What’s with vegans in Britain named Ben writing songs inspired by the abolitionist arguments of Gary L. Francione?

Last month I linked to a video by “Ben Frost Vegan” called “I Am Someone — A Call for Veganism.” Ben sang from the point of view of animals raised for food, or at least the point of view that Francione ascribes to such animals.

And now Mylene at My Face is On Fire has dug up an older song by a British abolitionist Francione follower, Ben Edwards.

Here are some of my favorite lyrics from Ben Edwards’ abolitionized update of Billy Bragg’s “Waiting for the Great Leap Forward”:

The state of our farm animals is not a thing to talk about;
Because we’ve got no right to use them and that shouldn’t be in doubt;
So don’t talk to me about the benefits that bigger cages bring;
Because while animals are property their interests can’t mean a thing.

They ask me if I’m for real;
I offer them that male dairy cows get turned to veal;
And the male chicks get lacerated because they can’t lay an egg;
And they say ‘where do you get your protein from?’
And try to change the subject instead.

So join the struggle while you may;
The revolution is just an ethical vegan T-shirt away;
When you’re waiting for the great leap forwards.