Billy Bragg
Billy Bragg
Stephen William "Billy" Braggis an English singer, songwriter and left-wing activist. His music blends elements of folk music, punk rock and protest songs, with lyrics that mostly span political or romantic themes. His music is heavily centered on bringing about change and getting the younger generation involved in activist causes...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionFolk Singer
Date of Birth20 December 1957
powerful dirty shining
It would shine a torch into the dirty little corner where the BNP defecate on our democracy, and that would be much more powerful than duffing them up in the street - which Im also in favour of.
army people news
If you thought the army was here protecting people like yourself, I've some news for you, we're here to defend wealth.
safety-pins pairs punk
Were it not for the Clash, punk would have been just a sneer, a safety pin and a pair of bondage trousers.
song war islands
I've had songs written during the Falklands war, and during the first Gulf war I got letters from soldiers saying they were listening to these songs, like Island of no return.
ideas guy come-up
I enjoyed so much working with the guys from Wilco, and riffing off of them, and having someone come up to me with ideas, because normally in the studio it's me who has to come up with all the ideas.
bread politics achieve
Peace, bread, work, and freedom is the best we can achieve.
rocks racism racist
I came into this whole business by going to see Rock Against Racism gigs with the Clash.
people mud wade
That's what I'm about -- getting engaged. Too many people don't wade in the mud with the politicians.
pride neighbor fountain
Our neighbors shake their heads And take their valuables inside While my countrymen piss in the fountains To express their national pride.
zero years different
By the time I was 19, punk had occurred. It had a completely different cultural dynamic to it which rejected everything and started again from the year zero.
determination character history
If there is a single trait in our character that has historically set us apart from other nations, it is our determination to limit the authority of those who rule over us.
use mixing usual
Mixing pop and politics he asks me what the use is / I offer him embarrassment and my usual excuses.
honesty writing personality
There are quite a few honest songwriters out there writing about relationships and their own personality traits. But for some reason, once they step out of the bedroom, their honesty doesn't seem to come with them.
downloads
You can experience a download, but you can't download an experience.