tackled a range of social and political issues. His song "Lieblings in The Absence of Love", was written in response to the tension he had witnessed during riots in Bonn, and the treatment of the refugees thereafter. His song "Chain Up The Swings" discusses the practice of some Scottish Christian communities who would chain up the swings on a Sunday, so the children would be prevented from playing on the sabbath. Tackling literary adaption, "Happed in Mist" revolves around the executed deserter from the famous Scottish novel Sunset Song. He proposed his work "Hermless" as an alternative national anthem. The song is intended as a contrast to typical militaristic and imperialist national anthems, and describes the day-to-day life of an innocent meek character who claims, concluding, Personal life Marra was married to Peggy, and their children, Alice and Matthew, are also musicians and members of the Dundee-based group, The Hazey Janes. Labour MSP Jenny Marra is his niece. Marra was a supporter of Dundee F.C. Death Michael Marra died in Ninewells Hospital on 23 October 2012, aged 60, of throat cancer. Legacy A mural of Marra was painted in Lochee which was completed on 28 May 2021 by Michael Corr. Awards In 2007 Marra was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Dundee University in recognition of his contribution to the cultural profile of his home town, and in 2011 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Glasgow Caledonian University. He also won the Herald Angel Award in 2010 for his performance at The Acoustic Music Centre during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Discography Studio albums The Midas Touch (1980) Gaels Blue (1985) On Stolen Stationery (1991) Candy Philosophy (1993) Posted Sober (2002) Live albums Pax Vobiscum (1996) Recorded Live on Tour 2010 (with Mr McFall's Chamber) (2010) EPs Silence (2003) Quintet (2007) Houseroom (with The Hazey Janes) (2012) References External links Michael Marra official website Memories of Michael Marra, The Courier (Dundee) Report of death, The Courier (Dundee) Report of death, STV 1952 births 2012 deaths Scottish people of Irish descent Deaths from cancer in Scotland Deaths from throat cancer Scottish pop musicians Scottish singer-songwriters Musicians from Dundee People from Lochee