Let’s sing it! Songs for ‘ordinary’ people
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11:55 am, October 19th, 2012 - 109 comments
Categories: activism, class war, democratic participation, history, music, Revolution, video, workers' rights -
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Revolutions, political movements and protests are fueled by songs. They bring people together in common cause, draw attention to devastating conditions, tell stories of unbearable hardship, reassure the oppressed that they are not alone, and inspire people to take political action.
Nina Simone sings ‘Pirate Jenny’ Lyrics
I woke up the other morning with this Pulp song in my head. It’s catchy and very much naff 90s fashion in style and clothes – the days when consumer society was dominant and unavoidable. However, in it’s time it was a great pop song attack on wealthy pseuds who want to ease their conscience by slumming it with the “common” folk – without understand the daily struggles of people on low and mediocre incomes. Common People
This thread is for sharing your favourite songs that tell of the struggles of ordinary people: of social issues, community solidarity, protests, political movements and revolution. It’s also for you to comment on, and tell stories of, and about such songs.
Hope you get to spend Labour Weekend the way you want to! And take a moment to ponder on its significance.
Update: From Rosie comes the topical video of the day so far Home Brew ‘Listen to Us’.
109 comments on “Let’s sing it! Songs for ‘ordinary’ people ”
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Science, Innovation and Technology and Defence Minister Judith Collins will next week attend the OECD Science and Technology Ministerial conference in Paris and Anzac Day commemorations in Belgium. “Science, innovation and technology have a major role to play in rebuilding our economy and achieving better health, environmental and social outcomes ...2 hours ago - Comprehensive Partnership the goal for NZ and the PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The Prime Minister was accompanied by MP Paulo Garcia, the first Filipino to be elected to a legislature outside the Philippines. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon and President Marcos Jr discussed opportunities to ...13 hours ago
- Government commits $20m to Westport flood protectionThe Government has announced that $20 million in funding will be made available to Westport to fund much needed flood protection around the town. This measure will significantly improve the resilience of the community, says Local Government Minister Simeon Brown. “The Westport community has already been allocated almost $3 million ...19 hours ago
- Taupō takes pole positionThe Government is proud to support the first ever Repco Supercars Championship event in Taupō as up to 70,000 motorsport fans attend the Taupō International Motorsport Park this weekend, says Economic Development Minister Melissa Lee. “Anticipation for the ITM Taupō Super400 is huge, with tickets and accommodation selling out weeks ...20 hours ago
- Cost of living support for low-income homeownersLocal Government Minister Simeon Brown has announced an increase to the Rates Rebate Scheme, putting money back into the pockets of low-income homeowners. “The coalition Government is committed to bringing down the cost of living for New Zealanders. That includes targeted support for those Kiwis who are doing things tough, such ...22 hours ago
- Government backing mussel spat projectThe Coalition Government is investing in a project to boost survival rates of New Zealand mussels and grow the industry, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced. “This project seeks to increase the resilience of our mussels and significantly boost the sector’s productivity,” Mr Jones says. “The project - ...23 hours ago
- Government focused on getting people into workBenefit figures released today underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer ...1 day ago
- Clean energy key driver to reducing emissionsThe Government’s commitment to doubling New Zealand’s renewable energy capacity is backed by new data showing that clean energy has helped the country reach its lowest annual gross emissions since 1999, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. New Zealand’s latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory (1990-2022) published today, shows gross emissions fell ...1 day ago
- Earthquake-prone buildings review brought forwardThe Government is bringing the earthquake-prone building review forward, with work to start immediately, and extending the deadline for remediations by four years, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “Our Government is focused on rebuilding the economy. A key part of our plan is to cut red tape that ...1 day ago
- Thailand and NZ to agree to Strategic PartnershipPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and his Thai counterpart, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, have today agreed that New Zealand and the Kingdom of Thailand will upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership by 2026. “New Zealand and Thailand have a lot to offer each other. We have a strong mutual desire to build ...2 days ago
- Government consults on extending coastal permits for portsRMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced the Coalition Government’s intention to extend port coastal permits for a further 20 years, providing port operators with certainty to continue their operations. “The introduction of the Resource Management Act in 1991 required ports to obtain coastal ...2 days ago
- Inflation coming down, but more work to doToday’s announcement that inflation is down to 4 per cent is encouraging news for Kiwis, but there is more work to be done - underlining the importance of the Government’s plan to get the economy back on track, acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop says. “Inflation is now at 4 per ...2 days ago
- School attendance restored as a priority in health adviceRefreshed health guidance released today will help parents and schools make informed decisions about whether their child needs to be in school, addressing one of the key issues affecting school attendance, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour. In recent years, consistently across all school terms, short-term illness or medical reasons ...2 days ago
- Unnecessary bureaucracy cut in oceans sectorOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is streamlining high-level oceans management while maintaining a focus on supporting the sector’s role in the export-led recovery of the economy. “I am working to realise the untapped potential of our fishing and aquaculture sector. To achieve that we need to be smarter with ...2 days ago
- Patterson promoting NZ’s wool sector at International CongressAssociate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is speaking at the International Wool Textile Organisation Congress in Adelaide, promoting New Zealand wool, and outlining the coalition Government’s support for the revitalisation the sector. "New Zealand’s wool exports reached $400 million in the year to 30 June 2023, and the coalition Government ...3 days ago
- Removing red tape to help early learners thriveThe Government is making legislative changes to make it easier for new early learning services to be established, and for existing services to operate, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says. The changes involve repealing the network approval provisions that apply when someone wants to establish a new early learning service, ...3 days ago
- RMA changes to cut coal mining consent red tapeChanges to the Resource Management Act will align consenting for coal mining to other forms of mining to reduce barriers that are holding back economic development, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “The inconsistent treatment of coal mining compared with other extractive activities is burdensome red tape that fails to acknowledge ...3 days ago
- McClay reaffirms strong NZ-China trade relationshipTrade, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has concluded productive discussions with ministerial counterparts in Beijing today, in support of the New Zealand-China trade and economic relationship. “My meeting with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed the complementary nature of the bilateral trade relationship, with our Free Trade Agreement at its ...3 days ago
- Prime Minister Luxon acknowledges legacy of Singapore Prime Minister LeePrime Minister Christopher Luxon today paid tribute to Singapore’s outgoing Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meeting in Singapore today immediately before Prime Minister Lee announced he was stepping down, Prime Minister Luxon warmly acknowledged his counterpart’s almost twenty years as leader, and the enduring legacy he has left for Singapore and South East ...4 days ago
- PMs Luxon and Lee deepen Singapore-NZ tiesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon held a bilateral meeting today with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. While in Singapore as part of his visit to South East Asia this week, Prime Minister Luxon also met with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. During today’s meeting, Prime Minister Luxon ...4 days ago
- Antarctica New Zealand Board appointmentsForeign Minister Winston Peters has made further appointments to the Board of Antarctica New Zealand as part of a continued effort to ensure the Scott Base Redevelopment project is delivered in a cost-effective and efficient manner. The Minister has appointed Neville Harris as a new member of the Board. Mr ...4 days ago
- Finance Minister travels to Washington DCFinance Minister Nicola Willis will travel to the United States on Tuesday to attend a meeting of the Five Finance Ministers group, with counterparts from Australia, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. “I am looking forward to meeting with our Five Finance partners on how we can work ...4 days ago
- Pet bonds a win/win for renters and landlordsThe coalition Government has today announced purrfect and pawsitive changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to give tenants with pets greater choice when looking for a rental property, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “Pets are important members of many Kiwi families. It’s estimated that around 64 per cent of New ...4 days ago
- Long Tunnel for SH1 Wellington being consideredState Highway 1 (SH1) through Wellington City is heavily congested at peak times and while planning continues on the duplicate Mt Victoria Tunnel and Basin Reserve project, the Government has also asked NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to consider and provide advice on a Long Tunnel option, Transport Minister Simeon Brown ...4 days ago
- New Zealand condemns Iranian strikesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters have condemned Iran’s shocking and illegal strikes against Israel. “These attacks are a major challenge to peace and stability in a region already under enormous pressure," Mr Luxon says. "We are deeply concerned that miscalculation on any side could ...5 days ago
- Huge interest in Government’s infrastructure plansHundreds of people in little over a week have turned out in Northland to hear Regional Development Minister Shane Jones speak about plans for boosting the regional economy through infrastructure. About 200 people from the infrastructure and associated sectors attended an event headlined by Mr Jones in Whangarei today. Last ...7 days ago
- Health Minister thanks outgoing Health New Zealand ChairHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti has today thanked outgoing Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora Chair Dame Karen Poutasi for her service on the Board. “Dame Karen tendered her resignation as Chair and as a member of the Board today,” says Dr Reti. “I have asked her to ...7 days ago
- Roads of National Significance planning underwayThe NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has signalled their proposed delivery approach for the Government’s 15 Roads of National Significance (RoNS), with the release of the State Highway Investment Proposal (SHIP) today, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Boosting economic growth and productivity is a key part of the Government’s plan to ...7 days ago
- Navigating an unstable global environmentNew Zealand is renewing its connections with a world facing urgent challenges by pursuing an active, energetic foreign policy, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “Our country faces the most unstable global environment in decades,” Mr Peters says at the conclusion of two weeks of engagements in Egypt, Europe and the United States. “We cannot afford to sit back in splendid ...1 week ago
- NZ welcomes Australian Governor-GeneralPrime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced the Australian Governor-General, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley and his wife Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, will make a State visit to New Zealand from Tuesday 16 April to Thursday 18 April. The visit reciprocates the State visit of former Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy ...1 week ago
- Pseudoephedrine back on shelves for WinterAssociate Health Minister David Seymour has announced that Medsafe has approved 11 cold and flu medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Pharmaceutical suppliers have indicated they may be able to supply the first products in June. “This is much earlier than the original expectation of medicines being available by 2025. The Government recognised ...1 week ago
- NZ and the US: an ever closer partnershipNew Zealand and the United States have recommitted to their strategic partnership in Washington DC today, pledging to work ever more closely together in support of shared values and interests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. “The strategic environment that New Zealand and the United States face is considerably more ...1 week ago
- Joint US and NZ declarationApril 11, 2024 Joint Declaration by United States Secretary of State the Honorable Antony J. Blinken and New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Winston Peters We met today in Washington, D.C. to recommit to the historic partnership between our two countries and the principles that underpin it—rule ...1 week ago
- NZ and US to undertake further practical Pacific cooperationForeign Minister Winston Peters has announced further New Zealand cooperation with the United States in the Pacific Islands region through $16.4 million in funding for initiatives in digital connectivity and oceans and fisheries research. “New Zealand can achieve more in the Pacific if we work together more urgently and ...1 week ago
- Government redress for Te Korowai o WainuiāruaThe Government is continuing the bipartisan effort to restore its relationship with iwi as the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill passed its first reading in Parliament today, says Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith. “Historical grievances of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua relate to 19th century warfare, land purchased or taken ...1 week ago
- Focus on outstanding minerals permit applicationsNew Zealand Petroleum and Minerals is working to resolve almost 150 outstanding minerals permit applications by the end of the financial year, enabling valuable mining activity and signalling to the sector that New Zealand is open for business, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “While there are no set timeframes for ...1 week ago
- Applications open for NZ-Ireland Research CallThe New Zealand and Irish governments have today announced that applications for the 2024 New Zealand-Ireland Joint Research Call on Agriculture and Climate Change are now open. This is the third research call in the three-year Joint Research Initiative pilot launched in 2022 by the Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s ...1 week ago
- Tenancy rules changes to improve rental marketThe coalition Government has today announced changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to encourage landlords back to the rental property market, says Housing Minister Chris Bishop. “The previous Government waged a war on landlords. Many landlords told us this caused them to exit the rental market altogether. It caused worse ...1 week ago
- Boosting NZ’s trade and agricultural relationship with ChinaTrade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay will visit China next week, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and ...1 week ago
- Freshwater farm plan systems to be improvedThe coalition Government intends to improve freshwater farm plans so that they are more cost-effective and practical for farmers, Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay have announced. “A fit-for-purpose freshwater farm plan system will enable farmers and growers to find the right solutions for their farm ...1 week ago
- NZ and Philippines pledge defence cooperation amid rising tensions
The commitment came after a sit-down meeting between Christopher Luxon and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr overnight. ...1 hour ago - Fire engineering expertise may take a big hit with job cuts at MBIEThe public sector cuts are poised to take out a big chunk of expertise at the country's building regulator. ...2 hours ago
- “Fast-track Law To Kill Kiwi”: Students Say Fight Against Anti-democracy Legislation Is Only Jus...
Student groups ‘Climate Action VUW’, Schools Strike 4 Climate and VUWSA will be on the street in Wellington today, the last day for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Bill, with a message that the fight against the Government’s ‘War on ...3 hours ago - ‘We have thousands of Modis’: the secret behind the BJP’s enduring success in India
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sofia Ammassari, Research Fellow, Griffith University Since 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity has grown exponentially – and so has the formidable organisational machine of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These two factors will be key to delivering the BJP a ...3 hours ago - Online schooling is not just for lockdowns. Could it work for your child?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendon Hyndman, Associate Professor of Education (Adjunct) & Senior Manager (BCE), Charles Sturt University During COVID almost all Australian students and their families experienced online learning. But while schools have long since gone back to in-person teaching, online learning has not gone ...3 hours ago
- Hear me out: You can shove your reusable period products
Yes, they’re better for the environment. No, that’s not a good enough reason for me to use them. Once every 26 days or so, my period arrives, and if struck by an act of God, I am caught red-crotched without products. How, after 17 years of this, do I still ...3 hours ago - Rip It Up And Start Over – Fast-Track Approvals Bill Needs To Be Scrapped“It will cause significant harm to our environment and communities. It is completely at odds with New Zealanders’ relationship with nature and our need for a low-carbon, sustainable economic future." ...3 hours ago
- Maori Authority Warns Government On Fast Track LegislationThe Chair of the National Maori Authority, Matthew Tukaki, has warned a Parliamentary Select Committee that fast-tracking legislation is a perilous practice that undermines the core tenets of democracy, transparency, and accountability. ...3 hours ago
- Why the government’s haste in changing the health system could come back to haunt itSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Tenbensel, Associate Professor, Health Policy, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Since coming into power, the coalition government has adopted a simple but shrewd see-how-fast-we-can-move political strategy. However, in the health sector this need for speed entails ...3 hours ago
- Many suicides are related to gambling. How can we tackle this problem?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Anastasia Hronis, Clinical Psychologist, University of Technology Sydney Darya Sannikova/Pexels Whether you’re watching TV, attending a footy game, or eating a meal at your local pub, gambling is hard to escape. Although the rise of gambling is not unique to Australia, ...3 hours ago
- Things that go buzz in the night – our global study found there really are more insects out after ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Wong, Forrest Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia Have you ever wondered if there are more insects out at night than during the day? We set out to answer this question by combing through the scientific ...3 hours ago
- Why don’t Australians talk about their salaries? Pay transparency and fairness go hand-in-handSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carol T Kulik, Research Professor, University of South Australia IR Stone/Shutterstock In Australia, it’s not the done thing to know – let alone ask – what our colleagues are paid. Yet, it’s easy to see how pay transparency can make pay ...3 hours ago
- ‘Character’ And Its Impact On Immigration StatusThe Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is sounding a warning to migrants, that running foul of the law may see them leaving the country prematurely. ...3 hours ago
- 20,000 more on jobseeker benefits than this time last yearThe government’s plan to get 50,000 people off jobseeker support by 2030 has had a rocky start, writes Catherine McGregor in this excerpt from The Bulletin, The Spinoff’s morning news round-up. To receive The Bulletin in full each weekday, sign up here. Beneficiary numbers are up – and so are ...5 hours ago
- All of the Raglan Roast cafes in Wellington, ranked from worst to bestRaglan Roast is a staple of Wellington coffee culture. But with five branches across the capital, which one is the best? I am a die-hard Raglan Roast fan. It’s consistently the most affordable cafe in Wellington, and one of the only places you can get a coffee after 3pm. So, ...7 hours ago
- Auckland uni students threaten rent strike over rising accommodation feesResidents of University of Auckland halls are being urged to withhold their accommodation fees from May 1, in a bid to force the university to take student concerns over rent hikes seriously. The University of Auckland is facing a strike from students over the cost of on-campus accommodation. The Students ...7 hours ago
- Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved
Shane Jones says people voted for change, but opponents say small cuts such as ending a special oceans secretariat are starting to add up The post Warning of death from a million cuts as Oceans Secretariat dissolved appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago - Defence deal to counter Beijing’s aggression in South China SeaNew Zealand and the Philippines have signed a new maritime security agreement and stated their concerns over activity in the South China Sea, as Chinese vessels continue to flout international law. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Philippines President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos committed to signing a Mutual Logistics Supporting Arrangement by ...7 hours ago
- Wellington’s ebb and flow of public servantsThe thousands of government “back-office” job cuts are causing widespread pain in the capital city. In today’s episode of The Detail, we speak to three journalists and a think tank researcher, looking at the larger picture around the cuts and what effect it will have on Wellington, a city that’s ...7 hours ago
- New Zealand transport planning has gone off the railsOpinion: The famed American architect and urban designer Daniel Burnham once said, “Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men’s blood!” Burnham wouldn’t have been referring to the transport plans in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past five years; projects so big they hadn’t the credibility to ...7 hours ago
- Daily crossword, Friday 19 AprilThe post Daily crossword, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slowsThe transport sector is currently in the slow lane The post Brakes on transport and logistics sector as demand for freight slows appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 AprilLoading…(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){var ql=document.querySelectorAll('A[quiz],DIV[quiz],A[data-quiz],DIV[data-quiz]'); if(ql){if(ql.length){for(var k=0;k<ql.length;k++){ql[k].id='quiz-embed-'+k;ql[k].href="javascript:var i=document.getElementById('quiz-embed-"+k+"');try{qz.startQuiz(i)}catch(e){i.start=1;i.style.cursor='wait';i.style.opacity='0.5'};void(0);"}}};i['QP']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)})(window,document,'script','https://take.quiz-maker.com/3012/CDN/quiz-embed-v1.js','qp'); Got a good quiz question? Send Newsroom your questions. The post Newsroom daily quiz, Friday 19 April appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Financial literacy should be on all of usOpinion: With maths understanding at 42 percent for Year 8 students, there’s no doubt something has to be done. But how? The post Financial literacy should be on all of us appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Missy rustles to stardom in CanadaHineaupounamu ‘Missy’ Nuku has been scaling mountains in Canada for her college basketball team, the Lakeland Rustlers. Alberta is currently home for the 20-year-old point guard, who is in her first year of a scholarship at Lakeland College, where she is studying for a business degree. She has certainly made ...7 hours ago
- Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the paceOfficial figures confirm New Zealand produced less climate pollution in 2022 than in any other year in the 21st century The post Emissions fall again – now NZ needs to up the pace appeared first on Newsroom. ...7 hours ago
- Grattan on Friday: Ethnic tensions will complicate the Albanese government’s multicultural policy ...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra When ASIO boss Mike Burgess delivered his annual threat assessment earlier this year, he stressed the rising danger posed by espionage and foreign interference. “In 2024, threats to our way of life have surpassed ...13 hours ago
- Group plans work to improve safety of female MPsNew research shows harassment of elected officials - especially women - is on the rise. ...14 hours ago
- Ukraine warns of WW3 ahead of long-stalled Congress aid voteUkraine's Prime Minister says his country desperately needs the US to approve long-stalled security assistance. ...15 hours ago
- PSA astonished Education Minister expects hiring of contractors to review curriculumHiring contractors is an appalling solution when people who could do the work are losing their jobs, the PSA says. ...16 hours ago
- Crown lawyers attempt to block Waitangi Tribunal summons to Minister for ChildrenThe Tribunal had called on Minister for Children Karen Chhour to provide evidence at an urgent inquiry into the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. ...17 hours ago
- Luxon refuses to guarantee public consultation on AUKUS Pillar 2Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it's "far too premature" to be confirming whether the public would be consulted on joining AUKUS Pillar 2. ...18 hours ago
- Visualising the 1800s or designing wedding invitations: 6 ways you can use AI beyond generating textSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University Midjourney image by T.J. Thomson As more than half of Australian office workers report using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work, we’re starting to see this technology affect every ...19 hours ago
- Falls, fractures and self-harm: 4 charts on how kids’ injury risk changes over time and differs fo...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Nicole Sharwood, Injury epidemiologist | Expert Witness, UNSW Sydney Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock Injuries are the leading cause of disability and death among Australian children and adolescents. At least a quarter of all emergency department presentations during childhood are injury-related. Injuries can ...19 hours ago
- Choice and control: will NDIS reforms mean people with disability don’t get to decide who they liv...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Di Winkler, Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University Shutterstock/Ground Picture Many Australians with disability feel on the edge of a precipice right now. Recommendations from the disability royal commission and the NDIS review were released late ...19 hours ago
- Asbestos in playground mulch: how to avoid a repeat of this circular economy scandalSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Salman Shooshtarian, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University Salman Shooshtarian Asbestos has been found in mulch used for playgrounds, schools, parks and gardens across Sydney and Melbourne. Local communities naturally fear for the health of their ...19 hours ago
- Could Albanese’s bet on homegrown green industries be the boost our regions deserve?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madeline Taylor, Senior Lecturer, Macquarie University Cloudy Designs/Shutterstock Right now, there’s a global race underway. The goal: bring back manufacturing and energy jobs as the energy transition speeds up. In 2022, America launched its mammoth Inflation Reduction Act and the ...19 hours ago
- Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon won't say if government will consult public on joining ...Asked multiple times if the public will be consulted on joining the defence pact, Luxon repeatedly said that was yet to be worked through. ...20 hours ago
- Watch live: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speaks in PhilippinesPrime Minister Christopher Luxon is speaking to reporters on the third leg of his Southeast Asia trip, from Manila in the Philippines. ...20 hours ago
- Māori lawyers call Shane Jones' Waitangi Tribunal comments 'inappropriate'The Māori Law Society says his comments breach the principle of the separation of powers and the Cabinet Manual. ...20 hours ago
- Abortions Increase 25% Since Law ChangeFamily First says that the latest abortion statistics make grim and upsetting reading, with a 25% increase in abortions since the decriminalisation of abortion in March 2020. According to an Official Information Act request received by Right to Life ...21 hours ago
- Over Half Of New Zealanders Feel That The Country Is In Decline And That Our Society Is BrokenIpsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study on populism reveals a pervasive sense of societal and economic decline among New Zealanders. MORE DETAILS AND FULL REPORT HERE Ipsos New Zealand's inaugural participation in a global study ...21 hours ago
- Australia’s new defence strategy is big on ideas, but lacks one key ingredient: well-trained soldi...Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow, Strategic Studies, Griffith University There have been a lot of defence announcements recently about buying new equipment, building up Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, creating local jobs, new legislation to support AUKUS and even a new defence chief. In ...22 hours ago
- What does Steve Smith’s Stateside signing mean for cricket in the US – and Australia?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney Steve Smith, one of this generation’s finest batters, has conquered much of the cricketing world during his career, and he now has set his sights on a new frontier: the United ...22 hours ago
- A love letter to Wellington: when i open the shop by romesh dissanayake, reviewedMadeleine Ballard reviews the debut novel from romesh dissanayake. when I open the shop, the debut novel by Naarm-based Aotearoa writer romesh dissanayake (Sri Lankan, Koryo Saram), is a narrative of grief. Devendra loses his mother, opens a noodle shop on The Terrace, grieves, and emerges changed. But just as ...22 hours ago
- Minister Concedes Contractors Will Be Hired To Do Work Of Axed Ministry Of Education StaffThe PSA can’t believe that the Minister of Education is happy for her ministry to hire contractors at the same time it is dismissing 565 workers. ...22 hours ago
- Attempt to bar diplomat from Myanmar military junta failsMyanmar community members applied to the courts to bar the diplomat from attending the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ...22 hours ago
- LGNZ Welcomes Govt Earthquake-prone Buildings DecisionLGNZ has advocated for this decision as part of a remit led by Manawatū District Council. ...23 hours ago
- AUKUS Pillar 2 a 'fragrant, methane-wrapped bull***' – Bob CarrThe former Australian Foreign Minister has continued to warn New Zealand against joining the defence pact. ...23 hours ago
- Enforceable undertaking issued to abc accounting services limited after continued non-compliance.The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has accepted an enforceable undertaking agreement from ABC Accounting Services Limited (ABC) under section 81 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 (AML/CFT Act). ...23 hours ago
- REVEALED: RNZ’s Hypocrisy Over Fair Digital News Bargaining BillThe Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that Radio New Zealand (RNZ) spent $71,842.53 on Facebook advertising over the past 12 months, despite earlier this year coming out in support of the Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill , which would force the likes ...24 hours ago
- Police rejected 'very good offer' – Mark MitchellPolice Minister Mark Mitchell says the pay offer rejected by police was the best the government could put forward under difficult financial circumstances. ...24 hours ago
- How can we have truth-telling without the Voice? Our research shows a way forwardSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Heidi Norman, Professor, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, Convenor: Indigenous Land & Justice Research Group, UNSW Sydney Shutterstock The Uluru Statement from the Heart set out the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for “Voice, Treaty, Truth”, in ...24 hours ago
- NZ education scores must improve – but another polarising ideological pivot isn’t the answerSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bronwyn E Wood, Associate Professor in Education, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Getty Images You don’t need to look hard right now to see concerns about Aotearoa New Zealand’s education system. Declining performance in international testing has been ...24 hours ago
- An updated tally of the public sector job cutsThe coalition government has made it well known it expects departments to cut roles. We break down the numbers as they currently stand. Updated: 12pm, April 18 Before last year’s election, both National and Act made it clear that the public service was squarely in their crosshairs. Both parties, now ...24 hours ago
- Confessions of an unlikely petrolheadCheckered Flag director Natalie Wilson on her lifelong love of motorsport, and the allure of Pukekohe Park Raceway. One childhood summer when my world revolved around winning stuff off the radio, I bagged tickets to Western Springs Speedway and then to Waikaraka Park in what was a dream season for ...24 hours ago
- 'Ambitious' trade pledge headlines Luxon's Thailand stopThe Prime has announced a commitment to triple two-way trade with Thailand by 2045, but it only requires maintaining current growth. ...1 day ago
- ‘The right person’: What did Solomon Islanders vote for?By Koroi Hawkins, RNZ Pacific editor in Honiara After a relatively well organised and peaceful day of voting in Solomon Islands yesterday, the electoral commission is working with donor partners to safely transport ballot boxes from polling stations all over the country to centrally located counting venues. It is a ...1 day ago
- What it’s like to be made redundant by the Ministry of EducationI was one of hundreds of people who lost my government job this week. Here’s exactly how it played out. It is a Friday. I’m in the middle of an online Teams hui working out the finer details of a series of workshops we’ll be presenting next week. It’s a ...1 day ago
- What are ‘Ozempic babies’? Can the drug really increase your chance of pregnancy?Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University Joshua Rodriguez/Unsplash Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are taking drugs like Ozempic to lose weight. But what do we actually know about ...1 day ago
- Why the kookaburra’s iconic laugh is at risk of being silencedSource: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Diana Kuchinke, Lecturer in Ecology, Federation University Australia Linda Robertus/Shutterstock Once, while teaching a class of environmental science students in China’s Hebei University of Science and Technology, I asked who knew what a laughing kookaburra was. There were many blank faces. ...1 day ago
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heres my two to kick it off, Gil Scott-Heron, Woody Guthrie
the revolution will be live!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS3QOtbW4m0&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyUagbsg-HI&feature=plcp
The revolution will not be televised. Hold on to that hope. RIP Gil Scott Heron
Pete Segar’s version of which side are you on. The song was written by Florence Reece, the wife of Sam Reece who was a union leader of the coal miners in Kentucky in 1931. The miners and management were involved at the time in a bloody, violent struggle. The song is particularly relevant for some supposedly lefty politicians …
My pick too mickysavage. A haunting and beautiful version.
My politcal anthems are;
Shoplifters of the World Unite – The Smiths
Freeedom isn’t free (theres a heafty fuck’n fee) – Team America World Police
Jake the peg – Rolf Harris
Why am I not surprised that a RWNJ celebrates songs that deal with theft, the loss of freedom and the making fun of someone with a disability …
The same reason I am not suprised by the total sense of humour failure by a bleeding heart lefty.
But KK this is meant to be a celebratory discussion of passionate activist songs and you turn up and do the equivalent of farting in church …
Which is really funny…unless you are some kind of pious dork.
You miss the point KK. Song and music are extraordinarily important parts of the class struggle. They transmit really important ideas like solidarity and pride and resistance and justice.
And you show up during a discussion about their importance and come out with some really naif stuff like an idiot song that an Australian celebrity put out 40 years ago.
It is really naff. It is an insult to a really important discussion.
And instead of poking fun how about you acknowledge that you have no understanding of what is being discussed.
Pious dork.
Bloody hell KK. We agree on something – The Smiths, Shoplifters of the world Unite.
… you do realise that the TAWP song is taking the piss, right?
Way beyond KK’s understanding …
I struggle to think what that movie looks like to someone who thinks Trey Parker and Matt Stone are traditional rightwing conservatives …
Crass -Systematic Death
http://youtu.be/os8Pg4VQajI
A look at modern day life in its very depressing reality
Too many songs to mention.
However, the two I’ve found myself humming today are:
Joseph Arthur – We travel as equals or not at all….*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSWir4yxDyU
…..and Making Plans for Nigel -XTC (because of the title of a recent blogpost at BR).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0X4Czq1c1E&feature=related
And while we’re on the subject of the fabulous Nina Simone – Four Women:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRmzQ39sXTQ&feature=related
*also posted today in a comment lost in moderation
Two songs from two eras: Joshua Gone Barbados
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x46d0240kSw
and
Navigator by the Pogues:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh0F41AvO_Q
Bless ya Karol ….
“Top rankin” – Bob Marley and the Wailers
“Run to the hills” – Iron Maiden
“War Pigs” – Black Sabbath
“Killing yourself to live” – Black Sabbath
“Animals” – Pink Floyd
“You keep on moving” – Deep Purple
“It serves me right to suffer” – John Lee Hooker
“Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
“Mayland Blues” – Mahatma Blues (Cheers bbf)
“Toughman Blues” – Mahatma Blues
“I’ve got the Blues” – Mahatma Blues
Anything by Chris Cornell
Have a great Weekend everyone 🙂
PS So many more, couldn’t put them all in Sorry M8’s
Too easy Planet Orphan, you’ve got to go and get them for us!
That will require breaking into the Holden of some Upper Hutt bogan and stealing them off his stereo.
KK is a wellingtonian huh, Just ask them to turn it up M8!
According to the US legal system , all u have too do is ask Kim Dotcom M8! 😉
Animals is one of Pink Floyd’s most underrated albums – along with Obscured by the Clouds.
So true, they all stand the test of time.
Though I don’t like The Wall and everything else after Richard Wright left.
Or some decent bands
Fat Freddies Drop
Pitch Black
Muse
Jethro Tull
King Crimson
White Zombie
Enough for a good Weekend there..
What? No Sex Pistols? no Clash?
How about Ted Nugent? Heh.
Tracy Chapman ” Talkin about a Revolution”
Never learned to link sorry!
This song is for all wannabe politicians everywhere …
Why not this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaY7TwMBHuc
the times they are a-changin’– the byrds.
where have all the flowers gone–pete seeger.
little boxes.
powderfinger–neil young.
hey hey my my–neil young.
and once you’re gone then you cant come back.
when you’re out of the blue and into the black.
MY GENERATION—-THE WHO.
Did you hear the Pete Townshend interview with Kim Hill this morning?
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/2536140/pete-townsend-the-who.asx
And as for tunes. how about some Roy Harper
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjSEVSvDkhw
Pink, and the song’s author from Four Non-Blondes, (now oddly blonde) along with an auditorium of back-up singers, belt out the anthem “What’s Going On”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3DdkywgKVY&feature=related
Slick http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gWtNbHBNqM
The list would feel incomplete without Sound of da Police:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VRZq3J0uz4
+1 KRS-1
And the later day reply from Dizzee Rascal. Same deal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgB7HP38Hkg
“We may rise and fall, but in the end
We meet our fate together”
~Creed ‘One’ (lyrics only)
~Muse ‘Uprising’ (lyrics only)
Strawbs – Part of the union 1973
Now I’m a union man
Amazed at what I am
I say what I think
That the company stinks
Yes I’m a union man.
When we meet in the local hall
I’ll be voting with them all
With a hell of a shout
It’s out brothers out
And the rise of the factory’s fall.
Oh you don’t get me I’m part of the union
You don’t get me I’m part of the union
You don’t get me I’m part of the union
Till the day I die, till the day I die.
I loved this song then and I still do!
+1 there are lots from when I was very young – almost all my politics was learned through music, but the Thatcher years brought many more. Standing the test of time for me is almost
everything from Big Country’s Steeltown.
Especially Steeltown,
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=e3Veko70OfQ&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3De3Veko70OfQ&gl=GB
and
Where the rose is sown,
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=-pBfIMLzDfE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-pBfIMLzDfE&gl=GB
Need to interpret the Scottish accents, but.
Notable mention from this era is the Modfather… Paul Weller and the much maligned Style Council
[karol: I couldn’t get the videos at your link to work. They seem to be on mobile. I think I found the right ones and added them to your comment. Hope that’s OK?]
Ah, I use to have that Big Country album on vinyl, rosy. They satrted about the same time as U2, but didn’t seem to last as long in the mainstream.
Stuart Adamson of Big Country suicided in his early (or was it mid?) forties. He was a recovering alcoholic and had been sober for upwards of ten years until something triggered him to drink again. He quickly became unwell and suicided a few months after taking up the drink. RIP. Stuart Adamson. He was a man with such potential.
That’s really sad, Rosie. I just listened to those 2 songs again. Brought back memories. I had that LP when I was living in London. My grandparents were rom working class Scottish families, so I feel some connection with that country, and those songs – albeit a distant connection.
Thanks for fixing the links Karol. I was logging in on a tablet so must remember to check for problems next time I do that. I was in Scotland, so couldn’t resist posting. Ditto re Scottish working class roots.
Yes, Rosie – terribly sad about Stuart. Self-medicating with alcohol for depression never ends well, i guess. Apparently the song ‘east of eden’ is the personal description of his depression. I managed to see him perform live a few times. An extremely talented man who spoke for a lot of people, including me.
What no ‘Hurricane’ by Bob Dylan?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdOCWUgwiWs – Nah just this lol
Great song. And based on fact.
One of my favourite musicians.
All have a great Labour Weekend.
I am reading the biography of Michael Joseph Savage ‘From the Cradle to the Grave’ by Barry Gustafson.
At this torrid time in our history I think this ought to be a compulsory read.
It is very very good.
It’s a bit camp but Dire Straits Industrial Disease is pretty relevant.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Disease_(song)
A liilte cliche perhaps but for mine you cant go past Rage Against The Machine – all of it.
Try this one, “Wake Up”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1T8xgHdMEM
The Clash -” Know Your Rights”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL0CCphgmZ8
“White Riot”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2TYKmQc0L4&feature=fvwrel
you can always throw all your machinery away!
Of course Clashman. Big Ups.
Billy Bragg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bKMei-tcg4&feature=related
Youngstown. – The Boss at his best
“Well my daddy come on the Ohio works
When he come home from World War Two
Now the yard’s just scrap and rubble
He said “Them big boys did what Hitler couldn’t do.
“These mills they built the tanks and bombs
That won this country’s wars
We sent our sons to Korea and Vietnam
Now we’re wondering what they were dyin’ for”
“From the Monongahela valley
To the Mesabi iron range
To the coal mines of Appalachia
The story’s always the same
700 tons of metal a day
Now sir you tell me the world’s changed
Once I made you rich enough
Rich enough to forget my name”
…I dedicate these following lyrics to DunnoKeyO Ltd & Co because I tracked them down after having started recalling the main chorus after spending a lot of time thinking about DKO ltd co’s activities. (no guesses why).
We’re setting sail to the place on the map
from which no one has ever returned
Drawn by the promise of the joker and the fool
by the light of the crosses that burned.
…
It’s the place where they keep all the darkness you need.
You sail away from the light of the world on this trip, baby.
Avarice and greed are gonna drive you over the endless sea
They will leave you drifting in the shallows
or drowning in the oceans of history
Traveling the world, you’re in search of no good
but I’m sure you’ll build your Sodom like you knew you would
Using all the good people for your galley slaves
as you’re little boat struggles through the warning waves, but you don’t pay
You will pay tomorrow
You’re gonna pay tomorrow
You will pay tomorrow
Save me. Save me from tomorrow
I don’t want to sail with this ship of fools. No, no
Oh, save me. Save me from tomorrow
I don’t want to sail with this ship of fools
~World Party Ship of Fools (lyrics only)
N.b. Interesting that this song was created at a time when the neo con was taking hold worldwide…
Excellent
Cash rules everything around me, C.R.E.A.M get the money, dollar dollar bill yo…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjZRAvsZf1g
Good on you Karol. We all have our own soundtracks to our personal views and experiences of social and political change – with old faves and new ones. It’s quite funny because as I hopped on to this article this was playing on Radio Active:
Homebrew (NZ): :Listen to us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjgWyxJAGQ
Heres some others:
Tom Waits: Hell broke Luce from last years album “Bad as me”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Fju9o8BVJ8
The Hot Grits (NZ) with the Ballad of Joe Stalin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox4DRiCj9qM
80’s classic from Patti Smith: People have the power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zva9mnZCrWU
Gary Clail:Privatise the air (suck in in like a millionaire)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08ClpJrNdqI&feature=related
Finally, but only because I’ll run out room heres Clanadonia. Why? because they are crazy neo pagan Scots dudes and theres nothing like drums and pipes to stir the blood
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVbjDkINK6o
Ah so many good songs from commenters here. Some of my old favourites – Billy Bragg, Woody, the Boss, Tracey Chapman, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, Dylan, Seeger, Gil Scott Heron …. and many more plus some I’ve enjoyed seeing for the first time.
But, Rosie that Homebrew Video must be the topical choice of the day. I want to see if I can add the link to it to an update to my post. Having a bit of a problem because I’m not getting a “visual” view of my editable post, only the html view – will see if I can get it to work.
Hi Karol. Sorry can’t make any suggestions re computer sorcery with that link….thats not my area of expertise unfortunately. The Homebrew song was released prior to the election last year. And does any one remember Upper Hutt Posse? Well they’re back with an album they bought out last year. It is excellent political and social commentary. Have heard songs from the album and listened to interviews but haven’t got a copy as yet. I still say “album”. LOL.
Ah, yes,. I remember the Hombrew song last election. It highlights Keys conveniently faulty memory, his dishonesty and his slipperiness, as well as some issues that are even more crucial now. Why didn’t more people pay attention?
Still brings tears and rage.
Damn the Tories no matter which country they call “home”.
http://youtu.be/9t4-zDem1Sk
Oh, and before the Nationalists start yelling Pom!
http://youtu.be/xz4D5JlHoQQ
Epic Phil. Loved the comments. I have a friend from Liverpool who is saving a bottle of “special” for when the day comes.
Richard Thompson’s Time to Ring Some Changes.
This old house is a tumbling down
The walls are gone but the roof is sound
The landlord’s deaf, he can never be found
It’s time to ring some changes
They’ll arrest you son if you just stand still
They’ll ask you to pose with your hand in the till
They’ll ask you to die when you’ve written your will
It’s time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
You earn your money for your daily bread
But the bread’s gone up so you need more money
But the money’s gone down, better borrow instead
It’s time to ring some changes
Now the politicians, they look so smug
They say tell the truth, then they give you a shrug
You might find the truth swept under the rug
It’s time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Now listen here to the self-made man
He says why can’t you if I can
Can’t you push buttons, can’t you make plans
It’s time to ring some changes
I’m going to tear this mansion down
Get my feet back on the ground
Penny for penny and pound for pound
It’s time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Time to ring some changes
Covers by various artists on YouTube, plus one of the man himself.
Clash–“Washington Bullets”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxj5eTX9dtM
“it’s up to you not need to hear The Call Up..”
A lovely line from a Wellington boy, Samuel Flynn Scott , in his ‘Union Man”
“Cut off the hands of old John Key, I’m a union man and I’ll never believe that you’re working for me”.
Perfect then , perfect now.
“Get up, stand up”, little wonder that Bob Marley was targeted for assassination and any by Rage Against the Machine especially “Know your enemy”
Inspired by todays struggle for justice in the Middle East, From Mangere East our own Roger Fowler gives us his contribution to the genre of “Songs for ‘ordinary people’. Though written for the Palestinians the haunting chorus has a message for all of us.
Since the fatal Marvie Marmara attacks Roger Fowler twice entered the Palestinian territory of Gaza in defiance of the brutal and illegal Israeli siege at the head of the Kiaora Gaza delegation part of two recent successful international siege busting convoys into Gaza where from first hand experience he was inspired to write this song.
Queens Service medal winner, and Mangere East Learning Centre founding manager, Roger Fowler sings his own tribute to the struggles of the Palestinians. Accompaniment by Tigi Ness.
http://kiaoragaza.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/kia-ora-gazas-new-song-we-are-all-palestinians/
With two successful aid missions under his belt, next month Roger Fowler is going to attempt to enter Gaza for a third time. This time for an extended journalistic fact finding mission to explore and report back on the weakening of the siege of Gaza in the wake of the Arab Spring.
In the tradition of Woody Guthrie Roger Fowler is a version of political activist, balladeer and true working class hero.
+1.
“But don’t kid yourself that none of us know
That when money disappears, where it all goes
You want our work ethic and you want us to strive
To fund gold-plated piss-pots on Paratai Drive”
– Verlaines, “Paratai Drive (a musical Ponzi scheme in one act)”
“Gladiators” by the Irish folksing Andy Irvine.
An inspiring song about the IWW activist the UK-born Tom Barker, who was in NZ during the 1912 Waihi strike and then moved to Australia where he fought conscription during WWI. He was deported and eventually ended back in the UK, where he became mayor of St Pancras, London, and famously raised the red flag on the town hall!
Lyrics here: http://www.andyirvine.com/lyrics/gladiators.html
Sound file (WMA) here: http://www.freightandsalvage.org/gladiators-andy-irvine
Thanks for that uke. I listened to it 2 or 3 times while I was doing some chores. It is a powerful song.
And as Jenny says below of balladeers, folk singers have been the traditional story tellers of ordinary people. I’m a bit of a history buff. Also the Gladiators song reminded me of the times in my youth that I hung out in folk clubs in Auckland, and occasionally in Sydney.
Irish folk songs have a long tradition of telling stories of working people (very apt for Labour Weekend). The bit in the song about working men fighting imperialist wars, reminded me of the Aussie singer Judy Small’s moving ballad about women’s experiewnce during the main imperialist wars: ‘Mothers, Daughters, Wives.
The best version of her singing it that I could find on yt, was this one – pity about the US-based images in the video (especially the flag waving at the end – wasn’t the intention of the song originally).
And while on yt I remembered this old ballad about Joe Hill – Joan Baez.
In ancient times balladeers played the role that the media now play. Setting stories and struggles and sagas to music and rhyme, spreading the news through songs and stories from town to town throughout the land.
Someone should write a song about Sam Kuha.
This got very little reporting, but I heard the news of Sam kuha’s victory over WINZ today on Radio NZ.
After being turned down for a food grant. And after a marathon electric scooter ride to his home and back to get a hammer. And after smashing the Windows at Work and Income to get attention to his plight. And after going on hunger strike. Sam Kuha has gained an extra $100 dollars a week in his benefit and a promise of an audience with the minister.
So far Paula Bennet hasn’t followed through on that promise.
But Sam is receiving the promised extra $100 per week. He says he can now afford luxuriess like an occasional cup of coffee.
Jenny have you listened to the radio lately.
its all whining gamines and jibber jibber crap music or all about me me me me me.
nobody thinks about anybody else but themselves these days.
its their choice.
But congrats to Sam Kuha.
I hear what you say.
You had to break the law to make the bastards pay.
only a hundred bucks for a little bit of gravy.
pull yourself together boy and go an join the navy.
Make up your mind dude and you could be an all black.
its al in th emind if you a job seeker.
dont talk back.
the futures looking bleaker.
Sam you are a hero.
you took it on the chin.
even for the people who said you couldnt win.
What, no Bad Religion yet?
Punk Rock Song
Let Them Eat War
Midnight Oil – Blue Sky Mine
The Living End – Roll On
Rage Against the Machine – Killing in the Name Of
Bruce Springsteen – Born in the USA
.
Cool thread – thanks all. My two cents: http://youtu.be/monyiOsoKxg
Dick Gaughan for me. “A World Turned Upside Down” about the 17th century Diggers which has huge parallels today; and also his song “Jamie Foyers” about a young Scotsman going off to “fight by the side of the people of Spain.”
Woody Guthrie’s “Deportees”, of course, Bob Dylan’s “With God on Their Side” and Pete Seeger’s “The Banks are made of Marble” which I once sang as a young man with Prof Jim Flynn. “I Don’t Want Your Millions, Mister” and “Which Side Are You On” which I sang with Kerry Burke who knew the good songs.
But the most powerful of all is “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues” by Skip James.
They say that the Left have the good songs (who knows of a good right wing song?) but that we lose the battles. Though I’m a performer of these good songs, I know I’d much prefer to win the battles…….
me and my guitar–Freddie King (Texas Cannonball)
*****
Prefer this version of common people, Joe Jackson complements Capt. Kirk
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5m76m_william-shatner-sings-pulp-common-p_music
Then we have these, one from a sometime local resident from SOTD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUzd9KyIDrM
and a song warning of doing nothing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX8szNPgrEs
from one manic street preacher to another 😉
John Lennon – Working Class Hero
Lots to be sad and glad about too.
Mississippi John Hurt – Coffee Blues
Bessie Jones & The Georgia Sea Island Singers – Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Sippie Wallace – Women Be Wise
I was waiting for someone to put this one forward.
The Skids – Working For The Yankee Dollar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCiWXktdyTQ
Never more than now do I feel this.
Proclaimers – Cap In Hand
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcWSpPkf78s&feature=BFa&list=PL16C6C523893D793F
Sentiments spoken clearly and articulately – and in our country we see it being sold and our citizens cold, hungry and homeless right here right now.
The Clash – Career Opportunities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIuS2LCWNh8
170,000 jobs x 2 not coming to you soon
And of course the jobs they want you to have:
The Clash – Clampdown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQ82BX0hGBM&feature=BFa&list=AL94UKMTqg-9AUJdqfLbbKKTPskvU2_GNq
Lastly two New Zealand classics. One for the ignoring of current day poverty and the other about the shitty attitude to the enviornment and the controlling of water by private interests.
Blam Blam Blam – There is no depression in NZ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HVogejKx_c&feature=related
John Hanlon – Damn The Dam
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nkPI6BDZsE
eve of destruction–barry maguire
from the left-threaded nut job 😉
(big ups to DLT and Che Fu)
Are you Lost in The Supermarket? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWtylSdKSfA
Dylan-Infidels
Third Day-“I will always be true”
Fleetwood Mac- “and I Go Insane, without our Silver Springs”
Icehouse- “Can’t help Myself”
Tull- Pibroch-Cap In Hand
Bob Segar-Turn The Page (or Metallica)
Pearl Jam
Kate Bush-“Man with the Child in His Eyes”
Byrds sing Dylan
Emmy-Lou “All My Tears”
Heart-Magic Man
Concrete Blonde-Scene of a Perfect Crime; Ship Song; It’s A Mans World (James Brown)
God Is A Bullet
Bob Marley-Buffalo Soldiers
Glen Campbell-Try A Little Kindness
Dolly Parton-Silver Dagger (trad.)
Van Halen-Human Beings
Florence and The Machine, well that’s What The Water Gave Me
Cranberries
Plant and Krauss-Raising Sand-“Please Read The Letter…Through The Morning, Through The Night.”
Neil Young-Cortez The Killer
Cash-“if I were a carpenter…”
Cat Stevens-Into White
Gillian Welch “I Want To Sing That Rock and Roll”
Deep Purple-“When A Blind Man Cries”
Jimmy Lafave- “Shelter From The Storm”
Portishead-‘It’s A Fire”
Unbelievable Truth- “Settle Down” to a steady state economy
Who-Love’s Not For Keeping
Happy Mondays- Hallelujah
ELP- Lucky Man
Blondie-Union City Blue
Steppenwolf-The Pusher and the SnowBlind Friend
Floyd-Us and Them
Pixies-This Monkey’s Gone To Heaven
Now!, for the last freakin time (before I get arrested)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnVDn2Y0aHE
Thought that given the current position of NZ that someone would cover and update the lyrics or sample this to a current setting ??
The Blams and Muldoon !!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HVogejKx_c&feature=related
Here it is: “We Have No Ambition For New Zealand” – Don McBrashen And The NACT Party Chorus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEg357pGTvI
and/or
http://thestandard.org.nz/without-ambition/
“We have no ambition for New Zealand
We’re just making money for our friends
We have no ambition for New Zealand
We’ll be gone when it comes to an end
Oh, and everybody’s talkin’ about John Key’s smile
Everybody’s talkin’ about John Key’s smile
But don’t you look into his eyes
You’ll see what made Bill English cry
We’ll sell your Health System
We’ll sell your Kiwibank
We’ll sell your ACC
Look that way >>>>>>
You won’t see, you won’t see
No, no,
We have no compassion for New Zealand
Food parcels are all for lazy bums
We have no compassion for New Zealand
Even if welfare helped Key’s mum
Oh, while everybody’s talkin’ about plastic boats
We’re handing out your money to the Old School Coats
You see, it’s not just cream that floats
We’re hoping you won’t care or notice
We’ll gut your Kindy schools
We’ll drill some oil wells
We’ll kill your workplace rights
Can’t you see?
Something smells, something smells
Oh, oh,
We have no ambition for New Zealand
One more term we’ll get the things we want
We have no ambition for New Zealand
Hide the money in Dunne’s bouffant
DUNNE’S BOUFFANT!”
A round of applause to you Adders! Choice.
an update of the blamers classic:
There is no depression in New Zealand;
there are no sales of our farms,
There is no depression in New Zealand;
we can all keep perfectly calm,
Everybody’s talking about poverty;
everybody’s talking about poverty,
But we’re as comfortable as can be,
there’s no hungry kids in this country
We have no dole queues, we have no Kiwi rail,
we have no asset sales, we have no private jails, private jails, no, no
There is no depression in New Zealand;
There are no bribes to Hollywood
There is no depression in New Zealand;
we sleep in a well made bed
O Everybody’s talking about poverty;
everybody’s talking about poverty,
But we’re as comfortable as can be,
there’s no unrest in this country
We have no John Banks, we have no John Key,
we have no secrets; we have no GCSB, GCSB,
There is no depression in New Zealand;
there are no sales of our farms,
There is no depression in New Zealand;
oh we can all keep perfectly calm,
perfectly calm, perfectly calm, perfectly calm, perfectly calm…
I love this! “An Anthem of Denial”. A request that it be our National Anthem…very fitting.
Neil Young ” Rockin in the free world”
Doobie Bros. “Taking it to the Street”
the band–aint no more cane on the brazos.
Mr President…Pink
The Times They are a Changing…..Dylan
Ballad Of The Working Man – Saxon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRvJ3YH3Rkk
Chillies’ “give it away give it away give it away now”
(the witches get their “power” from the “world”; The White Wizard from Above)
-Sir Ian (Gods and Monsters)
“What’s The Story, Morning Glory?”-Oasis
Last Chance Texaco-Joni
Even Better Than The “real thing”- U2
(Nobody’s Fault But Mine)-Lead
White Magic For Lovers-“El President”
The Verve-Urban Hymns
-Space and Time
-Weeping Willow
Mazzy Star-Amen
(No Talking Just Head)
WPA Blues–Sonny Terry
One of the most powerful political songs of the 21st Century must surely be Ibrahim Qashoush’s famous song;
“It’s time for you to go Bashar!”
Sung before a vast crowd in Hama and posted on the internet Qashoush’s song half rap half traditional raga went viral, inspiring ordinary Syrian people to take up arms to depose the regime, especially after Qashoush was cruelly murdered, his throat cut. The words of Qashoush’s song are spray painted on walls and chanted in pro-democracy protests across the country, recordings even played in armed clashes with the army.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkFgzF6-gxs&feature=related
Very late in the piece I know, but no-one else has posted the powerful, sad, chilling, ‘Maralinga’ – by Paul Kelly.
Based on testimony from the Aboriginal victims of the Maralinga atomic tests.
This one is huge: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AjgWyxJAGQ
Home Brew – Listen to us
Salt of the Earth–The Rolling Stones.
Some of my fav protest songs over the years:
Of course, NZ fav, French Letter by Herbs. Defined a significant period in my development & it has a cool laid back vibe. Still listen to it and feel the strong message it contains.
“Look our any window”, Bruce Hornsby. One of the first enviro songs I heard growing up, be aware of whats going on around you. Like above helped define some of my thinking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOoq1-ib2vg&feature=related
“Way it is”, same artist. Issues of poverty and race in the US. Some impact on my political views.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlRQjzltaMQ
Living Colour – social issues in the US 1980s/90s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xxgRUyzgs0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V5VkMqM07s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2nnfonratU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7FX6sAL0Zw
Razorlight “America”. Whether or not about the issue, captured the mood of the GFC & the Bush years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPrqhPqLNcw
Jeff Simmonds – Let’s Shut Down Waihopai. Very contemporary NZ protest song. esp with Key & GCSB. A good song as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygCA75r30k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6O4UK8AagU
Rain coming down and the roof won’t hold’a
I lost my job and I feel a little olda
Car won’t run and our love’s grown colder
Work your fingers to the bone
Wadda y’ got…..?
Boney fingers, boney fingers
Grass won’t grow and the sun’s too hot
The whole damned world is just about shot
You might as well like it cos’ it’s all that we’ve got
Work your fingers to the bone
Wadda y’ got…..?
Boney fingers, boney fingers