Lyrics
This land is your land and this land is my land
This land belongs to both you and me.
From the dirty water of the river Thames
Referencing the polluted water of the river Thames.
To the rusting cranes of the tee another tyne
Refers to the industrial landscape along the River Tyne.
The land that's choking with wires and plugs
Describes a landscape overwhelmed by technology and infrastructure.
Strangles with fences and stuck with knives
Highlights the presence of barriers (fences) and violence (knives).
Was this land made for you and me?
Rhetorical question questioning the suitability of this land for everyone.
This town is your town and this town is my town
Similar to line 1, applying the concept to a specific town.
From the derelict slums that are dirty and grey
References impoverished and neglected areas.
To the house on the hill in the private estate
Contrasts the privileged estate with the slums.
The places nice kids would never go
Refers to places considered unsafe for children.
To the places no-one else has the right to go
Indicates restricted or exclusive areas.
Was this land made for you and me?
Raises the same rhetorical question about the appropriateness of the land.
Made for you and me
Reiteration of the question, emphasizing shared ownership.
This street is your street and this street is my street
Extending the idea of shared ownership to streets.
From the broken phone box where the gangs all meet
Highlights meeting places associated with urban issues.
To the glass on the path that cuts your feet
Describes physical hazards in the environment.
To the neighbors next door who refuse to speak
Addresses social isolation and communication breakdown.
? To the cope in the hunter doing its bleak ???
Unclear line, potentially addressing coping mechanisms in a harsh environment.
Was this land made for you and me?
Reiterates the question of whether the land is suitable for everyone.
It's your world too you can do what you want
Encourages individual agency, suggesting that individuals can shape their world.
It's your world too, it's your world too...
Repetition emphasizing personal agency in the world.
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