Chumbawamba

Bert told Brecht
Brecht told Bert
Words like birds flew right around the world
Right around the world
Right around the world
Words flew right around the world

Beware! Don't look away!
Hear what the poet has to say
Songs and rhymes for the worst of times
Paper feeds the fire In the coldest winter
Bert told Brecht
Brecht told Bert
Words like birds flew right around the world
Right around the world
Right around the world
Words flew right around the world

Wake up! Look around!
The painter learnt to juggle like a clown
Poet he shouts till they chase him out
Marching into exile with an old typewriter
Bert told Brecht
Brecht told Bert
Words like birds flew right around the world
Right around the world
Right around the world
Words flew right around the world

Take care! Open up your eyes!
Words can take you by surprise
Poet he writes fights the best of fights
Taking on the painter with a pen and paper...
Bert told Brecht
Brecht told Bert
Words like birds flew right around the world
Right around the world
Right around the world
Words flew right around the world
Right around the world
Right around the world
Words flew right around the world

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

(Words Flew) Right Around The WorldChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

The Boy Bands Have Won