Born James Alan Hull in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne on 20th February1945, he became a member of the band The Chosen Few alongside keyboard player Mick Gallagher in 1962. He supported himself one year by working as a nurse at a mental hospital while appearing as a folk singer and guitarist in local clubs before helping to form Brethren and Downtown Faction, which evolved into Lindisfarne in 1970. He also released a one-off solo single, "We Can Swing Together", which was re-recorded with the group on their first album, Nicely Out of Tune, and became a regular favourite in their stage performances.
As the group's most prolific songwriter and joint lead vocalist, Hull came to be regarded as its leader. In 1972, dissatisfied with the sound and critical reception of their third album Dingly Dell, he considered leaving the group, but instead he and joint lead vocalist Ray "Jacka" Jackson formed a new six-piece Lindisfarne the following year, leaving the three other original members to form Jack the Lad. He also released a first solo album, Pipedream, in the same year, and published a book of poems, Mocking Horse.
Lindisfarne disbanded in 1975, and Hull released a second solo album, Squire, then formed the short-lived Radiator, which also included drummer Ray Laidlaw of Lindisfarne and Jack the Lad. At the end of 1977 the original line-up of Lindisfarne reformed after a well-received Christmas show at the Newcastle City Hall which was broadcast on local radio. Thereafter he combined his musical career as front man of the group with a solo career. He was also a staunch Labour Party activist.
In 1994, he recorded Back to Basics, a live all-acoustic survey of the best of his songwriting from 1970 onwards. On 17th November 1995 whilst working on a new album, Statues & Liberties, Hull died suddenly of a heart thrombosis, at the age of fifty.
Poor Old Ireland
Alan Hull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Poor old Ireland, poor old universe,
Wonder who comes off the worse.
Poor old people mistreating misbelieving,
I think you've been cast by a curse.
But I don't want you to die, I can see all the lies
There's nothing there that's new.
Even if what you say is true.
And meanwhile in the aisles of the churches with style,
They're singing their songs to the Lord.
And the preacher's carping that for failure on earth,
Heaven will be your reward.
Poor old Ireland tortured by past and
Tarnished by future's curse
Poor old Ireland, poor old planet,
Poor old universe.
Oh Ireland your people mean more than the idols
You seek to set upon earth
And the day that you see that's the day, that all of your
Sadness and sickness will die.
For the enemy you seek to destroy is not the
One who's causing the pain
He's disguised himself well with his book and his bell but
Evil is still his name.
Poor old Ireland tortured by past and
Tarnished by future's curse
Poor old Ireland, poor old universe
Wonder who comes off the worse.
Alan Hull's song "Poor Old Ireland" is a melancholic reflection on the long-standing struggles of Ireland and its people. Through the lyrics, the singer observes how Ireland, and by extension the universe, continues to suffer due to a variety of factors, both past, and present. The song opens with a lamentation, referencing a curse that has seemingly cast Ireland and its people in a negative light. Despite this, the singer expresses empathy and implores that Ireland should not have to suffer any longer. The lyrics reflect a sadness in the singer, knowing that the state of decay and mistreatment has persisted for too long.
Throughout the song, Alan Hull criticizes the religious authority systems in Ireland, claiming that those in positions of power fail to make positive changes. By pointing out the hypocrisy of the church, Hull questions the very nature of organized religion in Ireland. The singer encourages the people of Ireland to look inward and find their own strength, rather than rely on institutions that may not have their best interests in mind. Overall, "Poor Old Ireland" is a mournful tune that captures the hearts and minds of those who hold the country's struggles dear.
Line by Line Meaning
Poor old Ireland, poor old universe,
Ireland, and indeed the entire universe, are experiencing a great deal of hardship.
Wonder who comes off the worse.
It's unclear who is suffering more in this difficult time.
Poor old people mistreating misbelieving,
There are people who are being treated badly and unfairly for their beliefs.
I think you've been cast by a curse.
It seems as though there is a negative force influencing the situation.
But I don't want you to die, I can see all the lies
Despite the problems, the artist does not wish for the situation to become worse.
There's nothing there that's new.
The problems being faced have been ongoing and are not surprising.
But there's still no need to make blind children bleed,
Even though there are problems, it is still wrong to cause harm to innocent people.
Even if what you say is true.
Even if some people's beliefs are correct, it doesn't justify causing harm.
And meanwhile in the aisles of the churches with style,
At the same time, religious institutions are conducting themselves in a particular way.
They're singing their songs to the Lord.
Religious songs are being sung in praise of God.
And the preacher's carping that for failure on earth,
The preacher is warning that those who don't achieve success in life will suffer in the afterlife.
Heaven will be your reward.
Those who do well in life will be rewarded with a place in heaven.
Poor old Ireland tortured by past and
Ireland has been through a lot of difficult experiences in the past,
Tarnished by future's curse.
and it seems as though the future may not be any better.
Oh Ireland your people mean more than the idols
The singer believes that the people of Ireland are more important than any false gods they may worship.
You seek to set upon earth
that those false gods are being worshiped and given importance in the world.
And the day that you see that's the day, that all of your
The day when the people of Ireland realize the true value of themselves and their fellow humans is the day that
Sadness and sickness will die.
all the pain and hardship will come to an end.
For the enemy you seek to destroy is not the
The problem is not caused by the person or group that is being blamed.
One who's causing the pain
It's not as simple as blaming one person or group for all the suffering.
He's disguised himself well with his book and his bell but
The person or group causing the problem may be hiding their true motives and intentions.
Evil is still his name.
Ultimately, the person or group responsible for the issues is doing something wrong and harmful to others.
Contributed by Allison K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.