One of the first Oi! bands, Cock Sparrer was playing loud, raw, Cockney working-class anthems as early as the first wave of British punk, although record company difficulties prevented them from issuing much material until the early '80s, when the Oi!movement was well underway. The group formed in London's East End in 1975, originally as a hard-edged pub rock combo in the vein of Dr. Feelgood. Four of the members -- vocalist Colin McFaull, guitarist Mick Beaufoy, bassist Steve Burgess, and drummer Steve Bruce -- had been schoolmates since age 11, and had been playing together in cover bands three years prior. They were joined by rhythm guitarist Garrie Lammin (Burgess' cousin), and soon began playing the Bridgehouse Pub in Canning Town on a regular basis.
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Before The Flame Dies Lyrics
Cock Sparrer
People say that life ain't fair
And then they say what you give comes round the same
What can you believe ?
I say if you want passion in your life
You can't be afraid of pain
You've got to get out and live
Coz freedom's a curse but boredom's even worse
There's a spirit inside that needs to fly.
[Chorus]
Oi, Oi, Oi is the call
Oi, Oi, Oi, do it all
Oi, Oi, Oi before the flame dies
Don't give in, don't compromise,
That's what I'm told by everyone I know
Don't sit on the fence
While others say just take your time, don't rock the boat,
Keep moving with the flow
It's just not making sense
Coz life is all you've got
It's worth another shot
Stand or fall, but give it one more try
[Chorus]
You can crawl on your belly for a lifetime
Never reaching for the sky
Just knocking at the door
Or stand up for an hour, all guns blazing,
Let 'em know you'd rather die
Than take it anymore
When all around is going wrong
And nothing seems to fall right into place
Remember every word
Don't believe everything that's said
You must believe there's just too much to waste
Be sure you're always heard
Coz freedom's a curse but boredom's even worse
There's a spirit inside that needs to fly.
[Chorus]