Chumbawamba

It's a long walk to the gallows
It's a small step to swing free
The crying in the tower
For my conspirators and me
Gunpowder and modem
And a dream of liberty

And then they'll tell you
Don't try this at home
Oh yes, they'll tell you
Don't try this at home

If you walk on the beach with King Canute
You'll be walking back alone
Tonight he'll dine on oysters
While we fall like green acorns
We'll be putting down our roots
Right in the centre of the storm

Oh, but they'll tell you
Don't try this at home
Oh yes, they'll tell you
Don't try this at home

The cry of gulls, the hum of streets
The buzz of phones, the march of feet
We'll meet tonight to draw up plans
Exclamations, ampersands

Somewhere across the water
They're storming palace gates
Scared of the moth-flame metaphor
We fall asleep and wait
Singing for a future
But the chorus comes too late

Because they'll tell you
Don't try this at home
Oh yes, they'll tell you
Don't try this at home

Don't, don't, don't, don't (repeats to end)
Don't try this at home (repeats to end)
Try this at home (repeats to end)

So we're coming to the last dance
I've got another request
With your best foot forward
We'll lay this ghost to rest

So we're coming to the last dance
I've got another request
With your best foot forward
We'll lay this ghost to rest

So we're coming to the last dance
I've got another request

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

Don’t Try This At HomeChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

Readymades