AV will tear us apart

At the time of the AV referendum, the New Statesman competition called for popular songs on this theme.

I thought you were a joke –

My wrong presupposition:

The first time that we spoke,

I loved your proposition.

(Violins and drums kick in)

Before we met I’d planned

More years in opposition,

But then you took my hand:

We formed a coalition.

But the pact that we wrote had a flaw in store:

The alternative vote means declaring war.

There’s a lump in my throat as I clutch at yours:

AV will tear us apart.

(Chorus, with gospel choir)

AV will tear us apart again.

I realize I’m a tart again

And politics a black art again.

Blind power made it seem so smart:

AV will tear us apart.

(Pause, key change and repeat chorus)