Lyrics Billy Bragg

Billy Bragg

NPWA

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

IMF, WTO,

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!