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belfast child


composer
Traditional.
Arrangement: Simple Minds
Lyrics by: Simple Minds


publisher
© 1989 Virgin Music (Publishers) Ltd


background
"One night we had a huge row in the studio. Trevor was getting nervous and said: "I think I can cut it down to three minutes and forty-nine seconds." He played it and I said: "What's the point in doing it?" but at least he gave me the attitude of what I was going to be up against, particularly in America." - Jim




lyrics
When my love said to me,
Meet me down by the gallow tree.
For it's sad news I bring,
About this old town and all that it's offering.
Some say troubles abound,
Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down.
One day we'll return here,
When the Belfast Child sings again.

Brothers, sisters, where are you now?
As I look for you right through the crowd.
All my life here I've spent,
With my faith in God the Church and the Government.
But there's sadness abound,
Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down.

One day we'll return here,
When the Belfast Child sings again,
When the Belfast Child sings again.

So come back Billy, won't you come on home?
Come back Mary, you've been away so long.
The streets are empty, and your mother's gone.
The girls are crying, it's been oh so long.
And your father's calling, come on home.
Won't you come on home, won't you come on home?

Come back people, you've been gone a while,
And the war is raging, through the Emerald Isle.
That's flesh and blood man, that's flesh and blood,
All the girls are crying but all's not lost.

The streets are empty, the streets are cold.
Won't you come on home, won't you come on home?

The streets are empty,
Life goes on.

One day we'll return here,
When the Belfast Child sings again,
When the Belfast Child sings again.



discography
Album Version (6:40)
Produced by: Stephen Lipson and Trevor Horn
Engineers: Heff Moraes, Robin Hancock
Assistant Engineers: Danton Supple, Martin Plant

The Best Of ... (Sampler) Selections From The Best Of The Best Of Simple Minds CD2 Promo The Best Of The Best Of SACD The Best Of Night Of The Proms Special Remastered Edition The Platinum Collection CD Gift Pack Limited Edition

Live Version (15th Sep 1989) (8:18)
Recorded: Verona, Italy
Producer: Stephen Lipson

Live And Rare CD

Live Version (13th Aug 1991) (9:20)
Recorded: Barrowlands, Glasgow, UK
Producer: Stephen Lipson
Mastered by: Simon Heyworth

Real Live 91 Fanclub CD Silver Box Promo CDR #4 Silver Box Promo CDR Sampler Silver Box Mexican Promo CDR Sampler Silver Box




videography
Edit (5:14)
Produced by: Stephen Lipson and Trevor Horn
Engineers: Heff Moraes, Robin Hancock
Assistant Engineers: Danton Supple, Martin Plant


Belfast Child promo video Seen The Lights - A Visual History Promo DVD Seen The Lights - A Visual History DVD

Live Version (15th Sep 89) (8:11)
Recorded: Verona, Italy
Producer: Stephen Lipson

Verona Video Seen The Lights - A Visual History Promo DVD Seen The Lights - A Visual History DVD Seen The Lights - Live In Verona Promo DVD Seen The Lights - Live In Verona DVD




live history
Night Of The Proms: 1997
Grand Prix Night Of The Proms: 2001
The Floating World Tour: 2002
Night Of The Proms: 2002
Alive And Kicking Tour: 2003
Festival Tour: 2004
Intimate Tour: 2005
Black And White Tour: 2006