What's Left of the Flag

Album: Drunken Lullabies (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lead singer David King stated at a show in Columbus, Ohio (August 1, 2008) that this song was about his father who died many years ago. He also stated that this song was also about freedom. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jessie - Las Vegas, NM

Comments: 2

  • Stuart from Upper Hutt, New ZealandI think the Violence you are talking about is the fight between the Irish and the British. The British also used the Thompson gun
  • Abram from Fairfield, VtThe song also references the racial violence between Italians and Irish during the early stages of American immigration. The lyric which references "the shell of a Thompson gun" directly refers to the Italian Mafia, who's iconic weapon of choice was indeed a Thompson, or "Tommy" gun.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.