Ancient lands

"Ancient lands" is a song by LorD and Master. It is a B-side to "High rise". The song focuses on the idea that, here in the UK, we learn an edited history of our own country on account of the negative effects of colonialism and the British Empire.

Lyrics

There comes a time in the history of all the lands
When we consider our past and the blood on our hands
We may be absolved by our enlightened thinking
But there's often no denying the bloodline linking
Us to our forebears' terrible actions
And, embarrassed, we teach our history with redactions

The devil makes work for idle hands
Yes, the devil makes work for idle hands
Of mice and men, the best laid plans
Fall apart, for time runs as sands
The devil makes work for idle hands
All across these ancient lands

Conquerers and colonisers
Pillaged their way across the globe
Why should they celebrated
Given a crown and a robe
History is drenched with blood
Of the underprepared
Invasions brought great misery
For those who dared

The devil makes work for idle hands
Yes, the devil makes work for idle hands
Of mice and men, the best laid plans
Fall apart, for time runs as sands
The devil makes work for idle hands
All across these ancient lands

Though it's thought we've come to our senses
But then there's corporate greed
Driving up the poverty
There are more mouths to feed
A class system, us and them
Not in my back yard
Bushfires raging out of control
Our precious Earth is scarred

The devil makes work for idle hands
Yes, the devil makes work for idle hands
Of mice and men, the best laid plans
Fall apart, for time runs as sands
The devil makes work for idle hands
All across these ancient lands

There comes a time in the history of all the lands
When we consider our past and the blood on our hands
We may be absolved by our enlightened thinking
But there's often no denying the bloodline linking
Us to our forebears' terrible actions
And, embarrassed, we teach our history with redactions

Versions

• Appears on "High rise" maxi-single.

Personnel

• Written, produced and performed by Daniel Bailey-Graham.