The Jam reminded us yesterday, courtesy of Edwin Starr, that the answer is ‘absolutely nothing’.
And today, of all days, these seem the right songs to post:-
mp3 : The Skids – And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
mp3 : The Pogues – And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda
I can forgive Richard Jobson for all his pretentions simply for the fact that his inclusion of this song on Joy, the final LP by The Skids in 1981 was the first time I ever heard it. And it made me realise that folk music was nothing to be afraid of.
Elsewhere, the unique delivery of Shane McGowan over the gorgeous playing of his band, perfectly produced by Elvis Costello, brings a lump to my throat every single time.
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
The Pogues version is simply amazing. It shows a side of the band that no one ever really acknowledges.
I really love the Joy album. I know everyone hates it (including Jobson), but I think it’s amazing.
Actually, it liberates people by killing tyrants. We didn’t defeat the nazis by giving them baked goods.