The history and politics of the English protest song

1932

The Manchester Rambler

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Ewan MacColl

Although Ewan MacColl was Scottish by birth, he was a key figure in the revival of the English folk scene. Of his 300+ songs, ‘The Manchester Rambler’ is one of the best known. It celebrates the freedom of the walker and decries those who deny rights of access. The song refers to Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District and the site of a mass trespass in 1932.

Cause: Environmentalist | Socialist
Theme: Rights | Environment | Freedoms
Addressed to: General Public
Target of Protest: Aristocracy
Proposal/Solution: Civil Disobedience