Chumbawamba

Released: May 1, 1994

Albert! Whoa
Bobby! Whoa
For gods sake burn it down!

Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of

Give the anarchist a cigarette
'Cos that's as close as he's ever gonna get
Give the anarchist a cigarette
Bobby just hasn't earned it yet
Give the anarchist a cigarette
The times are changing but he just forgets
Give the anarchist a cigarette
He's gonna choke on his harmonica Albert

Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of

Give the anarchist a cigarette
A candy cig for the spoilt brat
Give the anarchist a cigarette
We'll get Albert to write you a cheque
Give the anarchist a cigarette
And he'll be burning up the air in his personal jet
Give the anarchist a cigarette
You know I hate every pop star that I ever met

Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of

Give the anarchist a cigarette
Burn baby burn burn baby burn
Give the anarchist a cigarette
Burn baby burn burn baby burn
Give the anarchist a cigarette
Burn baby burn burn baby burn
Give the anarchist a cigarette
Burn baby burn burn baby burn

Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of help
Nothing ever burns down by itself
Every fire needs a little bit of

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

Anarchy

From the album

Anarchy (1994)

Chumbawamba popular songs

Give The Anarchist A CigaretteChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

Anarchy