I was astonished to hear that the geniuses behind the Labour Conference had chosen to introduce Gordon Brown with the song "Sit Down" by James. If they'd actually read the lyrics, they might have realized what a massive failure of stagecraft this was:
Now I’m relieved to hear
That you’ve been to some far out places
It’s hard to carry on
When you feel all alone
Now I’ve swung back down again
It’s worse than it was before
If I hadn’t seen such riches
I could live with being poor
If that last couplet isn't all about the financial crisis, I don't know what is. And then there are the lines that seem to sum up the Cabinet, sitting alongside Gordon Brown:
Those who feel the breath of sadness
Sit down next to me
Those who find they’re touched by madness
Sit down next to me
Those who find themselves ridiculous
Sit down next to me
In love, in fear, in hate, in tears
In love, in fear, in hate, in tears
In love, in fear, in hate, in tears
In love, in fear, in hate.
The obvious Tory moles then proceeded to play Gordon off the stage with M People's Moving On Up. I mean, seriously?
You've done me wrong, your time is up.
You took a sip (just a sip) from the devils cup.
You broke my heart, there's no way back.
Move right outta here baby. Go on pack your bags.
Just who do you think you are?
Stop acting like some kinda star.
Just who do you think you are?
Take it like a man baby if that's what you are.
Which of course makes me think about other songs that might be appropriate for Gordon Brown. Let me start the ball rolling with two suggestions from the under-appreciated Britpop band The Bluetones. First up, Marblehead Johnson:
And now the pressure's on, the heat is rising.
The time has come to stop apologising.
'Cause when the skies go clear, the threat of rain is always here with you.
Then there's always Cut Some Rug:
Easy living in a bubble
And no complication or trouble
But its hard to have responsibility
And judging by you a personality
Other suggestions very welcome.
