History: Sham 69 formed in 1976 (the 12 November issue of NME notes they were rehearsing at this time, although only Pursey would remain from this early line-up 12 months later). Sham 69 lacked the art school background of many British punk bands of the time, and brought in football chant back-up vocals and a sort of inarticulate political populism. The band had a large skinhead following (left wing, right wing and non-political), which helped set the tone for the Oi! movement. Their concerts were notoriously plagued by violence, and the band ceased live performances after one of their gigs at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1978 was broken up by National Front skinheads fighting and rushing the stage. Sham 69 released their first single, "Ulster", on Step Forward Records in August 1977, and its success in the independent charts prompted Polydor to sign the band.
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Voices Lyrics
Sham 69
Voices in my head shouting their pain
While everyone around me is taking the blame
I hear their crying, I shed their tears
I've been rolling the dice for so many years
Voices, what do you want of me
Voices, which way do I turn
Voices, nightmares and mind games
Put down on paper for rock and roll puppets to laugh at
Jailers of passion on a one way street
Only mirrored reflections of people I meet
So turn on the noise hit yourself in the face
Well I've got the card to beat your ace
Voices, what do you want of me
Voices, which way do I turn
Voices, nightmares and mind games
Put down on paper for rock and roll puppets to laugh at
Temptations all around me
But I've got no choice
Emotions of an animal
On a tightened lead
Time is a circle on a telephone
I hear it ringing but I'm not at home
Problems are shallow so don't look back
Black and white checkmate
I won so hows that
Voices, what do you want of me
Voices, which way do I turn
Voices, nightmares and mind games
Put down on paper for rock and roll puppets to laugh at