Ideology
As true now as it was in 1986.
When one voice rules the nation
Just because they're on top of the pile
Doesnt 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
Then sitting on your arse?
And the best of all this bad bunch
Are shouting to be heard
Above the sound of ideologies clashingOutside 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 clashingGod bless the civil service
The nations saving grace
While we expect democracy
Theyre laughing in our face
And although our cries get louder
Their laughter gets louder still
Above the sound of ideologies clashing
Billy Bragg. From the album Talking with the Taxman about Poetry.