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Magna Carta 800 Years Song

SUMMARY:

Since signed by King John in 1215, the Magna Carta has become a hugely influential document. Follow the 800-year old story of the great charter.

Parody of "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers

LYRICS:

Here’s the story of a very old decree

Forced on King John as he made off with the revenue

Of us Barons and the aristocracy

He took our land and for a lark held our sons hostage too.

 

Magna Carta. (Magna Carta?). Told King John he’s got to be

He’s got be subject to law, agree tax with us too.

Gave his seal. (Gave my seal?) Then withdrew his guarantee

Left to Henry Third and Edward First to pass it through.

 

And I would say 800 years, a birthday worth 800 cheers

Since 1215 Magna Carta’s been the foundation of our democracy.

 

By 1500, It reads as all men are free.

Even peasants just like me can tell king’s that is true.

For year’s it vanished until Edward Cook MP - that’s me -

Challenged Charles the First as his own powers grew.

 

You’d think that Crowell, Jolly Olly, would agree but instead he

Said, Magna Carta? Magna Farta, more like not for me.

I’m Thomas Jefferson and Edward Cook is the bee’s knees

Our American Constitution incorporated his decrees.

 

And I believe 800 years has proved from ancient pioneers

Best British invention of all, apart of course from soccer ball.

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Magna Carta! Super charter! Magna Carta! It’s a part of

What you’re taught at school.

Magna Carta! Just for starters! Magna Carta! Nothing smarter!

Kings, watch how you rule.

 

Eleanor Roosevelt extended this letter to America.

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Here’s the story of a very old decree

And now enshrined in UN Human Rights since World War Two.

It began as help for the aristocracy

Now it’s you and me and everyone one in the world too.

 

And I would hope 800 years of freedom never disappears

All hail this simple ancient law, may it survive 800 more.

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Magna Carta! Super charter! Magna Carta! It’s a part of

What you’re taught at school.

Magna Carta! Just for starters! Magna Carta! Nothing smarter!

Magna Carta rules!

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