Heartland

Album: Infected (1986)
Charted: 29
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song Matt Johnson of The The attacks the Right Wing Maggie Thatcher Conservative government of the 1980s, saying they were polarizing Britain to the point of violence by increasing the divisions between the classes. He also expresses his frustration at the UK's subservience to the US, saying Great Britain is the 51st state of the USA.
  • Matt Johnson said later of this song on the The The website: "I suppose in a way that song was ahead of its time because the Americanization of Britain seems to have accelerated rapidly since then. You see and read about it commented on more and more, just about how much our little island is really losing or has lost."

Comments: 5

  • Name from PlaceI wonder if he's written any songs about any of the many countries that were subjected to "Anglicisation." Probably not.
  • Karl from HereBut it's okay back then in the 1980's that the Soviet Union wanted to expand their empire like in Afghanistan for example. Everyone's allowed to do wrong except for America right?
  • Müllmannlive from Hamburg, GermanyWe are a group of enthusiastic THE THE fans.
    If you're also a fan, then join us and exchange your ideas.
    Perhaps a growing fan base is a small step to experience THE THE "live on stage" someday!
  • Paul from Montrose, ScotlandThis song was the future and why don't we ever here it anymore???

    Suggestions welcome
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesThe controversial video for the song was filmed with Matt Johnson singing into a mike in the London sewer system with images flashing up on a video wall behind him
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith

Steven Tyler of AerosmithSongwriter Interviews

Tyler talks about his true love: songwriting. How he identifies the beauty in a melody and turns sorrow into art.

00s Music Quiz 1

00s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

Do you know the girl singer on Eminem's "Stan"? If so, this quiz is for you.

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.