Devolution Workin’ Man Blues first appeared on the Change album released on 18th September 1989
1989 Change album Skylight Suite recording
Running length 4:11
Written by Macdonald / Peters
Musician & Credits
Mike Peters – Lead Vocals,. Acoustic Guitar
Dave Sharp – Electric “slide” Guitar
Eddie Macdonald – Bass Guitar, Synth Bass, Electric Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Nigel Twist – Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Mark Taylor – Piano, Hammond Organ
Tony Visconti – Backing vocals
Recorded 12th May 1989 at The Skylight Suite, London, England
Mixed at Good Earth Studio, London, England in June/July 1989
Produced & Engineered by Tony Visconti
Alternative studio recordings – Demo, Acoustic, Remastered, Re-imaged
Album appearances and discography of studio recordings
All the following are Worldwide releases except where stated
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18th September 1989 : The Alarm – Change
IRS Records, vinyl IRSAX 1020, cassette IRSAC 1020, CD IRSACD 1020 (UK Release)
Original 1989 Album version
Change was also released on vinyl, cassette and CD in USA, Canada, Vinyl and CD in Europe and Australia,
Vinyl and cassette in Italy, Vinyl only in Brazil, Cassette only in Germany, CD only in Japan
2000 : The Alarm – Change [1989-1990]
Twenty First Century Recording Company, catalogue number 21C015 (CD)
Appearing as part of the Alarm 2000 collection box set and then later as an individual disc
Original 1989 album recording remastered
Single appearances and discography of studio recordings
Officially released live recordings – Audio
All the following are Worldwide releases on Twenty First Century Recording Company
(Except where stated)
23rd August 2003. Recorded at William Aston Hall, NEWI, Wrexham, Wales
Running Length 2:33
Performed by Mike Peters acoustic.
Released in 2003 on Alarmstock Volume 3 – Walking With The Demons And The Devils
28th August 2004. Recorded at William Aston Hall, NEWI, Wrexham, Wales
Running Length 2:17
Performed by Mike Peters acoustic.
Released in 2004 on Alarmstock 2 Volume 2 – Is A Working Man Born To Live And Then Die
24th November 2011. Record at Marrs Bar, Worcester, England
Running Length 2:35
Performed by Mike Peters acoustic.
Released on CD in 2012 Mike Peters of the Alarm – 30th Anniversary Acoustic Alarm Tour 1981-2011 Catalogue number 21C059
Officially released live recordings – Video/DVD
All the following are Worldwide releases on Twenty First Century Recording Company
(Except where stated)
30th June 1991. Recorded at Brixton Academy, London SW9, London
Performed by The Alarm – Mike Peters, Dave Sharp, Eddie Macdonald, Nigel Twist.
Released on VHS video in 1991 as The Alarm Blaze of Glory – Live at Brixton Academy
Catalogue number VHSCV4110
17th December 1993. Recorded at The Gathering 2, The Town Hall, Rhyl, Wales
Performed by Mike Peters acoustic
Released on VHS Video in 1995 – Mike Peters – The Gathering 2
25th January 2003. Recorded at The Gathering 11, Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Wales
Running length 4:05
Performed by The Alarm – Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Craig Adams, Steve Grantley, Mark Taylor and special guest Dave Sharp
Released on DVD in 2005 – The Alarm – The Gathering History
Catalogue number 21CDVD003
Lyrics
I’m a man
Torn in two
State and nation
I’ve got to choose
For on these streets
That I spit upon
There’s no money in my pocket
No soles on my shoes
Ain’t got no religion
But the workin’ man blues
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man blues
Oh I’m kicking the dirt off my shoes
Devolution workin’ man blues
I don’t dance
No rich mans tune
I won’t play
The poor mans fool
Within these eyes
That you look upon
There is fear mixed with pride
A dangerous device
For talkin’ devolution
Talkin’ workin’ man blues
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man blues
Oh I’m kickin’ the dirt off my shoes
Devolution workin’ man blues
Devolution workin’ man blues
Woohoo Woohoo
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man blues
Oh I’m kickin’ the dirt off my shoes
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man blues
Oh I’m kickin’ the dirt off my shoes
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man blues
Oh I, I’ve got the workin’ man workin’ man blues
Devolution workin’ man blues
Alternative Lyrics
Audio & Visual sources
Video Link : Live from The Gathering 11, Venue Cymru, Llandudno, Wales 25th January 2003
Performed by The Alarm – Mike Peters, James Stevenson, Craig Adams, Steve Grantley, Mark Taylor and special guest Dave Sharp
(Page updated 20/01/2022)