We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

The Golden Highway

from 12 For 12 by Grand Union Orchestra

/

about

An entrepreneur and his critic offer sharply contrasting views on globalisation.

lyrics

Now the dust of centuries blows away
The road lies open
From Istanbul to Xin Tai Pei the road is mine
Mine the business, mine the deals
Mine the buildings, mine the wheels
Driving onwards down the open road

The open road is in my sights
The land is ready
But due respect to local rights
The land is theirs
Theirs the labour, theirs the loans
Theirs the life in shanty towns
Along the never-ending open road

And when the highway’s open, what the hell
American Express into the Sheraton Hotel
Move on before the natives can rebel
It’s a golden highway

To pass through Customs choose your passport well
Then flout the customs
Waive the rules and dig that oil well
Draw up the oil, draw up the deal with Shell
It’s a golden highway

If he were the new messiah
He would save himself alone
He who prophesies a profit
Takes it all and leaves us none

If he were the new mahomet
He would see to number one
He who hires and fires bosses
Takes it all and leaves us none

If he were the new deliverer
He would bless us with a gun
He who builds and burns and bargains
Takes it all and leaves us none

But when the highway’s open, what the hell
Cos you can kiss your income shortfall rapidly farewell
The pound is strong, the dollar long
So who’s got land to sell?
It’s a golden highway

The eastward road was never less revered
Instead, we have a climate that is geared
To him whose credit can defray
Expenses on the road to Mandalay

And when the highway’s open, ring the bell
McDonald’s at the roadside, baby, wouldn‘t that be swell
And swell the lands with brand new brands
Of you know what the hell

And you know how the hell you do
For you know how it’s easy to
Turn your acute deaf ear
To wars that plague Kashmir
While he whose laptop is at hand
Can email straight from Samarqand

They’ll pour along the highway, I can tell
The shoes of Nike, the Honda bike
The Yves St Laurent smell
Here Pizzaland, there Disneyland
And Nestle’s milk shall dwell
With Chevrolet and Perrier
Let’s pile ‘em on pell mell

And you know how the hell you play
With lives of those whom you betray
With promises so sweet
With your finger on delete
Computer-trading ship to shore
You’re wider spread than Singapore

They'll pour along the highway, I can tell
And you know how the hell you play
The shoes of Nike, the Honda bike
The Yves Saint Laurent smell
With lives of those whom you betray
With promises so sweet
Here Pizzaland, there Disneyland
And Sky TV shall dwell
Won't life be such a treat
With Tesco stores and Starbucks bars
Whatever we can sell
Armani labels, Gucci too
You'll wear them all in Kathmandu

It’s a golden highway
And you know how the hell you play
It’s a golden highway
With lives of those whom you betray
It’s a golden highway
With promises so sweet
They’ll pour along the highway, I can tell
With your finger on delete
That means a crisis in the Philippines
It’s a golden highway
It’s a golden highway

credits

from 12 For 12, released December 4, 2011
Richard Scott (England) voice
Stephen Douse (England) voice
Shanti Jayasinha (Sri Lanka/Scotland) trumpet
Music by Tony Haynes
Lyrics by Colin Sell

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Grand Union Orchestra image

Grand Union Orchestra London, UK

Grand Union Orchestra is a multicultural world jazz ensemble based in London. It has been performing, touring and recording large-scale shows for over 30 years and is well known for its educational work. Grand Union specialises in large-scale musical performances that reflect the backgrounds of its performers and often invites participation from amateur musicians and community groups. ... more

contact / help

Contact Grand Union Orchestra

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Report this track or account

If you like Grand Union Orchestra, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Featuring interviews with LA music scene pillar Kamasi Washington, and new London-based duo Mrcy.

listen now