I can't believe Billy Idol of all people wrote such a f-ing great song. This song descibes his experiences as a teenager up in west London, so a lot of the imagery and locations cited in the lyrics won't be familar to anyone in Amercia. The Greyhound is pub and the 'battle' he's talking about involves soccer hooligan supporters of Fulham FC, whose colors are black and white. Fights between rival supporters are still a big problem in England. (Imagine if there were ten NFL teams in NYC and you played each of them twice a year.) Bishops End is right next to their stadium.
From what I can gather - the Zephyrs are model Fords that were sold around that time the UK.
The classic second verse discusses his losing his virginity - at the home of his girlfriend no less. The song winds up with him watching his friends grow up, turn to drugs, drop out and get killed. The 'having fun in South West Six' is turning into the "kiss" of death.
I can't believe Billy Idol of all people wrote such a f-ing great song. This song descibes his experiences as a teenager up in west London, so a lot of the imagery and locations cited in the lyrics won't be familar to anyone in Amercia. The Greyhound is pub and the 'battle' he's talking about involves soccer hooligan supporters of Fulham FC, whose colors are black and white. Fights between rival supporters are still a big problem in England. (Imagine if there were ten NFL teams in NYC and you played each of them twice a year.) Bishops End is right next to their stadium.
From what I can gather - the Zephyrs are model Fords that were sold around that time the UK.
The classic second verse discusses his losing his virginity - at the home of his girlfriend no less. The song winds up with him watching his friends grow up, turn to drugs, drop out and get killed. The 'having fun in South West Six' is turning into the "kiss" of death.
GREAT SONG!!
I can't believe Billy Idol wrote this, either.
I can't believe Billy Idol wrote this, either.
Partly because he didn't grow up in West London, but in Bromley (SE). In fact he was major part of the Bromley Contingent.
Partly because he didn't grow up in West London, but in Bromley (SE). In fact he was major part of the Bromley Contingent.
Also because, it's so much better than anything else he ever wrote or got credited with.
Also because, it's so much better than anything else he ever wrote or got credited with.
I suspect Tony James might have had a large hand in these lyrics and Idol just chipped in. Not sure, though.
I suspect Tony James might have had a large hand in these lyrics and Idol just chipped in. Not sure, though.
Anyway, it is a great song. Up there with the Jam's "When You're Young" as an ode to lost youth.
Anyway, it is a great song. Up there with the Jam's "When You're Young" as an ode to lost youth.
And for the record, I couldn't give a fuck if...
And for the record, I couldn't give a fuck if it counts as real punk or hardcore or whatever.
@bobcatclay finally someone with some insight into the actual details of the song! thank you
@bobcatclay finally someone with some insight into the actual details of the song! thank you