Famine Song facts for kids

The Famine Song is a song sometimes sung by people in Ulster and Scotland. It is often directed at Irish people or those with Irish family backgrounds. Fans of the Scottish football club Rangers also sing it because their rival club, Celtic, has strong Irish roots.

The song uses the tune of "The John B. Sails", a popular song. Its words talk about the Great Famine that happened in Ireland in the 1840s. This song is often heard at marches in Northern Ireland. Many people have criticized the Famine Song because its words are seen as offensive and unfair to certain groups.

Why is the Famine Song Controversial?

The Famine Song is controversial because its words are considered hurtful and unfair. It is seen as being against people of Irish descent. The song suggests that people of Irish background living in Scotland should go back to Ireland.

Court's View on the Song

A court in Scotland, the High Court of Justiciary, looked at the Famine Song. The court said that the song's message was offensive. It stated that the song unfairly tells people to leave Scotland because of their family origins. Many people find this message very upsetting.