Lyrics Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg

Ideology

When one voice rules the nation

Just because they're top of the pile

Doesn't mean their vision is the clearest

The voices of the people

Are falling on deaf ears

Our politicians all become careerists

They must declare their interests

But not their company cars

Is there more to a seat in parliament

Than sitting on your arse?

And the best of all this bad bunch

Is shouting to be heard

Above the sound of ideologies clashing

Outside the patient millions

Who put them into power

Expect a little more back for their taxes

Like school books, beds in hospitals

And peace in our bloody time

All they get is old men grinding axes

Who've built their private fortunes

On the things they can rely

The courts, the secret handshake

The Stock Exchange and the old school tie

For God and Queen and Country

All things they justify

Above the sound of ideologies clashing

God bless the civil service

The nations saving grace

While we expect democracy

They're laughing in our face

And although our cries get louder

The laughter gets louder still

Above the sound of ideologies clashing

Above the sound of ideologies

Above the sound of ideologies

Above the sound of ideologies clashing