LYRA Delivers a Powerful Take on Shane MacGowan's Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six

By Chris Kennedy | Published 9th Oct, 2026

Taking on a Shane MacGowan song is no small task, especially one with as much history behind it as Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six. But Cork singer-songwriter LYRA has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and her latest release sees her putting her own stamp on one of The Pogues' most memorable tracks.

The song features on the upcoming tribute album 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan, which arrives on November 13th, 2026. With some of the biggest names in music involved, there's plenty of attention surrounding the project, but LYRA's contribution looks set to be one of its more interesting moments.

A Different Side to a Pogues Classic

Originally written by Shane MacGowan and Terry Woods for The Pogues' 1988 album If I Should Fall from Grace with God, Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six is a song that doesn't pull its punches. It moves from sadness and reflection into anger and defiance, tackling injustice in a way that still feels relevant today.

LYRA takes a different approach to the original's folk-punk energy, bringing the song into territory that feels much closer to her own style. Her big, dramatic vocals are a natural fit for the material, while the more haunting arrangement gives the lyrics room to breathe without losing the strength of MacGowan's message.

LYRA Makes the Song Her Own

One of the most interesting things about this version is how well the song's changing moods suit LYRA's voice. She's always been capable of going from a quieter moment to something much bigger, and Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six gives her the perfect opportunity to do both within the same track.

Rather than trying to recreate The Pogues' original, she approaches the song from a different angle. There's a more cinematic feel to her interpretation, with the focus shifting towards the vocals and the weight of the words. It's a bold move, particularly with a song so closely associated with MacGowan.

That change in direction won't necessarily be for everyone, especially those who love the rough edges and restless energy of the original. But that's also what makes a tribute like this worth hearing. There's little point in simply copying something that's already been done so well.

A Song About More Than Just Sorrow

Speaking about the release, LYRA explained that it was the unusual journey of the song that first caught her attention, particularly the way it moves from a sorrowful opening into something much more forceful. It's a contrast that clearly appealed to an artist who has never been particularly interested in playing things safe.

She also wanted her version to feel like something people could sing together, turning the anger and sadness into a shared moment of strength. That's an important part of what makes the song work. Beneath the difficult subject matter, there's a sense of solidarity that deserves just as much attention.

It's also worth remembering the history behind the lyrics. The song addresses the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four, whose wrongful convictions became major miscarriages of justice. MacGowan wasn't simply telling a story for the sake of it, and any new interpretation needs to understand the anger that inspired the original.

Part of a Huge Shane MacGowan Tribute

LYRA is certainly in good company on 20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan. The 36-track collection brings together an impressive mix of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, U2, Tom Waits, Damien Dempsey, Lisa O'Neill, The Murder Capital and The Jesus and Mary Chain.

It's a fittingly varied lineup for an artist whose songs reached well beyond traditional Irish music. MacGowan had a way of writing about ordinary people, difficult times and complicated lives without making any of it feel forced. Hearing those songs reimagined by such different performers should make for an interesting collection.

For LYRA, the release also comes at a busy point in her own career. Following her number one debut album, she's currently working on her second record, and this contribution offers another opportunity to show what she can do outside the boundaries of her own material.

Final Verdict | Lyra - Streets Of Sorrow / Birmingham Six

LYRA's take on Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six is an ambitious choice, but one that makes sense for an artist known for her powerful voice and dramatic style. She's not trying to be Shane MacGowan or recreate The Pogues, and that's probably the smartest decision she could have made.

The original will always have its own place in Irish music history, but there's room for a different interpretation, particularly one that introduces the song to a new audience. With 20th Century Paddy arriving on November 13th, LYRA has given listeners another reason to look forward to the full collection.

The single, Streets Of Sorrow / Birmingham Six, is available through all streaming platforms.

Photo Credit: Lyra