Punk poem in Jamming! (the monthly version), number 24, January, 1985.
The poems that month were picked by Richard ‘Cool Notes’ Edwards.
Packaged Street Cred From a Spikey Head
This is about people who think that their
appearance is a threat to the system, yet
Banks and big business are using that
appearance to attract more young
customers.
He’s got the biggest mohican you’ve ever seen
With a pin through his nose he looks really mean
He’s an advertising manager’s dream!
Have you got 10p? then open an account
We’re not fussy we’ll take any amount
It must be true because the advert said it
You get discount on Discharge and Crass on credit
TSB… the bank that likes to say
Ye… s-s-s-s!!
Because your rebellion is our success.
The TSB have got real street cred,
With a pair of DM’s and a shaven head.
Her hair is a blend of blue and green.
The tattoos on her neck look really obscene.
She’s an advertising manager’s dream.
Midland bank, the listening bank.
You’d be surprised what we listen to.
It’s hard core thrash when we’re taking your cash.
Our manager likes Conflict… our Griffin sniffs glue.
We’ll put up with that awful racket,
We’ll be the sponsors on your leather jacket,
If you promise to invest half of your pay packet.
Stop where you see the sign of the Black Horse,
We’ll take you for a ride… on a new race course.
There’s no limit to how much you can borrow,
Because the loans of today are the debts of tomorrow.
If you see them on the street they’d make you scream…
‘Anarchy in the UK.’ and ‘God Save the Queen’.
They’re the advertising manager’s dream.
It’s the advertising,
That’s patronising
It’s not surprising,
That they’re the advertising manager’s dream.
You might look a rebel, but never forget,
It’s not the way you look that makes you a threat.
It’s what you think and what you do,
So don’t let anybody package you!!!
Debbie Baker
standupandspit 