The Marriage - Billy Bragg

The Marriage - Billy Bragg

2:32

Talking with the Taxman About Poetry, 1986

Written by Billy Bragg

In this song, the narrator is trying to convince his girlfriend, and maybe himself, that he doesn't need to get married, that their relationship can stay as it is with no labels and legal commitments.  "How can it make that difference / If you and I are wearing / That bloody, bloody ring."  Near the end of the song, however, the narrator may be reconsidering his position.  Perhaps "marriage is when we admit / Our parents were probably right."  Unlike Bragg's very early works which feature his brash, heavily accented vocal and his electric guitar, here a trumpet and flugelhorn give the song a fuller and more serious, dare we say respectable, edge.

Wishing the Days Away - Billy Bragg

Wishing the Days Away - Billy Bragg

2:30

Talking With the Taxman About Poetry, 1986

Written by Billy Bragg

In this song, the socialist songbird paints a scenario in which the narrator pines for an unnamed "you," presumably a lost love.  Each day, he wishes it was the day after ("On Monday I wished it was Tuesday night / So I could wish for the weekend to come"), apparently so he can see her.  But it's not clear; she's also sending letters, which he finds wanting in some way.  And this being Bragg, the narrator also has politics on his mind: Lenin Shipyards is busy, but it seems as though he isn't.  He should put on his stinking working clothes, but for some reason, he's hanging fire in the Hammersmith Hotel.  I don't think that's a literal hotel; see Elvis Costello's "Fish 'n' Chip Paper" reference: "If you've got something to hide, if you've got something to sell / If you've got somebody's bride she might kiss and tell / Or wind up with a fight fan in the Hammersmith Hotel."  Google is of no help here.

Life With the Lions - Billy Bragg

Life With the Lions - Billy Bragg

3:06

Workers Playtime, 1988

Written by Billy Bragg

A breakup song, or at least, a "we're about to break up" song.  The narrator "hates the arsehole" he is when he's with the girl.  He suspects something.  His friends ask why he's mad all the time.  Well, she might have been going out around his back. Is she the predator, the lion of the title?  "The chase is always better than the kill."  Musically this is a nod to country and western, complete with piano and harmonica.