The Gasman Cometh

Album: Stations Of The Crass (1979)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song borrows the title and nothing else from the Flanders & Swann comedy classic. A group composition, it is an attack on political apathy from an anarchist perspective, and basically asks the question: Where will you be when there are black helicopters in the sky and your neighbors are being carted off to the concentration camps, or worse?
  • The song is not only totally devoid of melody but is also both dated and parochial in a manner that makes comprehension difficult for the few who might otherwise enjoy it. While the reference to Auschwitz will be recognized universally, how many people will realize that "coshes at Southall" is an allusion to the death of Blair Peach after a violent demonstration in April 1979, an incident that inspired the Hazel O'Connor song "Black Man"? >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Ross from Leicester, United Kingdom"Dated and parochial" - ouch! Crass lyrics were often written with direct reference to issues that were current at the time in the UK and were intended to challenge the views of listeners, including those already in the punk scene. I don't think Crass ever really thought people would still be paying much attention to these songs 30 years later. It's a bit like criticising a political leaflet for being dated! However Crass remain hugely influential internationally at an underground level so I guess you're wrong (not that I'd choose to lisen to most of their stuff either..!!)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.