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From the "Wigan Cycle" as Matt likes to say, the song's based on George Orwell's observation of how the poor seek cheap palliatives to mitigate their miserable existence: "Twenty million people are underfed but literally everyone in England has access to a radio. What we have lost in food we have gained in electricity. Whole sections of the working class who have been plundered of all they really need are being compensated, in part, by cheap luxuries which mitigate the surface of life."

--The Road To Wigan Pier

lyrics

For my new shoes what would you give
Yeah they look good but they leak like a sieve
In your new dress you look like the bee’s knees
Although it’s useless when the weather freezes

I don’t care I just pretend
That looking good is the same as being content
One day I’ll win the lottery
’Til that day I’ve got cheap luxuries

What’s for supper? Look at that spread
A mountain of margarine and white bread
“Fish and chips” makes for a special dinner
And meat is magic when it comes out of a tin

I don’t complain I fill myself
With sweets, they’re better than vegetables
And everyone loves his cuppa tea
I’ll keep buying my cheap luxuries

Why buy healthy food or clothes that last
When life looks rosy through the bottom of your glass?
Who would skimp on shreds of happiness
When every day we’ve got to live like this

I pretend ’cos I don’t care
From a distance I look like a millionaire
One day I’ll win the lottery
Then I’ll buy expensive luxuries

credits

from Live at the Carousel Lounge, released March 8, 2014

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The Late Joys Austin

With influences that include The Beatles, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, The Jam, The Clash and a slew of '80s and '90s Brit-pop guitar-based trailblazers, The Late Joys put on a high-octane show that's groovy, melodic and infused with fun.

The Late Joys play infectious sonic confections with literate lyrics, catchy melodies and unabashedly progressive political sensibilities. ... more

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