When We Collide · mp-lor madeprideinmarch-ing, Toapro-mise, made anoath, 3 p S. & A. B. Pno. Notjust Queen andcoun-try, Buttoserveour fel-low man. 5 44 44 &bbb Rebecca Hanbury Alex

When We CollideA British Songbook

About the Songbook

When We Collide is a songbook written by the people of the United Kingdom about our collective

identity in the wake of the EU referendum. This historic moment has forced the British nation to re-

evaluate how we defne ourselves, how we distribute power, our place within the EU and our

relationship with the rest of the world.

This songbook moves away from traditional notions of Britishness and uncovers what is actually

important to this nation; what we care about, what we fear, and what we love. We are no longer a

nation characterised by patriotism and a stif upper lip. The movement of people and ideas around the

UK and the world has signalled an enormous shift in our national character.

In order to start untangling this complex personality, we spoke to people in schools and community

choirs across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. 24 groups and over 600 people took part

in these storytelling workshops including fshermen from Yorkshire, teenagers in Grimsby, a cross

community choir just outside of Belfast, and a police choir in Edinburgh. We talked about the moments

that defned us personally, the moments that defned our communities, and the moments that have

defned our nation. There were tears and laughter – stories that brought us closer together, and stories

that showed us how quickly this nation is changing.

This songbook has been written using the words spoken to us. Every word, every phrase and every

story was told in our workshops. Some of the songs focus on specifc groups or places, others bring

together themes and ideas which resonated across the country. Each song represents a moment, a

pattern or an idea which describes a signifcant facet of modern British identity. Altogether, the

songbook gives a snapshot of the character of Britain at this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.

When We Collide was commissioned by Sky Arts as part of Art 50 and created with support from Arts

Council England.

An Oath

Rehearsal Notes

• This song has quite a few diferent rhythms and it would be useful to spend some time

speaking through the text to ensure the dotted quaver/semiquaver rhythms are distinct from

the triplet quaver ones.

• The melody has subtle variations in both the verses and choruses. In particular, it's useful to

highlight that the G/F in bars 3 & 5 becomes an Ab/G in bars 11 & 13 and a Bb/Ab in bars 19 &

21.

• The soprano part splits into two at bar 26 and the high Eb's are optional, so feel free to include

them at your discretion.

An Oath

Words by the Edinburgh Police Choir, Leicester Amika Choir & Men of Staithes

Lyrics by Rebecca Hanbury

Music by Alex Groves

Many people, all over the country, felt like “citizens of the world” rather than “British citizens”. Some of

the strongest proponents for this stand point were people in the military and the services. The people

in these traditionally patriotic organisations spoke about their dedication to a wider humanity; from a

92-year-old sailor from the Men of Staithes liberating prisoners from concentration camps in 1945, to

soldiers, police, prison wardens and navy personnel reaching out to communities from all over the

world. These people had huge insight into the human condition, and a powerful devotion to the people

they protect. In many ways, this is a military anthem reinvented for the 21st century – dispelling

nationalism and embracing a wider humanity.

Tailor made pride in marching

to a promise made, an oath,

not just Queen and country

but to serve our fellow man.

We are on the fringes, on the edge,

Always on the outside, looking in.

We don’t judge the screaming,

The shouting, all the same.

When you’ve seen what we’ve seen,

death holds no mystery.



We see ourselves in you,

the desire to breathe free,

a roof over your head,

basic decency.



To serve our fellow man, is our pledge

Not just Queen and country, but the rest



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When We Collide · mp-lor madeprideinmarch-ing, Toapro-mise, made anoath, 3 p S. & A. B. Pno. Notjust Queen andcoun-try, Buttoserveour fel-low man. 5 44 44 &bbb Rebecca Hanbury Alex