Legendary Rock Songs: THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN: THIN LIZZY.
Disc:Jailbreak.
Year:1976.
How many of us would love to be able to sing this war cry to celebrate the “return to the city” of Phyl Lynott and his “boys”! Unfortunately, we have to make do with the current and remodeled band that bears the name of the mythical combo and which is led by Scott Gorham, Lynott's right hand man since the days of “Night Life” (1974). Because, much to our regret, good old Philip “The Rocker” Lynott's lifestyle has been on the brink of the abyss for many years now.
An inimitable genius, a rock star in his own right, who led one of the greatest hard rock bands ever: Thin Lizzy. In 1976 Scott Gorham and Brian “Robbo” Robertson had already established themselves as an indispensable part of the combo, and would go down in history as one of the most inspired pairs of guitarists thanks to wonderful interpretations such as the melodic harmonies of their most famous song.
“The Boys Are Back In Town”, one of rock's definitive songs, had that typical single feel that Lynott and his band had only managed to sketch previously with their version of the traditional Irish tavern song ‘Whiskey In The Jar’ and that they would never repeat. That's why “Jailbreak” is their most recognized album.... well, for that and for other gems like the glorious “Emerald”, the thrilling “Cowboy Song” or that accurate opening shot that is the riff of the title track.
It is said that it was first called “G.I. Joe Is Back In Town”, in reference to the famous American toy soldiers of the G.I. Joe series that marked our childhood for so many of us. Consequently, the lyrics were about a soldier returning home from the Vietnam War. Later, Lynott would change the title and lyrics, which would become the perfect soundtrack for the entrance to any bar (preferably an Irish tavern) with a few extra beers on top; a group of friends going out and having a good time.
The base of the riff also had a source of inspiration, which surprisingly, was none other than the song “Kitty's Back” from the debut album of the very young Bruce Springsteen, “The Wild, the Innocent and the E-Street Suffle” (1973). Be that as it may, Phil Lynott created a sonorous wonder and a potential hit that he imbued with all his talent and charisma.
This is how they celebrated it in his Irish homeland, raising the song to number one, while in the English and American charts it reached number 8 and 12 respectively, and this has been understood by many advertisers and filmmakers who have used it in commercials and soundtracks over the years, making it an immortal song and a true queen of the radio airwaves.
My people, thanks for reading me and for the support, I hope you like today's work, about this legendary song of this band. A thousand blessings and see you in a next post with more rock music.
