A theme of dissolusionment also with the political situation in Northern-Ireland, which was terrible at the time - “chains, badges, flags and emblems” – refers to - Flags And Emblems Act of 1954 in Northern-Ireland forbade nationalists from outward display of Irish symbols e.g flag of Southern-Ireland.
It was most couragous of van to write/sing this, as it would be viewed as treachery by his peers in Northern-Ireland - a man before his time, as always.
A theme of dissolusionment also with the political situation in Northern-Ireland, which was terrible at the time - “chains, badges, flags and emblems” – refers to - Flags And Emblems Act of 1954 in Northern-Ireland forbade nationalists from outward display of Irish symbols e.g flag of Southern-Ireland.
It was most couragous of van to write/sing this, as it would be viewed as treachery by his peers in Northern-Ireland - a man before his time, as always.