(Poem by William Calvert, Art by Malachy Coney, lettered by David Withers.)A song written and composed by William Calvert to entertain a cast party for members of his University Dramatic Society in 1926 and published as a poem in 1950 in a collection called Brave Crack. I have always had a fondness for this piece not only with regard to its echo of Sweeney Todd but also because of the degree to which it reflects the notions of tribalism, cultural, political and religious differences, generated by Catholics and Protestants trying to exist together in Belfast. I have heard it performed many times over the years and it has become part of the cultural heritage of Northern Ireland's capitol city.
London Derry has THE TOWN I LOVED SO WELL.
Belfast has THE BALLAD OF WILLIAM BLOAT.
Here is my interpretation; Enjoy.
