The original group consisted of Stefan Cush (Vocals, Guitar), Paul Simmonds (Guitar, Bouzouki, Mandolin, Keyboards), Phil "Swill" Odgers (Vocals, Guitar, Tin Whistle, Melodica), Jon Odgers (Drums, Percussion) and Shanne Bradley (Bass, Flute).
Their first single, "The Green Fields of France", was released in 1984. Written by Eric Bogle (of 'The Band Played Waltzing Matilda' fame), the song's protagonist imagined having a conversation with one of the fallen soldiers of World War I whilst sitting by his graveside. The song received considerable airplay on the John Peel show on BBC Radio 1 and finished at No.3 in Peel's Festive 50 for that year.
The following year came TMTCH's debut album, 'The Night of a Thousand Candles' and its accompanying single "Ironmasters" - this time a self-penned number by main songwriter Simmonds, linking the Industrial Revolution to the present-day treatment of the working class. The original final line of the song - "and oh, that iron bastard, she still gets her way" (a reference to the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher) had to be removed for the single version to ensure radio airplay.
In 1985 the band signed for MCA records and released "How Green Is The Valley". The record included "Ghosts Of Cable Street" a political number concerning The Battle of Cable Street in 1936 and "Shirt Of Blue" which regarded the miners' strike of 1984-5 . At the end of promotion for the album Shanne Bradley was replaced on bass by Ricky McGuire (ex UK Subs ).
In 1987 the band switched to Magnet Records and the new record released was, what may fans consider their best "Waiting For Bonaparte". Once again the strongest songs were stories of historical origin. "The Colours" told of an English mutineer sailor during the Napoleonic War and "The Crest" a stretcher bearer during World War II. Sadly whilst "The Colours" was at no.61 in the British top 75 it was blacklisted by Radio 1 due to the line "You've Come Here To Watch Me Hang", which echoed the events happening in South African townships at the time.
In 1988 the band were on the move again and signed for new label Silvertone (who later put out The Stone Roses debut release). Highlights of "Silvertown" included "Rain, Steam and Speed", "A Place In The Sun" and "A Map Of Morocco". They followed this up in 1990 with "The Domino Club" , which had a more conventional rock sound dispensing with much of the folk element in their sound.
Surprisingly the band split in 1991 after releasing a live set "Alive, Alive-0". Paul Simmonds and "Swill" Odgers then formed Liberty Cage who released an album "Sleep Of The Just" in 1994 and an EP "I'll Keep It With Mine" in 1995.
To the delight of their fans the band reformed (minus drummer Jon Odgers who had become Therapy? drum technician). Their new cd was "Never Born To Follow", released on the Demon label in 1996. The following year the band released the mini-album "Six Pack". Two "Best Of" collections followed "Majestic Grill" and "The Mud, The Blood And The Beer" both 1998.
The band again withdrew into semi retirement during which Odgers and Simmonds again relased new material together, "Baby Fishlips" in 1999 and "Folk At The Fortress" in 2002.
The band released a brand new cd in 2003 "The Cherry Red Jukebox", which most fans agreed was a real return to form. In 2005 the band released a DVD to celebrate 21 years together "21 Years Of Love And Hate". This was later released as a live double CD "Smugglers and Bounty Hunters". The band continue to play occasional live concerts. Their next planned release is an acoustic folk orientated cd, including reworking of several popular old songs from their back catalogue.
During breaks from the band "Swill" Odgers has released two Cd's with his band "The Swaggerband" which includes Ricky McGuire and Jon Odgers plus lyrical contribution from Paul Simmonds. They are "The Day After" in 2004 and "Elvis Lives Here" on Irregular Records in 2006.
Official Website http://www.tmtch.net/
Scarlet Ribbons
The Men They Couldn't Hang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the top of the town
Banshee wails and bawling
The people gather round
There's been gunfire, there's been drinking
You can hear the victory voice
On the chapel door and the courthouse
The posters say rejoice
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Carouselling in the sun
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
There's one for everyone
There's one on the tree at the edge of the park
Two in the hair of the girls in the dark
Three on the soldier whose medals he shows
A fusion of colours, just like a rose
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Carouselling in the sun
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
There's one for everyone
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Carouselling in the sun
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
There's one for everyone
On the bells of celebration
In The bedrooms of the nation
On a lonely isle, so cold and bare
Lies a dead soldier, so fresh and rare
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Carouselling in the sun
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
There's one for everyone
The Men They Couldn't Hang's song "Scarlet Ribbons" is a haunting and moving tribute to those who have lost their lives serving their country in times of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a town caught up in the aftermath of a victory, yet amidst the celebrations, there is a deep sense of loss and mourning.
As the singer wanders the streets, he is confronted by the sounds of a community coming together to celebrate. But the dark undercurrent is never far away, and the ribbons that flutter in the breeze represent the sacrifices that have been made, and the lives that have been lost. The image of a dead soldier lying on a lonely, cold isle is particularly poignant, highlighting the ultimate cost of war.
The use of ribbons throughout the song is a powerful device that connects the different strands of the narrative. The bright scarlet of the ribbons provides a striking contrast to the darker themes of the song and underlines the idea that life and death are intricately linked. Through its rich imagery and haunting melody, "Scarlet Ribbons" is a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring impact it has on communities around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Wander through the streets
Walking aimlessly around the town, taking in the surroundings.
To the top of the town
Climbing to the highest point of the town to get a better view.
Banshee wails and bawling
Sounds of distress and grief echoing through the streets.
The people gather round
Crowds of people forming, curious about the commotion.
There's been gunfire, there's been drinking
A party or celebration that may have gotten out of hand.
You can hear the victory voice
Cheers and shouts of triumph fill the air.
On the chapel door and the courthouse
Announcements and proclamations posted in public places.
The posters say rejoice
Messages of celebration and happiness being displayed.
Ribbons, scarlet ribbons
These red ribbons are a symbol of remembrance and honor.
Carouselling in the sun
Fluttering in the wind and shining brightly.
There's one for everyone
A reminder that each person has their own unique story and experience.
There's one on the tree at the edge of the park
A ribbon tied to a tree, marking a spot of significance.
Two in the hair of the girls in the dark
The ribbons are a decorative adornment, adding to the festive feeling.
Three on the soldier whose medals he shows
A sign of pride and accomplishment for his service.
A fusion of colours, just like a rose
The ribbons blend together to create a beautiful and complex image, like a flower.
On the bells of celebration
The ribbons are even draped on the bells, adding to the festive atmosphere.
In The bedrooms of the nation
The memory of these events will be carried on by the people for a long time.
On a lonely isle, so cold and bare
Even in remote and desolate places, the significance of their sacrifice is remembered.
Lies a dead soldier, so fresh and rare
A tragic reminder of the high cost of war and conflict.
Contributed by Aaron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paul Smeenis
on Ironmasters
Dunno what track 6 is but it sure isn't Ironmasters