This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
I was a young man when I died
I was a flash, I was full of pride
I gave it all, I gave my soul, I was so strong
I felt the truth, I felt the pain in every song
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
I was living in a rock and roll sky
I was a king, heavy on the style
Super trouper, yes I know you well, making me shine
I couldn't see what you did to me.
I was so blind
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
I wanna be like I was before
But this time I'm gonna know the score
I need a home I can leave behind knowing you're there
Super trouper, I can see you now, return your stare
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
I was a flash, I was full of pride
I gave it all, I gave my soul, I was so strong
I felt the truth, I felt the pain in every song
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
I was living in a rock and roll sky
I was a king, heavy on the style
Super trouper, yes I know you well, making me shine
I couldn't see what you did to me.
I was so blind
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
I wanna be like I was before
But this time I'm gonna know the score
I need a home I can leave behind knowing you're there
Super trouper, I can see you now, return your stare
How well you know me
You've seen me cry
I'm just a shadow
In a rock and roll sky
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