Let’s Lock Ourselves Here For A While

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Robin Grey

I had the pleasure of singing for Frack Free Lancashire and Reclaim The Power on Friday as part of a Three Acres And A Cow show. During the show, I had an excuse to teach people a song I wrote for Newham Woodcraft Folk group last year called ‘Let’s Lock Ourselves Here For A While‘. Here are the lyrics and a recording I made of it so anyone who wants to learn it can:

D G
I’ve a hundred old bike locks and they won’t undo
A D
Any idea who I could give them to?
D G
It’s a nice sunny day in the countryside
A D
Lets lock ourselves here for a while

So sorry Mr Big Truck what is that you say
Something quite cross about us being in your way
The birds are enjoying the day from the trees
Lets lock ourselves here for a while

No we ain’t going nowhere, let’s climb up the trees
Someone must stick up for the birds and the bees
The poor have no lawyers, the trees have no rights
Lets lock ourselves here for a while

Mr blue badge and truncheon is also upset
Doesn’t seem that grace has quite got to him yet
Filmed by a smart phone as he beats up Dave
who locked himself here for a while

They arrested our Caroline it made the lead news
One day the greens will out number the blues
Well in the meantime we’ll do what we must
Lets lock ourselves here for a while

Chorus

Mr suit and tie construction has a seat in the Lords
Our tattered democracy just filed for divorce
One day the people will speak out as one
until then we’ll be locked here a while

Willesden Green Wassail 2017

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Robin Grey

I’ll be performing as part of the Willesden Green Wassail next Sunday.

The event is Rachel Rose Reid‘s wonderful modern urban spin on our ancient mid-winter tradition of blessing where our fruit comes.

Starting from the tube station at 2.30pm, we will walk around Willesden Green blessing the shop keepers with a hearty group sing and stop for guests including myself to do performances along the way… More info via https://www.facebook.com/events/182383505576711/

A few words on Kirsty

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Robin Grey

kirsty-maccoll Sixteen years ago today Kirsty MacColl died whilst saving her kids lives. One of my new year’s resolutions is to appreciate her greatness better by spending time with her music.

The first cassette I owned, (which came free after collecting tokens on a cereal packet) had her singing on one side and Michael Jackson on the other.

Here is a wonderful article about her – http://www.getintothis.co.uk/2016/12/kirsty-maccoll-top-10/

Here is me doing a cover of that song from my first cassette – http://music.robingrey.com/track/theres-a-guy-works-down-the-chip-shop-swears-hes-elvis

…and here is the original… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QccPUSTMriM

A little Walthstow concert to start 2017

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Robin Grey

I am going to ease myself musically into the new year with a gig in Walthamstow on Thursday 19th January at The Hornbeam, my local community centre. A place brimming with excellent people, tasty seasonal locally grown food, ale, cake and art.

The plan is to do an early set for young families and then a second one later for everyone else. I think Basia and Caitlin are free which means violin and accordion. If anyone could nudge Candy to see if she can come and sing, I’d be grateful!

5.30-6.30pm kids’ kitchen family food time
6.30-7.30pm music family friendly set
8.30-9.30pm music 2nd set for grown ups!