Meaning and Lyrics of Merry Old England by The Libertines

Song Lyrics meaning ofΒ Merry Old England by The Libertines

About The Libertines

The Libertines are an English indie rock band formed in London in 1997. The band was composed of Carl BarΓ’t (vocals/guitar), Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar), John Hassall (bass), and Gary Powell (drums). Known for their raw and energetic sound, The Libertines gained a strong following in the early 2000s with their rebellious attitudes and catchy melodies. One of their notable songs, Merry Old England, showcases their distinctive blend of punk and garage rock influences. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of nostalgia and rebellion, reflecting The Libertines’ trademark style of introspective yet anthemic songwriting. Despite their tumultuous history marked by internal tensions and drug-related controversies, The Libertines have left a lasting impact on the indie rock scene and continue to be celebrated for their influential music and charismatic performances.

Meaning of Merry Old England by The Libertines

β€œMerry Old England” by The Libertines seems to be a commentary on immigration, asylum-seeking, and the challenging journey many individuals undertake to reach England. The lyrical content reflects the band’s observations and opinions on these issues.

The repeated lines about coming a long way ’round and the mention of crisp packets and puddles on the ground give a sense of the struggles faced by those seeking refuge or a better life in England. The image of chalk cliffs turning grey in the sodium light could symbolize the fading allure or fading hope associated with reaching England.

The song seems to highlight the hardships faced by immigrants and the obstacles they encounter, such as being labeled as illegals, having to stay hidden, and dodging law enforcement. The fast-paced references to various nationalities like Russians, Albanians, Syrians, Iraqis, and Ukrainians emphasize the diversity of people making the journey to England.

The repeated phrases about not needing visas and being determined to reach England could suggest a defiance against the bureaucratic hurdles and a determination to overcome any obstacles in the way. The chorus reflects a sense of rebelliousness and a desire to break free from restrictions.

Overall, the song appears to address the realities and struggles of immigration and the pursuit of a better life, while also challenging the notion of borders and restrictions. The gritty, punk-infused style of The Libertines adds a raw and rebellious edge to the message conveyed in the lyrics of β€œMerry Old England.”

Lyrics of Merry Old England by The Libertines

I know, I know, I know you came the long way 'round
Just had to get to merry old England
Crisp packets and puddles on the ground
Welcome to merry old England

Yeah, I know, I know, I know, I know you've been around
Just had to get to merry old England
I've seen you on the swings and on the merry-go-round
How you finding merry old England?

With her chalk cliffs, once white, they're greying in the sodium light, oh
My, my, my, my congrats on staying alive
Hope they don't catch you tonight

The illegals have landed in Dalby Square
Did they give you everything that you dreamed of?
A B&B and vouchers for three square
Is it Π΅verything that you dreamed of?

Oh yΠ΅ah, now they're Russian through Albania
They've got to get to Merry Old England
And Syrians, Iraqis, and Ukrainians
Oh, how you finding merry old England?

With her chalk cliffs, once white, they're greying in the sodium light, oh
My, my, my, my, congrats on staying alive
Hope they don't catch you tonight

I know, I know, I know you came the long way 'round
Welcome to merry old England
I've seen you on the swings and on the merry-go-round
How you finding merry old England? Yeah

I know, I know, I know you came the long way 'round
You had to get to merry old England
I've seen you on the swings and on the merry-go-round
How you finding merry old England?

Oh, with your chalk cliffs, once white, they're greying in the sodium light
Oh my, my, my, my good luck on staying alive
Hope they don't catch you tonight

No, I don't need your visa, mate, no
I don't need a ticket, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
I can climb your fence, I can scale your wall, I climb your cliffs
Don't need your visa, mate
I've got a dinghy, mate
Oh, keep your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
No, I don't need a ticket, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
I'll make it to merry old England
Don't need your visa, mate
I'm coming to merry old England
Don't need your visa, mate
Gonna rule old England
Don't need your visa, mate
Get one over on old England
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Don't need your visa, mate
Welcome to merry old England

Discography The Libertines

All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade

Release: 2024-04-05
Label: EMI
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Run Run Run
2. Mustangs
3. I Have A Friend
4. Merry Old England
5. Man With The Melody
6. Oh Shit
7. Night Of The Hunter
8. Baron’s Claw
9. Shiver
10. Be Young
11. Songs They Never Play On The Radio
Tracklist Collapse

Up the Bracket (2022 Remaster)

Release: 2022-10-21
Label: EMI
1. Vertigo – 2022 Remaster
2. Death on the Stairs – 2022 Remaster
3. Horror Show – 2022 Remaster
4. Time for Heroes – 2022 Remaster
5. Boys in the Band – 2022 Remaster
6. Radio America – 2022 Remaster
7. Up the Bracket – 2022 Remaster
8. Tell the King – 2022 Remaster
9. The Boy Looked at Johnny – 2022 Remaster
10. Begging – 2022 Remaster
11. The Good Old Days – 2022 Remaster
12. I Get Along – 2022 Remaste
Tracklist Collapse

Up the Bracket: Studio Outtakes

Release: 2022-10-20
Label: Rough Trade
1. Up the Bracket – Take 4
2. Vertigo – Take 2
3. Ha Ha Wall – Take 1
4. Horror Show – Take 3
5. Bangkok – Take 1
6. Time for Heroes – Take 3
7. Begging – Take 1
8. What a Waster – Take 1
9. Breck Road Lover – Take 1
10. Never Never – Take 2
11. Tell the King – Take 1
12. The Domestic – Take 1
13. Don’t Talk to Me – Take 1
14. The Wolfman – Take 2
15. Radio America – Take 2
16. The Good Old Days – Take 1
17. 7 Deadly Sins – Take 3
18. Sweets – Take 4
19. Mockingbird – Take 6
20. Boys in the Band – Take 1
21. Skag & Bone Man – Take 2
Tracklist Collapse

Upcoming Events for The Libertines

The Libertines

Price Range: $44.2 – 96.25
Date: 2024-09-23
Location: 3Olympia Theatre

The Libertines

Price Range: $0 – 44
Date: 2024-09-24
Location: The Telegraph Building

The Libertines

Price Range: $44.15 – 44.15
Date: 2024-10-03
Location: O2 Academy Birmingham
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All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade

Release: 2024-04-05
Label: EMI
Popularity: πŸ‘πŸ‘
1. Run Run Run
2. Mustangs
3. I Have A Friend
4. Merry Old England
5. Man With The Melody
6. Oh Shit
7. Night Of The Hunter
8. Baron’s Claw
9. Shiver
10. Be Young
11. Songs They Never Play On The Radio
Tracklist Collapse

Up the Bracket (2022 Remaster)

Release: 2022-10-21
Label: EMI
l
1. Vertigo – 2022 Remaster
2. Death on the Stairs – 2022 Remaster
3. Horror Show – 2022 Remaster
4. Time for Heroes – 2022 Remaster
5. Boys in the Band – 2022 Remaster
6. Radio America – 2022 Remaster
7. Up the Bracket – 2022 Remaster
8. Tell the King – 2022 Remaster
9. The Boy Looked at Johnny – 2022 Remaster
10. Begging – 2022 Remaster
11. The Good Old Days – 2022 Remaster
12. I Get Along – 2022 Remaste
Tracklist Collapse

Up the Bracket: Studio Outtakes

Release: 2022-10-20
Label: Rough Trade
l
1. Up the Bracket – Take 4
2. Vertigo – Take 2
3. Ha Ha Wall – Take 1
4. Horror Show – Take 3
5. Bangkok – Take 1
6. Time for Heroes – Take 3
7. Begging – Take 1
8. What a Waster – Take 1
9. Breck Road Lover – Take 1
10. Never Never – Take 2
11. Tell the King – Take 1
12. The Domestic – Take 1
13. Don’t Talk to Me – Take 1
14. The Wolfman – Take 2
15. Radio America – Take 2
16. The Good Old Days – Take 1
17. 7 Deadly Sins – Take 3
18. Sweets – Take 4
19. Mockingbird – Take 6
20. Boys in the Band – Take 1
21. Skag & Bone Man – Take 2
Tracklist Collapse
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