Here's a "protest song" I've written about the PEL proposals. I sang it for the first time at Bedford (UK) Folk Club last night (Kings Arms - 8.30pm Thursdays). It seemed to strike a chord with everyone, so I promised to "publish" it on Mudcat so that anyone else who might feel like singing it at their club can do so (to help get the message across to people who might be unaware of what's happening). My local Mudcat technical adviser (Steve Parkes) has nipped away for the weekend, so I can't ask him how/whether it is possible to post Midi or Noteworthy Composer files here. So, in the meantime, I'll just paste in the lyrics. If anyone wants the Midi and/or NW format files, with the tune, then send me a personal mail with your e-mail address and I can forward. I haven't posted a song here before, so apologies if I'm inadvertently breaking any netiquette rules. Here's it is: PEL Song 1. Well the country's in a state, there's no denying There's a lot to be dismayed about it's true The price of houses, crime and immigration Well at least we have our music, me and you But the politicians say they have the answers They've looked around and think they know the score And they've come up with some brand new legislation To make our world a better place once more. So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence If you want to play a tune, fill out a form If you want to Morris Dance then you really take a chance If you don't complete the paperwork that's needed in advance Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie For if they go and change the P E L laws Then that'll be the day the music dies. 2. Well you might think this law will make life quieter Yet pre-recorded music is alright 'Cause it's only live performers are affected But pop CDs can play both day and night Yes shops and bars can all turn up the volume On speakers you can hear a mile away But if you want to sing a Christmas Carol Then for a P E L you must pay. So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence If you want to play a tune, fill out a form And if these rules you mock Then they'll have you in the dock And before you even know it, You'll be playing "Jailhouse Rock" Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie For if they go and change the P E L laws Then that'll be the day the music dies. 3. No more evenings in the pub with songs and laughter It's a plan I cannot understand Do they think we'll sit at home and watch "East-Enders" like the rest When they've killed off all the folk clubs in the land? No Maypole dancing, Mummers plays or Morris For these we hear the tolling of the bell 'Cause even if you just sing "Happy Birthday" The law will say "You need a P E L". So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence If you want to play a tune, fill out a form Well you can burgle people's houses and get no custodial sentence But do it while you're singing and they'll hound you with a vengeance Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie For if they go and change the P E L laws Then that'll be the day the music dies. Copyright 2003 Julie Berrill, Milton Keynes, All Rights Reserved
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