Flag Day

The Housemartins

About Flag Day

"Flag Day" is the debut single released by British indie rock band The Housemartins. Released in 1985, it peaked at #124 on the UK Singles Chart, and a re-recorded version of it appeared on the debut album London 0 Hull 4. "Flag Day" also appears on the compilations Now That's What I Call Quite Good, Soup and as a shorter live version on Live at the BBC. The song was also sampled and used heavily on the dance track "Change the World" by Dino Lenny.


#1

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

Too many Florence Nightingales
Not enough Robin Hoods
Too many halos not enough heroes
Coming up with the goods

So you though you'd like to change the world
Decided to stage a jumble sale
For the poor, for the poor

It's a waste of time if you know what they mean
Try shaking a box in front of the Queen
'Cause her purse is fat and bursting at the seams
It's a waste of time if you know what they mean

Too many hands in too many pockets
Not enough hands on hearts
Too many ready to call it a day
Before the day starts

So you thought you'd like to see them healed
Got blue Peter to stage an appeal
For the poor, for the poor

It's a waste of time if you know what they mean
Try shaking a box in front of the Queen
'Cause her purse is fat and bursting at the seams
It's a waste of time if you know what they mean

Flag Day, Flag Day, Flag Day

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Housemartins

The Housemartins were an English indie pop band that was active in the 1980s. Many of the Housemartins' lyrics were a mixture of Marxist politics and Christianity, reflecting singer Paul Heaton's beliefs at the time (the back cover of London 0 Hull 4 contained the message, "Take Jesus - Take Marx - Take Hope"). more »

0 fans

Written by: ANTHONY KEY, IAN PETER CULLIMORE, PAUL HEATON

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band History
"Flag Day" is a song by The Housemartins, an English indie rock band that was active from 1983 to 1988. They were known for their jangle pop sound and politically charged lyrics.
Song Release
The song was released in 1985 on their debut album, "London 0 Hull 4", and later issued as a single.
Chart Performance
"Flag Day" reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in December 1985, making it one of their biggest hits.
Song Meaning
The lyrics of "Flag Day" criticize those who express patriotism by flying the flag but do nothing to help solve the socio-economic problems the country faces.
Unique Sound
Despite its cheery and upbeat melody, "Flag Day" effectively portrays a serious and political message, a common trend in many songs by The Housemartins.
Band members' Success
After The Housemartins disbanded, several members went on to find success in other groups. Notably, bassist Norman Cook became world famous as a dance music producer and DJ under the name Fatboy Slim.
Popular Recognition
Many fans and critics consider "Flag Day" to be amongst The Housemartins' best work due to its catchy tune and thought-provoking lyrics.
Band's Signature Style
Similar to their other songs, "Flag Day" is characterized by the use of harmony singing, jingly guitar tunes, and use of politically-minded lyrics.
Cultural Impact
The song's strong social commentary made it a popular choice for political rallies and demonstrations during the 80s.
Music Video
The music video for "Flag Day" is a simple but effective visual representation of the song's theme, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of a giant Union Jack.

Discuss the Flag Day Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Flag Day Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7024164/The+Housemartins/Flag+Day>.

    Missing lyrics by The Housemartins?

    Know any other songs by The Housemartins? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Flag Day

    275.4K
    1,578     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What was David Bowie’s real surname?
    A Julian
    B Jones
    C Jermey
    D James

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Housemartins tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!