"Never do what you are told'

Chumbawamba's "Never do what you are told" is a great example of an anarchist song.

This coat my royal gownA stolen hand-me-downNo need to scrape and bowWe can be heroes now
For more than just one dayAnd here's howLook both ways when crossing roadsDon't wear slippers 'til you're oldNever do what you are told

I believe that the band is trying to get across the message that people are born into a system of government and don't question it. The lyrics "look both ways when crossing roads" warns the listener to be wary and to not trust the government. The "stolen hand-me-down" referred to sounds like the so called "freedom" given by the government. The lyrics are short, but share a strong message of anarchy.


-Hannah Kelley