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In light of the startling news about the climate data and record heatwaves in July 2023, and the shocking scenes in many parts of the world experiencing unprecedented fires and disruption, we are revisiting the issue of global warming in this cover of Bob Dylan’s heart-wrenching protest song recorded sixty years ago, “The Times They Are a-Changin’” (released 1964). In the UK, bizarrely, both major political parties have lately started to tone down their messaging around the climate emergency and how to combat it. They seem motivated by hopes or fears about how the message may come across in the short term to voters, with everyone understandably worried about inflation, economic stress, and near-term crisis. Meanwhile, the usual suspects continue to pedal ridiculous claims denying climate change and ignoring the overwhelming evidence and scientific consensus. The accelerating data and carnage shows that if we care about our kids (let alone other people's kids) we haven't got time for either the political short-sightedness or the lunacy of denialism. So Dylan's emphasis on looking past the old ways, and speaking to concentric audiences, felt apt. It's a bit rough around the edges, and we nearly included Tess harmonica solos in between the verses, but those gave it too much of a comedy vibe for a burning subject. ________________ Thanks as ever to the people who support our musical antics through Patreon (where you can see extras like out-takes and podcasts): Do join us there, or just leave a tip at our tip jar at: ________________ Adapted Lyrics: Come gather 'round people Wherever you roam And admit that the temperatures Round you have grown And accept it that soon We’ll be burned to the bone If your time to you is worth savin' Then you better start thinkin’ Beyond your tombstone For the climate is a-changin' Come writers and sceptics Who undermine with your pens And keep spreading lies Then repeat them again The denier’s a tool When their paid for their spin And there’s no doubting Who’s doing the payin’ But the science shows clear As the data comes in That the climate is a-changin’ Come all politicians Please look down the road Don’t stand on the wrong side When touting for votes For we all get hurt When you hide or you stall The battle outside’s ragin' It’ll take more than pledges Or cowards or fools For the climate is a-changin' Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And work with your eyes And your hearts and your hands Your sons and your daughters Have much to withstand Our planet is rapidly warmin’ We haven’t a new one If you don’t take a stand For the climate is a-changin' The line’s not yet drawn And the curse not yet cast We can slow it down now But we have to act fast For the worst case scenario Coming to pass It is not that the Earth turns to wasteland But us wasting the last chance To put it to rights For the climate is a-changin' ____________________ Thanks to all our wonderful Patreons and especially our Howlers who have already had a heads-up about this song, and Thomas's ongoing mandolining... HOWLERS: Andy Riches Carol Leff Cliff Hope Dave Lee David Patrao David Ryan Derrick Brown Douglas Lind Jim the Magician Grandad Lew Meredith Dicks Uncle Mike Simon Haslam Todd
