it's an antiwar message that condemns Bloody Sunday and the Black and Tans, while also recognizing that the IRA was not all sunshine and rainbows. It's a stronger leftist message than you might think.
The song was written in direct response to the Warrington bombing. An IRA attack that killed two kids and injured several others, and the various flavours of IRA claiming to be acting on behalf of everyone in Ireland.
"It's not me, it's not my family"
There is fuck all about the black and tans, bloody Sunday, or any other shit the plastic paddy's throw at it.
you misheard those lyrics bud, it goes "it's the same old theme, since 1916". Ultimately though, this community is about how the music is interpreted, not specifically about the artist's intent. It's one of the best antiwar songs ever written. It's impossible to look at the Troubles without acknowledging the harm the Black and Tans caused. Dolores was right to be pissed that the IRA claimed the Warrington bombing was "for Ireland". That's how I understand the song.