The band has kept up the mix of traditional Irish or Scottish songs and self-written tracks, though the self-written tracks have progressively become less and less folky. The band's influences are wide and varied, but obviously heavily influenced by Celtic rock bands like the Pogues, the Waterboys and Great Big Sea. Recent albums also see a clear influence from Gothic rock music. Having enjoyed growing success in and around Germany, the band reached 1000 played concerts in 2004 (the only band member to play them all is bass player Rainer Schulz), which was celebrated with a concert at Castle Hoheneck. This concert was filmed and released on two DVDs: Celebrate! and Jubilate! The concert saw participation from former band members and other guest musicians. Main lyric and music writer Peter Pathos has left the band in summer 2006 and was replaced by Patrick 'Pat' Prziwara. A live DVD Folk's not dead was released to celebrate the band's 20th anniversary in 2010
Members:
Ralf 'Albi' Albers - Vocals, Guitar, Bouzouki
Tobi Heindl (Tobias Anton Heindl) - Violin, Vocals (since 2000)
Rainer Schulz - Bass
Stefan Klug - Accordion, bodhrán (since 1991)
Frank Jooss - Drums, percussion (since 2001)
Patrick 'Pat' Prziwara - Guitar, vocals (since 2006)
Former members:
Dr. Robert Oppel (1990 - 1991) - Violin
Eric Obst (1990 - 1995) - Drums
Wolfram Kellner (1995 - 2000) -Drums
Tobias Rempe (1991 - 1995) - Violin
Tobias Schäfer (1995 - 2000) - Violin
Peter Pathos (Peter Müller) (1990 - 2006) - Guitar, whistle, mandola
Discography:
Fiddler’s Green (1992)
Black Sheep (1993)
King Shepherd (1995)
Make Up Your Mind (1996)
On and On (1997)
Spin Around (1998)
Stagebox (1999) (Live)
Another Sky (2000)
Folk Raider (2002)
Nu Folk (2003)
Celebrate! (2005) (Live)
Celebrate! DVD (2005) (Live)
Jubilate! DVD (2005) (Live)
Drive Me Mad! (2007)
Sports Day at Killaloe (2009)
Folk's not dead DVD (2010) (Live)
Wall of Folk (2011)
Winners and Boozers (2013)
Dirty Old Town
Fiddler's Green Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town, dirty old town
I heard a siren from the docks
Saw a train set the night on fire
I smelled the breeze on the smoky wind
Clouds are drifting across the streets
Cats are prowling on their beat
Spring's a girl on the streets at night
Dirty old town, dirty old town
I'm going to make me a big sharp axe - axe!
Shining steel tempered in the fire
I'll cut you down like an old dead tree
Dirty old town, dirty old town
I met my love by the gas works wall
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Dirty old town, dirty old town (16x)
The song Dirty Old Town by Fiddler's Green is a nostalgic ode to a gritty, industrial town. The lyrics paint a picture of a place that is rough around the edges, but still has its own unique beauty. The singer recalls meeting his love by the gas works wall, dreaming a dream by the old canal, and kissing his girl by the factory wall. Each of these moments is infused with a sense of romance and longing. The act of kissing someone against a factory wall is not typically considered a romantic gesture, but in the context of this song, it becomes one. It is a reminder that beauty can be found in unexpected places.
Throughout the song, the singer describes various sights, sounds, and smells that are emblematic of the town. He hears a siren from the docks, sees a train set the night on fire, and smells the breeze on the smoky wind. These sensory details help to create a vivid portrait of the place, and they also hint at its working-class roots. This is a town that is defined by its factories, its train yards, and its docks.
The song ends on an ominous note with the singer declaring his intention to make a big sharp axe and cut down those who stand in his way. This violent imagery is at odds with the romanticism of the rest of the song, and it serves as a reminder that even in beautiful places, there can be darkness lurking just beneath the surface.
Line by Line Meaning
I met my love by the gas works wall
I found my true love in the most unlikely place
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
I had a vision of a better life in this rundown town
I kissed my girl by the factory wall
I shared a moment of love and tenderness in a harsh environment
Dirty old town, dirty old town
This town is impoverished and neglected, but it's still home to me
I heard a siren from the docks
The presence of authority and danger is constantly felt in this town
Saw a train set the night on fire
The industrial activity dominates the landscape of this town, even at night
I smelled the breeze on the smoky wind
The pollution and smoke from the factories are always present in the air
Clouds are drifting across the streets
The weather is moody and unpredictable, reflecting the state of this town
Cats are prowling on their beat
Even the animals adapt to the harshness of this environment
Spring's a girl on the streets at night
The beauty and vitality of nature are still present, even in this urban wasteland
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Despite its flaws and imperfections, this town has a unique character and identity
I'm going to make me a big sharp axe - axe!
I am determined to take control of my life and overcome the challenges of this town
Shining steel tempered in the fire
I will persevere and become stronger through adversity
I'll cut you down like an old dead tree
I will not let anyone or anything hold me back from achieving my goals
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Though it may be dirty and old, this town holds a special place in my heart
Dirty old town, dirty old town
This town may be flawed, but it's still valuable and worth fighting for
Dirty old town, dirty old town
Despite its problems, this town is still alive and kicking
Dirty old town, dirty old town
I may want to leave this town, but it will always be a part of me
Contributed by Kayla G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Solange Ryschawy
Bravo messieurs 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎸👍🎤🎤👍🎶🎶
Kroxyx
Gestern live gesehen.... Ein geiles Lied, wenn auch zu rockig um die Stimmiúng richtig einzufangen (meiner Meinung nach)
Was mit Augen
So Geil!
olevegn
Best version
Solange Ryschawy
B