Deep Cut Friday: ‘I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day’ by The Pogues

Explore the charm of The Pogues’ rare gem, ‘I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day,’ a timeless Irish folk classic brought to life by Cait O’Riordan’s unique voice.

The Pogues: Celtic Punk Legends with a Twist

Back in the 1980s, The Pogues stood out with their gritty blend of Irish folk and punk energy. While Elvis Costello was a big fan and even produced some of their work, the band’s feelings towards him were a mixed bag. Cait O’Riordan, the bassist, eventually started a long-term relationship with Costello, but Shane MacGowan, the charismatic and often unpredictable frontman, had a very different take. During the making of their second album Rum Sodomy & The Lash and the Poguetry in Motion EP, tensions ran high. MacGowan once famously told Costello, “I told him to get his fat arse out of the studio and never come back,” as recalled in the documentary Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan.

A Hidden Vocal Treasure: Cait O’Riordan’s Spotlight

Cait O’Riordan’s voice is a gem hidden in The Pogues’ discography, especially on the track I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day. This song, also known as “Jock Stuart,” is a traditional Irish music hall tune that’s over 150 years old. What’s fascinating is that both the Pogues’ and Scottish folk singer Jeannie Robertson’s 1960 a cappella version cast this male-narrative song in a female voice, adding a playful and fresh perspective that breathes new life into the lyrics.

O’Riordan’s vocals shine in this track, making it her only lead on a Pogues album and a standout moment in their catalog. Even though she left the band in 1986 and didn’t join the 40th-anniversary tour A Celebration of 40 Years of Rum Sodomy & The Lash, this song remains a beautiful reminder of her contribution.

The Legacy of ‘I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day’

Though O’Riordan stepped away from the limelight, her musical journey continued alongside Costello, co-writing and lending backing vocals on some of his albums like Blood & Chocolate and Spike. Yet, she never released a solo album, making her Pogues-era recordings incredibly precious. Alongside the haunting Haunted from the Sid & Nancy soundtrack, I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day is a treasured piece showcasing her distinct voice.

The Irish punk band Fontaines D.C. even paid homage to the song with a live cover in 2020 on Sirius XM radio, highlighting its enduring influence.

Three More Essential Pogues Deep Album Cuts

Streams of Whiskey

From their 1984 album Red Roses for Me, Streams of Whiskey is arguably the ultimate drinking song in a band packed with them. Though never released as a single, it’s the track The Pogues have played live more than any other.

The Body of an American

David Simon, creator of The Wire, is a huge Pogues fan and featured The Body of an American from Poguetry in Motion in three episodes of the acclaimed HBO series. Simon’s admiration for the band even led to casting Spider Stacy in Treme and working on a stage musical featuring Pogues’ songs.

Sit Down by the Fire

One of Shane MacGowan’s most memorable lyrics, this track from 1988’s If I Should Fall from Grace with God starts as a bedtime story but quickly shifts into a vivid, eerie tale of things lurking in the dark. MacGowan’s blunt sign-off, “Good night and God bless, now fuck off to bed,” leaves a lasting impression.

“I told him to get his fat arse out of the studio and never come back.”
— Shane MacGowan

Wrapping It Up

The Pogues’ I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day is more than just a deep cut; it’s a window into a unique moment in music history where traditional Irish storytelling met punk’s rebellious spirit, nurtured by the soulful voice of Cait O’Riordan. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just dipping your toes into Celtic punk, this track and its stories are worth a listen.

FAQs

• What makes ‘I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day’ unique in The Pogues’ catalog?
  Cait O’Riordan’s lead vocals on this traditional Irish tune provide a rare female perspective and a charming twist on a male narrative.
• Did Cait O’Riordan release any solo music?
  No, she didn’t release solo albums but contributed to Elvis Costello’s records and remains best known for her work with The Pogues.
• Why was the relationship between The Pogues and Elvis Costello complicated?
  While Costello produced some of their albums and was admired by Cait O’Riordan, Shane MacGowan had a tumultuous relationship with him, which led to conflicts during recording sessions.
• Which Pogues song has been performed live the most?
  Streams of Whiskey holds the record for the most live performances by The Pogues.
• Has ‘I’m a Man You Don’t Meet Every Day’ been covered by other artists?
  Yes, notably by Fontaines D.C. during a 2020 live Sirius XM performance, showing its lasting impact.

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