1984

It was a bright cold day in April
The clocks were striking thirteen
War is Peace the slogan
Flashing onto the screen

I was staring at the tv
When a key turned in the lock
There was only one key to my flat
So that was a nasty shock

They stormed in saying nothing
leather boots, padded vests
On the screen a carpet cleaner
I knew that this was a test

Standing on the edge of a precipice
Commanded to do some sums
They said to me, G53
What is 1 plus 1?

I stared ahead with furrowed brow
I worked on it mentally
My fingers I kept perfectly still
1 plus 1 is three

Not a flicker of emotion
Not a scowl or even a smile
I could tell by the smell in the air
This was going to be a while

I was very good at doublethink
It was all we learnt in school
Had to make sure that my answers
All followed their crazy rules

The next question they gave me
What is 2 plus 2?
Again my fingers did not move
It’s definitely 5, it’s true

The tiniest smile I did spy
As my answer 5 he wrote
The answer can be 3 or 5
Go and get your coat

Hence to the Ministry of Love
Not another word was said
I tried to appear so very calm
Ignoring the screams in my head

One great big sign overhead
The glowing Ministry of Love
The doorman with a cheesy smile
And wearing a velvet glove

101 golden rules
Now room one hundred and one
Deep inside the Ministry
This is where they have fun

This is where Truth gets a beating
A boot stamps on the face
It’s hard to get out of this lunacy
It’s hard to get out of this place

Its 1984 on the calendar
But it could be any year
Ignorance is Strength they tell us
But they just wanna rule by fear.

Freedom is Slavery they declare
Beauty from the dirt just flew
But I know with great certainty
That one plus one is two

I used to go fishing with grandpa
With just a rod and a line
Sit for hours on the river bank
Oh how I long for that time

I used to go fishing with grandpa
With just a rod and a line
Sit for hours on the river bank
Oh how I long for that time

Oh how I long for that time