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.