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They're Taking It Away

from Shore Leave by The Roaring Forties

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lyrics

(Chorus)
Oh, they're taking it away, they're taking it away
They are taking all the good things, you can hear the people say
And they'll take it all tomorrow if they don't take it today
From the poor and sick and helpless they are taking it away

Oh, our government's elected in a democratic way
A-whining at the cost of all the things they have to pay
And the bully-boys in Canberra, you can hear the bastards say
To hell with paying taxes, pull the safety-net away

If you're down upon your luck and need to keep the wolf at bay
Just don't rely on welfare or the dole to pay your way
For the rich, they have decided not another cent to pay
You can whistle for your supper, for they've taken it away

If you're battered by your husband and you need a place to stay
You'd best get down upon your knees and quickly learn to pray
For the Women's Centre's phone was disconnected yesterday
And there's no-one left to talk to, now they've taken it away

If it's ever your misfortune in a hospital to stay
You'd best not be impatient for a bed on which to lay
For your health ain't worth the taxes that the wealthy have to pay
And the beds were too expensive, so they've taken them away

So if you've health and wealth and wisdom, stop and spare a thought today:
For those who don't, and those who can't, there is no other way
Or we might as well give up the ghost and join the USA
For there won't be any difference when they take it all away

credits

from Shore Leave, released July 1, 1997
Words & Music: Ian Robb

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Forty Degrees South Sydney, Australia

A Sydney folk group known from 1988 for their powerful impact when singing unaccompanied traditional songs.

Strong individual singers, the interplay of their combined voices makes for a distinctive sound.

Sea shanties and other songs of maritime and industrial history and union songs feature large in their repertoire, songs with a robust quality that tell of real people, their lives and work. ... more

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