Billy Bragg 'Which Side Are You On' and 'Between the Wars' live

The news that Margaret Thatcher had died came when I was in Canada to play a show at MacEwan Hall at the University of Calgary on 8th April 2013. I spent the day thinking how to comment on her passing without it taking over the whole show and it suddenly came to me at the end of a rap about how we were watching 'Breaking Bad' every night on the tour bus.
I then played these two songs.
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[@DexxBlue]

The second saddest thing about "the milk snatcher" remains that her grave has such a tiny dancefloor.

[@abmackay]

And the urinal isn't very private 😄

[@banshogreen7581]

Bless you, Billy Bragg. I was so inspired by your songs, especially these two, I became a union organizer and spent over 20 years organizing workers in the US.

[@user-or7mh5we2k]

Bless you comrade.

[@suesjoy]

Now unions are pretty much banned in the US...

[@rushy79]

@@suesjoy Really??

[@sudoCoup]

Cheers, comrade

[@catcent]

thank you for your work

[@carolfuller3562]

Billy reignites my faith and passion for politics where no politician does anymorexxxx

[@Coldnewton]

Billy is a fuck out. He now represents the Establishment you fuckin moron!

[@nigeljames6017]

SteveBenBob I have a sinking feeling that you are going to drop this comment on every thread. He has earned his money, let him spend it. His concerts still give hope to those rising up, and reflection on times past to the older admirers.

[@andyp2205]

well said billy....from a yorkshire lad who s dad was a miner ...we where there for real.....go bless you

[@robertarisz8464]

'theirs is a land with a wall around it and mine is the faith in my fellow man' - about the greatest effing lyric ever sung. Thank you Billy!

[@benaveiga546]

"And i'll give my consent, to any government, who does not deny a man a living wage".

[@stevewebster1455]

Timeless. So Genuine and Generous with his words for over 40 years now. 🎸

[@MrBrody420]

Unfortunately I only discovered Billy about 5 years ago in a tattoo parlour. I wish we had more people like you sir. Thank you for the great words and thoughts.

[@lyndontrombley1970]

I was a university student in calgary in 1989 during the Thatcher years. A fellow student introduced me to Billy's music. It is thoughtful, he is a poet and thinker and champion for the working class. Many people could benefit from taking a listen to his music. Back in the day he was a bit of an angry young man but he has a lot of integrity, grit and determination. You might not agree with every single thing but some things will strike your heart like a tuning fork.

[@ryanfoxsongs]

Very well put, I agree with most of his politics but, even when I don’t, boy do I respect his conviction and how he goes about expressing himself.

[@rackpunch4026]

All hail the Bard of Barking - Still expressing it better than any of us can.

[@heavyduty263]

This is horrible in so many ways it’s almost unbearable to listen too It’s just not good dawg He’s a guitar hack The songs are terrible I’m going to double van Gogh myself. Make it stop. ✋

[@debbrown9365]

Love that. The bard of Barking. Saw this genius on the Red Wedge tour at Newcastle City Hall 1984

[@adamlawrence7129]

Thanks for posting. Between the Wars is an especially beautiful and powerful song and has long been a favourite. I quoted it at my Dad's funeral.

[@charliecroker6445]

Between the wars brings tears toy eyes. The 80s somuch damage done

[@antonydanby]

Billy just in case you don't know you are one of the great champions of the North of England... For those who remember the evil tyranny that was Thatcher and her government you were the voice in the wilderness.... Thank you.... I come from a mining town ( Selby ) and remember ( and still play ) you tunes, especially "Between the Wars".... I have a battle with the younger people today who belief that Thatcher wasn't that bad..... It's the duty of us elders to remind that she was a wicked destructive force....

[@hughjass5156]

Wish billy would come play in wisconsin again, we need him more now than ever.

[@robynbone629]

Nice to revive flagging spirits with a dose of Billy.

[@patriciacollier128]

He's just so brilliant!

[@mikelucraft]

love this song. inspired me at the time, and does now. Very emotive time. I was on demos and picket lines in '85

[@seanhague60]

You were a damn sight more restrained than I was that day, Billy.

[@mikailola2614]

For all the striking workers in Finland in year 2020.

[@patriciacollier128]

Wow his in-between songs speeches, he speaksfor us all

[@ugadawgs1990]

Yes! For all communists, the CCP, and the police state of Russia! BB is the voice for these governments and the little ones.

[@Doedspajen]

Hey, I went to this show! I don't think I'll ever get over the hilarious timing of Thatcher dying and then going to see a Bragg show right after. It was meant to be, man

[@cormackjames]

Speech in the middle, god bless you Billy, you are an English Treasure, a poet laureate, a credit to the world. I was fascinated by your commentary during the referendum for Scottish Independence. You came to Indianapolis once, and I was there, fantastic night. You have never come back, I promise you if you do I will be the Scotsman that gives you a historical tour of Indianapolis. The one time you did come, I hope you visited he home of Eugene V Debs, the father of Socialism in the US in Terre Haute, if not I will take you there :)

[@stevedrewett]

Wonderful as ever, brings back many wonderful memories of sharing many stages with this great man. Cheers Bill!

[@barrymccall2095]

Billy is the best,

[@stephenherring9771]

You express my heart as well

[@scottforbes4931]

So true 30+ years in Boston and NYC Watched the divisiveness sown by Margaret Thatcher from here in the States. Did not mourn her passing. Inspired by Billy to no end especially when battling cops on the picket lines. Unions provided hard working men a living wage.

[@mattgilbert7347]

We still love you, sentimental old Pinko that you are.Lovely.

[@brendanward2257]

So fearless!

[@lourivalsantos5821]

Billy Bragg is very special musician. His music make us think about our situation of people and member of community. I wait for one show in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

[@derekschroder6667]

Brilliant, so underrated. Listen to his words they are timeless.

[@nsoul8469]

Superb.

[@bernicemoore5182]

Happy Birthday, Billy!!

[@olivermanor1053]

There is power ... !!!!! Never despair!

[@DanCohoon]

I was 14 when I heard you on Mountain Stage during The Gulf War (the first one). That set changed my life. When you play solo electric guitar it is so fucking good.

[@franztrinkl4110]

Hey Billy, sometimes you seem to be disapointed. Have faith. I am a German social democrat and I am listening to your songs for many many years now. And every time I listen to you you give me strength. You give me faith. I am on the right side, The socialist side. We should do all we can to achieve a world with more fairness, more equality. This message I am passing on to my children, and they are gaining traction. Thank you for encouraging me!

[@ryanfoxsongs]

That’s great to hear Franz, may Billy’s words continue to travel far and wide ❤

[@mingmorgan]

thanks..very...very much! ;)!

[@MaxBarnish]

spot on analysis by Mr Bragg

[@thomasdungl8493]

Fascinating strong and powerful, between min.04:30 and 05:00 so clear and finde words ... thank you so much for sharing !

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Billy sounding really good here!

[@Big-BuzinezzEnt]

this guy has got the bangers, which side you on blood

[@hpsfl]

We drove from Edmonton to make this show! Still have the shirt you signed. This was probably the best show I've ever been to.

[@vegancurse]

I too believe in both the individual. They are not mutually exclusive. Thank you Billy.

[@cecilnagy1357]

Winnipeg Folk Festival 1989 I think you set on the main stage was spectacular

[@yaktaxi1234567]

now that pete has gone you are our voice ! comrade nevere give up !an ting!

[@MrMark8858]

Thank you. We have consistently believed the same things about Thatcher for many. many years. You have been able to express this to a wider audience; I have not, although I've tried in my limited way. Today I live in a country where there are issues that are similar in may ways, although not completely. Have a look at Bangladesh and see how the Thatcher legacy might be a pointer to solving the problems here. I know you can't write songs about situations you haven't experienced but this is a country in desperate need of a song! Well done, mate! Keep it up!

[@travswanny6793]

Timeless Stuff Comrade :)

[@tamarayoung9861]

I’m on our side Billy ❤

[@DavidByers1eye]

Thank You . . . 1 Eye . . .

[@trishfowlie3145]

His words seem even more poignant in September 2022. Never thought to see the likes of Johnson and Truss in power. 😢

[@mod69]

Proper legend

[@creosotekev97]

I’ve been meaning to listen to this feller for ages and now I have I find a lot of his music powerful and genuinely a bit moving but I can’t help but think about him at the pub or something and kind of wishing he’d shut up a bit.

[@miloandalfie5509]

His love stories, ballads of relationships are beautiful. Early albums 🎆

[@miakian]

Love u

[@barnabyoliver7846]

I was at in a gig with my school in Cardiff my dad must have been there to

[@willblackwood9986]

I will give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage.

[@1337flite]

The great pity is no government like that exists any more in the anglosphere, and no political party exists that even pretends to promise it, let alone intends to deliver it. And the under 30s don't see the issues - the shit of the 20th century is out of their lives - they havnet forgotten it - they never knew it and they don't understand how mercilessly they are being exploited or the benefits that we have given up.

[@anthonytindle5758]

Well Billy I'm a true Yorkshire man and walked or drove past Corton Wood daily all my friends went to work for NCB my wife's father designed cut and made donkey jackets for the Coal board now the pits in Wombwell have gone there is no employment and Corton wood is a shopping estate

[@anthonytindle5758]

All work has vanished

[@mingmorgan]

from barcelona..."you did great" ;)! "sir" william...;)!

[@lulufunes]

❤✊

[@TheUnsignedbands]

I was at this gig. Jubilee hall Calgary I believe. The day thatcher died he was playing in the city on his North American tour. He had a great band with him but they let him do this bit alone .

[@davegreen1915]

Billy Bragg, Martin Stephenson, Joe Henry..... could listen to them all day....

[@douglasparkinson4123]

update:dividing your own party and cabinet is now standard procedure for a PM

[@jedinord]

a cautionary tale that America should have heeded...

[@markws5952]

Billy's campth

[@philruane5910]

I went her funeral. Had a wee battle outside St Pauls that morning wi a city of london rozzer.

[@chrisst8922]

Between The Wars and Streets Of London are the best historical songs of all time. Add Hurricane and The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald.

[@joewalsh809]

devisive, even, even...

[@markdyson216]

R.I.P Bob Crow

[@jasontiemann6536]

BB gave me my voice.

[@danpflaum4282]

I've always admired the fact that Billy takes such an outspoken stand for the working man, whom, as everyone well knows, has been relentlessly and mercilessly exploited and abused over the last 100+ years, but to advocate socialism as some sort of miracle, utopian cure is sheer and utter folly. Socialism has never once worked, wherever and however it's been tried. The results have always been catastrophic. A centralized state authority dictating the terms of life for the entire population will always result in oppression, forced conformity, and mediocrity, as well as creeping totalitarianism, with all the harsh, draconian measures that that entails. Anyone who fails to comprehend this very basic reality is either blind or ignorant or both. The best system of government is no system at all, but rather a philosophy based on compassion and common sense in which people are free to achieve their maximum potential for success and happiness without forced, external restraints and, of course, with the steadfast commitment that their personal endeavors will and must never harm their fellow man. This is the essence of Christianity, man's only hope and salvation.

[@mannyjim6658]

I love Billy's Music and socialist passion... These days a bit of a cause without a rebel. I do wonder if he will end up like a lot of socialists / union leaders...Sir or Lord Billy !!! Lord Vic Feather etc etc...Interesting...stapes...

[@maasbuilding2620]

!!!

[@joewalsh809]

She wasn't so decisive, she united all working class against her!

[@georgethomson123]

Joe Walsh he said "divisive" which means "tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people". He did not say "decisive".

[@andypitchless]

How I wish that were true.

[@hughjass5156]

Congrats on your recent election boys. wish ours could be so hopeful. I dont know about that corbyn fella, but seems his party has the right idea.

[@tonyves]

Um, as per 2020 ...?

[@alimackenzie2168]

Between the wrs

[@fai_tang_the_cantonese_che1968]

Facebook doesn't let me spread the message fed up with fake music you are #diamond#geezer#top#man#best#real#music#truth#ace

[@MiddleAgedWolf]

Jez we can.

[@hubich3416]

Auf welcher Seite stehst Du?

[@michaelflint4159]

Went into work singing " ding dong the bitch is dead: written warning. HMP Guys Marsh

[@joewalsh809]

dvisive, even

[@mariasmith2198]

LOL! Margaret Thatcher? She certainly didn't start any more wars then anyone else.

[@matthewcoyle5277]

She did the job … and what an impossible task it is … pm of uk no easy task

[@Cussy69_420]

So she took the job, so what? I can take a job tomorrow at McDonald's tomorrow and sh×t in every burger and piss in every Coke I serve. No one would say "Hey, he took the job and it's not easy"

[@The_momur]

Potus Numpty learned from her.

[@therainbowlyon9980]

Kid named thatcher

[@ipsmith]

2 dislikes on this video? Clearly been watched by 2 Tories!

[@tonyves]

@@Josep_Hernandez_Lujan Absolutely ... and f**k the electorate and the working classes who voted overwhelmingly for 'em. Blimey - who gave the working classes the vote? Been better if only the bien-pensant Labourites in Islington and "Revolver Ocelot" and his friends had been allowed to vote.

[@geofflewis6914]

Pretty sure Truss will go the same way 🙏🏻🙏🏻 thrown out of office by her own cabinet

[@faequeenluna5739]

we need this sung to keir starmer

[@LJTEAM0723]

Why remove "boys"?

[@billybragg9468]

Because women were involved in the miner's strike and deserve to be recognised by a more inclusive lyric.

[@Lookatmeshine]

I think he removed the word boys from the chorus to be P.C. or something and it sounds weird.

[@TurkishKB]

Yeah I thought about that as the song went on. I think it's great intention to include ALL people but considering the song is about how hard MEN work and how much they risk for their families. This is a fight song! And woman are not warriors!

[@PirateCommander]

Correction ... Actually, in all respects and in all parts of these isles, excepting those who kneel to the standard Christian and/or Roman ethnic cleansing mentalities, yes, women are Warriors. Further correction ... The song is about Miners and the oppression of the Mining community and was revived by Bragg in specific response to the Miners Strike in the UK, (which Thatcher persecuted the fuck out of) and certainly I wouldn't go into any of their communities suggesting that women weren't part of their fight during that, or made no sacrifices, or took no risk, or aren't Warriors ... if I were you.

[@tributeact6995]

hail morrissey.

[@fumanchesterunited]

Malvinas argentinas ingleses....

[@milesfielding6584]

Billy is a true socialist and a great inspiration....

[@tonyves]

Absolutely. Come the revolution all of us will live in fine houses in Dorset ... or not.

[@JGray1066]

Not Yours 😅😅😅

[@2late4most5]

PLEASE GO PERFORM FOR SANDERS IN THE USA

[@miloandalfie5509]

@too late ☹️

[@petergreen2552]

Thatcher went up to Hillsborough and announced to the world that a drunken mob of rioting hooligans caused that disaster.

[@tonyves]

No she didn't: www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/margaret-thatcher-role-aftermath-hillsborough-3416839

[@petergreen2552]

@@tonyves Her press man did and she didn't exactly step in and say, "Are you sure"?

[@smudgealdrin1512]

This would make a great National Anthem.

[@MrDiscoseeker]

🤦‍♀️

[@marklowe8087]

Between the wars; my English great grandparents worked the Cheshire salt pans,back breaking hard labour for a pittance., They lived in tiny cottages,oil lamps,no running water,shitting in cess pits.They voted Conservative,go figure that one out.I can't.

[@midjehunt7424]

He should share his wealth with the folk he says he supports I think. Even just in his current hometown perhaps? Far from the murky depths of Barking now. I happen to know exactly where he moved to in Dorset and it is by no means an average property, in the country or the county last time I looked, so share it around billy like a good communist.......

[@ba7926]

I'm on the humans side, but seems like we are on the losing team...

[@hiddenfromhistory100]

Like most working class songs, they're sung for middle class people

[@SUPERLEEDSYRA]

Im working class, painter and decorator and rent my house. He speaks for me 👍

[@erikdalna211]

Council house and white collar drone whose dad worked in a factory. Blether like this is middle class sneering. People like you know no working class people.

[@MrBridgehill]

Well my dad was a brickie and mother a cleaner. I worked for 20 years in a dead end job in a factory and I aint middle class.

[@dominiquedevries4328]

Never forget, the misery she created, nationalism and cynical liberalism is not the answer

[@millertas]

She was a dictator.