Billy Bragg is one of the few artists I’ve seen live. And in a small venue.

He’s exactly my age and I related to his political activism. An opponent of fascism, racism,  bigotry, sexism and homophobia, and a supporter of a multi-racial Britain.

His record label boss Andy Macdonald observed that “his presence onstage took on more of the avenging angel”.

An impressive and passionate performer.

Kirsty MacColl recorded the song the year after its release by Bragg (1983).  It was her biggest solo hit.

Billy first performed it like a busker. Rough. And a short version. Kirsty expanded the song.

This duet, to me, seems a good compromise between the versions.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

I was twenty one years when I wrote this song
I’m twenty two now, but I won’t be for long
People ask when will you grow up to be a man
But all the girls I loved at school
Are already pushing prams
I loved you then as I love you still
Though I put you on a pedestal
They put you on the pill
I don’t feel bad about letting you go
I just feel sad about letting you know

I don’t want to change the world
I’m not looking for a new England
I’m just looking for another girl
I don’t want to change the world
I’m not looking for a new England
I’m just looking for another girl

I loved the words you wrote to me
But that was bloody yesterday
I can’t survive on what you send
Every time you need a friend
I saw two shooting stars last night
I wished on them but they were only satellites
It’s wrong to wish on space hardware
I wish, I wish, I wish you’d care

I don’t want to change the world
I’m not looking for a new England
I’m just looking for another girl
I don’t want to change the world
I’m not looking for a new England
I’m just looking for another girl
Looking for another girl
Looking for another girl
Looking for another girl…