Liar Liar GE2017

Album: Single release only (2017)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Captain SKA is a London band who describe themselves as a "producer of politically inclined tunes." The group was formed by trumpet player and producer Jake Painter in 2010, who wanted to protest about the then Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. He explained there wasn't a "big enough musical response to the coalition government and its austerity-driven policies."
  • This song was first released in 2010, making it to #1 in the UK reggae chart. It was reworked seven years later to coincide with the run-up to the United Kingdom 2017 general election. The new version is an anti-Theresa May song, which accuses the Conservative Prime Minister of not telling the truth and features a variety of sound bytes from Theresa May's speeches interviews. The clips are followed by a damning chorus of "She's a liar, liar... you can't trust her, no no no no."
  • Captain SKA told BBC's Newsbeat: "The success of this song shows people are fed up with this government of the rich, for the rich. We're overwhelmed with the support and our message is that people do have the power to change society if we act together."
  • Various radio stations such as Capital FM and Heart chose not to play the song on the Big Top 40 show, even after it charted, due to its overt political content so close to the election.

    The song wasn't played in the run up to the election on BBC Radio 1 either with the station saying: "Our editorial guidelines require us to remain impartial and the UK is currently in an election period."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Actors With Hit Songs

Actors With Hit SongsMusic Quiz

Many actors have attempted music, but only a few have managed a hit. Do you know which of these thespians charted?

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

George Clinton

George ClintonSongwriter Interviews

When you free your mind, your ass may follow, but you have to make sure someone else doesn't program it while it's wide open.