"Not So Great Britain" is a song by Gilbert O'Sullivan that criticizes various aspects of British society and government. The lyrics highlight different issues faced by the country, discussing themes such as police corruption, soccer hooliganism, political deceit, educational system, and healthcare. The song begins by focusing on a police officer who becomes a victim of a cover-up investigation and is unfairly accused, leading to him leaving the force. This suggests a lack of support and justice within the system, portraying Britain as not living up to its reputation. The lyrics then shift to criticizing Britain's sporting reputation, particularly in soccer. While the sport is considered the national game, the song points out that European teams often face bans due to unruly behavior from British fans. This suggests that Britain's reputation is tarnished by the actions of its supporters. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Not so Great Britain," emphasizing a sarcastic and critical tone. It questions the reasons behind the country not living up to its perceived greatness. The next verse highlights the political landscape and mocks the notion of Britain being the land of hope and glory. It suggests that elections are often won outright by the Conservative Party, implying a lack of democratic balance or alternative choices. The song then discusses the erosion of honesty and integrity, particularly in education. It highlights the idea that telling lies is now acceptable, and being economical with the truth is a common practice. This criticism suggests a decline in moral values within society. The following verse mentions the famous children's storytelling show Jackanory, suggesting that even in the land of imagination and stories, there are problems. The lyrics express regret and sadness over the handover of Hong Kong, reflecting broken promises and the loss of a former British colony. Lastly, the song addresses healthcare issues, specifically the lack of hospital beds. It depicts the frustration of not being able to receive immediate treatment for a sick child due to the overwhelming demand and limited resources, further highlighting the flaws within the system. In summary, "Not So Great Britain" is a critique of different aspects of British society, ranging from corruption, social issues, political deceit, education, and healthcare shortcomings. The song suggests that while Britain may have its strengths, it falls short in various areas, hence the ironic and critical title.
