Peter Hammill - The Great European Department Store lyrics

It's a triumph, material triumph, ma** consumption and conformity. Down in hardware the shelves are stacked up with the latest line in luxury. The perfume counter has make-up ladies all immaculately make-believe; they sell you lifestyle package and you'd better buy because you're never going to leave. Nations of shoppers consume in a frenzy the security of branded names; they're fighting in the food hall for exotic vegetables and fruit, eco-friendly game. It doesn't matter which currency you use becasue they're all exactly the same. And it's all on offer, everything's on offer, multi-national door-to-door in the Great European Department Store. It's on offer, it's all on offer, you can pack it flat to take away: Scottish heather to Spanish leather, German turniip to Dutch weather-vane. If you've got the money the door's wide open, they are only here to pamper you. The ethnic art room has plundered several continents to decorate your living room. It doesn't matter which credit card you use or if you even sign your real name because they're all exactly the same. And it's all on offer, guaranteed natural, quality control a**ured in the Great European Department Store. Hey, let's shop; let's go! In the Great European Department Store… Ooh, the shopping's something shocking now; ooh, will the shopping never stop in the Great European Department Store?