Interpretation
The song "One by One" by
Chumbawamba is about political betrayal and the question of which side you are on. The lyrics criticize the leaders, especially Pontius Pilate, who is a symbol of a corrupt and selfish leader.
The lyrics describe how Pontius Pilate comes to town to visit the workers at the docks. The workers ask him for help, but he ignores them and turns away. He is called the "Leader of the union", which is ironic because he does not represent the interests of the workers, but only thinks about his own reward.
The chorus "One by one, the ships come sailing in, one by one, the ships go sailing out" symbolizes the exploitation of the working class. The ships come to do the work and then leave, while the workers receive nothing but empty promises.
The lyrics also raise the question of which side you are on. The lines "We live for words and die for words, Principles we can afford, When all our Brothers turn to Lords, Whose side are you on?" show the disappointment towards the political leaders who have betrayed their ideals and joined the ruling elites.
The lyrics also criticize the cover-up and lies of the leaders. The lines "You tell the world your hands are tied, History three times denied, A sea of changes three miles wide, Whose side are you on?" show that the leaders deny their responsibility and hide the truth.
The lyrics end by stating that the leaders have betrayed us and that they are responsible for the betrayal. The lines "If any ask us why we died, We tell them that our leaders lied, Sold us out down the riverside, Whose side are you on?" express the disappointment and betrayal that the workers have suffered.
Overall, "One by One" by Chumbawamba criticizes political corruption and the betrayal of the leaders towards the working class. The lyrics raise the question of whether you are on the side of the oppressed or the oppressors. It is a call to resist the ruling elites and a call to fight for justice.