The Men Behind The Wire, Lyrics And Chords
Written by Paddy McGuigan from The Barleycorn and recorded by The Wolfe Tones. Pat was interned just for writing Irish songs in Ireland, The video is of Barleycorn singing The Men Behind The Wire, the original recording.The Barleycorn's single of this tune has sold more copies than any other single record in the history of Ireland. The Irish, who number slightly more than four million, bought over 250,000 copies of this single; its closest competition sold approximately 47,000. In terms of our population, the record would have sold an unprecedented 11 million copies. Brian McCormick, base guitar, sings the lead on this song. Written by Paddy McGuigan, (as are many of the tunes done by The Barleycorn) this song has been recorded by scores of Irish ballad singers both here and abroad.
The men behind the wire
2,000 Irishmen - mostly Catholics - were taken from their homes at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 1971.
from their homes at 4:30 a.m. and held in the British Concentration Camps
(Long Kesh)! The internment takes place without an exact charge,
without a trial, the mere suspicion of belonging to the republican movement is
movement is enough legitimation to imprison Irish fathers, mothers or youths for an indefinite
Irish family fathers, mothers or youths for an indefinite period of time.
The aim of these measures is to strengthen the resistance of the Irish population against
imperialist paternalism and exploitation of their own resources.
Using scientifically sophisticated modern torture methods (e.g. sensory de-
privation), which are tried out in Northern Irish concentration camps and prisons, any resistance shall be
paralyzed, the chance to form an independent identity is thwarted from the beginning.
But despite these inhumane and brutal methods of repression, the opposite is often achieved.
most of the Irish internees leave the concentration camps as better fighters than before.
They have trained themselves politically as prisoners, their struggle has
not ceased behind the barbed wire, and, above all, they experience
and solidarity from outside, which became clear not least during the great prison uprising at
the end of 1974, when the organized struggle (the Nissen huts in Long Kesh were burned to the ground)
The struggle continued en masse in the neighborhoods in the form of solidarity and protest actions. -
The song was written in the "Civil Resistance Campaign" that arose as a result of the in-
ternment. It was dedicated to the men interned in the Long Kesh Concentration
The men behind the wire
2,000 Irishmen - mostly Catholics - were taken from their homes at 4:30 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 1971.
from their homes at 4:30 a.m. and held in the British Concentration Camps
(Long Kesh)! The internment takes place without an exact charge,
without a trial, the mere suspicion of belonging to the republican movement is
movement is enough legitimation to imprison Irish fathers, mothers or youths for an indefinite
Irish family fathers, mothers or youths for an indefinite period of time.
The aim of these measures is to strengthen the resistance of the Irish population against
imperialist paternalism and exploitation of their own resources.
Using scientifically sophisticated modern torture methods (e.g. sensory de-
privation), which are tried out in Northern Irish concentration camps and prisons, any resistance shall be
paralyzed, the chance to form an independent identity is thwarted from the beginning.
But despite these inhumane and brutal methods of repression, the opposite is often achieved.
most of the Irish internees leave the concentration camps as better fighters than before.
They have trained themselves politically as prisoners, their struggle has
not ceased behind the barbed wire, and, above all, they experience
and solidarity from outside, which became clear not least during the great prison uprising at
the end of 1974, when the organized struggle (the Nissen huts in Long Kesh were burned to the ground)
The struggle continued en masse in the neighborhoods in the form of solidarity and protest actions. -
The song was written in the "Civil Resistance Campaign" that arose as a result of the in-
ternment. It was dedicated to the men interned in the Long Kesh Concentration
[Chorus]
[C]Armored cars and[Am] tanks and guns[G],came to take[C] away
our sons,
But[C] every man must[F] stand behind,the[C] men be[G]hind the[C] wire
[1]
In[C] the little[F] streets of Belfast,[C]in the dark of[G] early morn,
[C]British solders[F] came a running,[C]wrecking little [G]homes with[C] scorn,
Here[C] the sobs of[F] crying children,[C]dragging fathers[G] from their beds,
[C]Watch the scene as[F] helpless mothers,[C]watch the blood[G] fall from their[C] heads,
[2]
Not for them a judge or jury,nor for them a crime at all,
Being Irish means they'r guilty,so were guilty one and all,
Around the world the truth will echo,Cromwell's men are here again,
England's name again is sullied,in the eyes of honest men.
[3]
Proudly march behind our banner,proudly march behind our men,
We will have them free to help us,build a nation once again [ song lyrics ],
All the people step togeather,proudly firmly on our way,
Never fear or never falter till the boys come home to stay.
Return to The Wolfe Tones Songs
[C]Armored cars and[Am] tanks and guns[G],came to take[C] away
our sons,
But[C] every man must[F] stand behind,the[C] men be[G]hind the[C] wire
[1]
In[C] the little[F] streets of Belfast,[C]in the dark of[G] early morn,
[C]British solders[F] came a running,[C]wrecking little [G]homes with[C] scorn,
Here[C] the sobs of[F] crying children,[C]dragging fathers[G] from their beds,
[C]Watch the scene as[F] helpless mothers,[C]watch the blood[G] fall from their[C] heads,
[2]
Not for them a judge or jury,nor for them a crime at all,
Being Irish means they'r guilty,so were guilty one and all,
Around the world the truth will echo,Cromwell's men are here again,
England's name again is sullied,in the eyes of honest men.
[3]
Proudly march behind our banner,proudly march behind our men,
We will have them free to help us,build a nation once again [ song lyrics ],
All the people step togeather,proudly firmly on our way,
Never fear or never falter till the boys come home to stay.
Return to The Wolfe Tones Songs
Here are the guitar chords as played by The Wolfe Tones.
[F]Armored cars and tanks and guns[C],came to take[F] away our sons,
But every man must[Bb] stand behind,the[C] men behind the[C] wire
[1]
[F]In the little[Bb] streets of Belfast,[F]in the dark of[C] early morn,
[F]British solders[Gm] came a running,[F]wrecking little homes with scorn,
Here the sobs of[Bb] crying children,[F]dragging fathers[C] from their beds,
[F]Watch the scene as helpless mothers,watch the blood fall [C]from their[F] heads,
[F]Armored cars and tanks and guns[C],came to take[F] away our sons,
But every man must[Bb] stand behind,the[C] men behind the[C] wire
[1]
[F]In the little[Bb] streets of Belfast,[F]in the dark of[C] early morn,
[F]British solders[Gm] came a running,[F]wrecking little homes with scorn,
Here the sobs of[Bb] crying children,[F]dragging fathers[C] from their beds,
[F]Watch the scene as helpless mothers,watch the blood fall [C]from their[F] heads,
The Men Behind The Wire is a poignant and powerful Irish ballad that has captured the hearts and minds of generations since its release in 1972. This song, written by Paddy McGuigan, tells the story of the men and women who were imprisoned without trial during the early years of the Northern Ireland Troubles. It is a song that not only reflects the political and social climate of the time, but also serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for their beliefs.
The origins of The Men Behind The Wire can be traced back to the early 1970s when the Troubles were at their peak. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) had launched a campaign for a united Ireland, and the British government responded with a heavy-handed approach, including the internment without trial of suspected IRA members. This practice was deeply controversial and drew widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally. Paddy McGuigan, a prominent figure in the Irish folk music scene, was inspired to write The Men Behind The Wire as a way to express the frustration and anger felt by the Irish people towards the unjust imprisonment of their fellow countrymen.
The song's lyrics vividly depict the harsh and dehumanizing conditions that the internees faced behind the barbed wire fences of Long Kesh prison. It speaks of the cold, damp cells, the cruel treatment by guards, and the constant fear and uncertainty that plagued the prisoners. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of 'The men behind the wire, the men behind the wire, are waiting for the day when they can take their rightful place,' captures the longing and hope for a better future, when those imprisoned could be released and reunited with their loved ones.
The Men Behind The Wire quickly gained popularity among the Irish community, both in Ireland and abroad. Its emotive lyrics and catchy melody made it a staple at rallies, protests, and other political events. The song's message of resistance and solidarity struck a chord with the Irish people and became a symbol of their collective struggle against injustice and oppression. In a time when the media was heavily censored, The Men Behind The Wire provided a voice for those who were silenced by the British government.
The impact of The Men Behind The Wire extended beyond the Irish community, as it was also embraced by artists and activists around the world. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Wolfe Tones, , and has been translated into multiple languages. It has become a staple in the repertoire of Irish folk music and is often included in commemorative events and ceremonies.
Beyond its musical and cultural significance, The Men Behind The Wire also holds historical value. It serves as a reminder of the Troubles and the human rights abuses that occurred during that time. The song has been used in documentaries and other media to educate younger generations about the struggles and sacrifices made by the Irish people and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.
In conclusion, The Men Behind The Wire is a powerful and enduring song that has stood the test of time. Its emotional impact and historical significance have cemented its place in Irish culture and music. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people and their unwavering belief in the pursuit of freedom and justice. As we continue to face challenges in the world, The Men Behind The Wire remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to inspire and unite us in the face of adversity.
The origins of The Men Behind The Wire can be traced back to the early 1970s when the Troubles were at their peak. The Irish Republican Army (IRA) had launched a campaign for a united Ireland, and the British government responded with a heavy-handed approach, including the internment without trial of suspected IRA members. This practice was deeply controversial and drew widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally. Paddy McGuigan, a prominent figure in the Irish folk music scene, was inspired to write The Men Behind The Wire as a way to express the frustration and anger felt by the Irish people towards the unjust imprisonment of their fellow countrymen.
The song's lyrics vividly depict the harsh and dehumanizing conditions that the internees faced behind the barbed wire fences of Long Kesh prison. It speaks of the cold, damp cells, the cruel treatment by guards, and the constant fear and uncertainty that plagued the prisoners. The chorus, with its haunting refrain of 'The men behind the wire, the men behind the wire, are waiting for the day when they can take their rightful place,' captures the longing and hope for a better future, when those imprisoned could be released and reunited with their loved ones.
The Men Behind The Wire quickly gained popularity among the Irish community, both in Ireland and abroad. Its emotive lyrics and catchy melody made it a staple at rallies, protests, and other political events. The song's message of resistance and solidarity struck a chord with the Irish people and became a symbol of their collective struggle against injustice and oppression. In a time when the media was heavily censored, The Men Behind The Wire provided a voice for those who were silenced by the British government.
The impact of The Men Behind The Wire extended beyond the Irish community, as it was also embraced by artists and activists around the world. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including The Wolfe Tones, , and has been translated into multiple languages. It has become a staple in the repertoire of Irish folk music and is often included in commemorative events and ceremonies.
Beyond its musical and cultural significance, The Men Behind The Wire also holds historical value. It serves as a reminder of the Troubles and the human rights abuses that occurred during that time. The song has been used in documentaries and other media to educate younger generations about the struggles and sacrifices made by the Irish people and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.
In conclusion, The Men Behind The Wire is a powerful and enduring song that has stood the test of time. Its emotional impact and historical significance have cemented its place in Irish culture and music. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Irish people and their unwavering belief in the pursuit of freedom and justice. As we continue to face challenges in the world, The Men Behind The Wire remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to inspire and unite us in the face of adversity.
