It was recorded by Simple Minds as a tribue to Celtic football legend Jimmy Johnstone who was battling Motor Neurone Disease. The song appeared on the soundtrack of a film about his life (Lord Of The Wing) but Simple Minds first released it on Live And Rare.

Billy Sloan got the exclusive though and first played it on his Sunday night show on the 1st December, 2003.

Two versions were recorded in Glasgow during rehearsals for the Alive And Kicking 2003 tour. The first, featuring just Jim on vocals, appeared on the album. The second version, featuring Jim and Jimmy Johnstone sharing the singing, turned up on the single.

Feeling that the song needed more, Mick MacNeil was called in and added accordian to the song. It was his first recording with Simple Minds since 1989.

Jim also changed the lyrics. Instead of singing "Saw a train set the night on fire" he sang "Saw Jimmy Johnson set the night on fire."

I met my love by the gas works croft Dreamed a dream by the old canal I kissed my girl by the factory wall Dirty old town Dirty old town Clouds are drifting across the moon Cats a prowling on their beat Spring's a girl from the streets at night Dirty old town Dirty old town I heard a siren from the docks Saw a train set the night on fire Smelled the spring on the smoky wind Dirty old town Dirty old town I'm going to make me a good sharp axe Shining steel tempered in the fire I'll chop you down like an old dead tree Dirty old town Dirty old town I met my love by the gas works croft Dreamed a dream by the old canal I Kissed my girl by the factory wall Dirty old town Dirty old town

Album Version (3:22) Producer: Charlie Burchill and Gordy Goudie Engineer: Kevin Burleigh
Single Version (3:24) Producer: Charlie Burchill and Gordy Goudie Engineer: Kevin Burleigh