Chumbawamba

Through eating too much supper
Before I went to bed
Strange thoughts came o'er my slumber
Strange thoughts came in my head

This world was topsy-turvy
And people of renown
Were doing the most peculiar things
As they world turned upside down

I dreamt all men were equal
And there were no starving poor
And nations never did quarrel
Nor never went to war

I dreamt all men were angels
And women ne'er wore a frown
Old maids they had large families
As the world turned upside down

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

English Rebel Songs 1381-1914

From the albums

English Rebel Songs 1381-1914 (1988)
English Rebel Songs 1381-1984 (2003)

Chumbawamba popular songs

The World Turned Upside DownChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

English Rebel Songs 1381-1914