By the early '80s, bands like Sham 69, the Angelic Upstarts, and the Cockney Rejects had transformed the working-class punk sensibility into a Cockney-dominated subgenre dubbed Oi! As early progenitors of the scene, Cock Sparrer was in demand once again, especially after their song "Sunday Stripper" appeared on an Oi! compilation. They began gigging again and quickly landed a record deal, resulting in the 1982 hit single "England Belongs to Me," which struck a chord during the middle of the Falklands War. Cock Sparrer's official U.K. debut album, Shock Troops, was also released in 1982 and became a long-standing Oi! favorite. Guitarist Beaufoy left the band in 1983 and was replaced by the tandem of Chris Skepis (rhythm) and Shug O'Neill (lead). This lineup recorded the follow-up album, 1984's Runnin' Riot in '84, but Skepis and O'Neill both departed shortly thereafter. Beaufoy rejoined briefly for the Live & Loud album, released in 1987, but disagreements within the band and (again) with their record company precipitated another breakup.
In late 1992, Cock Sparrer was invited to play a reunion gig at the Astoria, near Charing Cross. The appearance of over 2,000 fans stunned the band into a full-fledged reunion, featuring the original quartet of McFaull, Beaufoy, Burgess, and Bruce, plus new rhythm guitarist Daryl Smith. In early 1994, Cock Sparrer released Guilty as Charged, their first album of all-new material in a decade. The odds-and-ends EP Run Away followed in 1995, featuring live and studio recordings; the proper follow-up to Guilty as Charged, Two Monkeys, was released in 1997, with rumors that it would be the band's last album featuring all new material. A spate of compilations and live recordings followed during the next few years, with the band continuing to tour extensively, hitting the U.S. in 2000.
Take 'Em All
Cock Sparrer Lyrics
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To gigs and back stage passes
Ex-boxing champs, West end clubs
Americans in dark glasses
Driving ten grand cars, they drink in hotel bars
They're even making money in bed
They wouldn't be no loss, they ain't worth a toss
It's about time they all dropped dead.
[Chorus]
Take 'em all, take 'em all
Put 'em up against a wall and shoot 'em
Short and tall, watch 'em fall
Come on boys take 'em all
Well tough shit boys, it ain't our fault
Your record didn't make it
We made you dance, you had your chance
But you didn't take it
Well, I gotta go make another deal
Sign another group for the company
I don't suppose we'll ever meet again
You'd better get back to the factory.
[Chorus]
[Repeat: x4]
Take 'em all, watch 'em fall
[Chorus]
The Cock Sparrer's song "Take 'Em All" speaks about the rise of a band from humble beginnings in East End pubs to obtaining back stage passes and gigs. The band members recount their experiences, which have brought them in contact with ex-boxing champions, Americans in dark glasses, and West End clubs. These references lend themselves to a sense of exclusivity and an unattainable glamour that accompanies success. The lyrics turn ominous when they disparage those who have a knack for making money without doing much work. Such individuals are described as being unworthy of life and allusions of being killed are made. The chorus encapsulates the sentiment of the song as it goes "Take 'em all, put 'em up against the wall and shoot 'em. Short and tall, watch 'em fall. Come on boys take 'em all."
The band is almost dismissive of those who can't make it big in the industry as they assert that it is not their fault. However, the band had made these people dance and provided them with a chance to succeed, but they had not taken it. The last verse is an indication that the band is parting ways with their record company and suggests that they may never see each other again. Towards the end, there is a repetition of the chorus as a sign-off.
Line by Line Meaning
We worked our way up from east end pubs
We started playing in small venues in the East End and gradually moved up to bigger gigs and eventually gained access to backstage areas.
To gigs and back stage passes
Our hard work and dedication paid off as we began playing bigger gigs and were granted backstage access.
Ex-boxing champs, West end clubs
We may have been former boxers, but that didn't stop us from performing in high-class West End clubs.
Americans in dark glasses
We encountered intimidating American music executives who wore sunglasses indoors.
Driving ten grand cars, they drink in hotel bars
These executives flaunted their wealth by driving expensive cars, and they liked to drink in fancy hotel bars.
They're even making money in bed
These corrupt executives are so greedy that they make money even while they sleep.
They wouldn't be no loss, they ain't worth a toss
These executives are worthless and would not be missed if they were gone.
It's about time they all dropped dead.
It is long overdue for these executives to meet their demise.
[Chorus]
The singer calls for a violent and drastic solution to the problem of corrupt music executives.
Well tough shit boys, it ain't our fault
It's not our fault that your music career didn't take off.
Your record didn't make it
Your musical performance didn't appeal to the masses.
We made you dance, you had your chance
We gave them an opportunity to succeed, but they failed to capitalize on it.
But you didn't take it
Their lack of success is due to their own shortcomings and inability to seize opportunities.
Well, I gotta go make another deal
The singer has moved on to new business deals and opportunities.
Sign another group for the company
The singer is focused on signing new talent to further the success of the company.
I don't suppose we'll ever meet again
The singer doesn't expect to run into these failed musicians again.
You'd better get back to the factory.
The singer suggests these failed musicians retreat back to their day jobs in factories.
[Chorus]
The singer repeats the violent call to action against corrupt music executives.
[Repeat: x4]
Take 'em all, watch 'em fall
The singer repeats the chorus, emphasizing the need to take action against corrupt music executives.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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