The song "Divorce Irish Style" by Gilbert O'Sullivan addresses the topic of divorce in Ireland and the difficulties surrounding it. The lyrics suggest that getting a divorce in Ireland is not an easy process, especially if one does not have connections or influence within the Catholic Church. The line "Unless of course your privileged, with a cardinal up your sleeve" implies that those with power and influence might have an easier time obtaining an annulment. The song questions the logic behind forcing two people to live together when they no longer love each other. It asks whether society is blind to the pain and suffering that a broken marriage can cause, and questions why anyone has the right to dictate whether someone must stay in an unhappy relationship. Even God, it suggests, cannot be the judge of such matters. The lyrics emphasize the importance of recognizing that individuals have only one life and should not be held captive in a marriage that is not their fault. The urgency of the situation is conveyed in the line "Something must be done, and that something must be done urgently." The song also briefly mentions the impact of divorce on children, highlighting the need to consider their well-being. The line "Think about the children, after all, they must come first" suggests that divorce should be considered when it is in the best interest of the children, even if it may not be the ideal outcome for the adults involved. Overall, "Divorce Irish Style" reflects on the struggles and limitations of divorce in Ireland at the time and questions the societal norms and moral judgments surrounding it.
