Henry's Songbook

Chorus:
Leave the factory, leave the forge
And dance to the new St George

The time has come for action
Leave your satisfaction
Can't you hear St. George's tune
St. George's tune is calling you home
Freedom was your mother
Fight for one another

Don't believe pretenders
Who say they would defend us
While they flash their teeth and wave
The other hand is being paid
They choke the air and bleed us
These noble men who lead us

The fish and fowl are ailing
The farmer's life is failing
Where are all your backroom boys
Your backroom boys won't save us now
We're poisoned by the greedy
Who plunder of the needy

(as sung by Martin Carthy and the Albion Country Band)

[1979:] [A] rare example of traditional influence in [Richard Thompson's] work (Woods, Revival 116)

[1988:] It is a good example of the increasing awareness that our basic roots of life are threatened, and it instinctively draws upon the right hero-image, the Saviour of Britain, descendant of Bran and Arthur, heir of Beli and of Archangel Michael. (Stewart, St. George ?)