US single release: Give Ireland Back To The Irish by Wings

Wings’ debut single, ‘Give Ireland Back To The Irish’, was released in the United States on 28 February 1972, three days after its UK release.

‘Give Ireland Back To The Irish’ was rush released within a month of its recording.

Before I did that, I always used to think, God, John’s crackers, doing all these political songs. I understand he really feels deeply, you know. So do I. I hate all that Nixon bit, all that Ireland bit, and oppression anywhere. I think our mob do, our generation do hate that and wish it could be changed, but up until the actual time when the paratroopers went in and killed a few people, a bit like Kent State, the moment when it is actually there on the doorstep, I always used to think it’s still cool to not say anything about it, because it’s not going to sell anyway and no one’s gonna be interested.

So I tried it, it was number one in Ireland and, funnily enough, it was number one in Spain, of all places. I don’t think Franco could have understood.

‘Give Ireland Back To The Irish’ peaked at number 21 on the US US Billboard Hot 100, and 38 on the Cash Box Top 100.