December 31, 2008

Ulster Soul















Much of the graffiti here seems to have a deeper meaning than just
tagging. A lot of it is related to the troubles or is used to mark
"territory" for one side or the other. While this might just be some
kid quoting song lyrics, it appears to have another level to it as
well. "I've got soul but I'm not a soldier" is line from The Killers'
"All These Things That I've Done". The lyrics could have many
meanings, but to me, and in the shadow of the troubles, it says that
the artist may not be a soldier, but it doesn't mean he doesn't care
about what happened here and his heritage. The fighting is over but
the culture of separation remains.

Above and to the left is "Rule Britannia", which is a patriotic
British song and on the left and underneath the lyrics is an Ulster
symbol. Around the corner (not in the picture) it says "Lisburn
Loyalists". These are all loyalist slogans. However, the song lyrics
seem to be one of the more recent additions. I wonder if it was added by a Loyalist or a Republican....
~Jason

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