The Ellan Vannin Tragedy

Album: False Lights From The Land (2010)
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Songfacts®:

  • This is a track from English alternative pop singer-songwriter Richard Hawley's EP False Lights From The Land , which comprises of four songs inspired by the ocean. The disc was inspired by Hawley's BBC Radio 2 series The Ocean, wherein he explored how the sea, seafaring culture and sea travel has shaped the music, art and literature of The British Isles.
  • The song was written by Hughie Jones and was originally recorded by his group, English folk legends The Spinners. It tells the tale of a ship that sank in stormy weather whilst bound for Liverpool from the Isle of Man in 1909 killing all 36 aboard.
  • The song features guest vocal accompaniment by British folk duo Smoke Fairies.

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