Rags
Waterboys · A Pagan Place [1984]
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 a 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 empire song
still 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 pummelin of the snow
that falls from high in yellow skies
down on where the well loved flag of
England flies
where homes are warm and mothers sigh
where comedians laugh and babies cry
where criminals are televised politicians
fraternize
journalists are dignified and everyone is
civilized
and children stare with Heroin eyes
Old England!
evening has fallen
the swans are singing
the last of sunday's bells is ringing
the wind in the trees is sighing
and old England is dying
Rags - Waterboys
Released on the 1984 album A Pagan Place, 'Rags' stands as a defining track in the early catalogue of the Waterboys. The song captures the band's signature blend of folk-rock and psychedelic pop that characterized their debut era. With its driving rhythm and distinctive vocal delivery, the recording exemplifies the group's ability to weave traditional instrumentation with modern production techniques. As a key component of their initial body of work, 'Rags' helped establish the band's reputation for dynamic live performances and complex song structures. It remains a notable song in their discography, reflecting the musical landscape of the mid-1980s while showcasing the creative energy that would define their subsequent career.