Chumbawamba

Have a word with your Patron Saint
Cover up the cracks with a lick of paint
All The exit doors are all double-locked
Because St Sebastian sways but doesn't rock

Here's to you - you put up a fight
You're the last to leave, now turn out the light
You danced to the Devil and the Feathery wife
Now the Ordnance Survey is mapping out your life

Look at the small print: it's what we agreed -
Sign your name before we teach you how to read
This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told
The Land of the Free: if you don't leave the fold
Smile a little wider as you're waiting to be sold
This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told

I'm a celebrity - let me in here
One last jump from the end of the pier
We breached the wall, but I was too tired to run
My Get Up And Go got up and now it's gone

Look at the small print: it's what we agreed -
Sign your name before we teach you how to read
This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told
The Land of the Free: if you don't leave the fold
Smile a little wider as you're waiting to be sold
This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told

This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told
With a little lip service to breaking the mold
Smile a little wider as you're waiting to be sold
This is the land, the Land of Do What You're Told

We're going on strike for twelve percent
We're not downhearted yet
They're filming it all for a reality show
So twelve percent we'll get

Anarcho-pop band from Leeds.

Originally formed in the early 1980s as Chimp Eats Banana, Chumbawamba first emerged in the anarchopunk scene which was dominated by bands such a pacifist punks Crass. As Chumbawamba increasingly differed from their peers in outlook and tactics, they began to adopt a new musical style which incorporated elements of folk music, indie rock and hip-hop.

After drifting between labels, their change in direction culminated in signing a record deal with major label EMI, a choice which sparked outrage amongst their former comrades, outrage that culminated in a “Fuck Chumbawamba” compilation. By chance, Chumbawamba’s new work with EMI resulted in an internationally best-selling single, “Tubthumping”, and a sudden rise to fame.

more tracks from the album

A Singsong and a Scrap

From the album

A Singsong and a Scrap (2005)

Chumbawamba popular songs

The Land Of Do What You’re ToldChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

A Singsong and a Scrap