The music video for ‘Marriage Counselling’ by Stanley Odd has just been released. The track is a dialogue between Caledonia and Britannia set during the current independence debate, and expressed through an exchange of feelings, facts, conceits and deceit.
Dear Britainnia,
Things aren’t right and we have to face it.
I don’t appreciate the procrastination.
I’m just saying, It’s not like you’re pure amazing
I’m fed up feeling like the poor relation.
And I don’t appreciate yir passive aggression.
Is it too much to ask that you’d answer ma questions?
So I’m writing this metaphor, I’ve said it before.
I put more into us than you give me credit for.
We’re needing some help. What makes you think I can’t speak for myself?
And as for the division of wealth
I’m a 1000-year-old country
Surely, I’m old enough to look after my own money.
As for that nonsense about me being destitute,
Hen, I’ve got the same damn group of friends as you.
So stop implying that if you were to get shot of me
France, Germany and Spain wouldn’t talk to me.
I feel like I’m banging ma head off a brick wall.
PS. Do you think of me at all?
Faithfully Yours,
Caledonia.
Dear Caledonia,
This grief is something that I wouldn’t miss.
I’m tired of having to keep you in food and drink.
Since Culloden, it’s been like a constant battle.
With you causing me nothing but hassle.
And you’ve been hellish short-tempered lately.
I thought we’d agreed to forgive and forget the ‘80s.
I’ve told you before how I actually felt.
I just don’t think you can be trusted to look after yourself.
I know sometimes I don’t give you enough attention
But I’ve got a lot on ma plate with the current recession.
As for being mature enough to handle your financial payments
Look at Greece she’s even older than you and they called in the bailiffs
You show nothing but poor judgment. Why should I trust it?
Your tram fiasco? Way over budget.
Parliament building? Way over budget.
And you wonder why I don’t want to discuss this?
Stop meddling, you’re being childish and petulant.
And you wouldn’t fare well in a divorce settlement.
Accept it. I know better. I don’t need this added pressure.
PS. Weren’t we always good together?
Sincerely Yours,
Britainnia.
Britainnia,
I don’t appreciate yir tone. Wind yir neck in.
Don’t even get me started on the years of oppression.
Every time I need money for spending
I shouldn’t need to come begging for you to give it your blessin’.
I’m not a lap dog, a pet or a petulant wean.
I’m an equal and I expect to get treated that way.
I’m setting is straight. This is hardly blissful matrimony.
I’ve got resources so I shouldn’t have to ask for money.
I support ma self so don’t even mention alimony.
And I don’t need you to fight ma battles for me.
So tell yir mates in Faslane they need a new address
I see the truth with my new clear head.
Ma pal Alex says that you’re blind to the facts
And that it’s time for me to stand and draw a line in the sand
Everybody’s got an opinion and I’m sick of it
I getting pulled in all directions with this constant bickering
It’s like a smokescreen I’m struggling to see through
PS. Half of me doesn’t want to leave you
Caledonia,
Bitch bitch moan moan. Give me a break,
All you ever seem do it complain.
Maybe it’s all that booze in your brain
Or your woozy again from the smack running through your veins
You’re nothing but a drain on me and it’s plain to see
You’ve developed more unhealthy habits that I need to pay to keep.
Basically you need stop your foolish ways
Stop pulling away and start pulling your weight.
Pulling ma weight? Who do you think yir talking tae?
This is exactly what’s making me want to walk away.
I’m tired of stating all ma reservations.
I think we should maybe try a trial separation.
You’re blatantly economic with the facts.
Arrogant, self-centred, living in the past.
Reliving your former glory most days now.
Back when you were the biggest bully in the playground.
A shadow of your former self and it’s plain to see.
You’re falling apart and trying to put the blame on me.
I used to make things, inventions, you curbed my creativity.
You held me back, injured me by ending ma industry.
All I’m saying is the balance in the relationship isn’t right.
Either change or I’m leaving, it’s decision time.
Decisions? You don’t have the power to make those
And you’re not going anywhere unless I say so
You’re useless, who else would want you but me?
All the plans you make end in constant defeat.
You think we’re really through?
All that’s left of you is disease and booze. And you can’t see the truth.
Obsessed with green and blue. After all we’ve been through
I’d be doing you a favour keeping you.
Pipe down and stop being so mouthy.
The truth is you’d be nothing without me.
An alcoholic, sectarian, illiterate lout.
I’m providing the medicine and you’re spitting it out.
Without me you won’t last two minutes.
In fact I don’t even care if we’re finished.
