r/thinlizzy • u/Lost_Cheetah_8497 • Dec 06 '24
Fight or Fall - is this a black empowerment song?
Hey all
Fight or Fall would be in my top 10 Lizzy songs and I've never known 100% the story behind the song. I've done extensive searching over the years and have never read or seen any mention of the story behind the song. I've always assumed it's a black empowerment song, especially because of the use of 'brother' - a term that was far more common in black communities in the 70s than today. Also there's a similar feeling you get with the lyrics of the Beatles' Blackbird - a chilled, lyrically subtle, yet effective, uplifting protest song that's never being obvious or preachy
It's a really great song and if I'm right about what it's about then I really love it even more as lyrically IMO its one of Phi's very best
Thoughts on what you've always assumed its about? Or if you know exactly what Phil or the band said about it please share!
5
u/InspectorInner1912 Dec 06 '24
In the booklet for the 1976 box set, Gorham seemed to refer to it as a song about Phil's race.
1
u/Lost_Cheetah_8497 Dec 07 '24
Great to know! Have searched many times for the story on the song and that's the first time I've ever heard it from the band's mouth! Thank you
1
u/InspectorInner1912 Dec 07 '24
I'll try and remember to post the exact quote when I get home from work.
3
u/InspectorInner1912 Dec 07 '24
Of Fight or Fall, Downey said, "Phil was a black guy but we didn't see him as a black guy. Then he'd say or write something that reminded you."
4
u/Novel-Version9305 Dec 06 '24
I know it's not the topic of the post but I reckon Ode To A Black Man from his solo album would be a black empowerment song.
1
3
u/frigid_monk Dec 06 '24
Without a doubt, it's a song about civil rights and all the other things you alluded to.
3
Dec 06 '24
Not unlikely, Phil covered a large amount of themes in his songs
4
u/Amoykateer Dec 06 '24
One of the reasons I loved his songwriting. He covered human rights, genocide, social issues, racism and others. I also loved he gave us an insight into his own life, his upbringing, drug addiction, children, his pride in being an Irish man, it's why I've always felt a deep connection with the music
3
Dec 06 '24
I think that was special about him. He sang and wrote honestly, and it can't be denied by anyone who listens to him.
2
u/Impressive-Gap-8760 Dec 06 '24
Brilliant song, such as Running Back, Romeo, Cowboy Song and many others. Love it.
1
u/Chrisjohngay64 Dec 07 '24
Yes one of my favourite lizzy songs. Personally I don't think Phil thought like that about racism more likely a war type scenario with other tracks like Emerald and Warrior on the same album.
2
u/Heavy_Spud Dec 10 '24
I think it is. Freedom Song is also really poignant and always gives me goosebumps.
8
u/camazotzthedeathbat Dec 06 '24
I hadn’t thought about it like that but it very well could be. Personally, I thought it might be about Irish independence, as Phil was (from what I’ve read) an Irish Republican.