User:Taylormcallister17/sandbox

The song, "The Age of Revolution" on the first album of The Duckworth Lewis Method is an anthem to the social revolution that took place in the world of cricket.

Historically, cricket was an all-white sport, played solely by the English elite, as the song references. However, during the period of colonialism, knowledge of the sport spread. Beginning with the military and spreading down to the slaves, interest in cricket grew all throughout the West Indies, also mentioned in the song. They began forming their own teams and leagues and the sport grew, as did their skill. Soon they wanted to be included with the English players, but were only allowed for "test games". Ironically, this created West Indian players of the same caliber as English, who quickly began surpassing English skill. They even developed their own type of bowling: short-pitched fast bowling. The English responded angrily of course, as the West Indian teams started winning more and more frequently. After much debate and struggle, the West Indian teams and players were finally accepted into the British league and became notorious for "intimidating" them with their skill. These talented athletes overcame the struggle and finally gained the acceptance they sought; hence, the revolution.

The song also mentions Bangalore and Kingston, both references to areas of British colonization. Bangalore is also a huge city in India for cricket and is home to many national cricketers. Kingston is also known for hosting the aforesaid test matches against the English.

The lyrics referring to "Mankad in Madras" refer to Vinoo Mankad, a record-setting Indian cricketer, and the fabric, madras, that the traditionally white-clad English cricketers abhorred.

The lines claiming "Sunil is king" also refer to Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar who is recognized as one of the greatest starting batsmen in the history of cricket.

In later lines, the song mentions "Stormont" which is a first-class cricket field and is also home to the Civil Service North of Ireland Cricket Club and the Northern Irish government. In this same refrain, the mention of "Oval" refers to a cricket field in London sponsored by Kia and the home of the Surrey County Cricket Club.

The mention of "Punjab" represents the Punjab Cricket Association in India. Also mentioned is the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association. In the same stanza is recalled "the passion of '32", which historically refers to the first successful tour of an Indian cricket team against the English since 1911.

The song closes with a jab at the English by referencing "driving Bentleys, playing 20/20", celebrating the victory of the West Indies during this so-called revolution.