‘I don’t pay my wallpaper bills’: Cassetteboy uses Destiny’s Child mashup to take aim at Boris Johnson
Former PM’s fall from grace mocked in comedy musician duo’s latest track
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cassetteboy have released their latest mash-up, which takes aim at Boris Johnson and his fall from national grace over the past month.
Released on Friday (22 July), the mash-up is set to Paul Woolford and Pessto’s remix of “Bills, Bills, Bills” titled “Can You Pay”.
In it, the comedy music duo combine the remix of the 1999 Destiny’s Child hit with clips of multiple Boris Johnson speeches from his time as prime minister.
“I don’t pay my wallpaper bills, I lie about work event bills,” Johnson says in the one-and-a-half-minute video, with the comedy musician satirising the Wallpapergate scandal, seen by many as the beginning of his downfall.
Johnson and wife Carrie’s renovations of No 10 Downing Street became a matter of public embarrassment after it was revealed they had spent an estimated £200,000 on refurbishments, including £2,260 worth of gold wallpaper.
“I dismiss police fine bills, and delay moving bills,” Johnson continues in the video, with Cassetteboy referring to the penalties not levied on the outgoing PM during the Partygate investigation.
He then says: “Please don’t call the moving van, I’ll cling on while I can, I need every penny I can get, I’m not ready for Rishi or Truss just yet.”
“I need a job to pay the bills, but alas I have no skills. I’ll turn to friends with no scruples and hope I can pay in roubles,” Johnson goes on, before the popular refrain of “Can you pay my bills” begins.
Among his other failings, Johnson’s handling of the Covid crisis, the rising cost of living in the UK, and missed Cobra meetings are also highlighted in the new Cassetteboy mash-up.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Cassetteboy rose to fame in 2009 with their mashup Cassetteboy vs The Bloody Apprentice, which featured dialogue from Alan Sugar.
Their past videos have included Cassetteboy’s Brexit mash-up – also featuring Johnson and set to the tune of MC Hammer’s “Can’t Touch This” titled “Can’t Trust Me” – and a scathing satire of the Downing Street parties titled “Rage Against The Party Machine”, which combines Rage Against The Machine’s anti-establishment hit “Killing In The Name Of” and Johnson’s speeches on the pandemic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments