I'm quite uncertain about my Englishness - in the folk world it's great to have Proper Roots, preferably with an accent to go with them. Englishness is a Non-Root, and I have a Non-Accent, having had elocution lessons - at school! So what am I proud of? What should I sing about? Oh yes, nostalgia for the Industrial Revolution! Referencing Blake's Jerusalem! This is possibly the closest I come to political comment. 'I never thought I'd say out loud - bring on the revolution!'
Jerusalem Rising
England's part of me
I try, but it's hard believing
She still may be
Jerusalem rising
Where we worked in mine and mills
To the 12th commandment
Now they echo to the hills
Hollow and redundant
England...
Factories and farms in doubt
Hopes and dreams have faded
On land and sea we've been sold out
And all that's good degraded
England...
Sounds of forge and engine gone
In a generation
Now hush the small bird's songs
Lest they disturb this silent nation
England...
Who can we trust when rogues abound
To lead with sense and vision?
I never thought I'd say out loud
Bring on the revolution
