Chumbawamba

Anybody can press a button and blow up a ship
Anybody can use an atom bomb
Anybody can pick up a big whip and whip you
Anybody can stick a knife into you
Anybody can pull a trigger
But where's the man with the character, as can take a punch on the nose and keep his temper, keep control of himself?

The seed you sow, another reaps
The wealth you find, another keeps
The clothes you weave, another wears
The arms you forge, another bears

The songs you write, another sings
The heart you lose, another wins
The food you bake, another eats
Poison-laced and oh so sweet

Rock and roll
Check your pulse
Art or death
True or false
Can't stay young
Can't grow old
Overpriced
Undersold

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

Readymades

From the album

Readymades (2002)

Chumbawamba popular songs

After ShelleyChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

Readymades