Come Out Ye Black and Tans

Come Out Ye Black and Tans is an Irish rebel song referring to the Black and Tans, the British paramilitary police auxiliary force in Ireland during the 1920s. The song was written by Dominic Behan and the lyrics are rich with references to the history of Irish nationalism and the activities of the British army throughout the world. While the title of the song refers to the Black and Tans of the War of Independence era, the specific context of the song is a dispute between Irish Republican and loyalist neighbours in inner city Dublin in the 1930s. The actual term "Black and Tan" originated from the lack of coordination of the British army with their uniforms. The troops stationed in Killeshandra wore a mix of black uniforms and tan (khaki) uniforms.
The reference to Flanders alludes to the neighbour's service in the British Army in the First World War. Killeshandra is a town in West Cavan likely to have been the scene of a successful IRA operation during the War of Independence. The service of the British Army in colonial wars against the Arabs and Zulus is also mocked, as the "natives" had "spears and bow and arrows" while the British "bravely faced each one, with your 16 pounder gun". The reference to "Arabs" probably refers to the counter insurgency campaign fought by the British against Arab guerrillas in the contemporary British Mandate of Palestine. Many of the actual Black and Tans served in Palestine after their time in Ireland.
But, of course, we're all together now.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Black
• and
• Tans
• Dominic
• Behan

[1916supermc]

tiocfaidh ar la

[seeitasitis]

fuckin english

[thomasthetiger]

Oh come out you - black and tarns??? Doch das lieber bei mir, because I am German and in your opinion fully Nazi! I will kill those bastards instantly and not sing stupid songs for the next generations. If a German it does . it will finished! Once and only!

[ruairi50]

@icecreamarmageddon WANKER

[Edmondo666]

I tell it about all the other clackerbags that used to sit in my row at College.

[Edmondo666]

I talk to my ballbag everyday..

[pudnog]

Excellent vid excellent song Erin go bragh!