''Back Home in Derry'' is an

Irish rebel song In the music of Ireland, Irish rebel songs refer to folk songs which are primarily about the various rebellions against English (and later British) Crown rule. Songs about prior rebellions are a popular topic of choice among musicians which supp ...

written by Bobby Sands while imprisoned in HM Maze. The song has been covered by multiple artists, most notably by

Christy Moore Christopher Andrew "Christy" Moore (born 7 May 1945) is an Irish folk singer, songwriter and guitarist. In addition to his significant success as an individual, he is one of the founding members of Planxty and Moving Hearts. His first album, ...

in his 1984 album

Ride On Ride On may refer to: Music * ''Ride On'' (Christy Moore album), an album (and song) by Christy Moore * ''Ride On'' (Izzy Stradlin album), an album by Izzy Stradlin * ''Ride On'' (Texas Hippie Coalition album), an album (and song) by American red d ...

, who sang it to a melody inspired by Gordon Lightfoot’s famous 1976 song “''

The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald "The Wreck of the ''Edmund Fitzgerald'' is a 1976 hit song written, composed and performed by Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot to commemorate the sinking of the bulk carrier SS ''Edmund Fitzgerald'' on Lake Superior on November 10, ...

''“. Moore's version is shorter than the original poem.

Context

The lyrics describe the voyage of Irish rebels, convicted to exile in Australia, in the aftermath of the Irish Rebellion of 1803. The narrator describes the feelings of the men as they sail away from Ireland, in precarious conditions, while the chorus is a lament of longing for

Derry Derry, officially Londonderry (), is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fifth-largest city on the island of Ireland. The name ''Derry'' is an anglicisation of the Old Irish name (modern Irish: ) meaning 'oak grove'. The ...

. The city appears to be used as a symbol for one's hometown, as historically, the Irish Rebellion of 1803 was centered around Dublin. Throughout the song, the narrator describes the mistreatment of Irish prisoners by the Dublin Castle administration, and the execution of Robert Emmet is mentioned. The narrator is ultimately deported to van Diemen's land, where he endures a harsh existence of servitude and violence. In the last stanza of the song, the narrator remains a hardened republican, despite his trials of twenty years:

References

{{Reflist Irish rebel songs