I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day
The Pogues Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning

Oh my name is Jock Stewart I'm a canny gun man
And a roving young fellow I've been
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

I have acres of land I have men at command
I have always a shilling to spare
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me


I'm a man you don't meet every day

Well I took out my dog and him I did shoot
All down in the county Kildare
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

So come fill up you glasses of brandy and wine
Whatever it costs, I will pay

So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

Overall Meaning

The Pogues' song I'm a Man You Don't Meet Every Day is a traditional Irish folk song with the band's own unique, rowdy twist. The singer identifies himself as Jock Stewart, a "canny gun man" who has lived a roving and adventurous life, a man who is not easily found. He brags about his wealth and men at his command, having always enough money to spare. However, his true wild and rough character is revealed when he nonchalantly reveals that he shot his own dog during a hunting trip in Ireland’s County Kildare.


The song is essentially a drinking song, inviting those around him to join in with him with glasses of brandy and wine. With a lighthearted melody and playful lyrics, the song perfectly captures the playful and carefree spirit of a good drinking session. Although Jock Stewart is not someone one would want to meet every day, he is undoubtedly an entertaining drinking companion.


Overall, the song portrays the stereotype of the rugged and wild Irishman who enjoys nothing more than a good drink and a good fight. It is a celebration of the country's culture and traditions, as well as its joyful, unconstrained way of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh my name is Jock Stewart I'm a canny gun man
I am Jock Stewart, a skilled gunman.


And a roving young fellow I've been
I have been wandering and travelling around.


So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
Relax and have a good time with me when we drink together.


I'm a man you don't meet every day
I am unique and rare, not someone you meet every day.


I have acres of land I have men at command
I am wealthy and have people under my command.


I have always a shilling to spare
I always have extra money to spend.


Well I took out my dog and him I did shoot
I went hunting with my dog and shot a prey.


All down in the county Kildare
This happened in County Kildare, Ireland.


So come fill up you glasses of brandy and wine
Let's drink brandy and wine together.


Whatever it costs, I will pay
I am willing to pay for the drinks, no matter the price.


So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
Don't worry about anything when we drink together.


I'm a man you don't meet every day
I am a unique and rare person, not someone you meet every day.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DP, James Fearnley, Jem Finer, Shane Patrick Lysaght Macgowan, Cait O'Riordan, Andrew David Ranken, Peter Spider Stacey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

C Campbell

~Lyrics~
Oh my name is Jock Stewart I'm a canny gun man
And a roving young fellow I've been
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

I have acres of land I have men at command
I have always a shilling to spare
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

So come fill up you glasses of brandy and wine
Whatever it costs, I will pay
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

Well I took out my dog and him I did shoot
All down in the county Kildare
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day

So come fill up you glasses of brandy and wine
Whatever it costs, I will pay
So be easy and free when you're drinking with me
I'm a man you don't meet every day
So be easy and free when your drinking with me
I’m a man you don’t meet everyday



All comments from YouTube:

Aclaret Claret

Cait O’Riordan’s voice is pure magic. Shame she didn’t sing more with the Pogues.

Carly

@Mel Gor It's Carly Docherty & I can't wait. 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Mel Gor

@Carly it is Cait O'Riordan.

Mark Gillan

Jock Stuart

m

@Carly it isnae

Mark Porter

No, it isn’t. It’s Cait.

2 More Replies...

Tniggz

My dad sang this to me as a child. Brings back many memories and a tear nearly every time.

Sarah Kennefick

🥰🥰

Sarah Kennefick

Awwwww

Athenry04

Playing this at my dad's funeral today. Beautiful song.

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