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The Grey Men of Whitehall

from FREE ALBUM: Songs of Common Ground by Talis Kimberley

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I don't have any easy answers about the rioting and mass theft happening in cities these past few nights. I do have this to say, however, because there *is* plenty to be angry about.

lyrics

THE GREY MEN OF WHITEHALL



The grey men of Whitehall are watching
From comfortable ivory towers
And the grey men of Whitehall sit comfy, running
This country that used to be ours
For the grey men had their education
And society covered the cost
But tell that to the next generation and then tell them
Everything else that they’ve lost.

And of course you’ve a right to be angry
There’s enough to be angry about
But point it at those who deserve it
When you’re ready to stand up,
Ready to stand up and shout –
When you’re ready to stand up and shout.

The grey men have mortgaged the future
Put a price on what shouldn’t be sold
Oh, the grey men of Whitehall know better
But then they’re not afraid of the cold
There are grey men in each of our cities
Every parish and borough and town
And if you want to take back their power
Then you’d better stand up and put your name down

And of course you’ve a right to be angry
Only think before violence takes aim
Does a century’s trade - in armchairs and tables -
Really merit the fire,
Merit the fire and the flame?
Does it merit the fire and the flame?

‘Cos it starts with the local elections
Real people who do give a damn
Or the grey men will carry on suiting themselves
And democracy’s only a sham.

And of course you’re allowed to be angry
But you’d better know who’s getting hurt
And the ambulance man and the corner shopkeeper
Bleed the same colour blood –
The same colour blood down their shirts –
The same colour blood -

And of course you’ve every right to be angry
There’s enough, I know there’s enough to be angry about
Oh, but you’d better point it at those who deserve it
When you’re ready to stand up,
Ready to stand up and shout –
When you’re ready to stand up and shout...



Words & music by & © Talis Kimberley 9th August 2011

credits

from FREE ALBUM: Songs of Common Ground, track released August 10, 2011
Bouzouki. In the studio. On the little Tascam. Before going home to cook tea.

Photo: Mike Whitaker. Thank you, Mike. Yes, I realise I'm playing the guitar in that shot and not the 'zouk...

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Talis Kimberley image

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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