It's essentially a harsh attack on people who would rather sit out the game than engage in action. It criticizes wishy-washy cowards who are more concerned with comfort and fitting in than in sticking to and expressing their beliefs through action. The object of the songwriter's ire is also someone who looks down on people who dare express their opinions as being uncouth and uncivilized. Note: this sentiment is also expressed in the song "Have You Ever Been Away?" by The Beautiful South, the band that grew out of the ashes of The Housemartins.
Even though The Housemartins/The Beautiful South are proud socialists, it's not so much about being socialist as it is about standing up for what you believe in, even at the risk of ridicule. It could easily be sung by someone on the opposite end of the political spectrum.
It's essentially a harsh attack on people who would rather sit out the game than engage in action. It criticizes wishy-washy cowards who are more concerned with comfort and fitting in than in sticking to and expressing their beliefs through action. The object of the songwriter's ire is also someone who looks down on people who dare express their opinions as being uncouth and uncivilized. Note: this sentiment is also expressed in the song "Have You Ever Been Away?" by The Beautiful South, the band that grew out of the ashes of The Housemartins.
Even though The Housemartins/The Beautiful South are proud socialists, it's not so much about being socialist as it is about standing up for what you believe in, even at the risk of ridicule. It could easily be sung by someone on the opposite end of the political spectrum.