LYRIC SHEETS

Thursday 25 January 1996 19:02 EST

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

LYRIC SHEETS

In the week Babylon Zoo went ballistic with "Spaceman"...

ROGUE JEANS... Or Babylon Who?

A space-babe in her bra and jeans

Appears to earthlings on their screens

With eyes like blue electric coals

And fights the soundtrack for their souls.

The song and girl, as sales will vouch

Persuade Potato on his couch

That if he wants another fix

He'll buy that disc - with sped-up mix

The lurid screen and arty noise

Endears the ad to girls and boys

For what they know and what it means

Is sex sells ads sell discs sell jeans

The callow anthem's chartwards lurch

Then knocks George Michael from his perch

As Virgin's team look on and groan

With plans gone wrong and budget blown

Then Dad says, "Wot?" And Mum says, "Who?"

While Gran says, "Sounds like Fablon Sue."

But Style-Guru stokes his chin

"If Britpop's out, this might be in."

Which isn't worth a hill of beans

For what we know and what it means

Despite the music magazines

Is sex sells ads sell discs sell jeans.

Martin Newell

Martin Newell's third volume of poetry, The Illegible Bachelor,

is published by Festival Books through Password.

Or mail order from Festival Books on 01206 872636

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies