The history and politics of the English protest song

1984

It Says Here

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Billy Bragg
Composer: Billy Bragg

Surprisingly few songs have been directed at the power of the media. ‘It Says Here’ was written when the country was divided by the politics of Thatcherism, which was supported by most newspapers. Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg opts for reason, rather than outright anger, in complaining at press bias. Documenting the press’s sexism, its obsession with celebrity trivia and its political prejudices, he concludes: ‘just remember, there are two sides to every story’.

Cause: Equal Rights
Theme: Media
Addressed to: General Public
Target of Protest: Industry
Proposal/Solution: Education | Toleration