Jarvis Cocker responds to campaign for his song to reach Christmas number one
His 2006 single Running The World has been backed by a Facebook campaign.
Jarvis Cocker said he is “so proud” after a social media campaign launched one of his songs into the race for Christmas number one.
The former Pulp front man’s 2006 single Running The World officially entered contention for the festive top spot on Wednesday, following a push by fans upset by Boris Johnson’s General Election victory.
The song contains the lyrics “c**** are still running the world” and is backed by a Facebook group trying to launch it to number one.
The Official Singles Chart said Running The World was at number 87 in the midweek charts but less than 5,000 chart sales away from entering the Top 40.
Cocker, 56, responded on Instagram and thanked the campaigners.
He said: “What a lark! I’m so proud that people have chosen the song as a means of protest against the social, political & environmental situation we find ourselves in.”
Cocker, who before the election shared a post on Instagram stating #votingtorykills, said he has been playing Running The World at recent concerts, adding “but not for long” at the end of the song.
“I truly believe that,” he said. “As long as we don’t give up, that is true. These are cold, hard times but initiatives like this campaign make me feel all warm & hopeful inside. Christmasy even.”
Cocker said all proceeds from the song go to the homeless charity Shelter, adding: “Keep the faith x.”
In his bid to be top of the tree at Christmas, Cocker is up against a strong field of contenders including LadBaby, Stormzy and Wham!.
The cut-off for sales and streams counting towards this week’s chart is 11.59pm on Thursday December 19.
