Billy Bragg (Stephen William Bragg, Barking, Essex, England, 20 December, 1957) is an English singer, songwriter and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, and his lyrics mostly deal with political or romantic themes.
In 1977, Bragg formed the punk rock/pub rock band Riff Raff, and toured London's pubs and clubs. The band released a series of singles, which did not receive wide exposure. He also worked in Guy Norris Records in Barking.
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From: [email protected] (Benjamin W Reed) Subject: CRD & lyrics for Great Leap Forwards
Someone wanted the complete lyrics to Billy Bragg's "Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards," so here they are...
In case y'all missed them at the time, the chords, as put down heretofore by [email protected], are these:
EBAB (twice, or as needed) ABEABE
Transcribed by the too, too solid flesh of Ben Reed; (flames to him at the above address, and as above, so below...) =================================================
EBAB It may have been Camelot for Jack and Jacqueline EBAB But on the Che Guevara highway filling up with gasoline EBAB Fidel Castro's brother spies a rich lady who's crying EB Over luxury's disappointment AB So he walks over and he's trying ABEA To sympathise with her but he thinks that he should warn her ABE That the Third World is just around the corner
In the Soviet Union a scientist is blinded By the resumption of nuclear testing and he is reminded That Dr. Robert Oppenheimer's optimism fell At the first hurdle
In the Cheese Pavilion and the only noise I hear Is the sound of people stacking chairs And mopping up spilt beer And someone asking questions and basking in the light Of the fifteen fame filled minutes of the fanzine writer
Mixing Pop and Politics he asks me what the use is I offer him embarrassment and my usual excuses While looking down the corridor Out to the where the van is waiting I'm looking for the Great Leap Forwards
Jumble sales are organized and pamphlets have been posted Even after closing time there's still parties to be hosted You can be active with the activists Or sleep in with the sleepers While you're waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
(All below follow A-B-E-A-B-E)
One leap forward two leaps back Will politics get me the sack? Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
Here comes the future and you can't run from it If you've got a blacklist I want to be on it Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
It's a mighty long way down rock nd roll From Top of the Pops to drawing the dole Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
If no one happens to understand Start your own revolution, cut out the middleman Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards
So join the struggle while you may The revolution is only a T-shirt away Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards (repeat as necessary)
I haven't a clue whst this song is but I'm sure it's great!!! Billy Bragg by the way!!!
CCmaj9Am Mixing pop and politics they ask me what the use is I offer them etc....
chorus
FGCCmaj9Am and Meanwhile Dr Oppeinhiemers optimism fell