Albion
Babyshambles Lyrics

Down in Albion
The setting of the song, Albion, is a place where life can be painful.

They're black and blue
The residents of Albion are bruised and battered.

But we don't talk about that
The struggles of life in Albion are ignored because the people don't open up.

Are you from 'round here?
The artist is asking a newcomer if they are from Albion.

How do you do?
The artist is greeted the newcomer to Albion.

I'd like to talk about that
The singer is interested in discussing the newcomer's background.

Talk over
The singer suggests talking over their shared experiences.

Gin in teacups
An example of how life in Albion is strange and unusual.

And leaves on the lawn
A visual image to show how life in Albion is laidback and casual.

Violence in bus stops
A common occurrence in Albion.

And the pale thin girl with eyes forlorn
A particular resident of Albion who appears to be struggling.

More gin in teacups
Another example of how life in Albion is strange and unusual.

Violence in dole queues
A common scene in Albion that further illustrates the struggling state of the residents.

And the pale thin girl behind the checkout
Another resident of Albion who appears to be in a tough spot.

If you're looking for a cheap sort
If the listener is looking for something easy or cheap.

Set in false anticipation
With unrealistic expectations.

I'll be waiting in the photo booth
The artist is offering to meet up with the listener in a certain location.

At the underground station
The specific location where the singer is waiting to meet up.

So come away, won't you come away
The singer is inviting the listener to leave with them.

We could go to
A list of possible destinations for the listener and speaker to go together.

Deptford, Catford, Watford, Digberth, Mansfield
The list of possible destinations for the listener and speaker.

Ohh, anywhere in Albion
The artist is emphasizing the flexibility of where they could go.

Yellowing classics
Old, classic books.

And canons at dawn
A visual image to show old, historic weaponry.

Coffee wallahs and pith helmets
A visual representation of colonialism and imperialism.

And an English song
An expression of English culture amidst the other imagery.

Mm, Reebok classics
Classic sneakers.

And canons at dawn
A repetition of the old, historic weaponry image earlier in the song.

Terrible warlords, good Warlords
The situation of Albion may have both good and bad leaders.

And an English song
English culture is still relevant amidst the other imagery.

Ohh, if you're looking for a cheap sort
A repetition of a line from earlier in the song.

All glint with perspiration
Shiny with sweat.

There's a four-mile queue
Lines are common and long in Albion.

Outside the disused power station
The specific location of the queue mentioned earlier.

Now come away, oh say you'll come away
A repetition of a line from earlier in the song, insisting the listener agrees to leave with the singer.

We'll go to
Another list of possible destinations for the listener and speaker.

Satsworth, Senford, Weovil, Woomoyle, New Castle
A continuation of the list of possible destinations.

If you are looking for a cheap tart
If the listener is still looking for something cheap or easy.

Don't glint with perspiration
The singer is warning against looking too eager or desperate.

There's a five-mile queue
Another line in Albion.

Now come away (away), won't you come away
A repetition of an earlier line, insisting the listener joins the artist in leaving Albion.

We'll go to, Bedtown, Oldham, Nunthorpe, Rowlam, Bristol
The last list of possible destinations for the singer and listener to visit.

Anywhere in Albion
The song ends as it began - emphasizing the flexibility of where they can go.

Anywhere in Albion
A repetition of the previous line to bookend the song.

Anywhere in Albion
Another repetition of the previous line, further emphasizing the possibilities of where they could go.

Anywhere in Albion
The final repetition of the line in the song.