Irish ballad is world’s favorite

The Irish republican rallying cry, “A Nation Once Again,” has been named the world’s favorite song ever, after a global poll by the BBC.

The ballad, performed by the group the Wolfe Tones, was among a minority of Western songs in the top 10 list and only narrowly triumphed over Indian patriotic song, “Vande Mataram,” the BBC said.

Wolfe Tones leader Brian Warfield said from Dublin: “The song was written to give the Irish people back a bit of spirit and support the fight to overturn [British rule], so I am very happy to see it is still giving us spirit the world over.”

The poll of BBC World Service listeners attracted 150,000 votes from 153 countries and revealed the diversity of the world’s musical tastes.

Also finishing in the top 10 were a Bollywood movie song, a love song from Nepal, a Tamil Tiger film song and the pop song “Believe” from singer/actress Cher.

The BBC said some artists suffered in the voting stakes because so many of their songs were nominated, splitting the vote. The Beatles had 55 songs nominated and Iranian artist Googoosh had 40. Reggae legend Bob Marley had 29 songs nominated; “No Woman No Cry” finished highest among them.