Happy Birthday Revolution
Levellers · Hello Pig [2000]
Through the city's broken heart
Is this the devil's own back yard
It was fourty years ago
That the gangster he fell
To a rag bag of men
The world remembers well
Happy Birthday Revolution
I'm standing here
Watching the world
Fall apart
Our leader he was young
Galant and divine
It was the age of blood and romance
They shot him in Bolivia
No tear did we cry
For how many men
Can chose the way that they die
Happy Birthday Revolution
I'm standing here
Watching the world
Fall apart
We paint him on buildings
With sadness in our eyes
If we suffer hungry days
We call it sacrifice
Some say his dream is full of holes
We have dignity and pride
We have independence
Or is it just a yankee lie
Happy Birthday Revolution
I'm standing here
Watching the world
Fall apart
Happy Birthday Revolution
Levellers' 'Happy Birthday Revolution' stands as a defining track from their 2000 album 'Hello Pig,' encapsulating the band's signature blend of punk energy and melodic sensibility. Released during a pivotal era for the group, the recording showcases their ability to fuse aggressive rhythms with anthemic choruses that resonate with themes of social change and collective action. The song exemplifies Levellers' commitment to creating music that is both politically charged and musically accessible, serving as a staple in their discography that reflects their influence on the modern punk revival scene. Its enduring appeal lies in its direct emotional impact and its role as a rallying cry within their broader body of work.