What makes Handful of Earth by Dick Gaughan notable?

Handful of Earth received critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and musicality, establishing Gaughan as a prominent voice in protest music. The album's title track and others have since become anthems within the folk community, influencing subsequent generations of musicians focused on social justice themes. Released in 1981, Handful of Earth is Dick Gaughan's second studio album, following his debut, and it solidified his reputation as a key figure in the UK folk revival. At this point, he had already established himself through live performances and earlier recordings, which contributed to his growing influence in folk music and political activism.

How many songs are on Handful of Earth?

Handful of Earth has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Handful of Earth

Dick Gaughan · 1981

44 min · 10 tracks · protest song

Traditional folk melodies interweave with poignant lyrics, creating a rich tapestry of political and cultural reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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World Turned Upside Down — This track powerfully encapsulates themes of social upheaval and historical reflection, resonating with contemporary listeners engaged in political discourse.
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Song for Ireland — A haunting yet beautiful tribute to Irish identity and struggle, this song showcases Gaughan's emotive vocal style and lyrical craftsmanship.
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Both Sides the Tweed — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of national identity and division, employing poignant imagery that questions boundaries between Scotland and England.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album combines traditional melodies with poignant lyrics, showcasing Gaughan's strong songwriting and performance.

What we noticed

Each track typically centers around a single theme or story, often reflecting political or cultural issues relevant to the time.
The arrangements vary from solo performances to more layered instrumentation, allowing for dynamic shifts in mood across the record.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and creating a communal feel.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Erin-Go-Bragh 4:34
2 Now Westlin Winds 4:40
3 Craigie Hill 6:16
4 World Turned Upside Down 2:52
5 The Snows They Melt the Soonest 4:19
6 Lough Erne / First Kiss at Parting 5:55
7 Scojun Waltz / Randers Hopsa 4:11
8 Song for Ireland 5:06
9 Workers' Song 3:04
10 Both Sides the Tweed 3:41

What to play next

Listen next

Parallel Lines

1982

Full Dick Gaughan discography Artists like Dick Gaughan

protest song

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata