Never Mind the Slugs
This song works by juxtaposing two world views. One outlines a population encouraged to pursue the capitalist dream by ignoring their own privations and the plight of others, while the other bothers to actually explore the consequences of the exercise of economic power on its (usually invisible) victims - by implication, in Africa. The two views, opposite sides of the same coin, throw into relief the real effects of capital and military dominance on human beings. As such, it can be seen as a precursor to the later "Who Reaps the Profits? Who Pays the Price?".
"This song is not a plea for charity Oxfam-style, which I would have regarded as pernicious even if it hadn't associated itself with David Frost." - LR (Look Here (songbook), 1968)
[Note: David Frost did some promotional work for Oxfam in 1967, including recording a message for a charity LP.]
[Note: David Frost did some promotional work for Oxfam in 1967, including recording a message for a charity LP.]
Recordings
Version 1 (1971)
Sheet music
See also "Who Reaps the Profits? Who Pays the Price?"