Chumbawamba

George looks gorgeous in pinstripes
Pocket handkerchief and cravat
Swaggering out of the Band On The Wall
In a burgundy Homberg hat
Singing "Ratatatay, ratatatay"!

George after-hours and the worse for whisky
When somebody shouts "Hey, you!"
In a pitch-black Manchester backstreet
...well, what's a poor singer to do but
Sing "Ratatatay, ratatatay"!

Two men Flashing a knife blade, saying
"Give us your notes and your watch"
Singing the backstreet stand-off to the rhythm
Of the fear and the scotch
George, not wanting to feel the knife
Cornered and speeding and scared ...
From the back of his mind comes 'Ursonate':
Sound and fury and words
He sings: Ratatatay, ratatatay!

So the robbers are stuck to the spot now
Watching george as he sings for his life
Menace turns to panic and they turn and run
And the song waves goodbye to the knife -
Singing "Ratatatay, ratatatay!"

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

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From the album

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Chumbawamba popular songs

RatatatayChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

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