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Poverty KnockChumbawamba

(Chorus)
'Poverty poverty knock,' my loom is a saying all day
Poverty poverty knock, gaffer's too skinny to pay
Poverty poverty knock, keeping one eye on the clock
I know I can guttle when I hear my shuttle go, 'poverty poverty knock'
Up every morning at five, I wonder that we keep alive
Tired and yawning another cold morning
It's back to the dreary old drive

(Repeat chorus)
Oh dear we're going to be late
Gaffer is stood at the gate
We're out of pocket, our wages they'll docket
We'll have to buy grub on the slate

(Repeat chorus)
And when our wages they bring, we're often short of a string
While we are fighting with gaffer for snatching
We know to his brass he will cling

(Repeat chorus)
Sometimes a shuttle flies out
And gives some poor woman a clout
There she lies bleeding but nobody's heeding
Oh who's going to carry her out?

(Repeat chorus)
Oh dear, my poor head it sings
I should have woven three strings
My threads are breaking and my back is aching
Oh dear, I wish I had wings
Poverty poverty knock
Poverty poverty knock
Poverty poverty knock

Chumbawamba

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.

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English Rebel Songs 1381-1984

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