The Old Main Drag

Pogues · Original Album Series:hell's Ditch/if I Should Fall From Grace Wi [2010]

When I first came to London I was only sixteen

With a fiver in my pocket and my ole dancing bag

I went down to the dilly to check out the scene

And I soon ended up on the old main drag



There the he-males and the she-males paraded in style

And the old man with the money would flash you a smile

In the dark of an alley you'd work for a fiver

For a swift one off the wrist down on the old main drag



In the cold winter nights the old town it was chill

But there were boys in the cafes who'd give you cheap pills

If you didn't have the money you'd cajole or you'd beg

There was always lots of tuinol on the old main drag



One evening as I was lying down by Leicester Square

I was picked up by the coppers and kicked in the balls

Between the metal doors at Vine Street I was beaten and mauled

And they ruined my good looks for the old main drag



In the tube station the old ones who were on the way out

Would dribble and vomit and grovel and shout

And the coppers would come along and push them about

And I wished I could escape from the old main drag



And now I'm lying here I've had too much booze

I've been shat on and spat on and raped and abused

I know that I am dying and I wish I could beg

For some money to take me from the old main drag

The Old Main Drag

The Pogues' 'The Old Main Drag' stands as a quintessential example of the band's ability to blend traditional Irish folk with punk rock energy. Written by Shane MacGowan, the track captures the gritty atmosphere of Dublin's working-class streets, reflecting the band's signature storytelling approach. The song features the group's characteristic instrumentation, including fiddles, tin whistles, and driving rhythms that define their sound. As part of their extensive discography, this recording highlights the band's exploration of urban life and social commentary. The track remains a staple in their live performances, showcasing the raw emotion and narrative depth that have made the Pogues influential in the Celtic punk genre. Its enduring popularity underscores the band's lasting impact on contemporary folk music.