"The troubles" is the euphemism used in Ireland to refer to the host of problems attending the conflict over British presence in that land. Irish history provides ample themes for music of struggle sung in the scan-nos ("old") style. There is much historical commentary on politics, persecution and the love and longing for the land; but there is also a wealth of contemporary expressions that address the tragedies of occupation and civil war, the loss of family members, and the corruption of childhood innocence.