“The Woke Song“ - original song by The Marsh Family

What does ’Woke’ mean? People seem to be struggling to define the term ‘woke’ – a concept at the heart of the raging culture wars in many countries and social media platforms. It is likely to be central to the big elections of 2024. We take this matter very seriously – and after some extensive research and soul-searching – would like to share this Public Service explainer song, fronted by a puppet orangutan (called Ori Ori), involving cult-like children, and featuring amateurish experimental green screen. Ori Ori would be happy to debate any of the definitions or issues raised in the song, with anyone in the media who might help him to improve his profile – as in spite of being a terrible excuse for a character, having a questionable accent, and not possessing a working larynx or brain, he is a firm believer in free speech and self-promotion. ____________________________ Thanks as ever to the amazing people who support our musical antics through Patreon (where you can see extras like out-takes and podcasts): Do join us there, or just leave a tip at our tip jar at: ____________________________ Lyrics: Once upon a time, when you had something on your mind And it was making you a little sad inside You’d have to try your best to find How to express that state of mind By using words, explaining issues - had to consider either side But now we’ve made a leap That means you never have to pause You can just plough right on (Doesn’t mean you’re right, of course) But it carries such a force And you’re freed of all remorse You just call it woke! You just shout it woke! Like when an obstacle’s presented Or you didn’t get a joke When the WiFi’s broke (woke!) You don’t like some bloke (woke!) It’s mirrors and it’s smoke Cos there’s no such thing as … There’s no such thing as witches It’s something that is learned (But tell that to the tens of thousand menopausal women that they burned) There’s no such thing as banshees A figment of belief (But helpful to control annoying children when they give you too much grief) If enough of us repeat it It will never be revoked It’s a semiotic automatic weapon When provoked If you’re worried about progress - liked the days when gays were straight You can do the wokey-cokey and you don’t seem too irate You just call it woke! You just shout it woke! It’s an anagram of “we ok” To other other folk You can print it: woke! You don’t think just “woke” It’s mirrors and it’s smoke Cos there’s no such thing as… There’s no such thing as Krampus Who pops up now and then In folklore you find Baba Roga, Baba Yaga Lots of Bogeymen Traditions, myths and stories Passed down for centuries But luckily we’ve cooked up something quicker That’s in all our dictionaries Now, words can change their meanings You’ve probably seen it done Like “sick”’s become a good thing Or like, “like”’s the latest “um” But we’ve really hit the jackpot With this shorthand for our woes It’s the bollocks to look out for In the Emperor’s New Clothes You just call it woke! You just shout it woke! Like when a car runs out of petrol Or a peanut makes you choke License got revoked? (woke!) Climate change invoked? (woke!) If you think that history’s broke It might save you from a stroke When you’re filling up with rage and want to cry So let us all inveigh it Doesn’t matter where you say it It’s an ironic addition To a sense of lost tradition Doesn’t show much erudition But who needs a definition?! You can’t touch it, you can’t be it But you know it when you see it Share the hoax, share the joke Sing it: woke! ____________________________ Instruments: Vocals: Ben, Danielle, Alfie, Thomas, Ella, Tess Cornet: Ella Clarinet: Thomas Violin: Tess Piano: Alfie Guitar, Banjo, Percussion: Ben