Following the announcement of Atlantic Rain, a three-disc set of previously unheard music from the classic Fisherman’s Blues era, The Waterboys have released new single ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name,’ which is out now on Chrysalis Records.
Written by The Waterboys singer and guitarist Mike Scott, the song is a commentary on the current political situation in the United States. Scott explains, “I hate bullies, and this song reflects my feelings about the political leadership of a country I love. I’ve been inspired by American music and culture my whole life and believe the decency of the USA will be intact when this debased government is long gone, but only if people both there and around the world question and protest. This song is part of our small contribution to that process. May it serve its purpose.”
The track was produced by Puck Fingers and Famous James with Mike Scott on vocals and guitar. Mike is joined by Famous James (piano and organ), Aongus Ralston (bass), and Crash Barclay on drums.
Lyrics to ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name’ are:
Who assembled this enterprise
to deny the evidence of our eyes?
Who presided over this offense
against decency and common sense?
Whose dedication, whose labour
turned neighbour against neighbour?
Who indeed should we blame?
I don’t even have to say the motherfucker’s name
Who put the dogwhistle back in style?
Who makes every white supremacist smile?
Who put violence in peoples’ heads?
The spider at the heart of the web
Who granted Ice immunity
to murder with impunity?
Who indeed should we blame?
I don’t even have to say the motherfucker’s name
Two trains are rolling across America tonight
I can hear their wheels, I can see their lights
Well I don’t know, but maybe you hear them too
one leads to Auschwitz, one leads to the new
Who took democracy and its sacred vote
and wrapped a noose around its throat?
Which insurrectionist and bogus King
buried the White House under bling?
Who threatens like other people breathe?
Insults women every day on TV?
Who turned this country we hold dear
into a land of fear?
Who indeed should we blame?
I don’t even have to
I don’t even have to say
I don’t even to have to say the motherfucker’s name
Listen to ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name’ BELOW.
Following the release of Atlantic Rain on July 17th, The Waterboys will also head out for a series of arena dates in summer 2026. Kicking off in Dublin, the nine-date run will also see the band play shows in London, Glasgow and across Europe under the banner THE FISHERMAN’S BLUES REVUE. The shows will celebrate and explore the music of the Fisherman’s Blues era and will feature not only the great Americana singer/songwriter Steve Earle who will join the ensemble singing his own songs while adding vocals, guitar and mandolin to Waterboys numbers, but also legendary Waterboys fiddler Steve Wickham and Fisherman’s Blues flautist Colin Blakey. Other band members include Brother Paul (organ), Famous James (piano), Aongus Ralston (bass), Eamon Ferris (drums) and Norwegian lap steel ace Roar Øien. Tickets are on sale HERE.
The Waterboys play the following Eire & UK shows:
August 2026
Sat 29th Glasgow, OVO Hydro
September
Sat 5th Dublin, 3Arena
Sat 12th London, The O2
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