In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I grew up in a company town
And I worked real hard ''til that company closed down
They gave my job to another man
On half my wages in some foreign land
And when I asked how could this be
Any good for our economy?
I was told nobody cares
So long as they make money when they sell their shares
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
I lost my job, my car and my house
When ten thousand miles away some guy clicked on a mouse
He didn't know me, we never spoke,
He didn't ask my opinion or canvass for my vote
I guess its true, nobody cares
'Til those petrol bombs come spinning through the air
Gotta find a way to hold them to account
Before they find a away to snuff our voices out
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
The ballot box is no guarantee that we achieve democracy
Our leaders claim their victory when only half the people have spoken
We have no job security in this global economy,
Our borders closed to refugees but our markets forced open
The World Bank says to Mexico,
We'll cut you off if you don't keep your taxes low
But they have no right to wield that sword
'Cos they take their orders from the chairman of the board
I-M-F, W-T-O,
I hear these words just every place I go
Who are these people? Who elected them?
And how do I replace them with some of my friends?
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
And I worked real hard ''til that company closed down
They gave my job to another man
On half my wages in some foreign land
And when I asked how could this be
Any good for our economy?
I was told nobody cares
So long as they make money when they sell their shares
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
I lost my job, my car and my house
When ten thousand miles away some guy clicked on a mouse
He didn't know me, we never spoke,
He didn't ask my opinion or canvass for my vote
I guess its true, nobody cares
'Til those petrol bombs come spinning through the air
Gotta find a way to hold them to account
Before they find a away to snuff our voices out
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
The ballot box is no guarantee that we achieve democracy
Our leaders claim their victory when only half the people have spoken
We have no job security in this global economy,
Our borders closed to refugees but our markets forced open
The World Bank says to Mexico,
We'll cut you off if you don't keep your taxes low
But they have no right to wield that sword
'Cos they take their orders from the chairman of the board
I-M-F, W-T-O,
I hear these words just every place I go
Who are these people? Who elected them?
And how do I replace them with some of my friends?
Can you hear us? Are you listening?
No power without accountability!
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
NPWA Lyrics as written by Simon Edwards Billy Bragg
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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