I Was Born
I was born at Half Past 12, almost One in the morning;
I was born at Half Past One, almost Two in the morning.
Now my birthday comes again and I don't know how old I am;
Half past One or Two or Three, almost 4 in the morning.
I was born at Half Past Four, almost 5 in the morning;
I was born at Half Past Six, almost 7 in the morning;
How old am I, you ask of me? One year younger than I used to be;
Half Past 7, Half Past 8, Half Past Nine in the morning.
I was born at Half Past Nine, almost Ten in the morning;
I was born at 1/2 past Ten, almost 'Leven in the morning;
Today my age is Tweedle and 'twee I'm prettier than I used to be;
Half Past 'Leven, Half Past 'Leven, almost 12 in the morning.
WORDS: Woody Guthrie (1950) - MUSIC: Billy Bragg (1996)
BILLY BRAGG: acoustic guitar
NATALIE MERCHANT: vocal
The Whole World
Just watch and youll flaunt it
You stare at the ceiling
And ignore what im feeling
Well thats fine hey no i dont mind
I cant find nothing wrong with it
And you say in your polite way
Oh... by the way... could you get on with it?
Now that ive seen... not really diggin this!
Did i ask for your input?
Hows the taste of your own foot?
To speak and not be right
Youd like to just rewrite
My life and take what you like
And decide with all of it
And to know that if it goes right
Youll never find out if i wanted it