| Elvis Costello – Tramp the Dirt Down Lyrics | 15 years ago |
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jsaul - 1) Was there actually such a picture published of Margaret Thatcher kissing a grimacing child? 2) Was this song not considered libel because he only says "Margaret" and never reveals her last name, despite the heavy insinuations? 3) What is the "The black tarmacadam"? 4) Does "this pitiful discontent" refer to this song? Or something broader? 1. Not as far as I am aware. I think the lyrics are referring to the cliche of the politician kissing a baby. 2. I wouldn't consider it libellous. Thatcher wrecked the British manufacturing industry and devastated whole communities, creating mass unemployment. She crushed the power of the trade unions and introduced draconian anti-strike legislation in an attempt to stop people from effectively fighting back. That said, yes I think you may well be right. 3. The "black tarmacadam" is a road surface - could Costello be referring to the M25 (opened by Thatcher in 1986), as emblematic of false hope for the future? 4. The "pitiful discontent" to me refers to the attempts of the miners and the Militant-controlled Liverpool council to fight back in the face of Thatcher's onslaught. "She isn't angry with this pitiful discontent", i.e. she is going to smash all opposition. There is a discussion http://www.socialistunity.com/?p=4692 here about the song and an interview with Costello himself. For a more in-depth history look at http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/militant/ch25.htm |
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