Chumbawamba

[Verse 1]
Listen close to this crooked mouth
For my story I will tell–o
I lived in Mexico by the name of Wenseslao Moguel–o
Left my home in Santiago
The heart of the city of Merida
Served with my brothers and sisters all
For the army of Pancho Villa

[Chorus]
Stand me straight against the nearest wall
Line up your bravest soldiers oh
Ten good shots, I'll take them all
They call me El Fusilado

[Verse 2]
The Federales captured me
Bound up my arms with wire
Officer came he says, “Take your aim –
Steady your guns and fire!”
Bullet holes all across my chest
Ripped up my shirt and my body–o
Heart beat on through the silenced guns
To the rhythm of life inside me–o

[Chorus]
Stand me straight against the nearest wall
Line up your bravest soldiers oh
Ten good shots, I'll take them all
They call me El Fusilado

[Verse 3]
Fell to the ground, the officer came
One last shot to the head–o
Heard through the pain as he walked away
And left me there for dead–o
All went quiet so I crawled away
I wasn't giving up to the glory
Ten good shots, I took them all
And lived to tell my story

[Chorus]
Stand me straight against the nearest wall
Line up your bravest soldiers oh
Ten good shots, I'll take them all
They call me El Fusilado

[Chorus]
Stand me straight against the nearest wall
Line up your bravest soldiers oh
Ten good shots, I'll take them all
They call me El Fusilado

[Chorus]
Stand me straight against the nearest wall
Line up your bravest soldiers oh
Ten good shots, I'll take them all
They call me El Fusilado

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

The Boy Bands Have Won

From the album

The Boy Bands Have Won (2008)

Chumbawamba popular songs

El FusiladoChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

The Boy Bands Have Won