Gang of Four – Capital (It Fails Us Now) – a pertinent song

This song was released in 1981 on the album Solid Gold. They were a great band with a great sound. The lyrics are superb. Nick Harper used to feature this in his set. It is highly pertinent today with the level of inequality causing such disillusionment with capitalism.

While the poor, the disabled and the public servants suffer austerity the rich have doubled their income. All in it together? No. The world runs for the benefit of a small elite. The greed and selfishness is causing mass destruction, poverty and war.

Something needs to change.

Capital (It Fails Us Now)

The moment I was born
I opened my eyes
I reached out
For my credit card
Oh no, I left it in my other suit!

Capital, it fails us now
Comrade let us seize the time
(I left it in my other suit!)

On the first day of my life
I opened my eyes
Guess where?
With superstars
Surrounded by luxury goods

I need a freezer,
I need a hi-fi

No credit, no goods
Call my bank, I say
They say “we’re bankrupt”

Capital, it fails us now
Come out, let us seize the time
Capital, it fails us now
Comrades, let us seize the time

Capital it fails us now
(I reached out, for my credit card)
Oh no! I left it in my other suit!

One day old and I’m living on credit
One day old and I’m living on credit
(I’m selling credit, just)
One day old and I’m living on credit

(<Unintelligle> At a superstore)

One day old and I’m living on credit

One day old and I’m living on credit