Chumbawamba

Strap these words
Around your waist
Open arms
A last embrace
Go make your peace
Commonplace
Take the train
A last goodbye
Throw your rhymes
At passers-by
‘One Love'
On your hi-fi

Words
Words is all
Around the underground
And ticket halls
Declaring peace
Wall to wall
Back in Leeds
The news we heard
No-one killed
And no-one hurt
Wish all the young men
Used only words
Words
Words is all
Around the underground
And ticket halls
Declaring peace
Wall to wall

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

Word BomberChumbawamba

Chumbawamba

The Boy Bands Have Won