Strongly interested and outspoken about green anarchism issues the band have built up a strong and devoted fanbase, despite being nearly universally ignored by mainstream critics. The band have been spokespeople for a number of issues including campaigning against the Criminal Justice Act (and its measures against rave parties) and various anti-capitalist and environmental issues. They continue to tour extensively around Britain and Europe but maintain a mutual dislike with the music press which stems from their early days.
England My Home
Levellers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then you made me pay
What is it worth
Cast me away
You've really done it now
Dying in my arms
You stand here with nothing
But you've still got english charm
Oh England, you're my home
My heart's heart
Crashing thunder of love
You're a place of the poor
Open wound
The lost rites of love
You cut your own throat
Then you let it bleed
Misleading your people
From what they all need
Roots forgotten
That's what we all say
But what does it matter
You're the USA
Why is it England
I feel like rubbish on your streets
Why is it when I care
If feel incomplete
Why does our future seem
Such a feat
When will our consciousness
Finally meet
Oh, whatever happened to
My green and pleasant land
The song "England My Home" by the Levellers is a powerful statement about the political and social state of England. The song starts with a personal reflection on growing up in England, expressing gratitude for being born in this country. However, it quickly takes a critical tone, as the Levellers question the price paid for being part of a nation that has lost its way. The verses of the song address issues such as poverty, inequality, the neglect of the country's roots, and the misleading leadership of the nation. The chorus is both an ode to, and a lament of, England. It declares England to be the Levellers' home, the place they cherish deeply in their hearts, but it also acknowledges its open wounds and the lost ideals of love and solidarity that once made this country great.
The Levellers express frustration with the state of the country in the verses of the lyrics. They criticize the leaders that have neglected the poor and ignored the needs of the people. The line, "Misleading your people from what they all need", hints at the corrupt practices of the government, the mismanagement of resources, and the dishonesty of those in power. The Levellers also reflect on the loss of the country's roots, suggesting that the country has lost touch with its identity and what it once stood for. They point to the USA as an example of what England might have become, suggesting that the country has lost its independence and become a vassal state of a larger power.
"England My Home" is a powerful protest song that resonates with many people who have shared similar experiences with the Levellers. It is an anthem of unity and solidarity for those who feel marginalized and rejected by their country. The song is a reminder that, despite its flaws, England has something worth fighting for, and that its history and values should not be forgotten.
Line by Line Meaning
You gave me my birth
England, you provided my birthplace
Then you made me pay
You burdened me with taxes
What is it worth
Is it all worth it?
Cast me away
Rejected me when I needed you.
You've really done it now
Your actions are unforgivable.
Dying in my arms
I see the demise of my country.
You stand here with nothing
You are now helpless.
But you've still got english charm
But you still hold onto the identity of England.
Oh England, you're my home
Despite everything, England is still where I feel rooted.
My heart's heart
It holds a special place in my heart.
Crashing thunder of love
I love it despite its flaws.
You're a place of the poor
A place where the poor and downtrodden reside.
Open wound
An issue that cannot be ignored.
The lost rites of love
Love has been forgotten in this land.
You cut your own throat
You brought about your own downfall.
Then you let it bleed
And let it worsen.
Misleading your people
Misinforming your own citizens.
From what they all need
On what they all require.
Roots forgotten
Our origins have been neglected.
That's what we all say
This is a common sentiment among the people.
But what does it matter
But does it even make a difference?
You're the USA
You're becoming more like the United States.
Why is it England
Why does it feel like England has failed me?
I feel like rubbish on your streets
I feel like I am a worthless object on England's streets.
Why is it when I care
Why is it that when I care, it still feels inadequate?
If feel incomplete
It brings a sense of emptiness and hollowness.
Why does our future seem
Why does the future of England look bleak?
Such a feat
It seems impossible.
When will our consciousness
When will we finally be aware of the problem at hand?
Finally meet
When will we take action to solve the issue?
Oh, whatever happened to
What has happened to
My green and pleasant land
The beautiful and serene country that once was.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Charles Kenton Heather, Jeremy James Cunningham, Jonathan Mark Sevink, Mark Chadwick, Simon Friend
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rita Ames
English with a celtic twang, love that. Shows that this island soul is in all of us when we are a United Kingdom. Let's never lose that. I write when inspired and this inspired me.
England my Soul - by Rita Ames
Green these blades of grass
O'er all the land
Beneath all feet
Right where we stand
Growing strong
Never cowed
Welcoming all
Yes Scots, Welsh, you're allowed
And yet beyond
We open arms
And all come in
To taste our charms
Never forget
Where we come from
Don't water down
British aplomb
For love is large
And hearts are strong
Live alongside
Live well and long
brieflycake
England has been going through a hard time for the last ten or twenty years, and we have seen a lot of out englishness destroyed ( or rather suppressed). But england is still the best country in the world. We are still the last beacon of decency and true freedom in the world. Yes we may be going through a hard period at the moment, but so do all countries. We will bounce back.
Small Adventures
Oh, how little we knew then.
Joseph Oxbury
I'm English & just watched this post from Australia, where i've come to possibly start a new future, but every time i look at the history of our land & no matter how much dark & light there were in them periods, I get this feeling inside. No matter how much i try & escape from the present period of struggle, I feel this massive draw back to this land, it has a very special magnetic affect.
Mr E
How’s life treating you? I feel what you are saying.s
Rowland Joseph
2020 and still absolutely loving the levellers
JonsTunes
England your my home! I'm proud to be and try hard in these difficult times to stand tall and look after what we have: This Green and Pleasent Land. My grandad said to fight for what YOU think is right. Preservation of standards, care & morals does not cost!
Pat Kelly
O but it does
booga315
"Oh, what happened to my green and pleasant land?" Fantastic song. English Morris man and proud!
Small Adventures
It's been destroyed.
pitt-E
I'm proud of England and where I come from just not how its ran