I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Billy Cobin lost it all
We knew he would eventually
Some wonders why he took the fall
Others just ask who the hell is he
And why should we care for him?
A baggy man with baggy clothes
A face made of paper mache
He lost his humor years ago
Along with his molars
His head planted beneath his shoulders
Kill the pain, integrity don't keep you warm and sane
Don't throw me out with the bath water
Don't want to be, anyone who would want to know me
Billy Cobin had a time, Billy Cobin had a place
Following his fifteen minute climb
Billy took a seven second leap a cannonball
Plunge off the deep
We knew he would eventually
Some wonders why he took the fall
Others just ask who the hell is he
And why should we care for him?
A baggy man with baggy clothes
A face made of paper mache
He lost his humor years ago
Along with his molars
His head planted beneath his shoulders
Kill the pain, integrity don't keep you warm and sane
Don't throw me out with the bath water
Don't want to be, anyone who would want to know me
Billy Cobin had a time, Billy Cobin had a place
Following his fifteen minute climb
Billy took a seven second leap a cannonball
Plunge off the deep
Lyrics submitted by punk_in_drublic99
All His Suits Are Torn Lyrics as written by Mike Burkett
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Great version of a great song,
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that's the point...to all of us billy cobin is just "some guy" who committed suicide, but he had a family, he had a whole life just like us, and somewhere along the line it all went wrong...this kind of thing happens everyday but just because it's not someone famous or someone we know doesn't make it any less meaningful or tragic
I think Blienk might be right. When I listened to this song I always imagined Billy Cobin as a poor person living on the streets that once had it made. A little different from what you said. You say it focused on somebody's fall, but nobody cares because they aren't famous. I think it focuses more on the person's fall after they had it all and Nofx is trying to say that just because you have something one day doesn't mean you're not gonig to be poor and hungry the next. So you should be grateful for what you have.
Nice interpretation drkshadow, that works well too.
Lots of people dismiss NOFX because lots of their songs are about drugs or transexuals or whatever, but this song really shows how amazing they are, considering this song can be so meaningful when it's only a little over 2 minutes long. I love the line "Kill the pain, integrity won't keep you warm and sane". You could live all yourife being a good honest hard-working person and end up like Billy Cobin with nothing to show for it...sad but true.
"Billy Cobin had a time, Billy Cobin had a place Following his fifteen minute climb Billy took a seven second leap a cannonball Plunge off the deep." the image behind that is so creepy. one of the most depressing but good nofx songs
I think it's about someone who lost their mind and committed suicide. Everyone (especially in a scene) has probably known a "Billy Cobin". A guy in the background who doesn't know everyone, and isn't really a known person, but is still around. Reminds me of my ex-girlfriends brother, because when we were growing up he was a regular guy, but was diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early 20's. He was really talented too, and could've been a great muscian. Of course no one know's his name now-a-days. These "Billy Cobin's" are all around us.
Kudos to: riotgrrl blienk drkshadow
wonton seriously? nuh-uh.
and quadruple kudos to goldsac. Fahoo, you're completely missing the point. don't get me wrong, i think Kurt Cobain did some great shit, it's just some people are so lost up their own asshole tickling their prostate and just completely ejaculating about Kurt Cobain.
It is about Kurt Cobain, it's so obvious that don't need demonstration...the title, the 15 minute climb (Nirvana only last 3 years in the top), the "don't wanna be, anyone who would wanna know me" (talking about the fans). I think Fat Mike (and this is only subjective) identifies with the feelings in the chorus...cheers.
dont wanna be, anyone who would wanna know me
classic...
i love this song! how come no one has posted?
i love this song. i think nofx's bests are their slow, somewhat depressing songs...
Who's Billy Cobin though?
thats what i wanna know