The Village Green Preservation Society

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Tue, 2005-09-13 12:07

They have been singing Jerusalem all summer. It's been lovley and stirring. But I think there are better, less jingoistic songs that we should be singing at this time of joy. Here is my suggestion. I am thrilled to be English today. The quirkiness of us celebrating a cricket match sums up what we are. Bonkers and proud.

What about you?

Village Green Preservation Society
The Kinks

We are the Village Green Preservation Society
God save Donald Duck, Vaudeville and Variety
We are the Desperate Dan Appreciation Society
God save strawberry jam and all the different varieties
Preserving the old ways from being abused
Protecting the new ways for me and for you
What more can we do
We are the Draught Beer Preservation Society
God save Mrs. Mopp and good Old Mother Riley
We are the Custard Pie Appreciation Consortium
God save the George Cross and all those who were awarded them
We are the Sherlock Holmes English Speaking Vernacular
Help save Fu Manchu, Moriarty and Dracula
We are the Office Block Persecution Affinity
God save little shops, china cups and virginity
We are the Skyscraper condemnation Affiliate
God save tudor houses, antique tables and billiards
Preserving the old ways from being abused
Protecting the new ways for me and for you
What more can we do
God save the Village Green.

Ralph

Tue, 2005-09-13 12:15

fergal

I hate to be a spoilsport, but I always thought those lyrics were ironic... I like being British - though can't care about the cricket no matter how hard I try... I don't want to preserve anything... I like Britain because it is very adaptable. The thing I don't like is the whinging. The thing I do like right at this minute about being British is free Health Service and Education till age 18 and red post boxes and the man standing outside Norwich library singing Whisky in the Jar which reminds me of my mum (not because she was an alcholic, but because she used to sing it when I was small). I never understand the whole 'We' won the cricket thing... or the 'we' for any kind of team sport. Most people sit and watch it with a beer and have nothing to do with the winning at all. 'They' is more appropriate than 'We'. I don't identify with that mentality at all, though can see why it is so appealing.

Tue, 2005-09-13 12:33

ralph

The song is ironic. It harks back to a lost England. A time when maybe things were better. A little bit more undertood. This moment is fleeting. Tomorrow we have to go back to all the rubbish that is our everyday life. I'm just enjoying this moment in the sun. It's more than a game.

Tue, 2005-09-13 12:36

fergal

Yeah, but England never really was like that, was it? Life in this country has never been so good - there is still room for improvement - but it is better than it ever has been. It may not seem like it, but it is. For loads of reasons. Enjoy your moment in the sun Ralph, but by no means think you can only get it when 'we' win the cricket.

Tue, 2005-09-13 16:19

ralph

Yoy are right Fergal, it's an imagined place in the song. I suppose life is better now than thad almosthalf a century leading up to the 1980's. We are richer, better educated and more tolorent than ever. But, we are a corporate state, bereft of magic and romance. The last two days, and perhaps the whole summer since the tragedy of the bombs that ripped my city apart the day after the same city was awarded the Olympic Games has been so joyful. It's something I cannot put my finger on these moments and that is why I find it so beguiling. As I said before. It's more than a game. It might be the springboard for something else. Thanks

Tue, 2005-09-13 17:27

tcook

'We' did win it! I kept one foot in the air whenever we were on a nelson (111 or 222 or 333 etc). I cheered from my sofa, I willed them on and I 'know' they felt it. of course 'we' won. Get with the programme. And I like jerusalem - a fine socialist hymn.

Tue, 2005-09-13 17:29

Tyler King

wee ironic even though I am american

Tyler King

Wed, 2005-09-14 17:33

fergal

yes I suppose the 'we' aspect is important... if everyone was Buddhist 'we' would mean every human being rather than nation, and then where would the fun flag waving be?

Wed, 2005-09-14 21:49

ralph

Best moment of the day was the crowd singing lovingly to Freddie. 'Your'e pissed and you know you are'. Hilarious and touching. This team and this kind of support put the national football squad to shame. Rooney sent off tonight. Nuff said

Thu, 2005-09-15 11:47

#10

ely_whitley

oh it's WE alright. I've just submitted a short play for a BBC comp called 'doing my bit" about my superstitions when it comes to watching sport (just like TC raising a leg) and I can honestly say that I had a major role to play in Liverpool winning the champions league. simple as that.

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