englishRock

Belfast Child Lyrics

by Simple Minds

13 views • Published on Oct 2, 2026

Belfast Child Lyrics

When my love said to me, Meet me down by the gallow tree. For it's sad news I bring, About this old town and all that it's offering. Some say troubles abound, Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down. One day we'll return here, When the Belfast Child sings again Brothers, sisters, where are you now? As I look for you right through the crowd. All my life here I've spent, With my faith in God the Church and the Government. But there's sadness abound, Some day soon they're gonna pull the old town down. One day we'll return here, When the Belfast Child sings again, When the Belfast Child sings again So come back Billy, won't you come on home? Come back Mary, you've been away so long. The streets are empty, and your mother's gone. The girls are crying, it's been oh so long. And your father's calling, come on home. Won't you come on home, won't you come on home? Come back people, you've been gone a while, And the war is raging, through the Emerald Isle. That's flesh and blood man, that's flesh and blood, All the girls are crying but all's not lost. The streets are empty, the streets are cold. Won't you come on home, won't you come on home? The streets are empty, Life goes on. One day we'll return here, When the Belfast Child sings again, When the Belfast Child sings again.

Meaning of Belfast Child

“Belfast Child” is a poignant lament for a fractured community and the looming threat of destruction within Northern Ireland’s capital. The song evokes deep sadness and nostalgia, painting a picture of a town steeped in history, faith, and ultimately, despair as it anticipates further turmoil. Simple Minds delivers a message of longing and loss, using the recurring image of the “Belfast Child” – a symbol of innocence and return – to represent those displaced and yearning for home. The repeated pleas, "Come back Billy, won't you come on home?", highlight the devastating impact of conflict and emigration, underscored by the emptiness of the streets and the grief of families. Despite the bleak outlook and the “war raging,” there’s a fragile hope suggested in the final lines – “all’s not lost” – hinting at resilience and the enduring spirit of the people awaiting a future return.

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