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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Win Or Lose Lyrics
Sham 69
You're at the start I get a kick in the arse
Then go in behind me and he grab's a pen
Look at the form this one is sure to win
Oh come on this ones sure to win
They're under orders I get my money in
They're off so I pull out a fag
It's five to one my life has just begun
Oh come on this ones sure to win
Go on my son my life is win or lose
Go on my son I've got a right to choose
I wanna win
I don't wanna lose
He's at the back I light another fag
They're in the straight I'm getting in a state
He's moving up I give out a cheer
They tell me to shut up two left to run
He's right at the front looks like I'm nearly home
He comes alive boy he's speeding up
He's drawing away I'm shouting out hooray
I'm going out tonight
Go on my son my life is win or lose
Go on my son I've got a right to choose
I wanna win
I don't wanna lose