Pie In The Sky Doggett's Coat And Badge
Introduction
Pie in the Sky is a popular British television series that aired from 1994 to 1997. The show focused on a police detective named Henry Crabbe, who was also an accomplished chef. One of the recurring themes in the show was Crabbe's desire to retire from the police force and open his own restaurant, which he called "Pie in the Sky." This article explores the origins of the phrase "pie in the sky" and its connection to the Doggett's Coat and Badge race.
The Origins of "Pie in the Sky"
The phrase "pie in the sky" has been used to describe a promise or offer that seems too good to be true. It is often associated with the idea of a reward that is promised in the distant future, but never actually materializes. The origin of the phrase can be traced back to a song called "The Preacher and the Slave," which was written by the American labor activist Joe Hill in 1911. The song includes the following lyrics:
You will eat, bye and bye, in that glorious land above the sky;
Work and pray, live on hay, you'll get pie in the sky when you die.
The song was a satirical response to the idea that workers should be content with their lot in life and not demand better conditions. Hill used the phrase "pie in the sky" to mock the idea that workers would be rewarded for their hard work in the afterlife, rather than in the present.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
Doggett's Coat and Badge is the oldest rowing race in the world, having been first held in 1715. The race takes place on the River Thames in London and is open to young watermen who have completed their apprenticeships. The competitors row from London Bridge to Chelsea, a distance of around four miles. The winner is awarded a traditional waterman's coat and badge, which is still worn by watermen today.
The Connection Between "Pie in the Sky" and Doggett's Coat and Badge
The connection between "pie in the sky" and Doggett's Coat and Badge can be traced back to a speech given by the American labor leader James P. Cannon in 1925. Cannon used the phrase "pie in the sky" to describe the way in which workers were promised rewards in the distant future, rather than in the present. He contrasted this with the tradition of Doggett's Coat and Badge, where the reward was immediate and tangible.
The idea of "pie in the sky" as a promise of future reward has been criticized by many, including the British politician Tony Benn. In a speech given in 2012, Benn argued that workers should not be content with the promise of future rewards, but should demand better conditions in the present.
The Legacy of "Pie in the Sky" and Doggett's Coat and Badge
The legacy of "pie in the sky" and Doggett's Coat and Badge can still be seen today. The phrase "pie in the sky" is still used to describe promises that seem too good to be true, while the Doggett's Coat and Badge race continues to be a celebrated tradition in London. The race has even been immortalized in literature, with Charles Dickens including a description of it in his novel "Our Mutual Friend."
Conclusion
The phrase "pie in the sky" has its roots in a satirical song from the early 20th century. It has since been used to describe promises that seem too good to be true, while the Doggett's Coat and Badge race continues to be a celebrated tradition in London. The connection between the two is a reminder that workers should demand better conditions in the present, rather than being content with promises of future rewards.