This song is 'historical'; and the events take place long before the outbreak of the Troubles. Maybe these guys are just disaffected lads who turn to crime. But maybe they had been 'voting' against the mainstream UK government to effect democratic change vis-a-vis Ireland? ... 1916 saw the Easter Rising and execution of Pearse et al at. Then came the Old IRA; the Black and Tans; Michael Collins and the Irish Civil War; Mosley's defection; etc... If him/Mosley is correct, the song ends with the protagonist reflecting on his High Hopes/Great Expectations - his 'democratic' vote for Mosley was just another false hope in his "miserable life"!
PS. In the 1930s, the anti-treaty IRA attempted a bombing campaign in Britain in an effort to end partition. The World War II period also saw attempts to gain financial and military support from Nazi Germany and German Intelligence (wiki).
PPS. Ten Shilling Note (1928-1970).
So maybe the 'vote for him' refers to Neville Chamblain?
28th May 1937 - Neville Chamberlain succeeds Baldwin as Prime Minister.
29th December 1937 - Irish Free State is abolished, and replaced by sovereign state of Eire.
29th September, 1938 - Chamberlain, Adolf Hitler, Edouard Daladier and Benito Mussolini signed the Munich Agreement!
This song is 'historical'; and the events take place long before the outbreak of the Troubles. Maybe these guys are just disaffected lads who turn to crime. But maybe they had been 'voting' against the mainstream UK government to effect democratic change vis-a-vis Ireland? ... 1916 saw the Easter Rising and execution of Pearse et al at. Then came the Old IRA; the Black and Tans; Michael Collins and the Irish Civil War; Mosley's defection; etc... If him/Mosley is correct, the song ends with the protagonist reflecting on his High Hopes/Great Expectations - his 'democratic' vote for Mosley was just another false hope in his "miserable life"!
PS. In the 1930s, the anti-treaty IRA attempted a bombing campaign in Britain in an effort to end partition. The World War II period also saw attempts to gain financial and military support from Nazi Germany and German Intelligence (wiki). PPS. Ten Shilling Note (1928-1970). So maybe the 'vote for him' refers to Neville Chamblain? 28th May 1937 - Neville Chamberlain succeeds Baldwin as Prime Minister. 29th December 1937 - Irish Free State is abolished, and replaced by sovereign state of Eire. 29th September, 1938 - Chamberlain, Adolf Hitler, Edouard Daladier and Benito Mussolini signed the Munich Agreement!