Two years ago, the most Irish band in America, the Dropkick Murphys released their cover of the classic song of civil rights and labor rights movements, “We Shall Overcome:”
“We Shall Overcome” became a unifying rallying cry during the American civil rights movement of the 1960s in particular. Dropkick Murphys’ own music often focuses on camaraderie in the face of harsh conditions, and their treatment of the powerful gospel song is a passionate and boisterous one.
“I’ve always found this to be such a powerful protest song,” remarked co-vocalist Ken Casey in a press release, “as we all know from its importance in both the civil rights and labor movements, but what I love the most is its positivity. The message of hope is needed now more than ever. Also, nobody has done a loud, ballsy rock version — so it just needed to happen!”
Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day, if you celebrate such things.
