The Old Main Drag

The Pogues' song 'The Old Main Drag' paints a vivid and harrowing picture of life on the streets of London through the eyes of a young, vulnerable protagonist. The narrative begins with the protagonist arriving in London at the tender age of sixteen, full of hope and naivety, only to be quickly swallowed by the harsh and unforgiving environment of the city's underbelly. The 'old main drag' refers to a notorious area known for its seedy activities, where the protagonist encounters a world of exploitation, drug abuse, and violence.

The lyrics are rich with imagery and metaphors that highlight the grim reality of street life. The 'he-males and she-males' parading in style and the old men flashing money depict a world where gender fluidity and prostitution are commonplace, and survival often means compromising one's dignity. The protagonist's descent into this world is marked by desperation, as seen in the lines about working in dark alleys for a meager sum and relying on cheap pills to get by. The song doesn't shy away from the brutal experiences faced by those living on the streets, including police brutality and physical abuse, which further strip away the protagonist's humanity.

The final verses of the song are particularly poignant, as they reveal the protagonist's ultimate downfall. Lying in a state of despair, having been subjected to extreme violence and abuse, the protagonist's wish to escape the 'old main drag' underscores the hopelessness and tragedy of their situation. The Pogues use this narrative to shed light on the often overlooked and marginalized individuals who inhabit the fringes of society, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the consequences of poverty and social neglect.