Lesson # 5

In this last lesson we look at the chords, strumming pattern and melody line for the great Ewan McColl ballad 'Dirty Old Town'

"Dirty Old Town" is a popular Irish folk song that was written by the great songwriter Ewan MacColl in the late 1940s. The song tells the story of a man who is reminiscing about his hometown of Salford, England, where McColl was born and brought up in. 

The song has become a popular anthem for working-class people and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

The song was first recorded by MacColl's wife, Peggy Seeger, in 1952, and it became a hit when it was covered by The Dubliners in 1968. The Pogues recorded a popular version of the song in 1985, which became a top ten hit in the UK charts. Other notable covers of the song include those by Rod Stewart and Simple Minds with Jimmy Johnstone the Celtic and Scottish footballer.

The song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo make it a favorite among audiences, and it has become a staple of Irish music.

MacColl was known for his politically charged lyrics and his commitment to social justice, and many of his songs dealt with issues related to the working class and the struggles of everyday people.

Overall, "Dirty Old Town" is a beloved Irish folk song that celebrates the working-class experience and the resilience of people in the face of adversity. Its catchy melody and upbeat tempo have made it a favorite among audiences, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of music to connect us to our shared experiences and to express the deepest emotions of the human heart