Chumbawamba

Released: May 1, 1995

Songwriter: Chumbawamba

Producer: Neil Ferguson Chumbawamba

I'm Judas Judy, panicking, got everything and nothing
Happy birthday mister president I'm here to call your bluff
From the top of the world I'm gonna jump, jump, jump
I'm so perfectly imperfect and I did it for your love
I'm as small as Thumbelina, sugar fairy on the cake
Because the thinnest of excuses leave the bitterest taste
Brittle-boned, Barbie-cued, take a piece of my heart
When you know you haven't got it, does it make you feel good
This dress is killing me
Frockanoia
(Repeat)
I won and then I lost and then I won and then I lost

And now I know how much a pound of flesh can cost
And the question isn't if, but a definite when
Do I throw my achy heart into the gutter again
The party isn't over 'til the thin lady sings
Critics dressed as waiters waiting in the wings
There they'll gather like vultures to pick at the bones
I won and then I lost and I got nothing at all
This dress is killing me
Frockanoia
(Repeat)

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

Swingin’ with Raymond

From the album

Swingin’ with Raymond (1995)

Chumbawamba popular songs

This Dress KillsChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

Swingin’ with Raymond