Flag Day was the first single released by The Housemartins. One of my favourite bands.
It was released in 1985 when I was 17 and it reached number 124 in the charts.
33 years ago.
It’s a beautiful song.
And a sad song.
Because the theme – who has all the money – hasn’t changed for the better.
It’s changed for the worse.
Have a listen.
Too many Florence Nightingales
Not enough Robin Hoods
Too many halos not enough heroes
Coming up with the goodsSo you though you’d like to change the world
Decided to stage a jumble sale
For the poor, for the poorIt’s a waste of time if you know what they mean
Try shaking a box in front of the Queen
‘Cause her purse is fat and bursting at the seams
It’s a waste of time if you know what they meanToo many hands in too many pockets
Not enough hands on hearts
Too many ready to call it a day
Before the day startsSo you thought you’d like to see them healedGot blue Peter to stage an appealFor the poor, for the poorIt’s a waste of time if you know what they mean
Try shaking a box in front of the Queen
‘Cause her purse is fat and bursting at the seams
It’s a waste of time if you know what they mean
Flag Day, Flag Day, Flag Day
IMAGE: Housemartins – WOMAD July 1986. Photo by Martin Whitehead.
Video at www.50odd.co.uk.
