It's Grim Up North
The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu Lyrics


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Bolton, Barnsley, Nelson, Colne, Burnley, Bradford, Buxton, Crewe, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan, Leeds, Northwich, Nantwich, Knutsford, Hull, Sale, Salford, Southport, Leigh, Kirkby, Kearsley, Keighley, Maghull, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Oldham, Lancs, Grimsby, Glossop, Hebden Bridge.

Brighouse, Bootle, Featherstone, Speke, Runcorn, Rotherham, Rochdale, Barrow, Morecambe, Macclesfield, Lytham St. Annes, Clitheroe, Cleethorpes, the M62.

Pendlebury, Prestwich, Preston, York, Skipton, Scunthorpe, Scarborough-on-Sea, Chester, Chorley, Cheadle Hulme, Ormskirk, Accrington, Stanley, and Leigh, Ossett, Otley, Ilkley Moor, Sheffield, Manchester, Castleford, Skem, Doncaster, Dewsbury, Halifax, Bingley, Bramhall, are all in the North.




Overall Meaning

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu's song It's Grim Up North is a gritty and thought-provoking commentary on the bleak reality of life in the northern part of England. The song is essentially a list of towns and cities in the North, and it paints a picture of struggle, hardship, and tough living conditions. The list is long and exhaustive, and it includes both well-known and lesser-known places in the North. From Bolton to Oldham, from Hull to Glossop, the song is a reminder that life is tough up here.


The lyrics are purposely repetitive, driving home the message that life in the North is a constant struggle. The use of place names also serves to highlight the specific challenges faced by each community, from post-industrial decline to poverty and crime. Despite the bleakness of the song, there is also a sense of pride and resilience in the North, which is reflected in the chorus, "It's grim up North, but we don't care." Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the social and economic realities of life in the North, and it stands as a testament to the strength and perseverance of the people who live there.


Line by Line Meaning

Bolton, Barnsley, Nelson, Colne, Burnley, Bradford, Buxton, Crewe, Warrington, Widnes, Wigan, Leeds, Northwich, Nantwich, Knutsford, Hull, Sale, Salford, Southport, Leigh, Kirkby, Kearsley, Keighley, Maghull, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Oldham, Lancs, Grimsby, Glossop, Hebden Bridge.
All these cities and towns mentioned are located in the North of England.


Brighouse, Bootle, Featherstone, Speke, Runcorn, Rotherham, Rochdale, Barrow, Morecambe, Macclesfield, Lytham St. Annes, Clitheroe, Cleethorpes, the M62.
These are additional towns, cities and a motorway located in the North of England.


Pendlebury, Prestwich, Preston, York, Skipton, Scunthorpe, Scarborough-on-Sea, Chester, Chorley, Cheadle Hulme, Ormskirk, Accrington, Stanley, and Leigh, Ossett, Otley, Ilkley Moor, Sheffield, Manchester, Castleford, Skem, Doncaster, Dewsbury, Halifax, Bingley, Bramhall, are all in the North.
These are additional cities and towns located in the North of England, tying back to the overall theme of the song.




Contributed by Josiah Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@manuelaklotzing9054

I loved this song so much when it came out. It's ingenious just to name citys along a motorway and make a song out of it. I loved this band so much. They were my heros when I was 13 and I still think that they are magnificent! Hope Bill and Jimmy are gong to publish "The black room" one day. I'm still waiting!!!

@narc78

Lol, same here! We had definitely a good taste in music in our early teen years.

@JuanMartinez-kq1ms

My daughter´s name is Manola. I must say that you have a great taste in music 🖖🏻🇲🇽

@akf2000

is there an order in the towns they name then?

@nige3801

@Asif Khan no they random northern towns

@RIXRADvidz

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

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@OliHarris

Basically one of the greatest dance tracks ever recorded - Cauty is a tech-musical genius. The liner notes in the original release are beautiful as well. Long live The KLF 🔥🔥🔥

@bubcentral23

There was no liner in the 12"

@OliHarris

Sure I meant the sleevenotes further elaborated on The JAMs' inspiration: "Through the downpour and diesel roar, Rockman and Kingboy D can feel a regular dull thud. Whether this is the eternal echo of a Victorian steam driven revolution or the turbo kick of a distant Northern rave is irrelevant. Thus inspired, The JAMS climb into the back of their truck and work."

@tonyttt31

Imagine that their peers at this point we're The Prodigy and Altern-8.

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