Dropkick Murphys – honour Shane MacGowan with their powerful single, “The Body of an American,”

The Boston, MA Celtic punk icons deliver a powerful homage to Shane MacGowan on the upcoming tribute album, “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan”.

DUBLIN, IE – Dropkick Murphys have released their powerful single, “The Body of an American,” from the highly anticipated tribute album, “20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan”.

As the cultural descendants of the inspirations Shane MacGowan wrote about, the Boston born band delivers a powerful rendition of this Celtic punk classic. It represents a natural artistic handshake, drawing a direct correlation from Shane MacGowan’s London Irish streets to the docks of Quincy, Massachusetts.

Originally written by Shane MacGowan for The Pogues, “The Body of an American” is a masterpiece of contradictions. As Rolling Stone noted:

“one of the realest songs ever written about immigration, also one of the best funeral songs, also one of the best drinking songs. But it’s also the realest song about leaving home and laughing it off, when you know in your heart you’ll never return and you’ll never get over the true love you left behind and you’ll never truly have a home again.”

The song tackles the fundamental friction felt deeply by Irish Americans. Forced from their homeland, they found vastly better prospects in the United States, cementing a fierce pride in their adopted country while maintaining a longing for the one they left behind.

Dropkick Murphys’ version leans heavily into the song’s rich, coded history and traditional storytelling. The track balances the poetic longing for “Amerikay” with the fierce rallying cry of “Erin go” short for Éirinn go Brách (Ireland Forever).

For Dropkick Murphys, covering this specific track isn’t just a tribute.

“Dropkick Murphys are honored to be a part of this Shane tribute.  Shane had a tremendous impact on the members of the band, individually and on the band as a whole.

Shane’s lyrics had such a dark, sometimes twisted, street level reality to them that it was more punk than a lot of punk.

It’s so cool to participate in this amazing tribute album, alongside such a diverse lineup of musicians like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Hozier, and so many more all inspired by Shane MacGowan. 

The Body of an American is a Dropkick all time favorite and we’ve played it live throughout the years so to get to record it for this tribute was a dream come true.”– Ken Casey

“20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan” brings together a powerhouse lineup of artists to celebrate the late icon’s unparalleled songwriting. Dropkick Murphys’ “The Body of an American” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

“20th Century Paddy – The Songs of Shane MacGowan” will be released on November 13, 2026.

Pre-order available now HERE, featuring a Limited Edition Deluxe Bookpack (3LPs, 2CDs, and a 60-page book of memorabilia and liner notes).