The opener to Portishead’s eponymous second album, ‘Cowboys’ is a bitter attack on the British Conservative governments of Margaret Thatcher and her successor John Major. Thatcher, in particular remains a controversial figure in the history of British politics for her suppression of the trade unions...
[Verse 1]
Did you sweep us far from your feet?
Reset in stone this stark belief?
Salted eyes and a sordid dye
Too many years
[Chorus]
But don't despair
This day will be their damnedest day
Oh, if you take these things from me
[Verse 2]
Did you feed us tales of deceit?
Conceal the tongues who need to speak?
Subtle lies and a soiled coin
The truth is sold, the deal is done
[Chorus]
But don't despair
This day will be their damnedest day
Oh, if you take these things from me
[Bridge]
Undefied, no signs of regret
Your swollen pride assumes respect
Talons fly as a last disguise
But no return, the time has come
[Chorus]
So don't despair
This day will be their damnedest day
Oh, if you take these things from me
[Outro]
Oh, if you take these things from me
Cowboys was written by Geoff Barrow & Beth Gibbons.
Cowboys was produced by Geoff Barrow & Adrian Utley & Beth Gibbons.
Portishead released Cowboys on Mon Sep 29 1997.