Demons at News International

Usually, when I rewrite a song, I’m trying to raise a chuckle or two. But the News of the World phone-hacking scandal doesn’t really deserve ridicule; it deserves contempt and disgust. So I hope the tone of this is right.

To the tune of ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams.

Demons

I hear your pain
Do the fear and grief drive you insane?
And do you know
The lengths to which I’ll go
To get your tale told?
But my heart’s not cold
I’m just selling things that can be sold
So when I hear that you’re in dread
Your hope has all but fled
All those desperate things you’ve said
I’m feeding demons instead

[Chorus]
And through it all I offer a great story
All heartbreaking and gory
Whether I’m right or wrong
And down the mobile phone
Wherever it may take me
I know how much you’ll make me
When you try to call
You won’t escape me
I’m feeding demons instead

When you’re feeling grief
And you’re yearning for some dear relief
I’ll be right here
And you know I’ll always give you my ear
And as the story grows
I’ll rake over the bones
And when love is dead
I’ll see the demons are fed

[Chorus]
And through it all I offer a great story
All heartbreaking and gory
Whether I’m right or wrong
And down the mobile phone
Wherever it may take me
I know how much you’ll make me
When you try to call
You won’t escape me
I’m feeding demons instead

Brothers in arms

The origins of the First World War is a classic history exam question. One issue that comes into many answers is the web of allegiances and rivalries among the interrelated royal families of Europe.

The Independent’s picture editors have taken the occasion of this book review to reveal the real family dispute that explains the War:


Oops.