Lyra reinvents Shane MacGowan's classic "Streets of Sorrow/ Birmingham Six' for '20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan', out 13 Nov
Irish singer songwriter LYRA has unveiled her deeply emotive rendition of "Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six", featured on the star studded tribute project, 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan ahead of the full album launch on November 13, 2026, LYRA’s interpretation infuses the iconic track with a haunting atmosphere and cinematic vocal power. Originally co written by Shane MacGowan and Terry Woods for the 1988 album If I Should Fall from Grace with God, in LYRA’s hands, the track shifts from a fiery folk punk anthem into a poignant, ethereal track. Known for her soaring vocals, bold production, and emotional delivery, the Cork born artist brings a fresh, contemporary intensity to Shane MacGowan's uncompromising lyricism.
“Being part of this album is a huge honour. Shane had this extraordinary ability to put beauty, pain and defiance into a song, and being invited to help celebrate that as an Irish artist feels very special.
What drew me to Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six was the way it’s written. It opens with this beautiful, sorrowful lament, and then there’s a real change in energy. Suddenly there’s fire in it. I loved that you could go from something so vulnerable to something so powerful within one song. It’s an unusual journey, and I found that really exciting. I’ve never been very good at doing things the conventional way, so there was something about it that just felt right for me.
With my version, I wanted that power to feel like people coming together. I wanted it to become an anthem you could put your whole heart into singing, with everyone beside you doing the same. There’s pain in this song, and you have to respect that, but there’s also such strength in standing up for something you believe in. I wanted to capture people supporting each other, celebrating each other and saying, I’m here, I’m with you. That feeling can give you goosebumps, and that’s what I was reaching for.
I’m in the middle of making my second album at the moment, so there’s a lot of singing, a lot of tea and a lot going on in my head! Having a number one debut was beyond anything I could have imagined, and now I’m figuring out where I want to take things next. I’m excited to let people hear what I’ve been working on.
To have this release be part of that time in my life is very special. If you’d told the girl singing away in school plays that she’d have her name on a record alongside some of these artists, she’d never have believed you.” - LYRA
'STREETS OF SORROW / BIRMINGHAM SIX'
20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan is a 36 track tribute album celebrating the life and genius of Shane MacGowan. Described as a sonic love letter to Shane MacGowan's catalog, the compilation features an outstanding lineup of international icons and contemporary artists, including Bruce Springsteen, Hozier, U2, Tom Waits, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Damien Dempsey, Lisa O'Neill, The Murder Capital and many more. LYRA’s single joins a collection that spans five decades of influence, showcasing Shane MacGowan not only as a poet, but as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century. "Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six" is available to stream on all major streaming platforms today. The full compilation 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan releases worldwide on Friday, November 13, 2026 on 3LP vinyl, 2CD, Deluxe Bookpack and digital formats.
About LYRA
Hailing from County Cork, LYRA is one of Ireland’s most striking talents, renowned for her soaring vocals, bold visual presentation, and dynamic sound. Her self titled debut album debuted at #1 on the Irish Album Charts, driven by hit singles like "Falling" (a Choice Music Prize Song of the Year nominee), "Chess," and "Lovers." LYRA has collaborated with elite hitmakers including Burns (Lady Gaga), Dan Priddy (Bastille), and Phil Cook (Lewis Capaldi). Her music has been featured on major global TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Love Island, and has performed a showstopping rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann for the NFL's Dublin debut. A formidable live act, LYRA has supported Pink, Westlife, Blondie, and Sting, alongside major festival appearances at Reading & Leeds, Lollapalooza Berlin, and Electric Picnic. She is currently in the studio writing and recording her second album.
About 20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan
20th Century Paddy - The Songs of Shane MacGowan is an expansive tribute album dedicated to the songbook of Shane MacGowan (1957 - 2023). Bringing together over 40 artists across genres, the project celebrates Shane MacGowan’s unmatched impact on music and modern lyricism.
PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE
'20TH CENTURY PADDY - THE SONGS OF SHANE MACGOWAN'
TRACKLISTING
- Amble - The Snake With the Eyes of Garnet
- Bob Geldof - St. John Of Gods
- Bruce Springsteen - A Rainy Night in Soho
- Camille O’Sullivan - You're The One
- Cronin - London You're A Lady
- Damien Dempsey - Sally MacLennane
- David Gray - The Old Main Drag
- David Keenan - The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn
- Dropkick Murphys - The Body of an American
- Garron Noone - White City
- Glen Hansard - Bottle of Smoke
- Hozier & Jessie Buckley - Fairytale of New York
- Jimmy Artache - USA
- Johnny Mac and The Faithful - Fiesta
- Johnny Depp & Imelda May - Haunted
- Kate Moss - Lonesome Highway
- Kingfishr - The Sunnyside of the Street
- Liam Ó Maonlaí - The Broad Majestic Shannon
- Lisa Moorish & Another Day - Rain Street
- Lisa O'Neill - Dark Streets of London
- LYRA - Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six
- Madra Salach - Turkish Song of the Damned
- Moya Brennan - Mother Mo Chroi
- Mundy - Victoria
- Picture This - Aisling
- Pinch of Snuff - Donegal Express
- Primal Scream - A Pair of Brown Eyes
- Steve Earle - If I Should Fall From Grace With God
- The High Kings - Streams of Whiskey
- The Jesus And Mary Chain - I'll Be Your Handbag
- The Libertines - Sayonara
- The Murder Capital - The Song With No Name
- The Pogues - Gabrielle
- Tom Creagh - Paddy Public Enemy No. 1
- Tom Waits - Summer In Siam
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