Chumbawamba

William Francis, noble lord
His fortune built on sweat and sword
Built an empire tall as a hill
But he don't have fun and he never will
My, my

Sees the world so far below
And though he tries, he'll never know
Friends to greet the breaking of day
And love to pass the night away
My, my

William Francis high and dry
With his paradise denied
My, my

William Francis, lost, alone
A thousand ifs and a heart of stone
He measures his life in gain and cost
But he'll never add up the world he lost
My, my

William Francis high and dry
With his paradise denied
My, my

William Francis, master of all
But none to catch him when he falls
He works us long and he works us hard
But we'll dance all the way to the knacker's yard
My, my

William Francis high and dry
With his paradise denied
My, my

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

William FrancisChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

A Singsong and a Scrap