In 1649
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To St. George¡¯s Hill,
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A ragged band they called the Diggers
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Came to show the people¡¯s will
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They defied the landlords
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They defied the laws
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They were the dispossessed reclaiming what was theirs
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We come in peace they said
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To dig and sow
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We come to work the lands in common
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And to make the waste ground grow
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This earth divided
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We will make whole
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So it will be
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A common treasury for all
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The sin of property
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We do disdain
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No man has any right to buy and sell
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The earth for private gain
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By theft and murder
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They took the land
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Now everywhere the walls
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Spring up at their command
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They make the laws
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To chain us well
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The clergy dazzle us with heaven
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Or they damn us into hell
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We will not worship
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The God they serve
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The God of greed who feed the rich
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While poor folk starve
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We work we eat together
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We need no swords
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We will not bow to the masters
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Or pay rent to the lords
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Still we are free
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Though we are poor
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You Diggers all stand up for glory
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Stand up now
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From the men of property
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The orders came
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They sent the hired men and troopers
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To wipe out the Diggers¡¯ claim
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Tear down their cottages
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Destroy their corn
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They were dispersed
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But still the vision lingers on
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You poor take courage
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You rich take care
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This earth was made a common treasury
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For everyone to share
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All things in common
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All people one
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We come in peace
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The orders came to cut them down
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-----------------
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The World Turned Upside Down
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| Billy Bragg |
