'Play up, play up and play the game!'
A hero's chant in the fight for the Ashes.
The ashes of bodies destroyed by a bomb,
Limbs torn apart in more violent clashes.

Freddie was quick with the bat and the ball,
Ponting's performance was equally stunning.
But what about Jean Charles - the man on the tube,
Shot by police because he was running?

'Play up, play up and play the game!'
A hero's chant in the fight for the Ashes.
The ashes of bodies destroyed by a bomb,
Limbs torn apart in more violent clashes.

We cheered for our boys in this battle of wits,
Thund'rous applause when the ball cleared the stand.
But how to react to a man blown to bits
Or to blood-stained survivors, their heads in their hands?

'Play up, play up and play the game!'
A hero's chant in the fight for the Ashes.
The ashes of bodies destroyed by a bomb,
Limbs torn apart in more violent clashes.

Warne is a wizard, a cricketing great,
His focus stopped England from getting the win.
But watch Tony closely (or George, his mate)
If you want a real lesson in spin.

'Play up, play up and play the game!'
A hero's chant in the fight for the Ashes.
The ashes of bodies destroyed by a bomb,
Limbs torn apart in more violent clashes.

Five tests and it's over, for better or worse.
We'll open the champers, or sob in our beer.
But the real game's just starting and we're all made to play
Unwilling, unknowing and living in fear.