As Soon As This Pub Closes
Its almost 20 years since Alex Glasgow, probably most commonly associated with When The Boat Comes In died, but a song he wrote for the Alan Plater play Close the Coalhouse Door seems relevant today.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Glasgow
Despite being an inveterate pub goer I’m in favour of the Government’s decision to close pubs to try and restrict the spread of COVID-19. Particularly now that the Chancellor has at last had to announce measures to help people who might well have lost their income as a result (more is still required btw). Also because Tim Martin of Wetherspoons seemed, today, very keen to keep them open being a fan of the ‘herd immunity’ approach to the virus.
Even so Alex Glasgow’s message (last line aside) still seems relevant
As Soon As This Pub Closes
I could have done it yesterday if I hadn’t a cold,
But since I’ve put this pint away I’ve never felt so bold.
So as soon as this pub closes, as soon as this pub closes,
As soon as this pub closes, the revolution starts
I’ll shoot the aristocracy and confiscate their brass,
Create a fine democracy that’s truly working class.
As soon as this pub closes, as soon as this pub closes,
As soon as this pub closes, I’ll raise the banner high
I’ll fight the nasty racialists and scrap the colour bar,
And all fascist dictatorships and every commissar.
As soon as this pub closes, as soon as this pub closes,
As soon as this pub closes, I’ll man the barricades
So raise your glasses, everyone, for everything is planned,
And each and every mother’s son will see the Promised Land.
As soon as this pub closes, as soon as this pub closes,
As soon as this pub closes … I think I’m going to be sick
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