Chumbawamba

It's good of you to ask me sir
How I spend my days
Water glass and ladders sir
Working for my pay
Back home I saw a future sir
Learnt my father's trade But here that counts for nothing sir
Paradise betrayed

Looking through the windows
All your world to see
To you I'm just another refugee

My mother needs the money sir
It's hard to make ends meet
Two more children still in school
Hungry mouths to feed

Looking through the windows
All your world to see
To you I'm just another refugee
Now this country is my home
This land of auctioneers
Cast your eye upon me sir
What price the dreams that brought me here?

Looking through the windows
All your world to see
Forever just another refugee

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

RefugeeChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

The Boy Bands Have Won