* This credits The Earth with song-writing inspiration and directs one percent of royalties to EarthPercent. This is a charity set-up by Brian Eno to support organisations working to protect the planet.
I scanned the menu options
I did not have a choice
I'd like to teach the world to sing
But I do not have a voice
So I bought myself a ticket
To the happening of the year
The sky lit up with colours
The crowd let out a cheer
"It's just a sunset", someone said
"Something that happens every day"
"Yes, it's a sunset", someone said
"But now they've found a way to make it pay"
I like to look at pretty things
I like to feast my eyes
I went to see the Northern Lights
But they were pale and weak
And not as advertised
So now I'm learning about money
And I am learning about law
The first rule of economics:
Unhappy people, they spend more
"It's just a sunset", someone said
"Something is coming to an end"
"Yes, it's a sunset", someone said
"And just exactly how much did you spend?"
Oh, I'd like to teach the world to sing
But I do not have a voice
And I'd like to buy the world some time
Some time and a choice
Yes, I'd like to teach the world to sing
But I, I do not have a voice
And I'd like to buy the world some time
Some time
Some time
And a choice
This was originally written by Jarvis Cocker (lyrics) and Richard Hawley (music) and performed in 2022 at Leadmill to help save the venue. It was then performed by Pulp at Flow Festival, Finland, on August 11, 2024.