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Heavy Disguise (Grosvenor Square 1968)
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This is a 'mock out-door recording'. I wanted it to sound like a busker playing his guitar too close to Grosvenor Square in 1968 when the anti-Vietnam war demonstration got just a little 'out of hand'. This is a cover of a song by The Strawbs.
riot acousticguitarandvocal protestsong
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Pop/Rock, Psychedelic, Ambient, Rhythm & Blues and beyond.
Major Snagg is the invented name of the 'band' that perform all my own musical creations. (songs and instrumentals). I play guitars, bass, rudimentary keyboards, harmonica, and sing. Melody has always been important to me... lyrics and guitar solos have to say or communicate something. I create musical worlds that I hope that you dear listener, will also want to explore and live in for a few moments...or longer if you feel that way inclined.
Song Info
Genre
Podcasts • Politics
Charts
#2 in subgenre Peak #1
Charts
Peak #2
Author
John Ford
Rights
original song writer
Uploaded
April 25, 2025
Track Files
MP3
MP3 10.7 MB • 320 kbps • 4:40
Lossless
WAV 47.1 MB
Character
Energy
relaxed, cool
high-energy
Positivity
dark, sad, angry
happy
Appeal
unique
radio-friendly
Story behind the song
Another one in my series of, 'a whistle-stop tour of London'. The nearest Underground station is probably Marble Arch. Our busker is unexpectedly caught up in the unfolding and violent events of the Grosvenor Square demonstration of March 17th. 1968. Eager to finish his song, and fearful of being arrested or even worse, getting his guitar smashed up, he speeds up the song a little towards the end. I would have done too and got out as quick as I could.
Lyrics
Crowded afternoon and there's not enough room in the city today The people assembled to hear what resembled evangelists say Some came just to see them for a laugh Others to be free Fools must pretend to be wise We've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Tears from the crowd with men crying aloud or just ringing their hands The love in their hearts at this joining of people from far away lands I'd so many questions I could ask I wanted to be free Fools must pretend to be wise We've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Cheers from the crowd for a much-loved constituent lately arrived Here's to the soul of the man who takes toll for just staying alive Can't ignore the feeling in the air Glad that I was there Fools must pretend to be wise We've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Evening drew on with a change of opinion from left wing and right And North accused South who were left little doubt that they needed to fight I cannot begin to understand The suffering tonight Fools must pretend to be wise We've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise. Fools must pretend to be wise We've a faith that we use as a heavy disguise.
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Comments 4
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rodrica
May 12
This is great, it sounds really authentic! I remember those buskers...they'd keep playing, no matter what was unfolding in the street. Brilliantly creative cover of an excellent song!
Oddger
May 02
I remember this one! The Strawbs was one of my favroite bands back then. This one has smashing lyrics and a trcky, but well written melody. The "busking" setting suits the song perfectly!
JESUS OLDMAN
May 01
Cool song. Never heard it before, nor the band. Good show.
steveweyman
Apr 26
Remember the strawbs back in the day . Great cover . Guitar playing is very full and perfect for a busker ! Love how you get the street sound effects and feel and a demonstration going on . Brilliant !