Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line
Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line

Well, the facts said yes
But the judge said no
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
He didn't understand
And he told them so
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
Don't pass go

There ain't no justice, just us
There ain't no justice, just us

Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line

A little self-protection
They don't want to know
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
And he won't say sorry
Play the old Jim Crow
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
Don't pass go

Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line

White paranoia
It runs the show
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
You want table manners
You get rule of law
Go straight to jail and don't pass go
Don't pass go

Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line
Don't pass go
Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line
Don't pass go
Didn't he know it was a waste of time
All stitched up by a thin blue line
Don't pass go

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.