Chumbawamba

Give me land, lots of land under starry skies above
Don't fence me in
Let me ride through the wide open country that I love
Don't fence me in

Let me be by myself in the easy breeze
And listen to the murmur of the cottonwood trees
Set me up forever but I ask you please
Don't fence me in

Just turn me loose, let me straddle my old saddle underneath the Western sky
On my cayuse let me wander over yonder 'til I see the mountain tribes

I want to ride to the ridge where the West commences
I'll kick at the moon until I lose my senses
I can't look at hobbles and I can't stand fences
Don't fence me in
No, papa, don't you fence me in

Excerpts from "The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Runner" (1962):
"Well, I think that'll be all for now. Thank you."
"You mean I can go now, Sir?"
"Yes."
"All right, thank you very much, Sir."

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

Jesus H Christ

From the album

Jesus H Christ (1991)

Chumbawamba popular songs

Don’t Fence Me InChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

Jesus H Christ