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Disillusioned with politics or just fed up with the whole game? Does that feel like democracy to you? I debuted this with Chantelle Smith at Occupy Portsmouth in Summer 2012.

lyrics

DAMNED IF YOU DON’T

You have the right to pick the party but you’re not invited in
Damned if you don’t, damned if you do
Then it’s another five years living with the plans of those who win
Does that feel like democracy to you?

Does that feel like democracy to you –
Oh the promises, the promises they make!
Does that feel like democracy to you? –
When you can’t hold them to the promises they break.

You have the right to come to meetings and ask questions at the end
Damned if you don’t, damned if you do
Too bad the officer in question wasn’t able to attend
Does that feel like democracy to you?
We want local consultation about where new buildings go
Damned if we don’t damned if we do
We have the right to say ‘yes’ but not the right to say ‘no’
Does that feel like democracy to you?

Does that feel like democracy to you –
Oh the promises, the promises they make!
Does that feel like democracy to you? –
When you can’t hold them to the promises they break.

You can elect local officials and I’m sure they’ll do their best
Damned if they don’t, damned if they do
The system grinds them down and spits them out till they’re bad as all the rest
Does that feel like democracy to you?
You have the right to sign petitions, you’re entitled to your views
Damned if you don’t, damned if you do
If you protest, we’ll have you kettled – oh, and who controls the news?
Does that feel like democracy to you?

Does that feel like democracy to you –
Oh the promises, the promises they make!
Does that feel like democracy to you? –
When you can’t hold them to the promises they break.

All that evil ever needed to succeed and win the game
Damned if you don’t, damned if you do
Is for good men to do nothing and good women just the same
Does that feel like democracy to you?

credits

from FREE ALBUM: Songs of Common Ground, track released October 4, 2012
Words & music by & © Talis Kimberley 2012. Studio rough, on the blond Ovation. Simon Fairbourn at the button-ey end of the desk.

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Talis Kimberley UK

"I'm a songwriter and singer; my songs are spun from folklore and history, stirred well with a hazel wand and served with cake. I'll sing you ravens and bones and the story behind the story, I'll sing you bread and apples, ghosts and knitting, and bring you home with a pocketful of feathers and hope"

Voice / guitar / English concertina

Festivals, folk clubs, libraries, museums, & protests... ... more

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