"Bag of Tricks" - Marsh Family adaptation of Stick Season by Noah Kahan, on the Rwanda Bill passing

We're working on some bigger projects at the moment, including some releases for the summer, and a fun campaigning song. But this was an impromptu recording because of the news cycle today - in which the UK government finally passed its Rwanda Bill approving the deportation of asylum seekers and 'illegal' immigrants to that country - which we previously sang about because it was so ridiculous (a Hamilton parody about Paddington Bear). The government overruled strenuous cross-bench objections in the House of Lords, and is now lining up plans for the first planes to take a small number of refugees to Rwanda later in the summer - in the hope that this will have a miraculous deterrent effect. Meanwhile, early this morning, five more people died attempting a channel crossing, including a four-year-old girl and a woman. You can find information on these events here: www.bbc.co.uk/....
We've heard "Stick Season" almost too many times to think of it for a parody, and there are very divided opinions in the family about the song...but it just seemed to work for a quick turnaround and acoustic rendition - with thanks to Thomas for the off-screen cajon and Tess for managing some of the equipment, while Alfie is out of action because of an ankle injury (but back soon).
Not really a song to enjoy, but worth sharing from our point of view because it's St. George's Day and we indulge ourselves in the idea that our country can and should move forward in a different way that we can be more proud of in the future.
___________________________
LYRICS:
It’s astonishing today to read the media and find
Another family torn apart
A little girl who lost her life,
Because her boat capsized exactly as you passed a law that’s blind
Sending folk away with no asylum and no rights.
Now I am stuck between my anger and the shame that I can’t face.
That my country’s passed these measures
Ill at ease with the disgrace of sending
Terrified arrivals, who could find no legal lanes.
It might just be a handful, but you’re still sending the planes.
Cos it’s just a scam, it’s an empty bag of tricks - you cry:
“Deterrence” when there’s stuff you could have fixed.
And it’s not their fault, but you just like to blame the victims,
To distract us all from the mess that we’ve been left in.
Do you dream each night of some person removed?
That you might have saved, but you’ll re-abuse?
Now their bag is packed, their one pair of shoes.
You don’t give a damn, but that whole life’s on you
So you thought to overrule, like, all the good advice you’ve had.
You could have cancelled the disaster,
But you doubled down instead.
You’re wasting a lot of money,
Chasing headlines to seem hard
It doesn’t seem to matter what the angle of attack.
Cos it’s just a scam, it’s an empty bag of tricks - you cry:
“Deterrence” when there’s stuff you could have fixed.
And it’s not their fault, but you just like to blame the victims,
To distract us all from the mess that we’ve been left in.
Do you dream each night of some person removed?
That you might have saved, but you’ll re-abuse?
Now their bag is packed, their one pair of shoes.
You don’t give a damn, but that whole life’s on you
Oh that whole life’s on you
And all you’ve put them through
I hope those planes don’t ever move. But I doubt it.
Cos it’s just a scam, it’s an empty bag of tricks - you cry:
“Deterrence” when there’s stuff you could have fixed.
And it’s not their fault, but you just like to blame the victims
To distract us all from the mess that we’ve been left in.
Do you dream each night of some person removed?
That you might have saved, but you’ll re-abuse?
Now their bag is packed, their one pair of shoes.
You don’t give a damn, but that whole life’s on you
___________________________
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[@jdm1505]

There is clearly heartfelt emotion in Ella's voice - a beautiful performance.

[@DarkMatterZine]

Breathtaking and heartbreaking. Thank you.

[@canadian1677]

WOW, what a Great message in this Excellent Song! DAD & ELLA, you both were soooo Good, and definitely got your Point across!

[@SteveWx123]

Well done for highlighting the common establishment practice of trying to direct our focus and anger against people struggling at the bottom rather than against tax evaders, corporate and media interference in democracy, our role in the deaths of civilians abroad, corruption, the poor performance of privatised utilities etc

[@glenangyebalmer2001]

Absolutely amazing! Beautiful voices. Ella is so very talented for such a young lady. Lovely family.

[@carolynwestwood6258]

Tears... Thank you for calling out the disgrace and lack of humanity. It also makes me sad and angry in equal measure.

[@jordanielridgway-bent]

Oh! My! Ella certainly took the emotion of the song, had a tear or three running down my cheeks afterwards. Well done!

[@regencoe]

Oh my Lord. That song really left me speechless. Ella's voice was so full of conviction, the look in her eyes clearly telling how much she despises this disgusting law ... absolutely amazing.

[@barbarabauling7513]

WELL DONE MARSH FAMILY!!!! I hope this will be heard throughout the whole world!!!!

[@judebrown4103]

Wow! It's astonishing to me that you could come up with this powerful, moving rendition so quickly after such a dreadful news day. I'm moved to tears by this performance, it's so beautiful and asks the questions all right minded people should be asking. Bless you both. 😥💚

[@angelacasey8446]

Most right minded people are asking these questions, but until there is a chance for change, our hands are tied!

[@rachelmatthews3070]

As an opera singer, I just have to say how absolutely beautiful this is. You conveyed so much emotion in these tragic words and you've clearly touched millions with your beautiful voice. Keep singing and shining. ❤

[@Pobotrol]

I'm so ashamed of this country and the bull headed hatred that is consuming a portion of it. Thank you. This was beautiful, moving and expresses the empathy and goodness that most of us still feel. x

[@susanmcmichael7293]

So ashamed that my country does this,and reccommended it and suggested it a policy to follow 😢

[@BeyondOrdinary]

Well said. I love the amount of emotion coming through from the singing. There's nothing positive about this new bill and for Sunak to force it through shows the truly cynical nature of our current government. "We're strong on immigration" has always been the most powerful Tory lie and it needs people to expose it for what it actually is.

[@johnnewton3837]

Indeed eloquently sung. "Let those who have ears hear"

[@doublegandt]

Thank you. I cannot express my opinion on tbis goverments treatment of fellow human beings.

[@katechip7256]

Right on point…as usual. Well done Marsh family. ❤

[@angelagray8599]

Sung with such emotion , just beautiful ❤

[@SCDFarmer]

Fantastic. One of the best you’ve done. Brilliant song, brilliant voice, brilliant sentiment.

[@mythal0620]

It sounds so superficial, but what you are doing musically is simply beautiful and it touches me, precisely because it is so beautiful. Thank you for that!

[@brianjones5379]

Well done, the Tories need to hear the genuine anger and shame that ordinary people feel. You convey it so well.

[@ann-charlotteholman7843]

Thank you for your courage, compassion and music. ❤❤❤

[@darrenkoch1718]

Ella really shines in this song. Well done!

[@01jvb]

It's great to see how Ella's voice has matured - it's really beautiful and you deserve to have a long singing career in front of you.

[@WoefulMinion]

This one hit me hard. Here in the states we have our own cynically rotten policies regarding the treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers. Thank you for singing on the side of humanity.

[@Kookey-hu9cw]

This made me cry. Thank you so much for standing up for those without a voice. ❤

[@marge2548]

A painful, but very important song, I think. Every time I think our government over here in Germany rather sucks, I read some news from the UK and sink my head in dismay, thinking that it's not only us - there seems to be a worldwide epidemia of ridiculousness and stupidity going on.

[@Mandobanjoman]

Wow! Chills down my spine!...

[@stefanpaul9443]

Same here - and tears in my eyes 😢

[@Mandobanjoman]

@@stefanpaul9443 That too...

[@philippac4710]

Moving song with lyrics that need to be said. I cannot believe all the awful things this government is doing either. Thank you, Ella and Ben.

[@jacquiadams863]

This made me cry. I'm so deeply ashamed, appalled, and angry about our government. Your voice is beautiful, and you express exactly how I feel. I wish this was number 1. I❤ will share the pants off this!! Thank you.

[@amycubs7rivera829]

Thank you. I wish I could just hug you both for sending the message out!

[@danconnolly8937]

Incredible. So moving. I wonder how many ordinary Brits feel powerless in all of this, but also ashamed by what our government are doing. This song says it all, and the phrase ‘bag of tricks’ says it all. I hope this gets heard by lots of people. And thank you so much.

[@garethmurray1621]

Our government is doing nothing, that's the point. Stopping the dinghies entering UK waters would be something.

[@orchidhouse297]

You have encapsulated the mood of the country in this powerful song. I haven't met one person who approves of the Rwanda plan. I fail to understand why it is that the MPs who express so much hate towards the asylum seekers are from immigrant families. Legal routes could have been put in place ; this spiteful government chose not to so they could make a sick display of being strong on immigration.

[@michaelporter6383]

Thank you. That was beautiful. Amazing singing

[@Liverpool5084]

Another great song. Thank you the Marsh family

[@marianholmes2906]

No further words needed really. 😢 thank you.

[@carolinemaudsley1838]

Amazing. Everything I have been thinking in 3 minutes of brilliance. Thank you both.

[@angelacasey8446]

You guys are brilliant! Unfortunately, those in charge are immoral individuals with no obvious redeeming features. Keep the good work up.

[@trishtraynor]

Thank you so much for speaking up for people with no value to the Westminster Government but who matter to every other person on these Islands. I'll go to Rwanda instead of any one of them. Xxx

[@IestynsViola]

A pity that Sunak and his cabal won't get to hear this or read the lyrics; they'd probably not understand the poetry anyhow. The cruelty of this dying government is shameful but thank you Marsh family for being prepared to shine the light. This is amongst your finest offerings; beautifully performed as well.

[@patcostello3882]

Thank you 🤩

[@patdaly972]

Ella's voice is as heart-breaking as the lyrics. Wonderful as ever Marsh Family . . . thank you.

[@andrewplaysyellow]

Yet another one of your songs I’ll be using in my Year 6 class. As a teacher I have my own personal issues with the Tories, but there is nothing better than educating the youth to understand that they have a voice and can stand up to the bullies, no matter if they’re in the playground, or behind the door at Number 10

[@richidraykat]

I'm crying after listening to that. You have a talent for hitting hard. Beautifully sung.

[@user-xe8kk3fw1x]

How apposite, well done both of you❤

[@Piktor201]

A moving song. Thank you for you constant effort in humanity. 👍

[@beeleywood7796]

Love this one, well done and well said.

[@carolynnunes3922]

Lovely singing! The lyrics are eye-opening-I hope that it goes viral! God bless you all! God bless us, every one

[@markduggan3451]

You have a knack of putting our feelings into a song. This government is just full of hate.

[@Schlafschaf-qc9gk]

Beautiful and powerful. I wish people everywhere stood up against the evil, treating our fellow humans like shit and breaking the heart of every decent soul out here. Greetings from Germany, we are fighting the same fight. ❤

[@JootjeJ]

A very powerful song, very hauntingly delivered. You really are amazing!

[@rcurtisfl02hsv]

Thank you so much for another brilliant song. Whilst there are families like the Marsh family in this country there is hope we can sort ourselves out and create a fairer happier country. Please keep it up.

[@stephenedwardpaynter]

Fantastic song and singing. Heart-breaking cruelty, and rage-inducing callousness.

[@DulceN]

I am not familiar with the original song, but your version is most beautiful and on point.

[@celestinarogers2935]

Amazing delivery and words. Thank you

[@sarahhammond8353]

Beautiful voice Ella, heartbreaking words too , I just can't fathom the heartlessness of our government 🤥

[@doug-Hakura]

Thanks for such a brilliant performance.

[@polgarauk5606]

This emotional and very accurate song brought me to tears 😭 I am very ashamed of this country's government. I never voted for them and I never will

[@mandyireson5101]

Wow!! You guys have made me laugh, made me think, and this one made me cry. So embarassed to be British. Ella's voice is so perfect and the passion she puts into this one is palpable. Beautiful and heartbreaking in the same breath.

[@susyrosyworzy]

Heartbreaking ...

[@dennismatthews6660]

Thank you. Beautiful performance for Ella!

[@annbeirne9583]

😪🥲💔 What they have done unforgiveable, well covered in this song, in tears.

[@arndbaggen3011]

That’s the best piece of art from you , so far . I am deeply impressed.

[@debbieraby]

Moved to tears here in Portland, Oregon. Thank you.

[@bambit08]

Great song. 👏 Dreadful UK gov promoting this ...astonishingly Sunak, Braverman and Patel all forcing this over the years...ALL from IMMIGRANT families.

[@judebrown4103]

Yes, I often wonder if there are elders in their families who may have endured hardships to get here. What must they think of them all? Or maybe they didn't suffer to get here and they've got "privileged elite" running through multiple generations so selfish entitlement is all they know.🤔

[@marge2548]

@@judebrown4103 I don't even think it so astonishing - those who have arrived and made themselves a place somewhere might be the ones most afraid to lose their newfound standing again.

[@janefrancis9111]

​@marge2548 exactly, I'm alright Jack , pull the ladder up when they should be relating with solidarity.

[@SirChrisRoberts]

Absolutely brilliantly written. Ella’s voice is superb. Beautiful duet with Ben. Another Marsh family hit.

[@handyvickers]

Brilliant, as always, Marshes... So much truth in there!

[@annieparker9102]

Awesome guys!!!

[@gillianpope9039]

If only there was a way of getting this out there and into the charts? Well done Marsh family.

[@hannahk1306]

Another beautiful song describing exactly what many of us are thinking. It's disgusting what this government are doing! The monarch hasn't blocked a bill in a very long time, but I think the king would be well within his rights to use his powers to block this one. If they really wanted to "stop the boats" they could create safe legal routes into the UK, such as being able to apply for asylum from abroad (just as Ukrainians were able to). There are currently no safe legal routes into the UK for asylum seekers, otherwise people wouldn't be risking their lives. An even better solution would be for all safe European countries to work together to fairly distribute refugees across the continent, so that no one country is overburdened and to make it safer for the *human beings* who are asking for our help. But of course this won't happen as our government are determined to make us an isolated island paddling out into the Atlantic away from everyone else.

[@annajones1426]

Thank you, you have expressed my utter shame at what they are doing

[@annarosell9224]

Amazing job. Got chills all over. I can feel the strong emotions and feeling with each word. All the support from Ireland.

[@frank-caroltrott6131]

I just cannot stop watching this, so powerful. The words, the sentiment, the truth, the hurt, the emotion, just superb.

[@davip5833]

Wow. Ella, your diction is amazing. Well sung. How many takes? I can't imagine how anyone could sing that all the way through so perfectly! Great lyrics too. Impromptu? Hardly believable.

[@murraylark142]

Spot on in all respects. Thank you.

[@sidazad79]

We love you Marsh family!

[@ChrisWilliams1962]

Simply brilliant!

[@miltonofbuchanan]

Love it, one of your best . Keep doing what your doing.

[@debgreen9003]

Beautiful & heart breaking 💔

[@andymeakin4263]

More! More! 📢 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Well done.

[@DavesProjectCorner]

Excellent work and what a stunning voice, absolutely loved it - musically that is! As for the subject matter, it still leaves me wondering how on earth such an hairbrained scheme ever got thought up in the first place let alone pushed through against such a tide of disapproval!! ☹ Keep up the great work guys!! 🙂

[@carolobrien2363]

Absolutely beautiful Ben and Tessa and very well said.

[@jdm1505]

Ella.(Tess also has a beautiful voice.)

[@jaynebrown8203]

Wow - so powerful and emotional

[@justinwebb3117]

I wasn't expecting that! Superb tune, perfect message. Well done guys. 💚🙏💚

[@TheHotSauceStop]

Beautiful

[@adriancrockford6585]

Beautiful and so moving 😢😢 This unelected government must go

[@annbrosnan8586]

Described the situation perfectly. So well sung too!

[@bethannemansur7601]

You give me hope.

[@alisoncampbell2493]

Beautiful, wonderful and extremely moving. Thank you for giving my thoughts and feelings a voice.

[@pickingupsticks6767]

Thank you.❤

[@hydeapd]

Thank you for giving us this song. You're all so musical. I agree that the solution we have is not good in any way. People should not be crossing in small boats, and if they didn't, or were not forced into these situations then people would not die in the English channel. I would like an alternative solution. I also acknowledge that we can't have the large influx of people every year. Last year and the year before we had the equivalent of a town like Basingstoke turn up on our beaches. Where shall we put them? And do you hope your children will be able to find a home to live in that they can afford? Mine can't and that's due to the pressure on housing people coming over on small boats. But please keep singing and pointing out injustice. Just post on here. It's not worth posting via the post office 😉

[@jojoh8067]

Amazing. Beautiful work Ella and dad.

[@JohnTeasey]

Uplifting, as always. Thank you

[@darrellNZL]

A dad and daughter gem 👏 👏 👏 maintaining the Marsh moral messages high standards. Keep on pricking political puffery 😊

[@operamachine8474]

Beautiful.... ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@bettymurphy6040]

Well done. Thank you for caring and for sharing this beautiful song. I don't understand why mean, cold-hearted people keep getting elected to government positions. It's not any better here in the US. A little compassion goes a long way. I've said this before... I wish I could vote for the Marsh family.

[@solentbum]

I had tears of anger as In listened to this.

[@user-cy5xh6xm8t]

Ella your voice ❤

[@caroldaviddaviejohnson2225]

Oh this song gave me goosebumps! Superbly sung, full of conviction and truth. People who cross perilous seas to seek refuge and asylum, yes, their lives are on this scam, sham of a government. I shed tears when this bill was passed, it is a dreadful indictment of just how callous and cruel they are. 😢👍

[@Floop1977]

Amazing. Such beautiful singing and playing, and an important message. Kudos to you.

[@markgallagher2386]

Absolutely nailed it. If just one person hears this and changes their opinion 🤞?