An old standard from many a rally, a journey to my political roots in praise of civil disobedience...the late, great comrade Betty Tebbs once told me this was her favourite poem.

 

Rebellion

 

You can keep your Magna Carta -

give me Peasants' Revolt!

From the Peoples' Charter

to the fight for women's votes,

From the Dorset martyrs

in the days of old -

Things get better

when we don't do what we're told.

 

From free education

and sharing out the wealth

To old age pensions

and the National Health,

Things worth building

rulers want to take away,

But we shall turn the tables

on the rousing, rebel day.

 

In the struggle for survival

and redemption for the poor

We may suffer many losses

but shall even up the score,

Show the blasted bosses

that we won't be bought or sold,

Things get better

when we don't do what we're told.

 

So solidly together,

be proud and brave and bold,

Things get better

when we don't do what we're told,

We can seize the hour

when we don't do what we're told,

Victory is ours

when we don't do what we're told!