The World Turned Upside Down (The Diggers' Song)

In 1649 to St. George's Hill

A ragged band they called the Diggers

Came to show the people's will

They defied the landlords

They defied the law

They were the dispossessed

Reclaiming what was theirs

"We've come in peace," they said

"To dig and sow

We've come to work the land in common

And to make the waste lands grow

This earth divided we will make whole

So it can be a common treasury for all."

"The sin of property we do disdain

No man has any right to buy

And sell the earth for private gain"

By theft and murder they steal the land

Now everywhere the walls rise up at their command

"They make the laws to chain us well

The clergy dazzle us with heaven

Or they damn us into hell

We will not worship the gods they serve

The god of greed which feeds the rich

While poor men starve

"We work we eat together

We need no swords

We will not bow to the masters

Or pay rent to the lords

We are free men though we are poor

You Diggers all stand up for glory

Stand up now!"

From the men of property the order came

They sent the hired men and troopers

Who wiped out the Diggers' claim

Tear down their cottages

Destroy their corn

They were dispersed but still

The vision carries on

"You poor take courage

You rich take care

This earth was made a common treasury

For everyone to share

All things in common

All people one

We come in peace"

The order came to cut them down