, inspired Brothers in Arms.
Watched Mr Costello perform this on Sunday 22nd September 2024 in London. Still as poignant and powerful as ever.
I saw him for the first time in Florida, January 2024. He wore a kilt. Great show. ✌️
Not much walking during this one, and I count that as a compliment to the song. :-) You have to pay attention, and I'm glad you did. (By the way, it's also the same war that inspired Pink Floyd's entire "The Final Cut" album.)
I'd suggest "Veronica" for your next Costello walk.
You just gave me a reason to listen to “The Final Cut” again. Love that album. Veronica was one of my favorite songs from the 80s. ✌️