Oliver Twist
Luke Haines Lyrics

With a calm and strategic no
I refuse to back down easily and will approach every situation carefully and deliberately.

I'm back and I'm solo
I have returned and am on my own.

This is the Oliver Twist manifesto
This song is an expression of the ideas and beliefs of Oliver Twist.

For the age I was born, for Victoriana
My worldview is influenced by the time period I was born in, that of the Victorian era.

This is Oliver Twist pissing over Britannia
This is a metaphorical statement of rebellion against the British establishment.

50 years of Tin Pan Alley
Refers to the period of the late 19th and early 20th century when popular music became a major industry in London.

I learned good from a king thief mentor
I learned valuable lessons from a mentor who was both a king and a thief.

200 years of teenage anarchy
Refers to the period of the late 18th and early 19th century when radicalism and rebellion against authority were prevalent among young people.

Papist threats and no popery
Reflects the anti-Catholic sentiment that was widespread in England during the Victorian era.

Revenge ???? the cold in Soho
Revenge is the motive behind the actions of those who are cold-blooded in Soho.

Totality for the kids
This manifesto is a complete ideology for young people.

There was this gang who I used to run with
I used to associate with a group of people who were involved in questionable activities.

Swindlers, knaves, urchins scum, spivs
Describes the types of people I used to associate with as untrustworthy, shady characters.

Looking good comes in handy
Having a good appearance can be useful when stealing from wealthy people.

When you're dipping from the pockets of a dandy
Refers to stealing money from a wealthy man who is overly concerned with fashion and style.

And there's murder in the air at the Connelli room
There is a sense of danger and violence present in the Connelli room.

And there's treason in the air at the Groucho
There is a sense of betrayal and disloyalty present at the Groucho club.

If there's a TV pop in the Soho house
If there is a popular celebrity present at the Soho house.

It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to tell you
It's obvious to anyone.

That it's Oliver Twist
I am the one causing trouble and causing a scene.

Doing it for the kids
My actions are aimed at benefiting young people.

Keep the boy on gruel
A reference to the poor living conditions experienced by children during the Victorian era.

There's a young British artist in the room
There is a promising new artist present in the room.

What if all of the village idiots
What if those who appear to be foolish and simple are actually the wisest?

And all the raspberry ripples
Refers to colorful and eccentric people.

Are just putting it on
What if their eccentric behavior is just an act?

And they're the brightest of all of the cripples?
What if those who society deems as disabled or weak are actually the most intelligent?

Oliver Twist I cartarista
I am Oliver Twist the card sharer.

Disappear into a pea souper
To vanish into a thick fog.

Swooping down like the Hun
To descend quickly and with force, like a military attack.

Over the gas-lit streets of London
Refers to the lighting system in London during the Victorian era.

Unto you my children I bestow this gift
I am passing on my legacy and ideas to young people.

It's a ballroom blitz
Describes a chaotic and frenzied situation that is out of control.

A cartarista
A reference to someone who cheats at cards.

Swooping down over Soho
To descend quickly and with force over the district of Soho in London.

It's the Oliver Twist manifesto
This song is a clear expression of the ideas and beliefs of Oliver Twist.

Oliver twist
Refers to the main character of the famous novel by Charles Dickens.