THE PRICE OF OIL

To commemorate the 5th anniversary of the shameful war currently waging in Iraq (you know, that nice make work project so the folks at Halliburton can makes billions in profit), I thought I would post a great little diddy from folk singer/activist Billy Bragg called the "Price Of Oil". This clip is from a performance over five years ago at a rally and it is just as relevant today as it was back in 2002.



Voices on the radio
tell us that we’re going to war
those brave men and women in uniform
they want to know what they’re fighting for.

The generals want to hear the end game
the allies won’t approve the plan
but the oil men in the white house
they just don’t give a damn.

It’s all about the price of oil
it’s all about the price of oil
don’t give me no shit
about blood, sweat, tears and toil
it’s all about the price of oil

Now I ain’t no fan of Saddam Hussein
oh, please don’t get me wrong
if it’s freeing the Iraqi people you’re after
then why have we waited so long.

Why didn’t we sort this out last time
was he less evil than he is now
the stock market holds the answer
to why him, why here, why now.

Saddam killed his own people
just like general Pinochet
and once upon a time both these evil men
were supported by the U.S.A.

And whisper it, even Bin Laden
once drank from America’s cup
just like that election down in Florida
this shit doesn’t all add up.

It’s all about the price of oil
‘cause it’s all about the price of oil
don’t give me no shit
about blood, sweat, tears and toil
it’s all about the price of oil.

Music and lyrics by Billy Bragg, 2002.
Produced by Billy Bragg and Simon Edwards

I dedicate this to my favourite American librarian and activist Liberality (please check out her post 5 Years Too Long)

Also, you can get a free download of this song on Billy Bragg's site. I am also happy to send a copy to anyone interested - just send me your e-mail and I'll set you up. Pass it around to everyone you know and get people talking!