Billy Bragg — Accident Waiting to Happen
Album: Don't Try This At HomeAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 610
Length: 3:55
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I've always been impressed with a girl
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well
That's the way I am, heaven help me
He said, we don't like peace campaigners 'round here
As he nailed another one to the wall
And that's what gets me in trouble, heaven help me
Goodbye and good luck to all the promises you've broken
Goodbye and good luck to all the rubbish that you've spoken
Your life has lost it's dignity, it's beauty and it's passion
You're an accident waiting to happen
There you are standing at the bar
And you're giving me grief about the D-D-R
And that chip on your shoulder gets bigger as you get older
One of these night you're gonna get caught,
It'll give you a pregnant pause for thought
You're a dedicated swallower of fascism
Time up and time out for all the liberties you've taken
Time up and time out for all the friends that you've forsaken
And if you choose to waste away like death is back in fashion
You're an accident waiting to happen
And my sins are so unoriginal
I have all the self-loathing of a wolf in sheep's clothing
In this carnival of carnivores,
Heaven help me
Goodbye and good luck to all the promises you've broken
Goodbye and good luck to all the rubbish that you've spoken
Your life has lost it's dignity, it's beauty and it's passion
You're an accident waiting to happen
You're an accident waiting to happen
You're a dedicated swallower of fascism
You're an accident waiting to happen
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well
That's the way I am, heaven help me
He said, we don't like peace campaigners 'round here
As he nailed another one to the wall
And that's what gets me in trouble, heaven help me
Goodbye and good luck to all the promises you've broken
Goodbye and good luck to all the rubbish that you've spoken
Your life has lost it's dignity, it's beauty and it's passion
You're an accident waiting to happen
There you are standing at the bar
And you're giving me grief about the D-D-R
And that chip on your shoulder gets bigger as you get older
One of these night you're gonna get caught,
It'll give you a pregnant pause for thought
You're a dedicated swallower of fascism
Time up and time out for all the liberties you've taken
Time up and time out for all the friends that you've forsaken
And if you choose to waste away like death is back in fashion
You're an accident waiting to happen
And my sins are so unoriginal
I have all the self-loathing of a wolf in sheep's clothing
In this carnival of carnivores,
Heaven help me
Goodbye and good luck to all the promises you've broken
Goodbye and good luck to all the rubbish that you've spoken
Your life has lost it's dignity, it's beauty and it's passion
You're an accident waiting to happen
You're an accident waiting to happen
You're a dedicated swallower of fascism
You're an accident waiting to happen
Comments (144)add comment
gjeeg wrote:
Hell yeah he was.
Still is ... took up the mantle of Woodie Guthrie and gave a very good accounting of himself.
He killed with some of his work in the Eighties.
A one-man revolution.
A one-man revolution.
Hell yeah he was.
Still is ... took up the mantle of Woodie Guthrie and gave a very good accounting of himself.
This song will always remind me of summertime
Terrible.
Richard_Gold wrote:
Points to you and msymmes. Never thought of this song that way, though I doubt Billy would lose any copyright case.
Misterfixit, a lot of rock n' roll is "basically, shouting with music." I wouldn't want everyone imitating Billy Bragg, but I love this song. This is actually a lot catchier and more interesting than some of his earlier work: "There is Power in a Union" is shouting with bad music.
Born to Run.. covered by The JAM .. yup you are bang on.
Points to you and msymmes. Never thought of this song that way, though I doubt Billy would lose any copyright case.
Misterfixit, a lot of rock n' roll is "basically, shouting with music." I wouldn't want everyone imitating Billy Bragg, but I love this song. This is actually a lot catchier and more interesting than some of his earlier work: "There is Power in a Union" is shouting with bad music.
Truly the last man standing.
Go Billy, Go!
Go Billy, Go!
He killed with some of his work in the Eighties.
A one-man revolution.
A one-man revolution.
Born to Run.. covered by The JAM .. yup you are bang on.
Now that I hear it again - I hear Born to Run still.
fredriley wrote:
Yep, and not because he's a musician, but because of all his social and political work over the years. An example is Jail Guitar Doors, a practical initiative to get prisoners making music, which he presented a benefit for in Nottingham. He's a very down to earth geezer who achieves much quietly, and is a good laugh too, and I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
Super Song man! Cheers (guzzle guzzle Aaaaahh!)
Yep, and not because he's a musician, but because of all his social and political work over the years. An example is Jail Guitar Doors, a practical initiative to get prisoners making music, which he presented a benefit for in Nottingham. He's a very down to earth geezer who achieves much quietly, and is a good laugh too, and I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
Super Song man! Cheers (guzzle guzzle Aaaaahh!)
I hear a complete rip off of Born to Run here.
Not good.
Misterfixit wrote:
Basically, shouting with music.
If You think that this is shouting with music you should hear his early work which was more rabid ranting with solo guitar. He had really mellowed by this stage!
Here are a couple of pictures my dead best friend's younger brother took of Billy Bragg live in Boston on 4-28-2013—
Everybody in my church thinks this song kicks ass...
Monsanto Teams Up With Congress to Shred the Constitution
No melody Billy...?
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Can you give me a little help with this reference?
Kinks: "...dedicated follower of fashion". Billy Bragg: "...dedicated follower of Fascism".
Can you give me a little help with this reference?
Kinks: "...dedicated follower of fashion". Billy Bragg: "...dedicated follower of Fascism".
sooooo bad!!!! sooooo boring!!!!
Hey, Tea Party: y'know how you think that Obama is a Socialist? Well, THIS is what a Socialist sounds like.
scrubbrush wrote:
Can you give me a little help with this reference?
Funny wordplay on the Kink's song, eh?
Can you give me a little help with this reference?
I had no idea this was the same Billy Bragg that recorded with Wilco. This sounds more like Modern English. 8.
Nice mix of tunes tonight!
from those prone to accident but still willing -
".. And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
(either way, do not and i won't) go gentle into that good night.
".. And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
(either way, do not and i won't) go gentle into that good night.
Basically, Herman's Hermits and The Kinks on growth hormones! Dedicated ________ of Facism!
Misterfixit wrote:
Basically, graffiti with punctuation.
Basically, shouting with music.
Basically, graffiti with punctuation.
Really?? You can't tell he is a Nottingham hillbilly?
iam_overlord wrote:
iam_overlord wrote:
Pretty good song, but what's with the accent?
Basically, shouting with music.
Sloggydog wrote:
Yep, and not because he's a musician, but because of all his social and political work over the years. An example is Jail Guitar Doors, a practical initiative to get prisoners making music, which he presented a benefit for in Nottingham. He's a very down to earth geezer who achieves much quietly, and is a good laugh too, and I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
Billy is truly a man worthy of being called a hero.
Yep, and not because he's a musician, but because of all his social and political work over the years. An example is Jail Guitar Doors, a practical initiative to get prisoners making music, which he presented a benefit for in Nottingham. He's a very down to earth geezer who achieves much quietly, and is a good laugh too, and I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
I 
Billy Bragg! 
, so great to hear him! Thank you!
Billy Bragg! , so great to hear him! Thank you!Smokin'! We need Kinks!
Funny wordplay on the Kink's song, eh?
Fantastic. How bout some "Levi Stubb's Tears". That one will put a hole in you.
Billy is truly a man worthy of being called a hero.
katiediddler wrote:
I don't know, 'understated' is not a word I associate with Mr. Bragg. Not in a bad way, mind you. I like his work and I LOVE what he did with Wilco on the 'Mermaid Avenue' series.
Underplayed and underexposed, like the man himself, who seems understated. Understand?
I don't know, 'understated' is not a word I associate with Mr. Bragg. Not in a bad way, mind you. I like his work and I LOVE what he did with Wilco on the 'Mermaid Avenue' series.
Underplayed and underexposed, like the man himself, who seems understated. Understand?
LOVE this song ... takes me back. 
Town & Country Club, 1991.
"A genuine iconic voice of the times, with a unique and noble manner by a tremendous Spirit and big heart." Psikonort
"Ever since I first heard this song in my twenties I've been terrified of becoming the type of person that could lead someone to tell me "Your life has lost its dignity, its beauty and its passion." That terror helps keep me honest. " murihiku
ScottishWillie wrote:
Arf! As it 'appens, our Billy's a Barking boy, hence the accent, narmean, John? Saw him at a Jail Guitar Doors benefit in Nottingham, and he's a great guy. Committed, down to earth, unshowy, and effective. I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
He’s from London in England. Don’t mock its not his fault. Plus many of us think being English is punishment enough.
Arf! As it 'appens, our Billy's a Barking boy, hence the accent, narmean, John? Saw him at a Jail Guitar Doors benefit in Nottingham, and he's a great guy. Committed, down to earth, unshowy, and effective. I'd happily share a pint or four with him.
Billy Bragg-Hope Not Hate 4 by ~Shes-So-1970s
Becky ©2009-2010 ~Shes-So-1970s
23rd May 2009
UNITE Offices, TGWU Salford
The wonderful Mr Billy Bragg played a short set for those of us who'd been out delivering Stop The BNP/Hope Not Hate newspapers that morning.
Bit of a morning after the night before scenario, having watched Billy leave the stage at The Picket at midnight the night before.
24 hours Bragg, I need nothing more
"All the dreams we shared, I never knew noone who cared about these things the way that I've seen you. It doesn't matter if this all falls of the cliff, together we are gonna see it through. Because I keep faith, I keep faith in you, yes I do, I keep faith in you."
.
Go On RP!!!! First Doves(Lifelines), now this. Magnificent Darts!!!
Billy - still active - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-Bragg/44905697470
iam_overlord wrote:
Pretty good song, but what's with the accent?
He’s from London in England. Don’t mock its not his fault. Plus many of us think being English is punishment enough. Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I will bite. Q What do Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger have in common?
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people. These are Bragg's words; "The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract" Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition. The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
But......do you like the Goddamn song??
I don't, sorry guys.
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people. These are Bragg's words; "The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract" Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition. The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
But......do you like the Goddamn song??
I don't, sorry guys.
A good follow up for this would be U2's Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses.
Pretty good song, but what's with the accent?
jkhandy wrote:
Versus empty-headed?
alot of that here, but what the heck, most folks are too closed minded....
Versus empty-headed?
jkhandy wrote:
alot of that here, but what the heck, most folks are too closed minded....
If someone don't like something, they don't like it, this is not rocket science or progressive politics!
BTW, I happen to love this song and gave it an 8.
alot of that here, but what the heck, most folks are too closed minded....
If someone don't like something, they don't like it, this is not rocket science or progressive politics!
BTW, I happen to love this song and gave it an 8.
rumblekg wrote:
alot of that here, but what the heck, most folks are too closed minded....
why is this rated so low? one of billy's best.
alot of that here, but what the heck, most folks are too closed minded....
wow - who knew this would be the song that would pull ROMEOTUMA out of his/her shell and "SPEAK"!?! ha
I like this... Strange that Billy has his birthday 3 days before mine (same year too)...
Clash right into Billy Bragg, nice! 
why is this rated so low? one of billy's best.
For fredriley: don't especially want to get into a big debate as I generally appreciate your contributions to the conversations here at RP (though you're a tough critic, not easily pleased! The term 'lovable curmudgeon' comes to mind for the Nottingham jury.). I did refer to the Wikipedia article on Cockneys and found the traditional 'earshot of Bow bells' definition, but the article goes on to explain that the term has been extended to include pretty much all working-class Londoners: "Thus while all East Enders are Cockneys, not all Cockneys are East Enders." Apparently the likes of Sir Michael Caine (from London somewhere south of the Thames) is pleased to call himself Cockney (and has the accent, if you've ever seen 'Alfie'.)
I'd say as a Barking boy Billy definately qualifies as Cockney. I did not mean to say that Cockneys are more British (or better Britons) than any other group; only that for those of us who are not British they certainly seem very British indeed. And I wanted to point out that Billy prefers to think of himself as 'English' rather than 'British'. Can you address my question about whether Manxmen and Channel Islanders qualify as 'British' - its seems these islanders have some special status: i.e. they are technically not part of the United Kingdom. But they do recognize Her Maj as their sovereign as does the Commonwealth realm in which I dwell. Can you clarify?
As for the multitude of other nicknames you cite: whoa! I had no idea - its back to Wikipedia for this wild colonial boy... (John, Paul, et al were Scousers!! Who knew?)
btw - are Nottinghammers(?) ever referred to as 'Sherwood Foresters'? (And for that matter does Sherwood Forest still exist?)
Keep it coming, fred!
I'd say as a Barking boy Billy definately qualifies as Cockney. I did not mean to say that Cockneys are more British (or better Britons) than any other group; only that for those of us who are not British they certainly seem very British indeed. And I wanted to point out that Billy prefers to think of himself as 'English' rather than 'British'. Can you address my question about whether Manxmen and Channel Islanders qualify as 'British' - its seems these islanders have some special status: i.e. they are technically not part of the United Kingdom. But they do recognize Her Maj as their sovereign as does the Commonwealth realm in which I dwell. Can you clarify?
As for the multitude of other nicknames you cite: whoa! I had no idea - its back to Wikipedia for this wild colonial boy... (John, Paul, et al were Scousers!! Who knew?)
btw - are Nottinghammers(?) ever referred to as 'Sherwood Foresters'? (And for that matter does Sherwood Forest still exist?)
Keep it coming, fred!
My favorite Billy Bragg tune, love it!
The big nosed bard of Barking is the best !
romeotuma wrote:
We just turned the volume wayyyy up...
LOUDER!
We just turned the volume wayyyy up...
LOUDER!
That's funny, I just logged in to express my love of that line.
CamLwalk wrote:
CamLwalk wrote:
"I've always been impressed with a girl
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well"
That's a nice opening lyric
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well"
That's a nice opening lyric
"I've always been impressed with a girl
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well"
That's a nice opening lyric
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well"
That's a nice opening lyric
My theme song.
fredriley wrote:
Nah, leave it aht, John ;-)
Ah, no worries me ol' China!
Nah, leave it aht, John ;-)
Ah, no worries me ol' China!
The guitar riff/intro sounds like an earlier, rougher version of the intro to "Violet" by Hole. 
Somewhere there's an accident waiting to happen to you Billy (Bragg)
romeotuma wrote:
This song kicks ass...
This song kicks ass...
love the Bragg.
By far me favorite Billy Bragg tune!
Great stuff. Get sick of hearing him say the word fascism in his songs... but not sick enough to stop listening.
It is worth mentioning that I hear a strong Kinks influence here.
It is worth mentioning that I hear a strong Kinks influence here.
rdo wrote:
A bit touchy, are we!
Nah, leave it aht, John ;-)
A bit touchy, are we!
Nah, leave it aht, John ;-)
fredriley wrote:
A bit touchy, are we!
macadavy wrote:
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that.
A Cockney isn't a native Londoner, but a native East Londoner, and there are many who'd make it even more specific than that. To the 'purists' a Cockney is someone born within the "sound of Bow Bells" (see the Wikipedia entry for rather more than you wanted to know about Cockneys). However, migration into/out of the East End has rendered Cockney rather less of a linguistic and ethnic identity from what it used to be when I lived in the East End for a couple of years some 30 years ago. I think you'd be hard-pushed to find many 'true' Cockneys in Lahndahn these days, although Cockney lingo has embedded itself firmly into the English language.
As for your second sentence, you're winding me up, John (everyone in the East End is called 'John') ;-). Over 99% of Brits aren't Cockney, Brit encompassing Wales, Scotland and part of Ireland. Even if you talk of the English, your Geordies, Brummies, Mackems, Tykes, Scousers, Mancs, and many other groups would take big issue with Cockney being 'true Brit' as yer East Enders, know what I mean, John? ;-)
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that.
A Cockney isn't a native Londoner, but a native East Londoner, and there are many who'd make it even more specific than that. To the 'purists' a Cockney is someone born within the "sound of Bow Bells" (see the Wikipedia entry for rather more than you wanted to know about Cockneys). However, migration into/out of the East End has rendered Cockney rather less of a linguistic and ethnic identity from what it used to be when I lived in the East End for a couple of years some 30 years ago. I think you'd be hard-pushed to find many 'true' Cockneys in Lahndahn these days, although Cockney lingo has embedded itself firmly into the English language.
As for your second sentence, you're winding me up, John (everyone in the East End is called 'John') ;-). Over 99% of Brits aren't Cockney, Brit encompassing Wales, Scotland and part of Ireland. Even if you talk of the English, your Geordies, Brummies, Mackems, Tykes, Scousers, Mancs, and many other groups would take big issue with Cockney being 'true Brit' as yer East Enders, know what I mean, John? ;-)
A bit touchy, are we!
Billy Bragg live at the Palais theatre in Melbourne, 1992, is one of the best concerts I have ever been to.
macadavy wrote:
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that.
A Cockney isn't a native Londoner, but a native East Londoner, and there are many who'd make it even more specific than that. To the 'purists' a Cockney is someone born within the "sound of Bow Bells" (see the Wikipedia entry for rather more than you wanted to know about Cockneys). However, migration into/out of the East End has rendered Cockney rather less of a linguistic and ethnic identity from what it used to be when I lived in the East End for a couple of years some 30 years ago. I think you'd be hard-pushed to find many 'true' Cockneys in Lahndahn these days, although Cockney lingo has embedded itself firmly into the English language.
As for your second sentence, you're winding me up, John (everyone in the East End is called 'John') ;-). Over 99% of Brits aren't Cockney, Brit encompassing Wales, Scotland and part of Ireland. Even if you talk of the English, your Geordies, Brummies, Mackems, Tykes, Scousers, Mancs, and many other groups would take big issue with Cockney being 'true Brit' as yer East Enders, know what I mean, John? ;-)
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that.
A Cockney isn't a native Londoner, but a native East Londoner, and there are many who'd make it even more specific than that. To the 'purists' a Cockney is someone born within the "sound of Bow Bells" (see the Wikipedia entry for rather more than you wanted to know about Cockneys). However, migration into/out of the East End has rendered Cockney rather less of a linguistic and ethnic identity from what it used to be when I lived in the East End for a couple of years some 30 years ago. I think you'd be hard-pushed to find many 'true' Cockneys in Lahndahn these days, although Cockney lingo has embedded itself firmly into the English language.
As for your second sentence, you're winding me up, John (everyone in the East End is called 'John') ;-). Over 99% of Brits aren't Cockney, Brit encompassing Wales, Scotland and part of Ireland. Even if you talk of the English, your Geordies, Brummies, Mackems, Tykes, Scousers, Mancs, and many other groups would take big issue with Cockney being 'true Brit' as yer East Enders, know what I mean, John? ;-)
One of the few singers around who can do things with words as well as music. Pity he cant sing :-) but like Dylan that doesn't matter much.
macadavy wrote:
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that. As noted below, Billy prefers to think of himself as English, (from England) rather than British, which term includes the Welsh (Wales), the Scots (Scotland) and the Irish (at least those in Northern Ireland) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Not sure if 'British' includes the Manx (Isle of Man) and Channel Islanders: we'll have to ask a real Brit about that, I'm just a wild colonial boy, after all!
Has anyone seen the comedian, Bill Baily's, take on Billy Bragg? Wonderful. But no insult meant to Mr. Bragg.
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that. As noted below, Billy prefers to think of himself as English, (from England) rather than British, which term includes the Welsh (Wales), the Scots (Scotland) and the Irish (at least those in Northern Ireland) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Not sure if 'British' includes the Manx (Isle of Man) and Channel Islanders: we'll have to ask a real Brit about that, I'm just a wild colonial boy, after all!
Has anyone seen the comedian, Bill Baily's, take on Billy Bragg? Wonderful. But no insult meant to Mr. Bragg.
Buaha: "You're a dedicated swallower of fascism!" Nice play on the Kinks.
no comment - 7.
Captain-Fishy wrote:
Cor blimey guvnor, I'm dead well chuffed to bits and no mistake!
alternatively it could it be Dick Van Dyke?
Cor blimey guvnor, I'm dead well chuffed to bits and no mistake!
alternatively it could it be Dick Van Dyke?
Stefen wrote:
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that. As noted below, Billy prefers to think of himself as English, (from England) rather than British, which term includes the Welsh (Wales), the Scots (Scotland) and the Irish (at least those in Northern Ireland) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Not sure if 'British' includes the Manx (Isle of Man) and Channel Islanders: we'll have to ask a real Brit about that, I'm just a wild colonial boy, after all!
Sounds a bit like a Brit.
Not surprising, since he's a Cockney (a native Londoner). Doesn't get much more Brit than that. As noted below, Billy prefers to think of himself as English, (from England) rather than British, which term includes the Welsh (Wales), the Scots (Scotland) and the Irish (at least those in Northern Ireland) in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Not sure if 'British' includes the Manx (Isle of Man) and Channel Islanders: we'll have to ask a real Brit about that, I'm just a wild colonial boy, after all!
Stefen wrote:
Cor blimey guvnor, I'm dead well chuffed to bits and no mistake!
alternatively it could it be Dick Van Dyke?
Sounds a bit like a Brit.
Cor blimey guvnor, I'm dead well chuffed to bits and no mistake!
alternatively it could it be Dick Van Dyke?
Stefen wrote:
Sounds a bit like a Brit.
Ya think?
a great run here...Police,Clash, Billy Bragg
copymonkey wrote:
... after reading Aussie Paul's long-winded attempt to "put me in my place", he still failed to convince me.. Hey Paul--it's clear you did your homework on Billy Bragg--maybe now you should do some on Woody. k?
Not sure I want to persuade anyone, and I certainly don't want to put anyone 'in their place'!
I think we can have different opinions, and that is cool. Isn't it OK to have different opinions, and still respect the other's point of view?
Sounds a bit like a Brit.
BasmntMadman wrote:
Good God. I think someone here really wants to be a critic, and to show off his erudition and vast knowledge of all things musical. In addition, I see, to keeping the lesser individuals in their place.
All in the prestigious Radio Paradise song comments.
You might try getting a job in a newspaper, journal, etc., mate, and leaving the rest of us the HELL ALONE.
What exactly do you mean by "keeping the lesser individuals in their place"?
BasmntMadman wrote:
Good God. I think someone here really wants to be a critic, and to show off his erudition and vast knowledge of all things musical. In addition, I see, to keeping the lesser individuals in their place.
All in the prestigious Radio Paradise song comments.
You might try getting a job in a newspaper, journal, etc., mate, and leaving the rest of us the HELL ALONE.
Thanks for havin' my back Madman. All true what you said, although after reading Aussie Paul's long-winded attempt to "put me in my place", he still failed to convince me. Woody Guthrie loved America for the EXACT same reasons that Billy loves England. The people not the power. (Incidentally the same can be said for Pete Seeger). Hey Paul--it's clear you did your homework on Billy Bragg--maybe now you should do some on Woody. k?
Normally, I find myself cringing at the sound of a song by Billy Bragg. That said, this song is great!
I'll ignore all the arguing over Mr. Bragg and just say how much I love this album and how much it hearing it now reminds me of the time I first heard it. One of the best albums of 1991, in my opinion. Thanks RP for these nice little surprises during the day.
BasmntMadman wrote: I don't get your point.
Good God. I think someone here really wants to be a critic, and to show off his erudition and vast knowledge of all things musical. In addition, I see, to keeping the lesser individuals in their place.
All in the prestigious Radio Paradise song comments.
You might try getting a job in a newspaper, journal, etc., mate, and leaving the rest of us the HELL ALONE.
huh? I don't get your point.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
I will bite.
Q What do Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger have in common?
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people.
These are Bragg's words;
"The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract"
Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition.
The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Good God. I think someone here really wants to be a critic, and to show off his erudition and vast knowledge of all things musical. In addition, I see, to keeping the lesser individuals in their place.
All in the prestigious Radio Paradise song comments.
You might try getting a job in a newspaper, journal, etc., mate, and leaving the rest of us the HELL ALONE.
I will bite.
Q What do Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger have in common?
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people.
These are Bragg's words;
"The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract"
Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition.
The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
copymonkey wrote:
I will bite.
Q What do Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger have in common?
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people.
These are Bragg's words;
"The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract"
Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition.
The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Err, Billy Bragg is/was a socialist/populist protest singer...so was Woody Guthrie. There is no irony. The choice to have Billy sing Woody's songs was actually spot-on.
I will bite.
Q What do Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger have in common?
A They are unlikely to write a book advocating a renewed sense of patriotism for English people.
These are Bragg's words;
"The question of History is the Right wing's agenda, that History is more important, and our history is all about being Anglo-Saxons, beating the Celts, fighting the French, fighting the Germans, subduing the Natives. I totally disagree with that". He expands on this, "I grew up with the History of post war Europe, immigration, economic struggles etc. That's more important to me than what happened at the Battle of the Boyne, or Scottish football fans when they come to Wembley talk about 1314, which was the Battle of Bannockburn those things are interesting, and I'm not dismissing them. Nobody should have to dismiss part of their ethnicity to be part of England; it's just that the old definitions of Englishness as an ethnicity don't really fit any more. What does ethnically English' mean? Look at our football team. It's not about ethnicity is it? To qualify for England you don't have to be White or Protestant it's about something else, innit? It's about something more abstract"
Now if you don't find it ironic that the US, with 300 million people, can't generate a troubadour to pay homage to an American folk pioneer, and instead looks to a a quintessentially English new wave troubadour, then fine. But look at this for evidence that Bragg maybe a global citizen, but it is ironic to select someone with a keen sense of his English identity to give voice to a quintessentially American singer who was part of a separate tradition.
The socialism is a point of commonality, that is true. But....
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time passing
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Long time ago
Where have all the folk singers gone?
Pop radio has trashed them every one
When will they ever learn?
When will they ever learn?
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Err, Billy Bragg is an urban English new wave troubadour, and Woody Guthrie was a rural American folk troubadour. They share similar values, but their musical heritages could not be more different. Or am i missing something?
Err, Billy Bragg is/was a socialist/populist protest singer...so was Woody Guthrie. There is no irony. The choice to have Billy sing Woody's songs was actually spot-on.
top Essex boy, love his music and passion, don't always agree with his politics.
I think I'm outnumbered!
Let's just hope Bragg inspires artists the way that Guthrie inspired his Bobness and others... I first saw Bragg on the Red Wedge tour with Paul Weller in 1986... a real sense of uprising against the right wing policies of the Thatcher Government. It was urgent and edgy and urban and there was a real sense of "us" against "them".
But they won.
However as we wait for death to render Thatcher to the status of " a footnote in history" I will quote Dylan:
And I hope that you die
And your death'll come soon
I will follow your casket
In the pale afternoon
And I'll watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand o'er your grave
'Til I'm sure that you're dead
RobK wrote:
Fair enough. I suppose as far as their backgrounds go they are almost polar opposites of one another. But on the other hand when Mermaid Ave came out I thought Billy was the ideal choice for the project, given his political views and activist ways. If anything Wilco were an odd fit as they aren't really a political band at all. Their rootsy sound was a nice addition to the album though for sure.
I don't get the irony Paul from Australia sees here either. Billy Bragg is merely a modern incarnation of Woody Guthrie. It's the same messages, the same anger, just a different musical style.
I heard an interview regarding Mermaid Avenue, and all involved, from Mr. Bragg to the Guthrie family, felt the presence of Woody Guthrie during the production. Many of the songs had no music, just the lyrics, so Billy and Wilco had to write the music. Family members said they had been highly skeptical of the project (and rightly so), but applaud the results wholeheartedly.
and here comes more Wilco...
c.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Err, Billy Bragg is an urban English new wave troubadour, and Woody Guthrie was a rural American folk troubadour. They share similar values, but their musical heritages could not be more different. Or am i missing something?
Fair enough. I suppose as far as their backgrounds go they are almost polar opposites of one another. But on the other hand when Mermaid Ave came out I thought Billy was the ideal choice for the project, given his political views and activist ways. If anything Wilco were an odd fit as they aren't really a political band at all. Their rootsy sound was a nice addition to the album though for sure.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Ad on the bus reads: "If you don't have GIO Third Party Property Insurance, we suggest you don't hit this bus"
Err, Billy Bragg is an urban English new wave troubadour, and Woody Guthrie was a rural American folk troubadour. They share similar values, but their musical heritages could not be more different. Or am i missing something?
Irony is a man dressed as a pig being arrested by police ... or a woman who works at a toothpaste factory getting a cavity
or ...
Ad on the bus reads: "If you don't have GIO Third Party Property Insurance, we suggest you don't hit this bus"
More, more, MORE!!!
RobK wrote:
I'm curious as to how you find that ironic, Paul.
Err, Billy Bragg is an urban English new wave troubadour, and Woody Guthrie was a rural American folk troubadour. They share similar values, but their musical heritages could not be more different. Or am i missing something?
more billy bragg! i've loved him since i was 12 and a friend's stepfather introduced us to his music.
HERES TO GEORGE BUSH!!!!
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Well done for playing Billy Bragg!
Wasnt he selected to develop Woody Guthrie's unpublished songs?
a strange irony
I'm curious as to how you find that ironic, Paul.
Awesome song from one of the few 'important' rockers of the recent generation.
Who's idea was it to tune his guitar in my right headphone? He never quite got it there and, oh yeah, never played along with the song. That was dreadful. Please find a better song or drop this album.
More Billy Bragg!!!!
Love the BB...
I remember way back when the local commercial alt-rock station used to play him. I'd like to hear Sexuality, You Woke Up My Neighbourhood, or Everywhere from the same album sometime. Great album!
ChardRemains wrote:
ditto what I said 2+ years ago!
Agree . . . this is my first time hearing this BB tune . . . it rocks.
Great contemporary turn on the classic Kinks refrain . . .
ditto what I said 2+ years ago!
ChardRemains wrote:
Billy Bragg is awesome...righteous....and a straightup innovator. This is where folk music really ought to go.
In these times, we need Billy Bragg more than ever. Keep his music coming, Bill! 
Lonestar wrote:
He cut an album teamed up with Wilco. It's called Mermaid Avenue and is all Woody covers. It's pretty good. I'm fairly sure they released another one later on. The project was comissioned by Guthrie's Kid(s) and consisted of his unreleased lyric's/poems.
yes, and bob dylan was originally supposed to get those covers, but when he arrived at woody's house, woody wasn't there and bob couldn't find the songs.
Nice tip o' the hat to the Kinks when Billy sings, ''She's a dedicated swallower of fascism.''
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
Well done for playing Billy Bragg!
Wasnt he selected to develop Woody Guthrie's unpublished songs?
a strange irony
He cut an album teamed up with Wilco. It's called Mermaid Avenue and is all Woody covers. It's pretty good. I'm fairly sure they released another one later on. The project was comissioned by Guthrie's Kid(s) and consisted of his unreleased lyric's/poems.
Could there be more reverb in there?
gradys_kitchen wrote:
Now you just need to follow it up with some Elvis Costello. I'll let you guess which song.
Some how Lost in the Supermarket seems better. ;-)
Now you just need to follow it up with some Elvis Costello. I'll let you guess which song.
Well done for playing Billy Bragg!
Wasnt he selected to develop Woody Guthrie's unpublished songs?
a strange irony
I've always liked this song.
The bad side is I know too many people who fit this profile. Watching them careen to an ugly fate is one of life's frustrations. I try to warn them, but I might as well be talking to a fence post. 
The bad side is I know too many people who fit this profile. Watching them careen to an ugly fate is one of life's frustrations. I try to warn them, but I might as well be talking to a fence post. 
I've always been impressed with a girl
Who could sing for her supper and get breakfast as well
That's the way I am
Heaven help me...
:D
More BB, please!
My favorite commie folk singer. Like his politics or not, he has a special gift for turning a phrase.
Shouting with music? guess you never quite got your head around punk & social angst then huh?
if you wana end war & stuff, you gotta sing loud!
'he said "we don't like peace campaigners round here" as he nailed another one to the wall . . . '