The law condemns the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common But leaves the greater villain loose Who steals the common from off the goose The law demands that we atone When we take things we do not own But leaves the lords and ladies fine Who take things that are yours and mine The law condemns ... The poor and wretched don't escape If they conspire the law to break This must be so but they endure Those who conspire to make the law The law condemns ... And so with chairs as with the goose We must defend that which we use Lest some claim power that is not theirs And take dominion o'er the chairs The law condemns the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common And geese will still a common lack Until they go and steal it back
lyrics: various 18th & 19th century verses [Union Songs]
notes: background and recording history [Mainly Norfolk]
recording: The Teacups (music by Alex Cumming) [YouTube]