She records for two of Robb Johnson's labels, "Unlabelled" and "Irregular" Records.
She tours extensively within Wales and southern England, often doing benefit shows for causes such as Oxfam, Unions, and prisoners support groups. She has performed with David Rovics and Chumbawamba.
Her two CDs are If the Moon Could Talk and Picture Postcards, which was released in November, 2006.
Fair Play
Tracey Curtis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Want to keep sleeping my muscles ache
Got to keep going 'til I break
Twelve hours a day six days a week
I know I'm getting faster I won't give in
Pushing myself harder I've got to win
This battle I have to keep going
Twelve hours a day six days
With no time to play
I'm working my life away
Play fair Fair play
Isn't that what you all say
I don't want applause
Just fair pay for
Twelve hours a day six days a week
There are millions of people just like me
Who work for next to nothing and long to see
A little bit of daylight to just be free
From twelve hours a day six days a week
Twelve hours a day six days
With no time to play
I'm working my life away
Play fair Fair play
Isn't that what you all say
I don't want applause
Just fair pay for
Twelve hours a day six days a week
Twelve hours a day six days
With no time to play
I'm working my life away
Play fair Fair play
Isn't that what you all say
I don't want applause
Just fair pay for
Twelve hours a day six days a week
Twelve hours a day six days a week
"Fair Play" by Tracey Curtis is a powerful protest song that addresses the issue of unfair wages and overworking in many industries. The lyrics narrate the story of a person who wakes up at 5 am, intending to sleep more, but their aching muscles compel them to get up and face the day. They have to work for 12 hours a day, six days a week, with no time to spare for leisure activities. Despite the challenges, the singer is determined to work harder and win the battle.
The lyrics convey the message of how people in the workforce are working long hours for minimal pay, and it feels like they are working their lives away. Although the song is not limited to a specific sector of work, the lyrics hint at manual labor, such as factories or construction, where the listener can imagine the physical strain and monotony of the job. The chorus "Twelve hours a day six days with no time to play" repeats three times, emphasizing the intensity and unfairness of the situation.
The song's message is a call for fairness and justice, urging employers to treat their workers with respect and pay them accordingly. The lyrics reinforce the importance of "fair play" and equitable treatment, something that is often ignored in a capitalist society. The lyrics, "I don't want applause, just fair pay," show that the singer is not looking for any special treatment or recognition; they just want to be paid fairly for their hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
I get up at five in the morning and wash my face
I wake up early and begin my day with a simple morning routine.
Want to keep sleeping my muscles ache
Though my body is tired and sore, I must continue to work.
Got to keep going 'til I break
I have no choice but to work until I collapse, in order to provide for myself and my family.
Twelve hours a day six days a week
I work extremely long hours nearly every day of the week with hardly any breaks or free time.
I know I'm getting faster I won't give in
Despite the grueling nature of my work, I am determined to keep improving and getting better at it.
Pushing myself harder I've got to win
I am driven to succeed and will do whatever it takes to make ends meet.
This battle I have to keep going
I am fighting to survive and can't afford to give up or slow down.
With no time to play
My work takes up nearly all of my time and energy, leaving no room for leisure activities.
I'm working my life away
My job consumes my entire existence and prevents me from living a full and fulfilling life.
Play fair Fair play
I demand that my employer treats me with the fairness and respect that I deserve.
Isn't that what you all say
People frequently espouse the value of fairness and justice, yet it often seems to be absent in practice.
I don't want applause
I am not seeking recognition or praise for my hard work; I just want to be compensated fairly for it.
Just fair pay for
All I am asking for is to be paid a reasonable wage for the long hours and difficult work that I do.
There are millions of people just like me
I am not alone in my struggle; countless others are also working tirelessly to make ends meet.
Who work for next to nothing and long to see
Many of us are underpaid and undervalued, and we yearn for better treatment and compensation.
A little bit of daylight to just be free
We hope to one day have the freedom and flexibility to enjoy our lives outside of work.
Contributed by Ryan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@willowcarrow1925
I love Tracey curtis
@koshus
More people need to listen (and I do mean really listen) to this song. Well done.
@martybee6701
Tracey Curtis is an emotional and intellectual genius. Fact. I am in love with her. I think she knows it too. Not that it matters, what DOES matter is why she is not much BIGGER than she actually is ? This is the last genuine protest songstress we have in UK. Serious shit. Marvellously reminiscent of early Elvis Costello & Siouxsie Sioux. But better than either. Seriously, if I ever win the lottery I'm gonna turn up on her doorstep (wherever that may be) and announce myself as her manager. She should be as big as Bowie by now.