Another UB Song Rings True

[rhondda rudie]

Our boys received some welcome press and tv coverage this year because of the economic crisis and the 30th anniversary of the release of One In Ten.The track captured the times perfectly and I believe that another track from the same album is just as relevant to what's happening today.

The title track from Present Arms sums up the folly of UK military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"They send you off to fight on foreign shores"

"They pay you to protect what isn't yours"

I challenge anyone to disagree with those lyrics.The so called great and good continue to back military action when the casualties are overwhelmingly from working class communities.A track recorded by the wives of serving military personnel has deposed x factor winners Little Mix from the number 1 slot in this week's chart.I don't for a second underestimate the danger these men are facing or the anxiety being suffered by their wives but do have serious concerns that the publicity generated by the release will lead more working class youth,unable to find work elsewhere,to end doing the dirty work of corrupt politicans and oil barons.

[Baggariddim]

No disagreement on the lyrics and your entire post my man. The situation is crucial and we need to remain vigilant about all that's going on.
Peace and Justice on Earth,
Bagga.....

[bt/ub40]

Originally Posted by rhondda rudie

Our boys received some welcome press and tv coverage this year because of the economic crisis and the 30th anniversary of the release of One In Ten.The track captured the times perfectly and I believe that another track from the same album is just as relevant to what's happening today.

The title track from Present Arms sums up the folly of UK military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"They send you off to fight on foreign shores"

"They pay you to protect what isn't yours"

I challenge anyone to disagree with those lyrics.The so called great and good continue to back military action when the casualties are overwhelmingly from working class communities.A track recorded by the wives of serving military personnel has deposed x factor winners Little Mix from the number 1 slot in this week's chart.I don't for a second underestimate the danger these men are facing or the anxiety being suffered by their wives but do have serious concerns that the publicity generated by the release will lead more working class youth,unable to find work elsewhere,to end doing the dirty work of corrupt politicans and oil barons.

What he said...feels exactly the same as when I penned those lyrics 30 years ago...nothing changes eh !

[rhondda rudie]

Originally Posted by bt/ub40

What he said...feels exactly the same as when I penned those lyrics 30 years ago...nothing changes eh !

Love that track Brian.

[Rat In Mi Kitchen]

The 2nd verse is even more appropraite to Iraq and Afghanistan:

"Be your mother's pride and joy, her armed and dangerous golden boy, a uniformed hero shows no fear, the khaki ranks of flesh and steel, learning how to smile and kill, they teach you to ignore the screams and tears."

[nephertiti]

....totally agree ...had it on this morning..... still quite dark ...empty roads ...with this blaring...agian and again..it is a gem

Present Arms and Madam Medusa...in my humble opinion .... are in a different fighting league

[Soul Adventurer]

Originally Posted by rhondda rudie

Our boys received some welcome press and tv coverage this year because of the economic crisis and the 30th anniversary of the release of One In Ten.The track captured the times perfectly and I believe that another track from the same album is just as relevant to what's happening today.

The title track from Present Arms sums up the folly of UK military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"They send you off to fight on foreign shores"

"They pay you to protect what isn't yours"

I challenge anyone to disagree with those lyrics.The so called great and good continue to back military action when the casualties are overwhelmingly from working class communities.A track recorded by the wives of serving military personnel has deposed x factor winners Little Mix from the number 1 slot in this week's chart.I don't for a second underestimate the danger these men are facing or the anxiety being suffered by their wives but do have serious concerns that the publicity generated by the release will lead more working class youth,unable to find work elsewhere,to end doing the dirty work of corrupt politicans and oil barons.

I agree 100%.

If the causes of the Iraq and Afghan invasions were sound, and if the invasions were of genuine benefit to those nations, I would support campaigns such as Help for Heroes etc. Unfortunately, those kinds of campaigns (including the record you mentioned) can unwittingly take the focus away from the very dubious "causes" of the war, and away from the people who led us into it. But then millions marched when the Iraq invasion was proposed, and they still sent the troops in. Democracy in action (!)

[steven creamer]

We are fighting wars for Oil, Its the big investment bankers (Illuminati) who run everything and are sending our youth off to die, without a tear shed. Its all about money and global economy. General Patton said "War is good business". The whole global situation is a complete mess. People have to wake up and make a change or we will continue to be puppets for the Rich, and the working class will always "take it on the chin".

Stevie 2fingerz

[raggamuffin2008]

Originally Posted by bt/ub40

What he said...feels exactly the same as when I penned those lyrics 30 years ago...nothing changes eh !

didn't aldi wrote the lyrics:bigwink :