My own personal Brexit Song

I had the title first, I always wanted to write a song that has England in the title, and then I had this line “while you were in England” — so much happened here, while you had it better, you were in England…

And then when finally the lyrics found their way it all coincided with that dreadful vote in June 2016. And I was so disappointed, and devastated, and disillusioned. And then I thought, well, so this is my Brexit song.

Somehow it seemed to make sense: The singer is singing this to someone who has been away for some time—to England obviously—and is now coming back for whatever reason. They probably kicked him out. He or she’s Polish for all I know. Not required anymore, for all the hard work he’s done. She’s done. Never mind, would you please close the door behind you.

Well, maybe he’s just back for a visit. But somehow I think, no, it didn’t quite work out…

 

While You Were in England – Lyrics

It’s good to see you once again
Right here where we both began
Before there were any bigger plans
Much has changed since then
While you were in England

The paper mill closed overnight
Last June we had no fireflies
Josie has finally learned to drive
And so have I
While you were in England

Mutt got sick, I don’t know how
Couldn’t lift his paws up from the ground
I often think he’s still around
But Daddy put him down
When you were in England

They felled the tree we used to climb
In many a secret summertime
There’s housing now by the riverside
Ah yes and Grandma died
While you were in England
While you were in England

And I guess you can say
Our little world has changed
We’re changing day by day, it’s nothing strange
Some leave and some remain
Let’s not complain
How have you been?

Did you find useful things to do?
And the future that once spoke to you?
Tell me which one of your vivid dreams
Finally did come true
When you were in England

I always knew we’d meet again
I see you as you were back then
I meant to write and to stay friends
But there was a life to mend
While you were in England
While you were in England
My heart