LONG TIME AGO IN '97
Words by Shirley Murgraff to the tune of
“Long time ago in Bethlehem”.
Long time ago in ’97 we thought at last we’re on our way,
New Labour had promised they’d put things right,
Said we could help them win the day.
So we worked all the hours and we canvassed till we dropped
And we filled their coffers full,
But all too soon when they got in they crowed
“You’ve fallen for a load of old bull!”
Hark now hear their lies and spin
Listen to what they say
“We’ll look after the poor and the old and the sick -
Oh but that was yesterday”.
“We don’t need you now we’re in power, Our new friends in the City will pay,
‘Cos we’ll make them even richer and we’ll tax the poor
And put the public sector away.
“We’ll flog it off cheap to whoever will buy, Even if they’re American crooks,
And the hell with all our promises now
Our only care is to balance the books.”
Hark now hear more lies and spin
Just listen to what they say
“The NHS safe in our hands -
Oh c’mon, that was yesterday!”
“We’ll find billions for war And more billions for the banks,
But for pensions that give pride and dignity?
We have to make very difficult decisions you see
And no, there won’t be any epiphany”.
So we looked for the unions, TUC and MPs to say “All that really isn’t right”
But they turned their backs on the rank and file And refused to lead the fight.
“We haven’t the guts, we haven’t the spine, And do you want the Tories to win?
So what if New Labour is Tory anyway?
We’ll take your levy and still pay to keep them in.”
“Now no matter the cost, no matter the price
For the folks who gave us their trust.
We’ve our union and MPs’ jobs – and our pensions are nice!
So we’re really not that fussed.”
Hark now hear the betrayers sing
Listen to what they say
“Betrayal’s just another word
Like ”Socialist” it’s had its day”.
Words by Shirley Murgraff to the tune of
“Long time ago in Bethlehem”.
Long time ago in ’97 we thought at last we’re on our way,
New Labour had promised they’d put things right,
Said we could help them win the day.
So we worked all the hours and we canvassed till we dropped
And we filled their coffers full,
But all too soon when they got in they crowed
“You’ve fallen for a load of old bull!”
Hark now hear their lies and spin
Listen to what they say
“We’ll look after the poor and the old and the sick -
Oh but that was yesterday”.
“We don’t need you now we’re in power, Our new friends in the City will pay,
‘Cos we’ll make them even richer and we’ll tax the poor
And put the public sector away.
“We’ll flog it off cheap to whoever will buy, Even if they’re American crooks,
And the hell with all our promises now
Our only care is to balance the books.”
Hark now hear more lies and spin
Just listen to what they say
“The NHS safe in our hands -
Oh c’mon, that was yesterday!”
“We’ll find billions for war And more billions for the banks,
But for pensions that give pride and dignity?
We have to make very difficult decisions you see
And no, there won’t be any epiphany”.
So we looked for the unions, TUC and MPs to say “All that really isn’t right”
But they turned their backs on the rank and file And refused to lead the fight.
“We haven’t the guts, we haven’t the spine, And do you want the Tories to win?
So what if New Labour is Tory anyway?
We’ll take your levy and still pay to keep them in.”
“Now no matter the cost, no matter the price
For the folks who gave us their trust.
We’ve our union and MPs’ jobs – and our pensions are nice!
So we’re really not that fussed.”
Hark now hear the betrayers sing
Listen to what they say
“Betrayal’s just another word
Like ”Socialist” it’s had its day”.
