"Troops Out" is a politically charged single by Manchester post-punk band The Passage, released in 1981. The song is a direct response to the presence of British troops in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and unequivocally supports the withdrawal of those troops—a stance aligned with the Troops Out Movement, which formed in London in 1973 after the Bloody Sunday killings1.
Background and Political Context
The Passage, led by composer Dick Witts, were known for fusing agit-prop with post-punk angst, often addressing urgent political issues of the era. "Troops Out" was released at a time when the conflict in Northern Ireland was at its height, with the 1980 Maze Prison hunger strikes and ongoing violence fueling debate in the UK. The song’s title and message directly reference the campaign for British military withdrawal and critique the social and economic pressures that led young people to join the army12.
Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics of "Troops Out" are explicitly political, voicing frustration with government policies and the cyclical nature of violence and recruitment:
"We wanted to say it, you know we did
But they held a gun
We wanted to shout it, you know we did
But we want to live to shout it again
You're out of work and want a job
The only hope on offer is a contract for the Army
They make you a man, man, they make you a day
You're taught how to wash out your boots and your bra
Troops out, troops out, troops out..."
The song critiques how economic deprivation funnels young people into the military and how the British state profits from and perpetuates sectarian division in Northern Ireland. The refrain "troops out" is repeated as a rallying cry, while the verses reference the lived realities of both soldiers and civilians, the manipulation of public opinion, and the futility of the ongoing conflict1.
Musical Style and Release
Musically, "Troops Out" features The Passage’s characteristic blend of electronic pop and post-punk experimentation, with spare arrangements that emphasize the urgency of the message. The single was re-recorded for their 1981 album For All & None after a lineup change, and remains one of the band’s most overtly political works2.
Legacy
Though The Passage never achieved major commercial success, "Troops Out" stands as a powerful example of post-punk’s engagement with contemporary political issues. Its directness and clarity of purpose distinguish it within the genre and reflect the band’s commitment to fusing art and activism1.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Passage |
| Song | Troops Out |
| Release Year | 1981 |
| Album | For All & None |
| Writer | Dick Witts |
| Genre | Post-punk, electronic pop |
| Political Theme | Withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland |
| Legacy | Noted for agit-prop and direct political messaging |
Summary
"Troops Out" by The Passage is a stark, politically engaged post-punk single that calls for the withdrawal of British troops from Northern Ireland. Its lyrics critique economic and social forces driving military recruitment, and its urgent sound and message remain a testament to the band’s activist spirit and the political climate of early 1980s Britain12.
