Billy Bragg - The Marriage (CD Version)

Talking with the Taxman about Poetry - Track 03.
1986
I understand you needing
And wanting is no crime
But I can't help feeling
That you and your mother are just wasting your time
Choosing Saturdays in Summer
I dare you to wear white
Love is just a moment of giving
And marriage is when we admit our parents were right
I just don't understand it
What makes our love a sin
How can it make that difference
If you and I are wearing that bloody, bloody ring
If I share my bed with you
Must I also share my life
Love is just a moment of giving
And marriage is when we admit our parents were right
You just don't understnd it
This tender trap we're in
Those glossy catalogues of couples
Are cashing in on happiness again and again
So drag me to the altar
And I'll make my sacrifice
Love is just a moment of giving
And marriage is when we admit our parents were right
And marriage is when we admit our parents were probably right

[@lemongrapesfilms]

the horns on this song are so amazing

[@hagakure6410]

Definitely BB's best album. This, Greetings to the New Brunette, Ideology and Levi Stubbs' Tears all on one CD? Epic.

[@robfalgiano]

I listened to this so many times in the day. It still sounds fresh and great. Funny, emotive, human. Thanks BB.

[@worldmeon]

Thanks excelent song!!

[@HenryWaltonJones]

Pure Genius!!!

[@jayk9777]

hardly

[@toninnoin]

i love the tune but not sure i agree with the message.

[@carolinemenezesx]

Neither do I. Or him...

[@maureenday1677]

I totally dig his message and I think like all of his songs he cuts shit to the raw truth. The idea of marriage is ownership and most people do it because of the social expectation - to the point of huge debt and regret often. I think his line 'Love is just a moment of giving' is right on - if you want to stay with someone you have to keep giving love - it's not signed and sealed cos you're married - if you get what I mean. It's a weird thing to want others to witness and approve of your love. To me his messages are about freedom and choice and doing what's right not what 'society' says you should do. (but lol this is a message from 5 years ago...)

[@maureenday1677]

@@carolinemenezesx What's not to agree with?

[@carolinemenezesx]

@@maureenday1677 Im sorry the delay.. I couldnt answer because is confuse to me remember what I was thinking when I wrote what I wrote. Specially cuz he says: our parents were probably right. He complains about both the ritual and the commitment itself. But, in the last sentence, surrender... I would say that, now, my point of view about the subject is more tender.. And you say it all. Your point of view about the song and the reality is perfect. Thanks.