Rebel without Applause

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When the rain fallsThey talk of ManchesterBut when the triumphant rain fallsWe think of rainbowsThat's the Mancunian Way' Sissay and Simic will live cheerfully as neighbours in my collection; their love of whimsical imagery and unexpected conjunctions is something they share. British Council complies with data protection law in the UK and laws in other countries that meet internationally accepted standards. His stage plays are Chaos By Design, Storm, and Something Dark. Examples of his television explorations include a 6-part jazz series for BBC2, and in 2004 he presented the first National Poetry Slam and The New Brit for the BBC. His work has featured in various short films including the British Film Institute sponsored The Elevator, featuring Gary Lewis.

A controversial figure in recent years, the former Smiths frontman has had to bat away accusations of ‘racism’ and ‘fascism’ from critics. Supporting the far-right, anti-Islam party ‘For Britain’, the singer has attracted criticism from even his most loyal fans, particularly after he became an advocate for Nigel Farage to be Prime Minister.Public Enemy’s “Rebel Without a Pause” was released as a single for It Takes a Nation and has become one of the group’s signature songs. The title is a play on the name of the 1955 James Dean film Rebel Without a Cause.

London (So good they named it once)’ evokes both Sissay’s affection for London, as well as playing on the poet’s provincial roots beyond the capital, and the kinds of Selvon-esque mis-translations that can emerge as a result. As Sissay has written elsewhere, with tongue in the same cheek: ‘As a northerner Lemn loves London! Many people in Manchester ask why. The simple answer is that in London there are more people who look like Lemn!’Lemn Sissay is a musician, a stand up comedian, radio and television producer, a playwright, and, lastly and firstly, a poet. Use italics (lyric) and bold (lyric) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part