The history and politics of the English protest song

1994

Twyford Down

Tune: Original
Lyrics: Galliano
Composer: Galliano

In 1992, the completion of the London–Southampton M3 motorway cut through Twyford Down, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Local protestors, national conservation groups and eco-protestors engaged in a long stand-off which ended brutally. Including sounds from the protest and describing the Down as the ‘legendary resting-place of King Arthur’, this song mourns a loss to Englishness, and urges action against the ‘market forces burning through the hills’.

Cause: Environmentalist
Theme: Environment | Impact of Change
Addressed to: Activists | The Oppressed/targeted
Target of Protest: Industry | Elected Representatives
Proposal/Solution: Social Harmony