From Red to Blue

I recently picked up Billy Bragg's 'William Bloke' LP. While 'Upfield' is my favorite song on that disc (and probably my favorite song of all time), I think that 'From Red to Blue' is an amazing song, both musically and lyrically. Billy definately speaks the truth on this one regarding the paradigm shift that has occured within many left wing parties (and virtually all parties for that matter). However, as a lefty, it's troubling to see ideological and class-based parties drift into the elusive centre of the political spectrum.

Another day dawns grey, its enough to make me spit
But we go on our way, just putting up with it
And when I try to make my feelings known to you
You sound like you have changed from red to blue

You're a father now, you see things in different ways
For every parent will gain perspective on their wilder days
But that alone does not explain the changes I see in you
The way you've drifted off from red to blue

Sometimes I think to myself
Should I vote red for my class or green for our children?
But whatever choice I make
I will not forsake

So you bought it all, the best your money could buy
And I watched you sell your soul for their bright shining lie
Where are the principles of the friend I thought I knew
I guess you let them fade from red to blue

I hate the compromises that life forces us to make
We must all bend a little if we are not to break
But the ideals you've opted out of,
I still hold them to be true
I guess they weren't so firmly held by you