Dirty Old Town


"Dirty Old Town" is a song by The Pogues, originally performed in the key of G major. The song was written by Ewan MacColl, a Scottish folk singer-songwriter, in 1949 for a play called "Landscape with Chimneys." The Pogues' version, released in 1985, became one of their most popular songs. Known for their unique blend of punk rock and traditional Irish folk music, The Pogues brought a vibrant energy to "Dirty Old Town." Interestingly, Ewan MacColl was not a member of The Pogues but rather a revered folk artist in his own right. As for the melody, "Dirty Old Town" is characterized by its catchy and haunting tune, which perfectly complements the bittersweet lyrics that reflect on the industrial decline and social unrest of a once-thriving town.