Chumbawamba

When Alexander met Emma
The first day she came to New York
Saxe's cafe in Manhattan
Coffee and cigarettes and talk
Sun beating down on the East Side
Introductions are made in the haze
"Emma meet Alexander"
Emma just smiles as she says

"Take my hand. I'll take yours
Save my life. I'll save yours"

Life stretches loudly before her
From the Bowery to old Suffolk Street
A five dollar bill in her pocket
And a worldful of people to meet
Ships rigging up in the Hudson
Waiting for love to set sail
Emma she tells Alexander
"I'll be there when you walk from the jail"

"Take my hand. I'll take yours
Save my life. I'll save yours."

Newspaper talk turns to headlines
A love so cemented in fame
A word to the strike-breaking bosses
Propaganda in deed and in name
Fourteen long years on the island
It's a lifetime of summers to wait
And Emma, she meets Alexander
As they unlock the last prison gate

"Take my hand. I'll take yours
Save my life. I'll save yours."

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

When Alexander Met EmmaChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

A Singsong and a Scrap