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Introduction
The Putney Debates were a series of discussions between factions of
Cromwell’s New Model Army and the Levellers about who should vote,
about a new constitution for England, and what constitutes human rights.
The debates were held at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Putney, London
in October and November 1647.
The song Under the Stars was written by Ali Burns and was commissioned
by Sheffield Socialist Choir for their 25th anniversary. We are singing
it here with direct quotes taken verbatim from the debates. In between
verses I will be speaking the words of the famous Leveller Thomas Rainborough
about who should have the right to vote.
Text
1. [Read before choir starts singing]
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life
to live, as the greatest he;
Sop/Alto/Tenor sing chorus
2. [read to section ey...ey...]
and therefore truly, sir, I think it's clear, that every man that is
to live under a government ought first by his own consent to put himself
under that government; And I do think that the poorest man in England
is not at all bound in a strict sense to that government that he hath
not had a voice to put himself under;
Sop/Alto/Tenor + Bass sing chorus
3. [read to section ey...ey...]
If writings be true, there have been many scufflings between the honest
men of England and those that have tyrannized over them; And if it be
true what I have read, there is none of those just and equitable laws
that the people of England are born to, but that are entrenchments on
the once enjoyed privileges of their rulers.
Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bass + High Sop sing chorus
4. [read to section ey...ey...]
But if the people are not freemen, I know no reason that should deter
me, either in what I must answer before God or the world, from endeavouring
by all means to gain anything that might be of more advantage to them
than the government under which they live.
Sop/Alto/Tenor/Bass/High Sop + Bass 2
sing chorus
5. [read to section ey...ey...]
There was one thing spoken: that if the poor and those in low condition
were given their birthright it would mean the destruction of this kingdom.
I think this was but a distrust of Providence.
I do think the poor and meaner of this kingdom -- I speak as in relation
to the condition of soldiers, in which we are -- have been the means
of the preservation of this kingdom.
All sing chorus and stop singing
6 . [Repeat para 1 reading]
For really I think that the poorest he that is in England hath a life
to live, as the greatest he;
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