Billy Bragg - Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards (Official Video)

[@chrismorrison3696]

Met Billy at the Mean Fiddler in North London in 1990. He was so dear and sweet and generous with his time talking to me. I was so nervous and he knew it. He put his hand gently on my shoulder and said, "It's okay mate. Just take your time." I will never forget it, ever. Love, Sloppy

[@cpome7]

Hi.Was this at a Lilac Time gig?

[@chrismorrison3696]

@@cpome7 Hi CP7! This was at a private record party for Billy's "Utility" label. Billy did not play but was the MC. Clive Parker, Junger and Parker and a band called Weddings, Parties, Anything were the groups that played. All the best from Portland.

[@josemaria8177]

The song I come back to on hard times. "Make your own revolution and cut out the middle man" is one of my favourite lyrics of all time

[@r-tyomfrolov4211]

couldn't agree more

[@monikacognomen1096]

'If you've got a blacklist, I wanna be on it' is better. Story of my life...

[@edposs8483]

Perfect . Me too

[@jeffmilligan7030]

I think the lyrics to this song are just about the cleverest in pop music - ‘if you’ve got a black list, I want to be on it’ is also brilliant

[@sandyhortin8924]

Goto...... why I'm here. Song❤

[@thewangster123]

One of the greatest songs of all time 🙂

[@goods5119]

That he has always kept the lyrics current, without losing anything, is remarkable. Truly a masterpiece. I feel like any Billy is what any punk should aspire to become. Mature without losing any of the values

[@steveb3354]

Haha You've got to be kidding me 🤣

[@christophermccafferty1107]

Saw him last night at the Portsmouth Guildhall he finished with New England and he allowed us, the audience to sing all the choruses while he just played guitar. 3rd time I’ve seen Billy and every time gets better and better. Go see the roaring 40s tour if you can xx

[@Prince_Gordon]

After 25 years of fandom I finally get to see him tonight! The man is a legend and a hero.

[@aerthreepwood8021]

How was it?

[@Prince_Gordon]

@@aerthreepwood8021 Perfect!

[@drewastolfi6840]

I'm going tonight!

[@robertarisz8464]

Billy's heart has been straight and true for the 40 years I have followed him - a rare artist that does not demand commercials but RESPECT. Thanks to him for all he has done.

[@vesuvius1968]

He connects the personal and the political better than anyone I can think of. Such amazing songwriting.

[@keirbateman267]

Yes amongst other greats like Leon Rosselson, Robb Johnson, Roy Bailey, Eric Bogle, Dick Gaughan and the king of them all Phil Ochs.

[@coralinejames1414]

check out The Michael Character out of Boston. one of the best bands making music for the struggle for human dignity.

[@MichaelHoare-bh5pg]

Yes,he makes sure that his listeners get a mixture of songs some have more personal lyrics and others are protest songs that are influenced by the great protest songs of the '60"s.

[@Democrities]

Until the final victory, always!

[@DD-ev2dt]

As relevant then as it is 2024 ..... the bard of Barking Billy Bragg continues to speak for us RESPECT 🙏.

[@johnnybravo965]

Remember first hearing this song late night - around 1am -on MTV back in ‘88 before moving from my home state to a new one the next day. Still takes me back to that special life-changing night whenever I hear it

[@bzarrazb1648]

a lot of my original favorites were found when waking up to MTV late at night. would’ve loved to hear this!

[@daninusa5297]

A song so great, not even Bragg could do it twice. I recall listening on the radio in 1987 as a young teen with my parents in their 40s. Even upon first listen, my parents immediately got the gentle barb at Kennedy and political symbols. Now that is great music. Perhaps aimed at intellectuals, but great nonetheless.

[@willrontani5894]

I remember stumbling upon this video on a college music tv program… I fell hard at the musicality and a point of view that was I wasn’t exposed to. Every one of my fiends where coddled by pop hair bands. I haven’t looked back. I got a chance to see him live at the Warfield in SF in the early 90’s on his Sexuality tour. To this day, I still don’t know why Billy’s mum hated his hair back then.

[@frangarcia7774]

My favorite Billy song and one of my favorite songs of all time. Love the humorous video

[@craig7248]

I've loved this song for over 30 years and this is the first time I've seen this video.

[@DucktorZom]

Likewise mate! 🙌🏻

[@ryanbuckner2405]

I have a been a huge fan of Frank Turner for years. It’s quite obvious that you were a big inspiration for him. I can’t believe I just found your music. Never too late I guess. Thank you sir for your incredible contribution to music and activism.

[@skrypthobbies]

I'm still waiting Col ... shalom brother ... 💜

[@andychrist2922]

Careful what you wish for socialism has millions of deads blood on it's hand particularly Jewish blood

[@vincentross7469]

Unearthed This Great Song Today In September 2024 ❤🎉😊

[@CousinCreepy]

Still waiting Billy, and it gets harder and harder to remain optimistic. We could all use a small step backwards into a simpler time.

[@AndrewJones-ok7ez]

2024 anyone?

[@bvs56]

Here. Just heard of this dude. Brilliant.

[@utredutredson1686]

Levis Stubbs tears changed my life

[@lobster211666]

Still the most inspiring song ever written

[@vesuvius1968]

And Levi Stubbs' Tears might be the saddest

[@goodun2974]

At the very least, "Never Enough" by Robb Johnston deserves mention. Here is Martin Simpson's version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYelY5p7fayIkKc . Martin also does a terrific cover of the Depression-era song "Buddy Can You Spare A Dime", which is on KZbin somewhere. For that matter, Ry Cooders' album "Into the Purple Valley" has some equally good ones, songs about broke farmers, vigilantes, and Okies fleeing the DustBowl only to be turned back by police at the California state line.

[@pdenn1s]

@@vesuvius1968 The only good song he wrote was amazing, the rest are ad jingles for communism.

[@destradecyril2272]

Cette chanson me touche les tripes et le coeur.... loin du brexit et de la bêtise populiste de certains politiciens !!!! Vive Billy Bragg

[@taramcmahon5533]

I am singing this song tonight on my first proper Facebook livestream. Thank you Billy Bragg. 😘

[@mascadadelpantion8018]

THE BEST SONG OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@robcherry6734]

I love it when he does a topical version of this Live, the Brexit one is possibly better than the original!

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

Let me guess Billy "Champagne Socialist" Bragg was anti-Brexit? How the heck did this trash end up in suggestions?

[@richardpullen6053]

@@desperatemohammedantheworl5833 Calm down mate. Just don't comment and click on a song you know you won't like.

[@desperatemohammedantheworl5833]

@@richardpullen6053 I like some BB songs. This however is useless.

[@kenkerr8091]

@@desperatemohammedantheworl5833 Thanks for your opinion.

[@jamespicksley5781]

@@desperatemohammedantheworl5833 considering the vitriol in your first comment, I suspect you're lying and backtracking after the sheer idiocy of clicking on a song you knew you wouldn't like was pointed out

[@stevegallagher687]

This masterpiece never gets old. Thanks BB

[@Hootville]

Great to hear this live last night at The Forum, Melbourne. Thanks Billy. And thanks Dave for the ticket! Our funeral song list is already halfway sorted.

[@DJProfessorDan]

Things really get exciting when Billy starts philosophizing about “mixing pop and politics” and starts communicating in the best political protester tradition: with slogans! “If no one seems to understand, start your own revolution and cut out the middleman.” And of course the immortal “The Revolution” is just a T-Shirt Away!!!” “Waiting For The Great Leap Forward” is a 10!

[@pig1801]

You hear so many different versions of this I forgot how good the original is!! And doesn't he wear a hat well!!

[@MikeCee7]

As an American, this is only the 4th major song (with somewhat popularity) from my childhood, of a British artist singing with a thick British accent, (as opposed to most other British songs/artist/songs that have been popular here in America)

[@sandyhortin8924]

I was in Melbourne Victoria in grade eight the first time I listened to this song ..... thank you Billy... Somethings don't change,why? because they don't have to, they are ageless ❤.

[@SEN-r2x]

SEN on Facebook, the truth will set you free. Thanks Billy, always had a great message❤

[@ianmcbride412]

This classic when I heard it again just after the tories peroged parliament, it really gave me strength to still believe, and it brought a few tears to me eyes 🏴‍☠️🧷🤓

[@Algorithm75]

I loved this song when I was growing up... good days, thanks Bill!

[@TheFinnmacool]

Gen X is the best!

[@grimlock1211]

Wasn't the actual great leap forward a mass murderer of millions of Chinese?? Help me understand why this song is awesome.

[@lauraslocumb257]

Blame Mao Se Tung.

[@shelleyberry188]

Have loved every version of this song we've ever heard, and always learn some new knowledge. Thank you, Billy!

[@Kiwigd]

This is one of my favourites from my youth.. I’m looking forward to seeing Billy play locally in Feb ‘23..

[@matthewarmitage6681]

Still love Billy to this day and this is a great song too xx.

[@peternicks7049]

We're still waiting ...

[@calmurphymusic]

Billy Bragg - what an absolute legend!

[@lupodelupis3672]

Greetings to the comrade Billy Bragg from Italy.✊

[@marcobertoni2381]

Oh allora non sono l'unico italiano...a Sestri levante erano praticamente tutti british al concerto...

[@Sakahasthescore]

Eccolo… dagli anni ‘80 ci sono anche io. Ma non sono una zecca. Ci tengo a dirlo

[@lupodelupis3672]

@@Sakahasthescore e allora caro ratto di chiavica non capisco che ci fai qua, visto che Bragg è più rosso che mai...

[@marcobertoni2381]

@@Sakahasthescore eccolo un fascio che non capisce ciò che ascolta...e comunque non te lo ha chiesto nessuno.

[@lupodelupis3672]

@@Sakahasthescore allora perchè ti esprimi come un ratto di fogna nera (fascio)? E se lo sei che fai qua?

[@robertocolanzi]

Bragg played this at a Uni of Tasmania concert 1987 (I think). What a song, what a concert, what a night.

[@virlinguarum4907]

I love this eternally evolving theme tune 😍

[@LasArmas_]

me too. stomach hurts but my heart is warm

[@MasonHellCat]

Love it! Thanks Billy. This song continues to inspire and rouse me every time I hear it. Brilliant.

[@TheFinnmacool]

It just popped in my head today and came back for it. Found this version! Agree!

[@herc_ules_therealone]

No matter the tune, I believe all artists need to make a statement in their time, political, social, or otherwise.

[@MichaelJ44]

In terms of instrumentals and Melodies, this may be THE greatest song I’ve ever heard

[@gordononkyo2713]

For me he has done an awfull lot of songs that are the greatest song I've ever heard. He's in a class of it's own. Politically I would have to have an argue with him, but as an artist he's simply a monument.

[@smithy280663]

still brilliant in 2023

[@susannewitt6112]

Love you Billy since ca, 1986/7 or something. ZDF magazin on a sunday morning shows me what music must be.

[@feelsgoodman1349]

Keep organizing united for those who want to hold us down so they can have all power. ✊

[@karimmoukaddem4491]

This is fantastic. I can't believe it's new to me.

[@penguinuprighter6231]

Always a delight. Thanks Billy.

[@reindeer-o-stoole]

always a shirty bore. no thanks william.

[@AndreBeverage]

we need more of this!

[@Coastwiser]

I love your work so very much Billy Bragg keep it coming I saw you once on the banks of the Delaware River in Philadelphia then a thunder storm came in and threatened us and you asked us to leave for our safety and we did and we enjoyed for we saw you for a while Song to the tune of Billy Bragg's voice

[@thereal_kpatz]

Saw him at a Red wedge concert in 87 at Islington, kin brill.

[@HamCubes]

What a song, Mr. Billy Bragg! Bravo! 👏🤩🙏🫴🔥

[@GreenMonstah77]

I love this song so much. All time favorite. And nice video as well. 😎✅👍🏼

[@adriennechristy3935]

all the love to you, and thanks for all the love from you, to all of you 💕

[@eddiej9733]

Found good success, but still feel it’s a massively under appreciated song. The lyrics and musicality are cracking

[@Ross17033]

A fantastic song, one of my favourites of yours, but the video.... Best version I've ever heard of this was live in Portsmouth with Michelle Shocked and The Beatnigs.

[@goodun2974]

Michelle Shocked ! I saw her several times in the 80's/early 90's, both with backing bands, and solo, and she was wonderful---- but then she went over to fundamentalist Christianity and went off her rocker.

[@JeffreySmith84]

Another gem I didn't know existed! Thanks for posting, Billy!

[@canecreek00]

Billy that’s sacrilege volume fading out the “beam me up scotty” the ducks eye of the track.

[@saschajanen4367]

The one and only Soundtrack of my Youth.

[@martinfinegan8045]

Ha, complimented a fellow traveller on their t-shirt this morning, and of course I started giggling when I listened to this just earlier. After all "the revolution is just a t-shirt away"!

[@tommynocash2419]

The more things change the more the stay the same, thanks billy, proper tune, lend us a tenner

[@Justicescales]

Love this song ❣️

[@lauraslocumb257]

Tank Park Salute is my favorite song. This one second.

[@vanThomzen]

This video ... omg ... incredibly good. Billy's acting skills are great. And don't forget, the song is great too. Thank you very much Billy!

[@steverowe5990]

OMG I love this song and the sensibility behind it.

[@karatearmchairhistorian9825]

I love the album this is from, and this song is the perfect closing number for it. I am not a fan of left wing, socialism, activism, social justice etc, but I do appreciate a well crafted song with a well presented message, even though I may not agree with it. I refused to see Billy when he came to my university back in the late 1980's, but when a girlfriend played Workers Playtime for me I was amazed at how good it was. It is still the one of the very few albums I revisit in difficult times. I call it my "cure for a broken heart", but it is much more than that. And this song, with it's raucous closing choir is to me an affirmation that things will change.

[@Spectrescup]

It's actually a song about the failure of the post-war project, so in some ways it's kinda not left-wing (alright, it is).

[@becausky518]

Billy Bragg...hat off!

[@TheSquishBucket]

2023, still waiting... and feels farther than ever

[@tobyclutterbuck1085]

You can be active with the activists or sleepy with the sleepers

[@JamieBarton1984]

BB is truth.

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Love him ❤

[@section8atl]

The fight continues

[@andrewwilks9149]

Features on my favourite film, Face. Or was it Rod Stewart? Grown to love it.

[@thomasdungl8493]

So much great pearle of the eighties ... thank you so much for sharing !

[@AndyBantly]

Billy Bragg could sing anything to this song and I'd drink it like it was the worst kool aid ever and I don't care

[@VictorianDad]

Great song. Hideous video.

[@herbieshine1312]

Don't know if I've ever seen this. It's always been the problem liking less familiar music. It's always difficult to see videos for the stuff you like! Utterly wonderful

[@herbieshine1312]

@conceptobject here in the uk independent music predominantly only played on John Peel. Possibly 10pm-12am Monday-Thursday. David Jenson and later Janice Long played some more accessible alternative music beforehand, 8pm-10pm Recording peel sessions on to tape. I kept most of them until earlier this year. Thatcher and the tories in government. We did have independent record shops that sold alternative music, but from experience it was usually only one such store in your average size town. Being an indie/ alternative fan would lead to calls of various insults when walking out and about for the clothes you wore or the hair style you had. To be honest I loved that, I still have an indie "heart" and I'm proud to have been different then and still now. I like and liked the tribalism we had. Although music I listen to now is much wider. Edit: punk was more of a 70's phenomenon here but lead to the indie scene I loved

[@TheChipmunk2008]

Still waiting, and wiling

[@douglasparkinson4123]

awkward billy bragg waving at people in JFKs wedding is my entire social interaction history.

[@patrickmcmanus5373]

2024 still waiting ❤

[@SunflowerSocialist]

My personal anthem

[@velikotilainen3472]

I have always been a great fan of him He used to visit Finland often times during 1980's but after Soviet Union collapse- he kind of predicted it during glasnost - he sort of disappeared from mainline media

[@chrishaps6846]

I'm waiting dude

[@TheFinnmacool]

Baraxo! Push the Red Button! NO Wait!

[@bigmagic96]

So enjoyable, love it.

[@MrMLD1972]

❤

[@TimothyDurnbaugh]

Thanks man as a sucidalal RN post covid Ill keep waiting.

[@mariadifrancesco1]

Looking for a new version.

[@marcshaw8552]

Genius

[@johnmargham9299]

Excellent lyrics

[@jonhuffines5624]

Still waiting, no solidarity, no hope, third world is burning, climate is fucked, no idea what to do, very bittersweet song for me.

[@ruthdixon7807]

rueful political songs are few and far between, and this is one of the finest.

[@P4ndieEy3ss]

Keep organising and united against those who want to hold us down so they can reap the profits.

[@infoscholar5221]

Still waiting, ain't we, Billy?

[@lavernebell6274]

Billy Bragg is a true legend. He recently spoke out about Rosie Parker , trying to disguise her far right views on trans people by espousing that she was visiting countries to advocating for women and feminism. Thank you Billy .

[@jond2310]

the revolution begins in Bruton bradstock ......Right billy

[@tennesseejermyn7705]

This is an anthem

[@XeniaAidonopoulou]

♥ this song...