LSHG call for singing Tyrants of England in schools rather than Gavin Williamson’s One Britain, One Nation ditty
The traditional song, formally The Hand-Loom Weaver’s Lament, dates back to the Luddite period in British history around the time of Peterloo in 1819, and is still sung in folk clubs. It is one of the most well-known English working class songs and the words are quoted in full in E P Thompson’s The Making of the English Working Class.
The LSHG says that when first sung in the early decades of the nineteenth century it was seen as a truly patriotic song, defending the principles and livelihood of the 'Freeborn Englishman’ against those who were trying to sweep away traditional rights and living standards and introduce a system of market capitalism. Tyrants of England sums up well the Government of which Gavin Williamson is a part.
What’s more, unlike like his little ditty it has a two hundred year history calling out political and economic oppression.
You gentlemen and tradesmen that ride about at will,
Look down on these poor people. It's enough to make you crill.
Look down on these poor people, as you ride up and down
I think there is a God above will bring your pride quite down.
Chorus:
You tyrants of England! Your race may soon be run.
You may be brought unto account for what you've sorely done.
You can hear a version of this song here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SlXUnxUQW7c
It appears on a CD collection called 'The Iron Muse: A Panorama of Industrial Folk Song' from Topic Records. More details: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ The_Iron_Muse
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