30 January 2023

BLOODY SUNDAY, also known as the BOGSIDE MASSACRE (Bogside is a neighborhood outside the city walls of Derry) occurred on 30 January 1972. British soldiers (paratroopers) shot 26 unarmed North-Irish civilians during a protest march.

13 people died on the spot. Thirteen were killed outright, while the death of another
man four months later was attributed to his injuries. Many of the victims were shot while
fleeing from the soldiers, and some were shot while trying to help the wounded.

Other protesters were injured by shrapnel, rubber bullets, or batons, and two
were run down by British Army vehicles. All of those shot were Catholics. The march
had been organised by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) to protest against internment without trial.

Paul McCartney and his wife Linda wrote and recorded a protest
song titled GIVE IRELAND BACK TO THE IRISH within 24 hours of
the dramatic event. It was actually the debut single of his band Wings.

The song was banned on all British radios/TV.

Listen here.

Give Ireland back to the Irish
Don’t make them have to take it away
Give Ireland back to the Irish
Make Ireland Irish today

Great Britain, you are tremendous
And nobody knows like me
But really, what are you doin’
In the land across the sea?

Tell me, how would you like it
If on your way to work
You were stopped by Irish soldiers?
Would you lie down, do nothing
Would you give in or go berserk?

Give Ireland back to the Irish
Don’t make them have to take it away
Give Ireland back to the Irish
Make Ireland Irish today

Great Britain and all the people
Say that all people must be free
And meanwhile back in Ireland
There’s a man who looks like me

And he dreams of god and country
And he’s feeling really bad
And he’s sitting in a prison
Say, should he lie down, do nothing
Should give in or go mad?

Give Ireland back to the Irish
Don’t make them have to take it away
Give Ireland back to the Irish
Make Ireland Irish today