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Artist/Band: Waterboys
Lyrics for Song: Old England
Lyrics for Album: This Is The Sea [1985]



Old England :: Waterboys



man looks up on a yellow sky

and the rain turns to rust in his eye

rumours of his health are lies

old england is dying



his clothes are dirty shade of blue

and his ancient shoes worn through

he steals from me and he lies to you

old england is dying



still he sings an empires song

and he keeps his navy strong

and he sticks his flag where it ill belongs

old england is dying



you're asking what makes me sigh now

what it is makes me shudder so

well

I just FREEZE in the wind

and I'm numb from the pummeling of the snow

that falls from high in yellow skies

where the time stained of england flies

Where the homes are warm and the mothers sigh

where comedians laugh and babies cry

where criminals are televised politicians fraternize

journalists are dignified and everyone is civilised

and children stare with heroin eyes

Old England!



evening has fallen

the swans are singing

the last of Sundays bells is ringing

the wind in the trees is sighing

and old england is dying


Old England

Old England stands as a defining track on The Waterboys' 1985 album This Is The Sea, capturing the band's signature Big Music sound. Mike Scott's songwriting blends rock energy with folk storytelling, creating an expansive sonic landscape that became central to the group's identity during this era. The recording reflects the band's exploration of Irish and English traditions, weaving together electric instrumentation with lyrical themes of history and place. As part of a celebrated discography that includes works like A Pagan Place and Fisherman's Blues, this song exemplifies the group's ability to merge poetic narrative with powerful musical arrangements. It remains a key song in their catalogue, showcasing the atmospheric depth and emotional resonance that have influenced countless rock and folk musicians since the mid-1980s.


Album Lyrics: This Is The Sea [1985]


Waterboys
"This Is The Sea [1985]"


1. Be my enemy
2. Don't bang the drum
3. Medicine Bow
4. Old England
5. Pan Within
6. Spirit
7. The Whole Of The Moon
8. This Is The Sea
9. Trumpets