The first Blitzkrieg Bop gig was on May 7th 1977 at Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough. It was the fifth gig of the re-formed band, the first four being under their old name, Adamanta Chubb. The format of these early gigs involved the band doing two sets. The first set consisted mainly of traditional ‘rock’ songs, including ‘Do The Strand’ and ‘Virginia Plain’ (Roxy Music) ‘Black Night’, ‘Smoke On The Water’ and ‘Child In Time’ (Deep Purple) amongst numerous others. There were also many original compositions. The second set featured more ‘energetic’ songs, including ‘So It Goes’ (Nick Lowe), and ‘Caroline’ (Status Quo)
It was in the second set that the band started to introduce punk songs, even before their name change. For example, they performed ‘Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue’ (The Ramones) and ‘Bugger Off’ (original composition) at the first gig of Adamanta Chubb Mk.2, The Grangefield Community Centre, Stockton, on 2nd April 1977.
This two-set format continued for the first four Blitzkrieg Bop gigs, The Ormesby gig, plus three gigs at The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough. For the list below the first sets of these gigs have been disregarded, as they were performed as Adamanta Chubb. The only anomaly this throws up (as far as original songs go) is that ‘Bugger Off’ was actually performed at the four gigs prior to the name change. The list below starts with the first performance of ‘Bugger Off’ as Blitzkrieg Bop.
ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS (Listed in order of first performance)
1. BUGGER OFF
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 7th May 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
2. 9 TILL 5
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 15th May, 1977, Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
3. LET’S GO
Written by: John Hodgson/Dimmer Blackwell/Mick Hylton. First performed live: 29th May, 1977, Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
4. DOLE WALLA
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 3rd July, 1977, Black Swan, Guisborough (nb: Song aka DOLE WALLER)
5. GET OUT OF MY WAY
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 3rd July, 1977, Black Swan, Guisborough
6. MENTAL CASE
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 6th August, 1977, Bowes Wine Cellar, Darlington
7. LIFE IS JUST A SO-SO
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 6th August, 1977, Bowes Wine Cellar, Darlington
8. STREETCORNERS
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 18th September, 1977, Black Swan, Guisborough (nb: Song was erroneously listed as written by John Hodgson on the CD ‘Top Of The Bops’)
9. (YOU’RE LIKE A) UFO
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 24th October, 1977, Rock Garden, Middlesbrough (nb: Song was listed as simply ‘UFO’ on the label and sleeve of the single)
10. POLICE STATE
Written by: John Hodgson/Mick Hylton/Alan Cornforth. First performed live: 24th October, 1977, Rock Garden, Middlesbrough (nb: Song was erroneously listed as written by John Hodgson/Mick Hylton on the CD ‘Top Of The Bops’)
11. MYSTERY CALLER
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 10th December, 1977, Bowes Wine Cellar, Darlington
12. PROSTITUTION #1
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 10th December, 1977, Bowes Wine Cellar, Darlington (nb: There is a PROSTITUTION #2 listed in the lyric section which has no connection with this)
13. CHAIN GANG
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 23rd December, 1977, Guild Hall, Newcastle
14. GAS BORED
Written by: Mick Hylton. First performed live: 4th February, 1978, Tropicana, Whitby
15. NO EMOTIONS
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 10th February, 1978, Van Mildert College, Durham
16. WEEKEND PUNKS
Written by: John Hodgson/Ray Radford. First performed live: 20th February, 1978, Carlton Club, Hartlepool (nb: Song was re-introduced into the set on 17th November, 1978, under the new title of IMAGES, song aka WEEKEND CREEPS)
17. WE’LL THINK OF SOMETHING
Written by: John Hodgson/Mick Hylton/Alan Cornforth/Ray Gunn. First performed live: 12th March, 1978, Town Hall Crypt, Middlesbrough
18. RADIO
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn/Graham Moses. First performed live: 16th July, 1978, Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay (nb: Song aka R.A.D.I.O., also, a version of this song was performed by The Lice)
19. FUTURE SHOCK
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 16th July, 1978, Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay
20. PINKY
Written by: John Hodgson/Graham Moses. First performed live: 16th July, 1978, Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay (nb: Song was originally written by Graham Moses while he was in The Lice. He brought it with him to Blitzkrieg Bop and John Hodgson added some new lyrics)
21. NICE GIRLS
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn. First performed live: 16th July, 1978, Rex Hotel, Whitley Bay (nb: Song aka NICE GIRL)
22. WEST SIDE STORY
Written by: John Hodgson. First performed live: 31st August, 1978, Rock Garden, Middlesbrough
23. MORDORS
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn. First performed live: 17th November 1978, Limit Club, Sheffield
24. SLAVE LABOUR
Written by: Micky Dunn/Graham Moses/Jonathon Pratt/John Hodgson/Alan King. First performed live: 17th November, 1978, Limit Club, Sheffield (nb: Song was originally performed by The Lice and was brought to the band by Micky Dunn. John was forced to change the words, including the frankly offensive: “Working like a nigger all day…” to “Working like a bugger all day…”)
25. HAPPY CRASH
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn/Graham Moses. First performed live: 17th November, 1978, Limit Club, Sheffield
26. SEEKING ASYLUM
Written by: John Hodgson/Graham Moses/Ian Luck/Dave Allen. First performed live: 1st November, 1994, Town Hall Crypt, Middlesbrough (nb: This song is in reality a Viva La Diva song, but was only ever performed live once, by Blitzkrieg Bop)
SONGS WRITTEN BY OTHER ARTISTS (Listed in order of first performance)
1. CAROLINE
Written by: Status Quo. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
2. BLITZKRIEG BOP
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
3. THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT
Written by: Pete Townshend. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
4. TEENAGE DEPRESSION
Written by: Dave Higgs. First Performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
5. I REMEMBER YOU
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
6. HEART OF THE CITY
Written by: Nick Lowe. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
7. NOW I WANNA SNIFF SOME GLUE
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
8. 1977
Written by: Joe Strummer/Mick Jones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
9. GLORIA
Written by: Van Morrison. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
10. LONDON LADY
Written by: Jean-Jacque Burnel/Hugh Cornwell/Dave Greenfield/Jet Black. First performed live: 7th, May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
11. BEAT ON THE BRAT
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
12. WHITE RIOT
Written by: Joe Strummer/Mick Jones. First performed live: 7th May, 1977, Ormesby Youth Club, Middlesbrough
13. SUZY IS A HEADBANGER
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 15th May, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
14. BATMAN THEME
Written by: Neil Hefti. First performed live: 15th May, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
15. ROXETTE
Written by: Johnson. First performed live: 29th May, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
16. ONE CHORD WONDERS
Written by: TV Smith. First performed live: 29th May, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
17. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
Written by: Johnny Rotten/Steve Jones/Glen Matlock/Paul Cook. First performed live: 5th June, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
18. LONDON’S BURNING
Written by: Joe Strummer/Mick Jones. First performed live: 12th June, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
19. SHEENA IS A PUNK ROCKER
Written by: The Ramones. First performed live: 12th June, 1977, The Speedway Hotel, Middlesbrough
20. X OFFENDER
Written by: Debbie Harry/Gary Valentine. First performed live: 26th June, 1977, The Black Swan, Guisborough
21. HANGING AROUND
Written by: Jean-Jacque Burnel/Hugh Cornwell/Dave Greenfield/Jet Black. First performed live: 26th June, 1977, The Black Swan, Guisborough
22. RIGHT TO WORK
Written by: Gene October. First performed live: 25th July, 1977, Rock Garden, Middlesbrough
23. PRETTY VACANT
Written by: Johnny Rotten/Steve Jones/Glen Matlock/Paul Cook. First performed live: 25th July, 1977, Rock Garden, Middlesbrough
24. VIVA BOBBY JOE
Written by: Eddie Grant. First performed live: 10th December, 1977, Bowes Wine Cellar, Darlington
25. HEROES/PRETTY VACANT (MEDLEY)
Written by a: David Bowie, b: Johnny Rotten/Steve Jones/Glen Matlock/Paul Cook. First performed live: 1st November, 1994, Town Hall Crypt, Middlesbrough
26. PERFECT DAY
Written by: Lou Reed. First performed live: 8th December, 1994, The Waterfront, Stockton
27. WALKING OUT ON LOVE
Written by: Pete Collins. First performed live: 8th December, 1994, The Waterfront, Stockton
Counting original songs and cover versions together, Blitzkrieg Bop performed 53 songs between 7th May 1977 and 8th November 1994.
SONGS NEVER PERFORMED LIVE (Original compositions)
The list below has been restricted to punk songs only. There were songs tried in rehearsal (such as HOSPITAL BLUES and KNOWING) that are outside the scope of this list.
(In alphabetical order)
AM I BEING UNKIND?
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
ANARCHY IS BLIND
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
APATHY
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
ATTITUDES
See NEW CLOTHES and I’M A PERSON
BAD IMITATIONS
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
BEDMATE
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Rough solo demo in archive.
BLACK DEPRESSION
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
BLACK SHEEP
See IT’S A SHAME
BOP DIDDLEY (aka SPEND IT)
Written by: Micky Dunn/Mick Hylton/Alan Cornforth. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Version exists (very poor quality)
BRITAIN OF TODAY
Written by: Mick Hylton
CARNIVAL DAY
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
CRAZED
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
DESTROY
Written by: John Hodgson/Dimmer Blackwell. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Featured on ‘Top Of The Bops’ CD
DISCO’S AND FRISCO’S
Written by: John Hodgson. Lyric only (since lost) part of which developed into LET’S GO.
DOLLY MIX
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
DON’T BREAK BACK
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
DON’T STOP
Written by: unknown. Not attempted by band. No version exists. This only ‘exists’ as a title in a proposed track listing for an imaginary Bop LP.
DON’T YOU WORRY
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
THE ENFORCER
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
EXODUS
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
FACT OR FICTION (aka YES I CAN)
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
GET YOURSELF A CHEAP GUITAR
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
G.L.C.
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
HANGING ON A WALL
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists. (nb: see also IMAGES)
HUMAN RAT
Written by: Ray Gunn. Attempted by band in rehearsal.
I CAN’T LIVE AT ALL
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
I DON’T WANT MY RADIO
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Rough solo demo by John in archive.
I’M A PERSON
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists. (nb: see also ATTITUDES and NEW CLOTHES)
I’M A RICH MAN
Written by John Hodgson/Micky Dunn/Mick Hylton. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Version exists (very poor quality)
INSTRUMENTAL NO.1
Written by Alan Cornforth. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
I STABBED HER MY WAY
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by Blitzkrieg Bop. Performed live by Bert Presley & The Sputniks (inc. John Hodgson & Micky Dunn)
IT’S A SHAME (aka BLACK SHEEP)
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Rough solo demo by John featured on ‘Bottom Of The Barrel’ CD.
I WANNA CHANGE THE WORLD
Written by: John Hodgson/Dimmer Blackwell. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Featured on ‘Top Of The Bops’ CD
I WANT 2 BE 4
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
JUST GOTTA OUTTA JAIL
Written by Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
LISTEN
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
LIVING FOR TODAY
Written by: John Hodgson/Micky Dunn. Attempted by band in rehearsal. Rough solo demo by John in archive.
MADMEN
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
MISADVENTURE
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
NAKED SADIST
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
NEW CLOTHES
Written by: John Hodgson/Alan Cornforth. Attempted by band in rehearsal. John’s contribution was originally from a song of his called I’M A PERSON (see elsewhere) Alan’s contribution was originally from a song of his called ATTITUDES. No version exists.
NEW DAY
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Rough solo demo by John in archive.
NEW WAVE
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
NO MORE NOTHING
Written by : John Hodgson/Dimmer Blackwell. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
NO SWEAT
Written by: John Hodgson. Lyric only (since lost) never used.
NOT ENOUGH
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
OFF AND ON
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
OH GREAT
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
OLD WAVE
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
ON THE ROAD
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
PAPERS NEVER LIE
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
POLITICS
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
POSSIBLE DECISION
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
PROSTITUTION #2
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. Lyric only. Not to be confused with PROSTITUTION #1 written by John Hodgson.
RAT SYNDROME
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
RESTRICTIVE DESCRIPTIONS
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
ROXY REVUE
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
SMOOTHIE
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
SPEND IT
See BOP DIDDLEY.
TIME BOMB
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
TRAVOLTA
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
VIRGINS IN WHITE STOCKINGS
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
WASP FEET
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
WE GONNA TAKE OVER
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
WE HATE THEM ALL
Written by: Mick Hylton. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
WE LIKE IT LOUD
Written by: Alan Cornforth/John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
WILL YOU REMAIN CALM
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. No version exists.
WIPERS GOING SPLISH SPLASH
Written by John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
YES I CAN
See FACT OR FICTION
YOU PEOPLE TELLING ME SO MANY LIES
Written by: John Hodgson. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
YOU’RE SO CHEAP
Written by: John Hodgson/Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
YOU TOO CAN HAVE A BODY
Written by: Alan Cornforth. Not attempted by band. Lyric only.
ZOMBIE
Written by: John Hodgson. Attempted by band in rehearsal. No version exists.
SONGS NEVER PERFORMED LIVE (Written by other artists)
1. TELEPHONE MAN
Written by: Meri Wilson. Jammed at rehearsal: 6th November 1977 (date is approximate)
SECTION 5 - LYRICS
Listed below is a complete collection of lyrics for Blitzkrieg Bop’s songs. The list includes some previously unpublished lyrics, most of which never made it beyond the page. Because John had trouble remembering lyrics, he often restricted himself to one verse, repeated two or three times, as in ‘Get Out Of My Way’. He did sometimes make the effort, ‘Radio’ being a good example, with no less than three verses. He would usually scribble the first line of each verse and tape them on the stage to help him along. They are listed in alphabetical order by title, and the writer(s) are listed after the title. The writing credits for the lyrics might differ from the song credits listed elsewhere, as the credits here are for the lyrics only.
AM I BEING UNKIND (John Hodgson)
You know me you throw me
I just don’t know why
Am I being unkind
I don’t care
I really don’t care
I really don’t (x3)
I really don’t care
Am I being unfair
I don’t mind
I really don’t mind
I really don’t (x3)
I really don’t mind
ANARCHY IS BLIND (John Hodgson)
Anarchy is blind
To the fascist in our mind
It makes you stop and think
It takes you to the brink
Immigration
Re-patriation
Integration
Would you like to be the one
Would you like to be the one
Dictatorship is wrong
‘Cos one man is too strong
We don’t want no more war
No we don’t want anymore
Examinations, regulations, coopers, teds, unfriendly nations
Institutions, revolutions, authority is illusion
APATHY (John Hodgson)
Apathy apathy whatcha gonna do (x3)
Apathy apathy I don’t believe it’s true
What you gonna do
Apathy
Support your local fanzine
(incomplete lyric)
BAD IMITATIONS (Alan Cornforth)
Take it away
I want no compromise
You can’t give the real thing
I’m just sick to the eyes
Of bad imitations
With no real value
We’ll think of a better way
To get what we’re due
‘Cos they’re just bad imitations
They’ll use to deceive
They’re just bad imitations
Take them or leave
Take it away
I’ve got plenty to lose
Don’t want fake leather jackets
Or blue plastic shoes
I’ve no real interest
They’ve got no value
We’ll think of another way
To get back at you
BEDMATE (John Hodgson)
You know I don’t believe all that
Your face is plain, plain old hat
You’ve no defence, you’re on the fence
Your life is on the fence
It’s a shame to think you’re left behind
It’s a crime to see you rot
There’s no escape, it’s all too late
It’s just a rape away, so rape away
I want to be your bedmate (x3)
Your bedmate tonight
I want to see you in your bedroom
I want to check you out, check you real soon
Yes you know it’s true (x3)
BLACK DEPRESSION (Alan Cornforth)
We’ve got a black depression in our cities today
The councillors they tell us it’ll soon go away
But what about the problems they all face on the street
If someone gets stabbed they’ll be the first the fuzz meet
It’s a black depression
And I think it’s going to last
This black depression is taking us over too fast
White youth killed all the papers read
Black boy did it all the white papers plead
White police force arrest this young boy
Mess him around like he was a toy
BRITAIN OF TODAY (Mick Hylton)
Kids of Belfast
Another bomb blast
Got no future
Got no past
(incomplete lyric)
BUGGER OFF (John Hodgson)
You think that I’m a bloody fool
You laugh at me you think it’s cool
You wanna throw me in a muddy pool
Well bugger off (x7)
CARNIVAL DAY (Mick Hylton)
All the blacks in the street
You don’t want to see
Only want to give
You won’t let them live…anymore
Anymore…no more
Carnival starts today
But we’re not going away
‘Cos they have the right
You don’t have to fight…anymore
Anymore…no more
Only want to give
You won’t let them live
And they have the right
You don’t have to fight…anymore
CHAIN GANG (Mick Hylton)*
Went to the coast when I left home
Nothing to do there now
Looked around for something to do
It’s not going to get me down
People around here don’t know my name
Don’t even try to see
The locals think they own the place
Well they ain’t gonna own me
I said chain gang don’t try to hold me down
You all look pretty, pretty bad
Don’t try to impress me I might get mad
(You wanna take me don’t stand a chance
I’ll take on any (with a broken arm) try me if you can
You can’t kill me I’ve been dead before
No more easy living gonna die no more)
*Lyrics in parenthesis were not used.
CRAZED (Alan Cornforth)
Matter! It don’t matter
That you work until you’re 65
Bitter! I’m not bitter
I need the money to help me survive
So quit knocking work
‘Cos you need it you know
It’s the bosses that nobody likes
They rake the money in
And treat the workers like dirt
It’s the bosses that start all the strikes
Crazy! We’re not crazy
To take over factories for workers rights
Lazy! That’s just a daydream
They’re used to anger and start off the fights
DESTROY (John Hodgson)
I’m sick and tired of them
I’m sick and tired of you
I’m sick and tired of me
Living in this world
I wanna destroy them
I wanna destroy you
I wanna destroy everyone
Living in this world
I wanna destroy (x4)
DOLE WALLA #1 (Mick Hylton)*
(From original manuscript)
I’m a dole walla signing on the dole
I’m a dole walla standing in the queue
The bosses are all smiling
‘Cos they’re rolling in the money
They just think you’re useless (worthless)
You don’t get a penny
I haven’t got a job
So I haven’t any money
The bosses are still smiling
Well it’s not very (fucking) funny
*Lyrics in parenthesis were not used.
DOLE WALLA #2 (Mick Hylton)
(As submitted to Blitzongs Ltd for publishing)
Well I haven’t got a job
And I haven’t any money
They’re just think you’re useless
Well it’s not very funny
We’ll I’m a dole walla
Signing on the dole
I’m a dole walla
Standing in the queue
Well I’m a dole walla
Signing on the dole
I’m a dole walla
Well alright, that’s alright
It’s alright on the dole
Well I haven’t got a job
And I haven’t any money
The bosses are still smiling
And it’s not very funny
DON’T BREAK BACK (Alan Cornforth)
Keep it out of your conversation
Your theories really stink
All this talk of revolution
Really makes me think
So don’t break back
Keep yourself on a straight path
Don’t break back
Use your brain to better use
Than using peoples minds
More than hurt and shout abuse
Take notes and use your finds
DON’T YOU WORRY (John Hodgson)
Don’t you worry about anything
It’s only rock and roll
(incomplete lyric)
DOORS - see MORDORS
THE ENFORCER (Alan Cornforth)
Ever seen the boss make a fuss of you
No he uses his power and gives you more to do
He thinks he can push you and make you crawl
But he’ll be the one in the end that will fall
‘Cos you’ll take his power from under his nose
And use it against him to make sure that he knows
That a mans position is not defined by his job
Or the size of his wallet or being a snob
So get your facts right and change your views
Don’t believe everything that you see on the news
Don’t be a dictator or a cynical fly
Show your new position and hold your head up high
Don’t be an enforcer
Change your views
EXODUS (Mick Hylton)
It’s plain to see but for you and me
Everything is so clear as we take to the air
Down in the city life is chained
I’m one of many trying to get away
The people around me they don’t hear what I’m saying
placed in my memory is to keep on changing
Keep on and you shall be rewarded
Or maybe you’ll hear a plane go by
FACT OR FICTION (aka YES I CAN) (John Hodgson)
I can remember I can
I can remember the plan
Name every member vaguely
Yes I can
I can recall it all
Otto’s decline and fall
Berlin’s big wall vaguely
Yes I can
I am never in doubt at all
But after I got the call
I changed my mind slightly
About Him
I read a few books in town
They really shot him down
I sympathise slightly
About him
I hear you’re spreading lies around is it fact or fiction
The fact that you’re in town is causing friction
I hope you go away before we meet
Fact or fiction
I wanna know is it
Fact or fiction
Please tell me it is
Fact or fiction
I can’t hear you
GAS BORED (Mick Hylton)
Keep on telling so many lies
And you’re the one that people despise
So corrupt in everything that’s done
It’s no wonder that it’s badly run
Too many people for the work
Those in charge still haven’t learnt
They always have to be so right
And keep you working day and night
You keep on fucking me up
And now I think I’ve had enough
You are the bastards that I hate
And you always say that I’m late
I’m bored with the Gas Board
I’m bored with you
I’m bored with the Gas Board
What can I do
GET OUT OF MY WAY (John Hodgson)
I don’t want your love (help)
I don’t want your money
I don’t wanna know what is or isn’t funny
You can’t buy me out
You can’t buy me leather (nothing)
You can’t buy the time
And you can’t buy the weather
So get out
Get out of my way
Oh yeah
You’re always ringing me up
I’m always hanging up
Go away!
(lyrics in parenthesis were changed)
GET YOURSELF A CHEAP GUITAR (John Hodgson)
Get yourself a cheap guitar
Write a few songs about anarchy
Make believe you’re a star
(incomplete lyric)
G.L.C. (Mick Hylton)
GLC you gotta be
Sick in the head
To say the things that you do
Why do you seem so afraid
It’s only ‘cos we’re young
And need a change
We just want to do what we like
And we don’t believe that you are right
I’m alright as I am
All you gotta do is let us play
But you won’t listen to a word we say
Just because we say what we feel
You’re under the impression it’s bad to see us
You want us all to act like robots
Well we don’t care what you say
HANGING ON A WALL*(John Hodgson)
No frills no action
No thrills no reaction
I feel I’m hanging on a wall
No start no finish
Play the part eat the spinach
I feel I’m hanging on a wall
From the sky I look so small
I look so small
(*Parts of this lyric were used in the ‘new’ version of WEEKEND PUNKS which by then was known as IMAGES. See separate entries for both these lyrics)
HAPPY CRASH (John Hodgson/Micky Dunn)*
Happy crash it’s a smash
It will have you in stitches
There are headlights in the night (alright for a fright)
Just like the pictures
I can’t solve my problem
It just doesn’t add up
Do I want to end it
Ram the back of the truck
I wanna crash (x4)
There’s no point in stopping
Not even for a snack
‘Cos here’s food for thought
Am I on the wrong track
I’m going 10 miles an hour
I’m going 20 miles an hour
I’m going 30 miles an hour
I’m going 40 miles an hour
I’m going 50 miles an hour
I’m going 60 miles an hour
I’m going 70 miles an hour
I’m going 80 miles an hour
I’m going 90 miles an hour
I’m going 100 miles an hour
I wanna crash
(*Lyrics in parenthesis were not used)
I CAN’T LIVE AT ALL (John Hodgson)
You take me
You shake me
You break me
But you can’t seem to get it right
(Incomplete lyric)
ICE AGE HEART (John Hodgson/Jeff Fogarty)*
Far away in a time you could never reach
I achieved a miracle beyond belief
The ice age heart
I told the newspapers sat in a reclining seat
The story hit front pages for a week
The ice age heart
I had money, girls, fast cars, a standard of the times
The months passed by like nursery rhymes
But still it haunts me
The ice age heart
High pitched screams, a devils dream
I tossed and turned but still I found guilt
The ice age heart
My mind it would rape a lost cell in a safe
My world now is revolving a sycophant freak whose limbs are too weak
The ice age heart
I’d wake to the dawning of a new morning
But all I had was lost, I could feel the biting frost
The ice age heart
The dream I once shared was now all served
On a frozen plate to
The ice age heart
My mind is all blank, then stepping out of my skin
Is my own reflection, can it be deception
But as it turns away I hear it say
Goodbye my friend
You’ve reached the end, a life of addiction
A fantasy prescription, row b seat 3,
The show now commencing
The ice age heart
(*This was not written expressly for Blitzkrieg Bop, but it demonstrated John’s desire to expand his musical horizons by collaborating with future Basczax colleague Jeff Fogarty)
I DON’T WANT MY RADIO (John Hodgson)
Yesterday I was feeling low
I listened to a man on the radio
He said don’t you worry ‘bout anything
If you got a problem give us a ring
I was hanging on and it’s no joke
It was a full ten minutes before I spoke
I got put through and like a fool
I started to speak and lost my cool
I don’t want my radio
I don’t want to hear your show
I don’t want it anymore
It’s got to go
IMAGES (John Hodgson) (nb: see also WEEKEND PUNKS and HANGING ON A WALL)
There’s no frills there’s no action
There’s no thrills there’s no reaction
No start no finish anymore
Play the part don’t ask what for
They’re stumbling round my door
Defacing the polished floor
(Nowhere is safe to live)
What do I have to give
Where do I have to live
What will the next phase be
Will it take over me
Should I stay as I am
Or follow like a lamb
Oh please can we go out tonight? (x4)
(discarded lyrics in parenthesis)
I’M A PERSON (John Hodgson)
I don’t mind the clothes
‘Cos that’s just a pose
I don’t mind the pins
And all the other sins
But I hate being laughed at
And not taken seriously
I don’t like the way you’re looking at me
And I don’t like the way you cannot see
That I’m a person
And so are you
I’M A RICH MAN (John Hodgson)
My father’s just been killed in an auto crash
My mother’s just found out that I smoke hash
It may seem to you that this is bad
But deep down inside I’m a lucky lad
‘Cos I’m a rich man
A rich man
But I ain’t got no money
My brother’s just been found in a murder gang
(incomplete lyric)
I STABBED HER MY WAY (John Hodgson/Micky Dunn)
Sidney is innocent
He never murdered Nancy Spungen
IT’S A SHAME (John Hodgson)
Black haired sheep on a fashion show
Strike a pose till it’s time to go
I’ve never seen so much dissolution
And what I see is no solution
It doesn’t matter what you wear
I see it just isn’t fair
It’s a shame to see it die
It’s a shame for you and I
Heaven knows we tried
It’s a shame
There’s no fun in standing idle
Giving blank looks like a lifeless rag doll
I’ve never seen so much dissolution
And what I see is no solution
I WANNA CHANGE THE WORLD (John Hodgson)
No one wants to know (x2)
They really make me throw
‘Cos no one wants to know
I wanna change the world
I wanna see it die
I wanna change the world
You got to give it a try
I WANT 2 BE 4 (Mick Hylton)
Sick and tired of people saying I’m too old
Because of my age there’s nowhere to go
There’s something I want a whole lot more
I want 2 be 4
JUST GOT OUTTA JAIL (Mick Hylton)
I just got outta jail
Someone paid my bail
Now that I’m outta there
Ain’t goin’ back again
Better get out of my way
‘Cos I’m going to nail the one who put me in jail
I’ve done my time before
I ain’t doing it anymore
Now that I’m out of there
I’m not going back again
Better get out of my way
‘Cos I’m going to nail the one who put me in jail
LET’S GO (John Hodgson/Mick Hylton)
Are you going to San Francisco
You can wear some flowers in your hair
If you go to San Francisco
You will meet a lot of weirdo’s there
Now I know (x3)
So let’s go
If you went to San Francisco
You’ll have seen those hippies on the floor
I got out of San Francisco
Just before the buggers got the law
Disco Frisco (repeat)
LIFE IS JUST A SO-SO (John Hodgson)
Narrow minded people they’re just bringing me down
I’m just sick of hanging around
I don’t see why they should stop me
I don’t care if they drop me
Nowhere to go nothing to see
I hate these creeps who look at me
Nowhere to go
Life is just a so-so
Nowhere to go
No one would have thought so
Nowhere to go
MADMEN (John Hodgson)
I’m walking around in the lost and found
No one says a word to me
I never get my own way
My love affairs end unawares
I’m just one of the lonely (x3)
Madmen
My ideas spring from a fertile mind
But no one can get off on me
Words and music don’t explain
What I’m trying to say to you
The pace of life is going too fast
How can I make it last
Maybe I’ll just fade away
Let the circuits come out to play
Why don’t you let me stay
Maybe there is no other way
time is short and words are long
Are you listening to my song
MENTAL CASE (Mick Hylton)
The things you say are never clear
And I wish that you weren’t here
Why try to be so cool
You must be a stupid fool
You know who I’m talking
Know who I’m talking about
You’re so two faced you’ve got an extra mouth
There’s only one like him
Only one like him thank god
You know who I mean he’s such a stupid sod
You must be thick in the head
Listening to the things you’ve said
You know it’s you I hate
So when you die don’t leave it too late
MISADVENTURE (John Hodgson)
Liddle Towers is innocent
He never died by misadventure
(incomplete lyric)
MORDORS (John Hodgson)*
You were fighting for your life
You were writing for your life
Were you shell shocked by the news
And were the rumours really true?
Mordors (x3)
Left unopened
You didn’t wear a disguise
It was just a waste of time
You did not tell any lies
You just told it all in rhyme
(No one doubted your capacity)
((Well intended) You just suffered from word voracity)
(You didn’t die without a fight)
(If only you had time to write)
(*Lyrics in parenthesis were not used)
MYSTERY CALLER (Mick Hylton)
You think it’s a game
I’ll get you someday
You’ve got a twisted mind
You lead a twisted life
Mystery caller get off the line
Mystery caller stop wasting my time
It’s getting late
For a tête-à-tête (you’ll get a bust up face)
You’re getting me mad
Well that’s too bad
Get off get off get off the line
Stop wasting wasting wasting wasting my time
I’m gonna get you get you someday
I’ll make sure you won’t call again again again again
(Lyrics in parenthesis not used)
NAKED SADIST (John Hodgson)
His favourite game is hit and run
But we all know where he came from
He’s whipping and-a dripping all night long
Naked sadist
Don’t waste no time now
Naked sadist
Everything’s fine now
Naked sadist
Everyone wants to be a naked sadist
The blood on his fingernails never run dry
Drugs don’t affect him he don’t get high
He keeps on a-hitting till you’re ready to die
NEW CLOTHES (John Hodgson/Alan Cornforth)
Changing everyday
In some sort of way
Away from my crimes
I’m sick of those times
Incredible position
I find myself in
I’ll have to ask permission
I think that’s a sin
Don’t like the way that you’re looking at me
And I don’t like the way you cannot see at all
I was moved today
And had nothing to say
I need some new clothes
That’s how life goes
NEW DAY (John Hodgson)
Saturday matinee
Wild man scenario
For the new wave
Please open your eyes wider
Cold feeling in my head
They say I might be dead
On the new day
It could be for the better
If I receive the letter
I’m waiting for the new day is it gonna come (x2)
I’m waiting for the new day
Yeah the new day (x2)
If it drops on my doormat
I’ll have a lot to say
NEW WAVE (Mick Hylton)
New wave would fade and die
Or so the papers said
Well new wave is still alive
And never will be dead
The papers never lie*
They just get everything wrong*
If only they’d bother to listen
To a couple of songs
New wave is here today
New wave is here to stay
New wave will be here for years
This is one wave that won’t disappear
(*similar lines also appear in PAPERS NEVER LIE)
NICE GIRL (John Hodgson/Micky Dunn)
Nice girl walking down the street
Good enough to eat
Showing all yer got
Yer gettin’ me hot
You say you wanna man
Who gives you all he can
Maybe I’m the one for you
Nice girl I wanna meet (see)
A nice girl out on the street
A nice girl I wanna meet
36-24-36 plenty for me
(Feel my temperature rise
When you flash those eyes at me)
(Nice girls giving me the eye)
(Makes me wanna cry)
(Leaves me on the floor)
(Can I take any more)
(You say you’re not a tease)
(Good things come in threes)
(Maybe it’s just two with you)
(Lyrics in parenthesis not used)
9 TILL 5 (John Hodgson)
Nine till five is a boring routine
If I don’t get out I think I’ll scream
Team-making rock breaking monotony
I’ve just got to make a move I’ve just gotta be free
Nine till five (x3)
I gotta stay alive
Dead end jobs just make me sick
Working hard is just a trick
Wild Man Fischer had the right idea
We have too but you can’t hear
NO EMOTIONS (John Hodgson)
You sit on the fence
You don’t take offence
You don’t think at all
You’re a yes man no man
Even when you’re down
You never wear a frown
You’re expressions are on ice
Like a frozen snowman
No emotion
No emotion at all
NO MORE NOTHING (John Hodgson/Dimmer Blackwell)
No more work for me
The boss is in jeopardy
We’re gonna fuck the ruling classes
We’re all gonna be free
No more working hard
No more licking your shoes
No more eating bread and hot lard
No more Monday morning blues
No more nothing
NOT ENOUGH (Alan Cornforth)
I’ve spent all my money on luxury goods
I’ve left myself with nothing to eat
Somehow I’ve gotta get out of the woods
Nothing left but to lie and cheat
For the money I get is not enough
To feed my greed to gain
And the savings I have are not enough
For to buy and buy again
Pay day is almost here once more
But there’s not enough there for me
I wish someone would open the door
Where a gold mine I could see
OFF AND ON (Alan Cornforth)
I’m tired of working I want to go to sleep
I don’t clock on so there’s no time to keep
I just get these urges to get away from here
Go down to the pub and have a pint of beer
But I like work - off and on
I like the workers - off and on
My work’s a puzzle - off and on
‘Cos I hate the bosses - on and on
I’ve got a feeling that the time will come
When work is out and we won’t want some
‘Cos we get these urges to get away from here
Go down to the pub and have a pint of beer
OH GREAT (Alan Cornforth)
I’ve just got a rise - oh great
It was quite a surprise - oh great
(Incomplete lyric)
OLD WAVE (John Hodgson)
Old wave - can’t you see that it’s all over
Old wave - can’t you see that it’s the end
See the hippies tripping see them dying
The teddy boys are sleeping
Old wave (x3)
(incomplete lyric)
ON THE ROAD (Mick Hylton)
Been driving in my car
Just driving in my car
On the road (x2)
Been driving all day
Been driving all night
On the road (x2)
I think it’s time I had a rest
I know it’s for the best
On the road
PAPERS NEVER LIE (Mick Hylton)
Papers never lie*
Just get it all wrong*
Hiding behind black and white
They don’t get nothing done
Stories don’t say what they mean
Pawns manipulated by hypocrisy
Making money from sweat breakers
They are the takers, we are the makers
Twisted lives hearts broken corruption
Don’t give a damn about the people
Make their own wallets swell
Oh bloody hell
They make me sick
Dress so smug but I’m no mug
‘Cos we all know
Stab in the backs
Always at the blacks
Leave us alone
(*similar lines also appear in NEW WAVE)
PAY THE WORKING MAN (Mick Hylton)
Pay the working man
He does all he can
No reward for all his sweat
Kids of London can only dream
Living under your regime
Kids of Glasgow have no tomorrow
What reward does he get
For all his sweat
Pay the working man
Does all he can
Believe me you’re wrong
No idea what’s going on
Now they fight for what is right
When the kids see the light
They’ll know we’re right
‘Cos no one will follow you
Kids of London can only dream
With your regime
Kids of Glasgow have no tomorrow
Pay the working man
PINKY (John Hodgson/Graham Moses)
See you walking down the street
See you with your little feet
(See you with your orange hair)
(See your rubber underwear)
People cripples nipples
Always the same
What’s in a name
See you in your blue suede shoes
I think I saw you on the news
(Originals don’t make a noise)
(Like people with their pre-planned toys)
(RSO don’t really care)
(What kind of clothes the punters wear)
I don’t like your attitude
I don’t like your blue suede shoes
(lyrics in parenthesis not used)
POLICE STATE (Alan Cornforth/Mick Hylton/John Hodgson)
Listen to the man in the street
He’ll tell you why he’s glad to be free
It’s hard to believe that the man in blue
Has no more power than you
Council puppets on a string
Controlled by these men in blue
They decide what you should hear
And they make you walk in fear
Police state they rule the minds that are free
Police state it’s the same for you and for me
POLITICS (John Hodgson)
Politics politics
They ain’t worth nothing
Politics politics
No good to no one
Except the politicians
(incomplete lyric)
POSSIBLE DECISIONS (Alan Cornforth)
I’m gonna put my mind to it
I think I can do it
I’ll throw the words around inside
And hope they’ll come through it
Words and me just disagree
Some time as to whether
To be precise and not too nice
I just lose my tether
But I’ll come to a possible decision
When everything’s going my way
Don’t use words to a fine-art precision
‘Cos I’ve got nothing to say
I’m gonna read a paragraph
I think I can do it
I’m gonna set my brain alight
And hope I’ll come through it
I think it’s bad but not too sad
When violence will enter
I’m on this page and in a rage
I’ll not reach the centre
PROSTITUTION #1 (John Hodgson)
You’re never in
You’re always out
When I call
There’s no doubt
That you’re playing dirty games (x2)
You know how to lose it
You know how to use it
You’ve got to choose it
Make up your minds or make up your face
PROSTITUTION #2 (Mick Hylton)
Prostitution is a constitution
In the city there’s plenty of titty
It’s a disgrace to all our race
Everything’s petty
In the society
(incomplete lyric)
RADIO #1 (John Hodgson)
(This was the original draft, as performed at the Rock Garden, Middlesbrough, 31st August 1978)
I wanna go home I got no place to go
Turn on and listen to the R-A-D-I-O
They say they’re gonna catch him out any day
But no-one ever listens to a word they say
I’m looking for something better (x3)
I don’t wanna stay in no (unintelligible word)
I’ll smash my way into the street and steal your car
I’ll say things the people have never heard
I’ll rule the street I’ll rule the town I’ll rule the world
RADIO#2 (John Hodgson)
(A revised version, with an extra verse, used in the studio version)
I wanna go home I got no place to go
Turn on and listen to my R-A-D-I-O
I listen to the long wave I listen to the rest
Tune to VHF for my dads’ request
I’m looking for something better (x3)
I hear the top twenty ringing out
Rock’n’roll power pop twist and shout
The number one gets more than it deserves
The whole damn thing’s getting on my nerves
There will come a time when I’ll be rich
I’ll play all my favourites without a hitch
All the little DJ’s will do what I say
I’ll rule the street I’ll rule the town I’ll rule the world
R-A-D-I-O better (x7)
RAT SYNDROME (Mick Hylton)
Can you see that
Did you know that
There’s too many people
Look around you
All around you
There are people fighting
Crowds everywhere
Living anywhere
Doesn’t seem to be a reason
I can’t take no more
There’s gonna be a war
And there’s no use hiding
It’s the rat syndrome (x2)
Hey you! What are you doing?
Do you think you can run
Hey you! You must be joking
Do you know what’s begun
RESTRICTIVE DESCRIPTIONS (Alan Cornforth)
He’s thinking of a new way of describing you
Not sure what to put down or say to you
He looks across the room and sees you standing there
Writes down in his notebook that you just don’t care
He’s got restrictive descriptions of you
He’s got certain beliefs and points of view
He’s got restrictive descriptions of you
And what’s more he thinks that they’re true
He asks if he can take your photo in that room
You say “no keep your distance” so he uses the zoom
The image it reflects he’ll use to distort you
But he’ll never know the truth about the inner you
ROXY REVUE (Alan Cornforth)
I’m going down the Roxy to see the poseurs on view
I’m going down to London to see the Roxy revue
The Roxy revue (x2)
Down in the Roxy there’s simply nothing to do
Down in the Roxy they’re all gonna hate you
They’ll hate you (x2)
(spoken) If you’ve been down the Roxy you’ll know what it’s like. You’ll know why I wrote this song, to warn off other people from going to this shithole, where people just stand around doin’ nothin’, and when the bands on they don’t clap, they don’t appreciate them, they’ve seen too much, they’re spoilt, and who gives a shit about a spoilt punk????
SLAVE LABOUR (Micky Dunn/Graham Moses/John Hodgson/Jonathon Pratt/Alan King)
Round and round working for a name
In and out every day the same
Slave labour
Working like a bugger all day
But you don’t get any pay
(Trying to get ahead all day)
(But we don’t make any headway)
Up and down the fickle system goes
Long and deep the sickle scars can show
Round and round in and out
Up and down in and out
Up and down the fickle system goes
Slave labour slave labour
(alternative lyrics in parenthesis)
SMOOTHIE (Alan Cornforth)
You’re such a creep man, d’you know what I mean
You drive me mad man, you’re always too clean
You think you’re it man, but we’re not fooled
You’re so thick man, you ain’t been schooled
Smoothie, you make me feel so sick
Crazy, well you’re so thick
Crawler, get down off your feet
We’ll kick you round the floor and
Make you feel some heat
You give me your crap man, you tell me such lies
You pull all the women man, they come like flies
You like to look good man, you comb your hair,
You’ve not seen real life man, take your share
STREETCORNERS (Mick Hylton)
There’s thousands in the street
There must be one for me
You just can’t tell in this life
They’ll stab you in the back
Well on the streetcorners now (x4)
There must be one for me
There must be one that’s free
You just can’t tell in this life
They’ll stab you in the back
Streetcorner Streetcorner they ruin your life (x4)
TIME BOMB (John Hodgson)
Coming in from the hills
You see the hazy outline
But you don’t see the danger underground
It’s a foolish game
They don’t realise it
They don’t see the risks at all
(Invisible time bomb)
(Tonight it could happen to us)
(We’re wasting time now)
(Tonight it could happen to us)
(Time bomb time bomb)
Oh oh oh oh time bomb
We’ve got to do somethin’ soon
Or we will burst just like a balloon
And no one will be left to say they’re wrong
We’re sitting on we’re sitting on
We’re sitting on a time bomb
(Discarded lyrics in parenthesis)
TRAVOLTA (John Hodgson)
40” bags and a Wrangler shirt
The silly little bastards are out to hurt
They spend all their money just getting tight
It’s always the same when they’re looking for a fight
Hey you! What you doing in here?
Hey you! Do you think I’m queer?
Hey you! Do you worry ‘bout me?
‘Cos I don’t worry ‘bout you
No I don’t worry ‘bout you
You wear straight cords and you think you’re it
But your little head is full of shit
You spend your life putting other people down
You’re wasting my time don’t hang around
VIRGINS IN WHITE STOCKINGS (Alan Cornforth)
Watch them going into school
Flirting, pouting, there’s no rule
Except the law that’s always been
“Get ‘em when they’re all sixteen”
Virgins in white stockings
Knowing nothing that’s too obscene
Virgins in white stockings
Maybe twelve or going thirteen
School ends, just gone four
Teachers see them to the door
They all flock out onto the streets
To men in Macs offering sweets
Virgins…
Take an interest, sit up tight
In…
What they do, do what you wanna do
White…
Pure, pure as the driven snow
Stockings…
Take them off, take them off
WASP FEET (Alan Cornforth)
You don’t like my shoes
You don’t like my hair
You think I dress real funny
You wanna give me the sack
‘Cos I’ve got wasp feet
They’re just yellow and black
You’ve got a lotta money
But you’ve got no hair
You’ve got real fine shoes
So you can kick me in the back
What a funny bugger you really are
I don’t wanna drive in your big plush car
WEEKEND CREEPS see WEEKEND PUNKS
WEEKEND PUNKS*(John Hodgson)
Well the weekend punks are out tonight
Never come out till Friday night
Plastic Macs and plastic pints
Individuals all alike
They try to be so sincere
While struggling over their beer
Hopping around the floor
Spitting up at the stars
What will the next phase be?
Will it take over me?
Should I stay as I am?
Or follow like a lamb?
Well the weekend punks are out tonight oh oh (x4)
(*song was re-titled IMAGES shortly after writing. There is a separate entry elsewhere because the lyrics were completely re-written for its re-instatement into the set after Graham Moses joined the band, song aka WEEKEND CREEPS)
WE GONNA TAKE OVER (John Hodgson)
Question the values in the country today
Ask the police why
I tell you now we’ll make them pay
We’ll really make ‘em cry
We gonna take over
Take ov’ the country
WE HATE THEM ALL (Mick Hylton)
We hate them all (x3)
So let’s have a ball
Leave the rat race behind
Till the end of time
We hate them all (x3)
Moving like lightning
They have no meaning
‘Cos I see the lies
Hidden in their eyes
Treat ya like trash
If ya got no cash
We hate them all (x3)
Let’s have a ball
If you have to camp
They think you’re a tramp
If ya live in squalor
They always gotta holler
Hate them all (x3)
Hate their lies (x2)
Let’s have a ball
Fuck them all
WE LIKE IT LOUD (Alan Cornforth)
Don’t play me soft music
‘Cos it don’t mean a thing
It’s nice and relaxing
But it ain’t got no sting
For we like it loud
Enough to make you dance around
We like it loud
With energy as well as sound
Don’t play me soul music
‘Cos it don’t mean a thing
It’s got plenty of beat
But its meanings are nothing
WE’LL THINK OF SOMETHING (John Hodgson/Alan Cornforth/Mick Hylton/Ray Radford)
Stopping to window shop
?
I see the light
But I don’t see the beam
Standing alone at last
? car
I travel light
But I don’t get too far
We’ll think of something (x3)
WEST SIDE STORY (John Hodgson)
There were three of us in a car
But they could only see two
They said we would not get too far
But we did I’m telling you
We’re made it over the wall (x2)
We’re gonna tell it all on the west side
We took guns just for protection
But they never cried “attack!”
Some say the west is no better
But it’s too late to turn back
What a story fame and glory
WILL YOU REMAIN CALM (John Hodgson)
Will you remain calm
When you lacerate your arm
With a razor blade
Will you get a thrill
When you take another pill
With your lucozade
WIPERS GOING SPLISH SPLASH (John Hodgson)
Wipers going splish splash
Headlights in the night
My brain is in a mish mash
It’s worse than getting stage fright
I’m in my best gear
Tying up the loose ends
I’ve got no fear
Am I going round the bend
Wipers going splish splash
Headlights in the night
I don’t wanna do it
But my future isn’t bright
YOU PEOPLE TELLING ME SO MANY LIES (John Hodgson)
You people telling me so many lies
You are the ones that I despise
So corrupt in everything that’s done
It’s no wonder that it’s badly run
(incomplete lyric)
(YOU’RE LIKE A) UFO (John Hodgson)
People say that they see you at night
They say you look like a satellite
I don’t want your love
‘Cos you’re looking like the stars above
You’re like a UFO (x3)
UFO UFO UFO
People say you’re a mystery
Well don’t deny or disagree
You’re like a lover from another star (world) (planet)
You’re not a star but you’re gonna go far
(lyrics in parenthesis were changed)
YOU’RE SO CHEAP (John Hodgson/Alan Cornforth)*
I’m just walking around
I’ve got nothing to do
I’ve seen a (newspaper article) magazine
And (It’s all about you) they’re talking about you
You’re so cheap you’re so cheap
(But there’s nothing to lose) but I don’t wanna lose you
You’re so cheap you’re so cheap
But there’s no one to choose from
I’m just standing still
I’ve got (nothing to go by) nowhere to go
(You’ve found another man) I see your face on the wall
(The truth or another lie) and they’re looking at you
You’ve left me forever
But I can’t say I’ll leave you
I’ll be with you in spirit
So promise you’ll be true
(*This was an original lyric by Alan, and was altered at a later date by John. Alan’s discarded words and lines are in parenthesis, with John’s replacements following them)
YOU TOO CAN HAVE A BODY (Alan Cornforth)
I’ve got a set of weights at home
But they do me no good at all
I’m tall and I’m thin with nothing to show
When I flex my muscles they only fall
But they said in the mag
“You too can have a body like mine”
So I sent away for it
And it came the next day
By Red Star parcel delivery
So I tried it
And now I look like this
ZOMBIE (John Hodgson)
I’m a zombie can you relate
I’m a zombie have I sealed my fate
La la la la la
Even when the lights say go
I can’t say - I just don’t know
What’s happening
I don’t see round corners well
I don’t possess a sense of smell
And that’s a fact
I can’t re-enact
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