Chumbawamba

Built with lives
Remembered in plans
A history of no ones
For the glory of just one man
Should Smith now fall
Then Taylor takes his place
We're measuring our progress
By burying our waste

Pyramids, palaces
Railways and mills
Viaducts, offices
Pipelines and canals

Bells for the architect
Ringing through the land
A hundred honest men to wash
The ink stains from his hands
For the forging of words
Comes easy as sleep
Stones for Smith & Taylor
Their memories to keep

Every maiden voyage
Leaves a widow on the shore
And every blessed spire
Sees the earth get its reward

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

A Singsong and a Scrap

From the album

A Singsong and a Scrap (2005)

Chumbawamba popular songs

Smith & TaylorChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

A Singsong and a Scrap