Song written by Leon Rosselson and covered by Billy Bragg about the Diggers, a group of religious and political dissidents in 17th century England associated with agrarian socialism. Chords bolded above the lyrics, further notes on the music and arrangement below.
E
In 1649
B
To St. George’s Hill
A
A ragged band they called the Diggers
E
Came to show the people’s will
They defied the landlords
B
They defied the law
A
They were the dispossessed
B E
Reclaiming what was theirs.
Chorus:
We come in peace they said
To dig and sow
We come to work the lands in common
And to make the wastegrounds grow
This earth divided
We will make whole
So it will be a common treasury for all.
(instrumental)
The sin of property
We do disdain
No one has any right to buy and sell
The earth for private gain
By theft and murder
They took the land
Now everywhere the walls spring up at their command
They make the laws
To chain us well
They try to dazzle us with heaven
Or they damn us into hell
We will not worship
The god they serve
The god of greed that feeds the rich while people starve
(instrumental)
We work we eat together
We need no swords
We will not bow to the masters
Or pay rent to the lords
We are free
Though we are poor
You Diggers all stand up for glory stand up now.
(chorus)
(solos)
From the men of property
The orders came
They sent the hired men and troopers
To wipe out the Diggers claim
Tear down their cottages
Destroy their corn
They were dispersed but still the vision lingers on
(chorus)
(instrumental)
You poor take courage
You rich take care
This earth was made a common treasury
For everyone to share
All things in common
All people one
We come in peace the orders came to cut them down.
(chorus)
Notes on the music:
We will be using the same chord progression throughout including verses, chorus, and solos.
Typical 8 bars:
E B A E
1xxx2xxx3xxx4xxx
B A B E
1xxx2xxx3xxx4xxx
Instrumental melody 8 bars same as verses/chorus, solos 16 bars same chord progression, as many as needed.
Links:
More about the Diggers here.
Leon Rosselson version here.