Show of Hands - Country Life

Show of Hands - Country Life video. I think this is in keeping with the spirit of spreading the word which is encouraged at the gigs. If not, Steve and Phil, let us know and we will remove the vid.
The band can be found at: www.showofhands... and are also on Myspace: www.myspace.com...

[@bobito8997]

When I first heard this song I thought it was a masterpiece of modern folk music. Listening to it again nearly 20 years later, I'm still of that opinion. It doesn't preach or lecture you, it simply tells. And the story it tells is one we rarely hear. As I said, a masterpiece.

[@carolinus7566]

Bloody hell it's the story. Out here in Dixieland same story only we have the cushion of space to lessen the blows, which, y'all don't have back in the home isles. Book recommendation - rise and fall of the Anglo-Saxon Autocracy you can find it for free if you look.

[@nevillelaybourne5610]

Steve Knightly is such a good songwriter. Show of Hands should be household names.

[@chalky2810]

Friday: Never heard of Show of Hands Saturday: Saw them at Southwell Folk Festival; think they are the greatest band ever!!

[@YvonneWilson312]

There are plenty of hard-working country folk in England, far more than there are rich landowners. Small farmers have it very tough in many cases. None of the farmers I know well are wealthy and some are really struggling now. I come from farming stock myself. We're watching our litte villages get decimated in the name of "progress" and the invasion of city folk who only appear at weekends if that, and it's tragic. Those of us that care are fiercely proud of what we still have left.

[@J-alCapone]

I live in a sub-urban area I want to move to a rural area as soon as possible. It is disgraceful how the government do nothing g to help our farmers.

[@cidspimms]

Even in the US one can tell they are the voice of a generation; I just hope people are listening. Show of Hands sets truth to music.

[@Ossie91]

yup, i'm from Norfolk too, born & bred. the first time i heard this song, images of the people & places i grew up with were spinning round in my head. Steve Knightley is one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced, his songs are instant classics - how many people think the Galway Farmer is a trad irish song? he's got it absolutely spot on with this one. and i bet if you played it to someone from any county in england they'd say it was written about where they live!

[@Spac8]

This is one of the best songs I have heard in ages ! We even studied it in geography. Well done all of you. You've all got the right idea, nice to know someone feels the same !

[@bigbearconnor]

Why is this not the sort of things we are putting in the charts? This is the music we need to be getting out there!

[@jhankri]

Good song. I cry when I drive down my road where I once lived that is now overrun by development. I used to pick berries along a dirt track that has now been paved and ostentatious houses built. They agent oranged 3 miles of wild growing fruit where we once picked raspberries, blackberries and currents to last us all season and then some. Not to mention the effect on wildlife particularly birds.

[@johnlewis5853]

I love this song and the images. The photography was taken at Mary Tavy, just outside my home town of Tavistock. The image of the late Ken Body, surrounded by tyres in his wayside garage, has particular resonance for me. I used to buy tyres from him for my old Fiestas and Metros! A great character and wit.

[@winchygator]

REAL musicians doing what they do best.......great, great song & great message. Shame no-one or should I say no politician is listening.

[@shawnkb9336]

Absolutely amazing! played this to my Year 8 Geography class and they can't get enough of it!

[@diccoo32]

saw show of hands at exeter cathedral last night. what a show. never really been into folk music but this has changed things. magical performance in a magical setting!

[@meganeyres3615]

This song was in my Geo book😂

[@elaynekingston8802]

True stories of English Life is so well defined in this track - it makes one realise how so much has changed in our life time - and all for money - at the cost of people's livelihoods which affects communities, our health, the environment and worst of all destroys hope. Of course change is inevitable, as is progress, but the void is leaves should be filled with sustainable alternatives.

[@annakoivulehto3856]

Similar story in many parts of the world. Some rural areas of England are filled by people from Lithuania, Poland etc. But life of season workers on a big farm is a bit different from real country life which many of these workers left at home along with their houses, old parents and kinds. A good piece of music though.

[@rogergarland7046]

Elayne Kingston n

[@smudgealdrin1512]

@@annakoivulehto3856 My current job is moving accomadation & setting up welfare blocks for seasonal workers . And I hear you & I know what farms pay for an ex holiday park caravan & what they charge rent per person ... No wonder I got turned down from 4 big growers who were screaming for pickers locally. In the national press & news programs.. Brexit pretty much exposed them. They are exploiting people from East Europe 100% .

[@ashnahrain7881]

I'm working on some creative writing about politicians and corporate greed, you can't say it better than Show of Hands though. This and Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed just hits the NAIL ON THE HEAD.

[@robertmacleod6221]

It's still. A sellout pm and a race for the money.

[@simonp1970]

this is from their website, just to settle it !! and yes Devon is Gods country! One of Devons greatest success stories started with the guys growing up on opposite sides of the River Exe, though Steve was born in Southampton and Phil hailed from Cornwall. Their teenage kicks were playing in different bands but eventually their paths crossed and they joined forces to play the Exeter pub and club scene before they inevitably took off in different directions

[@aritchie71]

Even though I am a Scottish Nationalist, I can and do happily accept the things that we have in common with our Southern cousins! It is infortunate that in this day and age we are branded as being racist or worse if we happen to voice any patriotic thoughts or feelings, I have many English Nationalist friends (not BNP which is a completely different thing altogether) and we can all manage to get along perfectly well! Thanks for the upload of this vid!

[@carolinus7566]

Well it's same boat. Same with Dixie and the American heartlanders or even ppl from w. Pennsylvania or NE California. There's differences and we are generally fine with that. The system wrecking Scotland is wrecking England likewise even if it's got an HQ in London.

[@minicooper298]

It’s a fucking song the fuck ye gotta bring politics into it no one care if you’re a nationalist or no fuck me but end of day entitled to own opinion just like when foot and mouth took most our border farms out and it was the English helping us Scottish farmers out but yet you won’t care about that ya dick

[@jmedway8536]

Love this song... seen them 3 times as well ... 16.1.2019 ... just chilling out now 5.23am ...

[@stevejenks9735]

saw them many years ago upstairs at the Red Lion in Kings Heath - excellent small venue, just an upstairs room small audience - saw Roy Harper there too about 35 years ago.

[@TqFinax]

Im from America and I think about britain all of the time. much of my heritage goes back their, and much of it can be very well respected their as well. now i conider myself british, just born in another country. Americans greatly respect britain and many know that their ancestors are from britain. So i think britain and the united states are united in that way. I would to fill bad if british culture was to be lost. Also i hope that many british would welcome Americans more that are bristish.

[@davidgilroy1214]

One of the few Scots fans, had a chance to talk to the lads in Glasgow. One of our best British bands ever! Just fantastic!

[@patsyw4141]

Just came across this band and really like them, particularly this song 'Country Life', will definately go and see them playing live.

[@nevillelaybourne5610]

Huge Show of Hands fan. Best ever. I love playing your CDs at home.Wrote some of the best songs ever.

[@sylkev]

Bloody brilliant - addicted to Show of Hands

[@emobeater16]

their songs arent about racism, but about Britain losing it's identity and how we need to know what we are. I think it's the most important message we could have right now

[@UltimateMoralizer]

I can’t get enough of this amazing song!

[@Alargh]

i'm from north Italy and some years ago we were near to lost our roots. But I live in a little village near Lake Garda and here we are proud of our roots: our language (Gallic Dialect), our football clubs (Milan, Brescia, Verona) and our wine... maybe we drink too much wine...

[@Cats719]

I think I've got a new favorite band!

[@wessexheathen]

I love this song.

[@CoalMiningTown]

Brilliant band.

[@jonathanharrison259]

I first this song and school and now I can't get out of my head

[@RandomObsessiveGirl]

I'm a country girl living in a big town. I go 2 stay wiv my dad every other weekend & he livs in a small welsh village. I think it's really gd 4 me 2 go & c the stars, find firewood, hang out @ a pub where i know the regulars & my dad works, & take a break. That's my country life, &, even if i liv near B'ham, i grew up in a rural town. I feel close 2 all of it, & i think that every teen should hav that. As Show of Hands sez "we need roots". Soz I'm goin on a bit shutting up now

[@MsElloyd]

Thanks to all the Americans - but this is about Devon. Yes, in England! And if you have ever grown up there you will totally understand this song. It is about how the Londoners have bought up all the little country cottages and outpriced the locals. And villages have literally died off in the winter. They are not banging on about anything deeper than that - which, by the way, I think is deep enough!

[@rothwellss]

a new listener of this group and must say they are good original lyrics anyone know any of there history as I would like to see them

[@bradleyboy101]

im 14 in to heavy metal music slipknot stone sour korn and stuff like that but my dad got me into show of hands and love them

[@levampire2012]

Was introduced to this band a few years ago.... The friend also did his own cover of this but show of hands are just another level.... Love it

[@ruthspiller9275]

It is the best. Thank you.

[@ajworky]

I heard this on the jeremy vine show radio 2, great song.. opened me up to this band that i didnt know before..

[@Λυγτψλεηυς]

Por fin encontré el eslabón perdido entre la música COUNTRY y la CELTA. Magníficos!!!! 🥰🥰😘🎸🎻

[@CoalMiningTown]

Yeah, English folk.

[@mjpoetry7287]

Devon born Devon bread strong in the arm thick in the head as my mother would say be proud of your dirt roots.

[@hopefulguitarist7532]

I think Steve was born in Southampton

[@jcjcaOw121]

I only heard of Show of hands when me and my parents went to a music festival and they were performing live there. I normally listen to Rap and RnB stuff so when i heard this song i was really shocked to think i liked it, im now addicted to it! Id hate to think what the people at school would do if they found out i like it though, lol. :] xx.

[@steveluckhurst2350]

So, hows it working out for you 12 years later? 😊

[@geoffwoade]

lyrically, one of my very favourite songs

[@beaunafyde]

reminds me of New Model Army. very cool band. really reminds me of my childhood. the wind machine on his hair is a bit unnecessary though lol

[@Yokita6669]

hey you 2 young ones :) dont fear what others think of you-i am the only one that listens to this in all of spain and before in vienna, but it makes me unique :) to my b day in my old pub in vienna, the bartender even played this for me

[@VictoriaVictor-iy7wm]

Great song 🎶

[@Svenkrone]

Another good folk song from the award winning duo! I must laugh, however. I was in England with some good friends from the University, and we went for a drive. They said "welcome to the countryside" and we couldn't believe it- the town (Lancaster) was only a few minutes away way- but this they said was the heart of the countryside- Small country! Its a really nice area, know as the "Trough of Bowland."

[@potatoehead54]

This song obviously means different things to different people. I personally think it means ' just remember who you all were and where you all came from so don't forget it' so don't forget that we were all country folk at one point or another

[@BeanMunster]

You can't beat seeing them live. Best thing to come out of Devon since clotted cream. I was caught in the Undertow... never got out.

[@Abshenonas]

That is exactly where I first learned of this song. A week ago tomorrow to be exact.

[@jackcrowleyetc]

SLAPTON CREW

[@sunsetvlogs5500]

Jack Crowley sitting in dorm room right now

[@tsukuyomji2207]

GANG SHIT

[@eddisstreet]

This reminds me of a, sadly, late mate, Nigel introduced me to this song and this band

[@CassyandCraig]

Yes, we were there too! It was a brilliant evening.

[@theviper1999uk]

Great song

[@nomadliam]

Lol the accordian player in this song is the lanlord next to the college i went to :P

[@SirCymro]

Aye Geography AS level - this song got me addicted to them as well, went to go see them live all because of a field trip, guess i should thank these guys for my grades haha

[@pdn-vd5om]

Tonight at St George's . Bristol 7.30 pm 5th May 2016 --

[@CassyandCraig]

On the radio this morning they were talking about the need for affordable housing in rural areas where in some places 40-60% of the homes are 'second homes', bought by people on high incomes, which prices out locals on lower incomes. Additionally the owners don't pay the (full? any?) council tax thereby reducing public income to support such areas. Made me think back to this song.

[@slayerthefreya]

Saw 'em at Ely last weekend! Woop!

[@mahogonywhisper]

the violinists wife is an amazing childrens author! and he himself is an amazing musician

[@rodster6campingprepper]

Great song, I also heard it on Radio 2 last week and tracked it down. The lyrics really do hit the nail on the head. I have no idea why everyone seems so inb love with cities and being in such a rat race.

[@heleddtheherb]

I just played this with cassy and craig and it was great!

[@lostgoneinthebin123]

@Emmie3303 I'm 16, went to the shrewsbury folk festival this weekend, and Show of Hands were my favourite. I have a love for music, history, and social standing and politics. While i agree with you, don't simply say 'young people'. At least say 'some young people' thank you. I also had the honour of a 'hello' and a nod from Steve Knightly while i was buying a full english breakfast there! Fantastic weekend.

[@jademammaone3746]

Love them!

[@davidmuir165]

Great song. Townies moveing to the crountry an wrecking are way of life

[@motoxxx174]

My pal lent me the Country Life cd - can't believe how good they are. The words to this song are so true. I live in rural North Yorkshire and see this happening all around us. Why has everyone under 30 suddenly become 'American' we have culture...the Americans have wealth and material things...but sadly that's what most of the young generation here aspire to.....so fucking sad!

[@nomadliam]

Awesome Love the accordian in it :P the person who plays it is the landlord of the pub next door to me ^^

[@donk1822]

This reminds me of early New Model Army, just the right balance between anger, indignity and hope.

[@SpikyMagpie]

Great song! Seems to be happening everywhere

[@davefinch2898]

spot on

[@annajackson3882]

awesome!

[@EnglishDemocratParty]

I agree it's a sham that the rest of the country do not wake up and see what is happening to this great land and it's people we are all being sold down the river as it was by those who suppose to be listening to the common people !! to all Englands country men and women stand up on St Georges day and be counted!!

[@barbarianberzerk]

I know! I went there too, it went all commercial and weird. The original founders broke off because they thought it was wrong and moved to a new location. Now you have The Trowbridge Festival (not sure if that how you spell it) and The village pump.

[@chitlika]

Although Wonderful This is a true and a VeryVery sad song

[@CasualThinker]

There aren't enough of these type of songs being written, no doubt. But keep in mind those working class folk who live in the country should count their blessings in some ways. Me and my family certainly don't have the money to "escape" the city on weekends and life here isn't easy at all. My Grandad was a master slaughterman and my dad a butcher who had to give up his trade and get a job as a baggage handler at the airport. London has become a ghetto and I only hope our people can be awaken.

[@Hadeslorster]

You siad so right!

[@CG31Travel]

Heard this is Geography as well!! Lyrically very true and a beautiful piece of music!

[@geoffreyendacott2390]

Absolutely brilliant - and they are coming to Chippenham on Thursday 12th April 2018. www.wegottickets.com/event/423358

[@FuriousBOIAngel]

I totally agree with you, I feel I have an affirmation with you, I'm Welsh/German and can trace my roots back 20 centuries. I' know where I'm from, luckily we still have still songs in Wales, mainly because of the rugby/drinking culture. And I don't see anything wrong with this, however our choirs r still suffering.

[@georgethe100]

This song is so true we are in a hidden ression and its a crime i do belive . I feel so sad abuot this im not a country boy but i live in it and i repect it.BUT THERES SOME THAT DON'T!!!

[@mahogonywhisper]

awesome song!

[@barbarianberzerk]

I totally agree with you on that, All of my mates just go "Turn it off its just crappy folk music, its gay" well I have been to The Village pump (where they played the most) and have seen them live quite a few times. Really like Show of hands!

[@danbrowncow]

Steve's my uncle, thanks for giving him a nice word, ha.

[@Surlish]

A very good point. I need to stop commenting on youtube videos when I should be asleep. :p

[@MStanleyRoss]

It isn't in the charts, because as I understand it, BBC banned this from the air! Heard this tune last night for the first time,being covered in a pub by a couple of great guys. Powerful stuff, being kept away from the masses!

[@CassyandCraig]

Hello! The Combined Steve Knightley songbook, available on the showofhands co uk website (online shop) contains many SoH songs (though not Country Life). We believe there's about to be a new one published - and it will probably be in that (though you could ask and I'm sure the team will let you know)! Best wishes, Cassy and Craig

[@dawnbreaks]

i totally agree!

[@MrJonny864]

found about this about 5 days ago :P thank you fieldtrip teachers ;)

[@Gnarr4]

This Song Sums Up Modern Country Life So Well! I'm Studying It For My Geography Exam, Its Really Helping! :D Aweome Song Too :)

[@mh605]

Great video--artistic. Liked the photos.

[@carollizc]

@darkmere365 Yes, there should. It's happening here in Canada too. Towns you couldn't get anyone out to on a Sunday drive 25 years ago are now buried beneath new subdivisions. Those who came out first and bought up the old "character" homes bemoan the lack of private schools, theatres, etc, but won't move back. What I want to know is, what are we going to eat, once all the farmland is covered with houses and shopping malls?

[@kentishsteve]

this is what great music is about a message a meaning not swagger jagger.

[@sophie-grace9143]

Very Knopflerish. From me that's a big compliment, by the way :-)

[@psychobartus]

im another show of hands song I heard this lyric: "In the faces, under the skin of those worked this land. You'll find the traces of all who've been, they lye so close to hand. And when you think that only 400 generation seperate us from the people that first set foot here about 1000 years ago this is quite a poignant line.

[@williamwills492]

Show of hands are wonderful. Steve's lyrics command attention in terms of social geography and poltitical attitude, that appear to fit into song by chance. Its brilliant to see everyone's comments and to read the educated political/social discussions that the song has provoked whether people agree with SOH or not! (much more refreshing than other videos where everyone has a predictable cat fight!) I use their songs in my geography classes as a basis for group discussion! My poor GCSE students!

[@Alargh]

This is good music!!

[@Madmedways]

just herd this song and it is f....king shit hot song going to get the cd ... ps good words in her like it ......

[@psychobartus]

Well said Labadar

[@MiseryLost]

I think this song is saying how 'country life' is sort of for sale and thus the real country folk like farmers get pushed out. Also, adepeever, farming is a huge business in britain. 10% of britain is built upon as cities and towns, about 10% is the mountains and the rest is farmland, both pasture and arable land. So farming is a huge business.

[@allterrainbuffalo]

I wonder if anyone else watched this in Somerset on a geography trip.

[@smudgealdrin1512]

I left my village in Kent aged 16 to join the army & learn to be a mechanic.. There were no oputunites to do that locally. The farms equipment was all leased with R&M.. nobody looked after their own shit any more . Automation killed the jobs ... The people I grew up with moved away.. I am now 52 & would love to return ... But I do not have 475k to buy the 2 up 2 down tiny labourers mid terrace I was born in & raised in.