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SKYCLAD LYRICS
"Irrational Anthems" (1996)
1. Inequality Street
2. The Wrong Song
3. Snake Charming
4. Penny Dreadful
5. The Sinful Ensemble
6. My Mother in Darkness
7. The Spiral Starecase
8. No Deposit, No Return
9. Sabre Dance
10. I Dubious
11. Science Never Sleeps
12. History Lessens
13. Quantity Time
1. Inequality Street
Life's really a chocolate box -
some do without - others have plenty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
From the cradle to the grave,
point your ladle to the gravy.
"Food comes first, then morals" they say,
the end of the world's three hot meals away.
Two average men eat their average meals
but destiny waits at their table.
One is served gruel while the other chews veal,
(but they're both spoon fed lies, lies from the cradle).
Life's really a chocolate box -
some do without - others have plenty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
Tragic moments for the masses-
work is the curse of the drinking classes
"homo homini lupus" we cry-
humanity fades like the moon in the sky.
You can't cook an omlette without breaking eggs,
(first they are cracked and then beaten).
The only things cracked around here are our heads,
recepies for disaster that we keep repeating.
Life's really a chocolate box -
some do without - others have plenty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
Here's a real beggars banquet,
a brace of rats in a blood stained blanket.
Meanwhile, gentlefolk high in their chateau,
dip silver spoons into black forest gateau.
Come lords and ladies - raise glasses in toast
to the "other-half" dying to eat.
'Cause they who receive least deserve it the most,
it's a literal dead-end (Inequality Street).
Life's really a chocolate box -
some do without - others have plenty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
Life's really a chocolate box -
some do without - others have plenty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
It sticks in my throat - my stomach's in knots,
while your box is so full - mine's perpetually empty.
2. The Wrong Song
Another bad break - burst another bubble
Another lost cause - here's another trouble
Another heart ache - one more chance gone
Another lost chord in yet another wrong song.
Sometimes I feel like I'm standing on a hillside -
Screaming at the world (only wishing it would hear).
I can't deny that I'm tired of your lies
but I hope if I hide that you'll all disappear.
Can a fat man squeeze a camel through a needles eye? -
As hell freezes over the little pigs fly.
Just when things seemed better than before,
Listen there's a "black dog" howling at my back door.
You say I took it all the wrong way,
and got the wrong end of the stick.
Proceed to water down the truth,
then make me drink it 'til I'm sick.
It's a monkey shine - a mare's nest,
a cock and bull story.
You're talking through your hat,
you're full of sound and fury.
You're wide of the mark, on the wrong scent, barking up
the wrong tree, out of it, not a leg to stand on.
Dignity is one thing that you can't preserve in alcohol,
here's a drug to blow your mind - it's called sodium pentothal.
I've smelt more rats in my time than a sanitary inspector,
so every word you start to speak sets off my lie detector.
Another bad break - burst another bubble
Another lost cause - here's another trouble
Another heart ache - one more chance gone
Another lost chord in yet another wrong song.
Truth often hurts - but it hit me like a hammer,
I've been sweating blood for "product" - I thought it was my art.
Would it have made it tougher (all I've had to suffer)
if you'd come clean and told me the score from the start?
Stop treating everybody like a charity
I may have sold my soul - but I won't part with my sanity.
I was a schizophrenic - my better half left home,
The Samaritans don't answer when I call them on the telephone.
You say the cheque is in the post,
and it'll sound great at the mix.
But we have heard them all before,
have we the memory span of fish?
It's a monkey shine - a mare's nest,
a cock and bull story.
You're talking through your hat,
you're full of sound and fury.
You're wide of the mark, on the wrong scent, barking up
the wrong tree, out of it, not a leg to stand on.
Dignity is one thing that you can't preserve in alcohol,
here's a drug to blow your mind - it's called sodium pentothal.
I've smelt more rats in my time than a sanitary inspector,
so every word you start to speak sets off my lie detector.
The wrong song.
3. Snake Charming
You'll meet his kind in the strangest of places,
great what you find if you turn enough stones.
Legerdmain eyes wear the sweetest of faces -
you're quick to invite into your hearts and homes.
But the serpent and worms are his real kith and kin,
reptilian hiding inside human skin.
Snake Charming.
Horns start to show with the thrill of the slaughter,
true to his nature to others he's false.
Mothers should lock up their blossoming daughters -
he'll rape anything that has limbs and a pulse.
A bastard - a blaggard of the highest order,
his mind should be washed with soap and holy water.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
It is never too late to be charming -
the Snake Charming.
The moment I strike - just when you think I'll kiss,
no good in a fight - I just wriggle and hiss.
A friend of bistiction with eyes that decieve,
I am the serpent - won't you be my Eve?
He's constantly searching (his eyes won't stay still) for,
something thats worth thirty pieces of silver.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
It is never too late to be charming -
the Snake Charming.
He's welcome as Death at your wedding reception,
defying rejection - uninvited guest.
One foot in your door then both legs 'neath your table,
sly as a viper - your bossom his nest.
Creep like a sneak thief - snake through the grass,
to kiss Cleopatra - a pain in the asp.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
Charming, the snake.
It is never too late to be charming -
the Snake Charming.
4. Penny Dreadful
Forgive me if I'm out of order -
this new "music" has no soul.
It may be good for making money,
(sadly that is not my goal).
Integrity and honesty are words that you don't understand,
but you're the best - it says so in the penny dreadful in your hand.
I saw you in the magazine,
they're calling you messiah.
They must be living in a dream -
they couldn't be more wrong.
If we'd played this riff more punk,
than may be we'd have had a million seller.
But this piper's tune is not for sale,
(I'm glad to say I'm not that kind of fella).
D.J.s, V.J.s, pimps and trollops,
never mind music - this is bollocks.
I saw you in the magazine,
they're calling you messiah.
They must be living in a dream -
they couldn't be more wrong.
Turn on, tune up, cash in, sell out.
Turn on, tune up, cash in, sell out.
Stand your ground behind the times -
and refuse to follow fassion.
Write your poetry with anger,
(and then sing it with a passion).
Painted faces in a circus - images that spring to mind,
when I read my penny dreadful filled with pictures of your kind.
I saw you in the magazine,
they're calling you messiah.
They must be living in a dream -
they couldn't be more wrong.
Commercial suicide's appealing after
ten years on this losing streak.
'Cause I'd rather be called sour and bitter
than be deemed the flavour of the weak.
I saw you in the magazine,
they're calling you messiah.
They must be living in a dream -
they couldn't be more wrong.
Extra, extra, read all about it!
I saw you in the magazine,
they're calling you messiah.
They must be living in a dream -
they couldn't be more wrong.
5. The Sinful Ensemble
Are you ready...
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a "labs night".
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a "labs night".
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Ever wondered where the evil dead go?
There's a little place called "Nightmare scenario".
Unlicenced establishment for farmer world powers,
where the drinks are cheap - and it's open all hours.
Bonaparte's on brandy - he swills it down his throat,
Hitler sips a Pilsher while he tells a racist joke.
Mussolini leers at Maggie serving at the bar,
Stalin's out the back trying to sell a dodgy motor car.
Dear God above (if you exist),
hope you see the funny side to this.
Now don't get cross - don't bite your nails,
oh, Son of Man your mission failed.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a "labs night".
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Herod's in the family room to baby sit the first born.
Mengele's got a Gladstone bag of cotton wool and chloroform.
Vlad impales glace cherries on a stick just for a lark
when Pol Pot turns the lights out they'll play murder in the dark.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a 'labs night'.
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Genghis Khan just parked his lunch all over Nero's belly.
While the lions beat the christians thirty - nil live on the telly.
Caligula kills "My Way" on the karaoke stage -
young "Chezzy" Borgia's barred for life for drinking under age.
This is far more than just a joke.
Can't you see the fire for the smoke?
Choose any public house you please
and find dictators such as these.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a "labs night".
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Good clean fun - just a bit a rough and tumble.
Dead dictators out on a "labs night".
Then pints later you'll see a flashing blue light.
Are you ready for The Sinful Ensemble?
Hell is where the heart lies - (in Purgatory's borders).
The great thing 'bout eternity - they never call last orders!
6. My Mother in Darkness
Dance with the lilies in the shadows of the valley -
my lily of the valley of the shadow of death.
Her velvet shadow in the rain, disturb the stillness of the hour.
Each crimson kiss a tender pain, like plucking petals from a flower.
She took me pure as driven snow - held my hand and then let go.
Matriarch of lust nocturnal - fill her vessel with your fire.
Child endowed with life eternal - taste the well of her desire.
She is my mother in darkness.
A pierced lip - a warm embrace, ice blue eyes that chill my heart,
Valkyrie kisses burn my face - this "red thirst" tears my world apart.
What is a poor boy meant to do? I close my eyes and wish I knew.
She rip the throats from singing angels,
White wings stained red with ruby tears.
Bare limbs entwined within a casket wrapped in bloody afterglow.
So many questions we could ask - but do we really need to know?
Now she is my mother in darkness.
Her velvet shadow in the rain...
Dance with the lilies in the shadows of the valley -
my lily of the valley of the shadow of death.
She is my mother in darkness.
7. The Spiral Starecase
8. No Deposit, No Return
I remember my grandmother sat with her radio,
tea cup and walking stick set by her side.
As her old fingers reached out to turn up the volume,
I learnt what it meant to be bursting with pride.
She told me some tales of wars great and last,
black and white film stars sha'd liked in the past.
Taught me a few songs she'd learnt as a child,
stunned by her wisdom I listened and smiled.
She said to me "Lad, if you'll be a musican,
go out and be one - but one with conviction.
If there's just one lesson the young ought to learn,
it's pay no deposit and get no return."
Get no return.
Pay no deposit and get no return.
On time faded photographs I've seen an airman,
Stood next to the wings of a flying machine
and given the choice well I think I would rather
have done what I've done than have seen what he's seen.
I think that the Old Man feels really quite proud,
when he sits at the wheel and turns it up loud,
but imagined his son a lawyer or broker,
not sat on a bus full of drinkers and tokers.
He said to me "Son you can do as you please,
but always stand stright - never crawl on your knees.
If there's just one lesson the young ought to learn,
it's pay no deposit and get no return."
If there's just one lesson the young ought to learn,
it's pay no deposit and get no return.
Get no return.
Pay no deposit and get no return.
I've such a short time to tell you so much,
words come second best to a kiss or a touch.
Far thicker than water this blood we all share,
So please don't think that for you I don't care.
Fate may have driven us all separate ways,
but can't sever ancestry - splice D. N. A.
If life seems a road thats uneven and long,
to know where you're going just look Who you came from.
Many have said I take after my mother,
for her '67 was not a good year.
Though often I make her annoyed like no other,
through thick and through thin she has always been near.
Sometimes in the cold now I catch myself smiling,
'bout some stupid joke or a christmas tree shining.
I stood there so small 'neath that glittering tower,
it's memory a beacon in my darkest hour.
She said to me "Martin, whatever you'll be,
there's no such thing as a meal thats for free.
If there's just one lesson the young ought to learn,
it's pay no deposit and get no return."
If there's just one lesson the young ought to learn,
it's pay no deposit and get no return.
Get no return.
Pay no deposit and get no return
9. Sabre Dance
10. I Dubious
I am the king of all that I survey
beware my son it could be yours one day.
Hier transparent to a dynasty -
dog - emperor of woe and misery.
It sent me mad but now it makes me furious
I'm shadowed by a doubt - I dubious.
Too many handshakes - not enough sincerity.
Promises of glass break - spilling poisoned trechery.
I'm a founding member of the Pessimist Society,
I talk to my reflection 'cause I trust it not to lie to me.
Jesus loved Judas - Judas kissed Jesus.
Ceasar loved Brutus - Brutus killed Ceasar.
I am the king of all that I survey
beware my son it could be yours one day.
Hier transparent to a dynasty -
dog - emperor of woe and misery.
It sent me mad but now it makes me furious
I'm shadowed by a doubt - I dubious.
Playing noughts and zeros - on my Boolean table.
We're warts and all heroes of this true - life fable.
I'm the entertainer at the Bunkcupt Club reunion,
if there's a church of failure - I'll kneel and take communion.
Wed to Delilah - shorn in my sleep.
Sentenced by Pilate - and nailed up to weep.
I am the king of all that I survey
beware my son it could be yours one day.
Hier transparent to a dynasty -
dog - emperor of woe and misery.
It sent me mad but now it makes me furious
I'm shadowed by a doubt - I dubious.
11. Science Never Sleeps
Science never sleeps - so I'm singing it a lullabye,
of wolves in sheeps clothing - devils in disguise,
and lab-coats draped over big black lies.
They cover their stupidity by calling it "stupology",
rearrange your world without one word of apology,
Make a man-made-soul so small it fits inside your pocket,
when you die they'll shoot it up to heaven in a rocket.
We've made tommorows world - a Nirvana for the damned.
We've made tommorows world - Mother Earth on Fatherland?
We've made tommorows world - we're the cause and the effect.
We've made tommorows world - could George Orwell be correct?
Science never sleeps - so I'm singing it a lullabye,
of wolves in sheeps clothing - devils in disguise,
and lab-coats draped over big black lies.
Science never weeps - for the life beneath the microscope.
We are the human ameebae that helplessly float
in a final solution - suspend in hope.
Let me show you something hideous,
insidious, creeping and libidinous.
The worst laid plans of men with mice,
wielding scaples - laboratory sacrifice.
Great for the economy - destroying our ecology.
Unscrupulous, malicious - yet chemically delicious.
Science never sleeps - so I'm singing it a lullabye,
of wolves in sheeps clothing - devils in disguise,
and lab-coats draped over big black lies.
Science never weeps - for the life beneath the microscope.
We are the human ameebae that helplessly float
in a final solution - suspend in hope.
Will we shiver in dark centuries of cryogenic winter,
or be vapourized to ashes when atoms start to splinter?
A case of heads or tails - it's their coin so they can choose,
breed creatures born with two of either so they cannot lose.
We've made tommorows world - a Nirvana for the damned.
We've made tommorows world - Mother Earth on Fatherland?
We've made tommorows world - we're the cause and the effect.
We've made tommorows world - could George Orwell be correct?
Science never sleeps - so I'm singing it a lullabye,
of wolves in sheeps clothing - devils in disguise,
and lab-coats draped over big black lies.
Science never weeps - for the life beneath the microscope.
We are the human ameebae that helplessly float
in a final solution - suspend in hope.
12. History Lessens
Look what you get for following leaders,
who lead from the rear - where are they now?
Look what you get for following leaders,
who lead from the rear - where are they...
Where are they now?
What did we learn in history lessons?
How to sit quiet at the back of a class
with so many things open to questions,
it's too late to cry - there's no one to ask.
Life's an education - a multiple equation,
everybody finds their own solution in the end.
"To be or not to be" is a very lengthy question,
has somebody please got a sharpened pencil they can lend?
What did we learn in history lessons?
How to sit quiet at the back of a class
with so many things open to questions,
it's too late to cry - there's no one to ask.
Marching in time down a production line,
what did that teach you about life in the dole queue?
The Law of Relativity - (life's relative misery).
The Law of Probability - (it's probably contrived).
Newton's Law of Gravity - (we face a grave reality).
The Law that runs the jungle - (only the strong survive).
Look what you get for following leaders,
who lead from the rear - where are they now?
The path of least resistance - a bland text book existence,
don't expect to find the answers printed at the back.
The only sound advice that's carried me through life -
when the cards are stacked against you - play the joker in the pack.
What did we learn in history lessons?
How to sit quiet at the back of a class
with so many things open to questions,
it's too late to cry - there's no one to ask.
Marching in time down a production line,
what did that teach you about life in the dole queue?
13. Quantity Time
Yet another sluggard hour stumbles past,
it's no wonder life looks better through the bottom of a glass.
These bitter litanies you keep repeating,
are verbal fingers down my mental blackboard screeching.
Each moment in your company
was of more quantity than quality.
My hopes and dreams - transparent phantoms,
this wayward son's irrational anthems.
Not worth spending quantity time,
life is hunger - life is pain.
Never ending quantity time,
toe the line - take the strain.
Awake in bad in quantity time,
hate to say I told you so.
Long time dead in quantity time,
next stop Hell - not far to go.
My vision is obscured - blurred by tears of anger,
these four walls a prison where I rot in stagnant languor.
My broken heart screams out "someone repair me" -
or please lay me in the cemetery.
'Cause you've taken all that's best, you see,
so I'll lay to rest the rest of me.
You cannot hold a dream to ransom -
or silence my irrational anthem.
Not worth spending quantity time,
life is hunger - life is pain.
Never ending quantity time,
toe the line - take the strain.
Awake in bad in quantity time,
hate to say I told you so.
Long time dead in quantity time,
next stop Hell - not far to go.
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