The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #121170   Message #2645159
Posted By: melodeonboy
31-May-09 - 05:44 PM
Thread Name: Singing while walking down the street
Subject: RE: Singing while walking down the street
I know this is not exactly on topic, but I heard this song performed by Pig's Ear at the Pig's Ear Folk Ale festival this afternoon, and I thought it not only a great song, but quite pertinent to the spirit of this thread.

We Will Sing

Though music be the food of love there's some who'd have us starve,
They say we must not sing or dance in pubs or clubs and bars,
For if there be even two would raise their voices to the sky,
Then all must pay their due, or else the law we do defy!
We will sing, we will sing,
And let all your lawyers come prancing,
They'll never stop us dancing,
Let tradition win the day.
For though fools make their rules,
We will always have our say.
We will sing, we will sing, we will sing!
While on terrace and in stand the fans of sport may chant and sing,
In an ale house now, though more polite 'tis deemed a 'wicked' thing!
But in Church the congregation loudly hymn their maker's name,
So why should we need licence from 'above' to do the same?
Oh! Muse, whose inspiration fills my heart with joy and song,
Please tell me how this stupid law can now decide it's wrong,
That when singers and musicians come together in thy name,
And merry make, then each and every one will bear the blame?
When the party of the first part, joins the party of the third,
In the second party's public house, that's fine, …or so I've heard.
But if we should join in song, along with parties one and three,
Then take my word, what 'ere the law, …a PARTY there will be!
The law's an ass, cantankerous, or so I've oft' been told,
And now it's mighty braying sends a shiver through my soul,
But nonetheless I hereby pledge that music MUST be free,
I won't let uncivil servants make a donkey out of me!
I'm sure in time, that we shall find, this shambles is undone,
Like all other legal nonsense just designed to spoil the fun,
And when we, the English people once more have the final word,
Then English songs in English pubs forever shall be heard!