World turned upside down
E ~ ~
E
B7
1. In sixteen forty-nine to St George's Hill
A E
a ragged band they called the
Diggers came to show the peoples' will.
E B7
They defied the landlords, they
defied the laws,
A B7 E
they were the dispossessed, reclaiming
what was theirs.
E B7
2. "We come in peace", they said, “to dig and sow.
A
“We come to work the lands in
common and
E
to make the wastegrounds grow.
E B7
This earth divided, we will
make whole,
A B7 E
so it will be a common
treasury for all.
E B7
3. The sin of property, we do disdain,
A E
no man has any right to buy
and sell the earth for private gain.
E B7
By theft and murder they took
the land,
A B7 E
now everywhere the walls
spring up at their command.
E B7
4. They make the laws to chain us well,
A E
the clergy dazzle us with
heaven or they damn us into hell.
E B7
We will not worship the god
they serve,
A B7 E
the god of greed who feeds the
rich while poor man starve.
E B7
5. We work, we eat together, we need no swords,
A E
we will not bow to the masters,
or pay rent to the lords.
E B7
We are free men, though we are
poor,
A B7 E
you Diggers, all stand up for
glory, stand up now.”
+ E - G
(4x) + E ~ ~
E B7
6. From the men of property the orders came,
A E
they sent the hired men and
troopers to wipe out the Diggers' claim.
E B7
Tear down their cottages,
destroy their corn,
A B7 E
they were dispersed, but still
the vision lingers on.
E B7
7. You poor, take courage, you rich take care,
A E
this earth was made a common
treasury for everyone to share.
E B7
All things in common, all
people one,
A B7 E
we come in peace, the orders
came to cut them down.
(Billy Bragg)