Empire Windrush 2020

by Broom Bezzums

supported by

verynoise I already loved the previous 'original' version, but this remix in my eyes really stands testament to the impressive creativity of Broom Bezzums.

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about

This is a brand new mix of the song, made from the original 2011 recordings and featuring quotes from the political wranglings over the shameful deportations of British Citizens from the "Windrush Generation". The scandal played out in 2018 but came sharply back in to focus with the Black Lives Matter protests this summer. Empire Windrush first appeared on the Wine From a Mug album and has been a live favourite ever since.

Here are the original sleeve notes:
Written from the point of view of an immigrant arriving and settling in England after being invited to help rebuild the British economy following the devastation of the second world war. Also after having volunteered (as thousands did from the former colonies) to help and fight in the British Army against the threat of fascism from Germany. How ironic that many of these immigrants would later find themselves in a struggle against the same ignorance, intolerance and racism they where once united against, in the very country they fought alongside and indeed for.

Note about the download: This is our second digital single release since lockdown was imposed. Despite gradual easing, we still haven't been able to perform live since early March 2020, meaning our income has been decimated. The track costs €3 - but if you are willing and able, feel free to top up the price to help us through this challenging situation.

lyrics

The Empire Windrush (Mark Bloomer)

In 1940 the war it came, 10,000 volunteers laid claim
Their motherland for to defend, the pleasant lands of England

We left Jamaica far behind for the sky, the trench, the battlefield
Five long years we fought the fascist from the shores of England

With the Royal Air Force I did fly, proud and strong to defend the sky
Had to watch as good friends died high above the lands of England

The war came to an end one day and home we returned again
A harder living waiting there far from the shores of England

In 48 she called again, for employment here there are no men
The Windrush sailed us off to work the factories and the steel mills

This time there came no welcome hand, our hopes and expectations fell
To the hands of the Ratman's living hell in the dirty slums of England

Believe it or not I saw the signs hung upon the door
No Blacks No Dogs No Irish, Is this what we had fought for?

I've worked hard all my life to pay my own and my family’s way
Seems I can´t do right here anyway, I wish that I was home

And now with no way home at all I'm forced to stay and brave the storm
Of ignorance and bigotry in the pleasant lands of England

Now a generation's passed, will we be accepted here at last
We fought together, white and black, for the pleasant lands of England

When sweet fortune comes my way I will pack my bags and rue the day
I left the sunshine for to stay in the pleasant lands of England

credits

released September 7, 2020
Written by Mark Bloomer
Recorded by Jürgen Treyz
2020 Remix by Andrew Cadie

Vocals, drums, guitar - Mark Bloomer
Fiddle, backing vocals - Andrew Cadie
Backing vocals - Katie Doherty
Piano, organ - Andy May
Double bass - Ian Stephenson

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about

Broom Bezzums Germany

“From the moment I first saw and heard Broom Bezzums I recognised they’ve got it – instinctively.” – Andy Kershaw

Multi award-winning folk duo Broom Bezzums match the quality of their songwriting with skilful musicianship and spine-tingling vocals to deliver performances you can’t forget. ... more

broombezzums.com

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