The English Scheme
Fall · Other Songs - Fall
Come see, come hear, the English Scheme.
The lower-class, want brass, bad chests, scrounge fags.
The clever ones tend to emigrate
Like your psychotic big brother, who left home
For jobs in Holland, Munich, Rome
He's thick but he struck it rich, switch
The commune crap, camp bop, middle-class, flip-flop
Guess that's why they end up in bands
He's the green piece in us all
He's the creep-creep in us all
Condescends to black men
Very nice to them
They talk of Chile while driving through Haslingdon
You got sixty hour weeks, and stone stone toilet back-gardens
Peter Cook's jokes, bad dope, check shirts, lousy groups
Point their fingers at America
Down pokey quaint streets in Cambridge
Cycles our distant spastic heritage
Its a gay red, roundhead, army career, grim head
If we was smart we'd emigrate
The English Scheme
The English Scheme stands as a compelling song in the Fall's expansive and idiosyncratic catalogue. Mark E. Smith's band has long been celebrated for their relentless experimentation, blending post-punk energy with a distinctively British sensibility. This recording captures the group's signature ability to transform everyday observations into something strange and compelling. The track reflects the band's enduring commitment to challenging listeners with unconventional rhythms and Smith's characteristic vocal delivery. As part of their broader body of work, the song exemplifies the Fall's unique approach to songwriting, where structure often yields to atmosphere. It remains a testament to their influence on the indie and alternative rock scenes, showcasing a sound that is both timeless and distinctly their own.