"We've Got Now't Else" is a song from the musical "The Last Ship," with lyrics written by Jimmy Nail, Craig Bennett, and Matthew Stocke. The musical is inspired by Sting's experiences growing up in the shipbuilding community of Wallsend, England. The song is performed by the character Jackie, who is a shipyard foreman, and a group of shipyard workers. It highlights the pride and resilience of the people of Wallsend and their dedication to their work in shipbuilding. The lyrics describe the harsh working conditions and the challenges faced by the workers, including the early morning buzzers, the noise, the cold, and the rain. Despite these difficulties, they find solace and unity in their shared experiences. The song also touches upon the workers' frustrations with their political system and their belief that their voices and votes are often disregarded, emphasizing their sense of disillusionment. The phrase "now't" is a dialectal variation of "naught" or "nothing" and is commonly used in the dialect of the North East of England. It symbolizes the workers' feeling that they have nothing else except their work and their community. Overall, "We've Got Now't Else" portrays the camaraderie and strength of the shipyard workers in Wallsend and their determination to overcome the challenges they face. The song serves as a celebration of their identity and a testament to their resilience.
