Shane MacGowan - *The Snake With Eyes of Garnett*

The Snake With Eyes Of Garnet is performed by Shane Macgowan and The Popes. The song mentions James Clarence Mangan (1803-1849). Mangan was born in Dublin and was plagued by alcoholism and poverty throughout his life. He published some poems and articles under various pseudonyms. Alcoholism eventually took its toll and he died of malnutrition (brought on by cholera) utterly destitute. The song also talks about laudanum is an early opiate that was widely used medicinally throughout the 19th century until its addictive powers were fully appreciated and poitín refers to illegal Irish whiskey. The song is based around a hanging taking place in Dublin in 1819.

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[Fioneenacockeen]

excellent song, thanks for uploading this

[ChimeraAZ]

This is such a beautiful song.Sad too,..

[mejhna]

I freakin' love this song! it's right there in the top 5 as far as post-Pogue-break-up material is concerned. I love good old songs with linear narrative, story-telling to music and whatnot. Shane is a true master of such art, the bard of our age!

[Poemsapennyeach]

Very nice...and well penned song.

[jjmonns]

The snake represented standing up to English oppression. America used the snake symbol with the phrase "Don't tread on me" during the Revolutionary War. "Till all man kind is free" probably was meaning until all was freed of oppressive government.

[DManiek]

Thanks for posting lyrics and explanation! Great story!

[LukaRaPtoR]

Awesome track. In my opinion the best MacGowan had in his locker

[MissBristles]

great song grma

[dynoweaf]

what a fantstic piece of work! the xylophone at 1:51 is beautiful, absolutely LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

[pewterbot9]

@DancesWithLlamas posted: "What exactly is the snake of garnet supposed to symbolize?"

I would guess that it stands for the circle of life, thus all creation. Maybe someone more knowledgable about Irish lore can give a better answer...I hope!