The band's first single, Babyshambles, was released in April 2004 on High Society Records. Fewer than 1,000 copies of the CD and 7" were released and both can now be found changing hands for more than £50 on internet auction sites such as eBay.
During September and October 2004 Babyshambles embarked on a UK tour culminating in two sold-out shows at the London Scala. Despite claims that the band were only touring to raise money to support Doherty's drug habit the tour sold-out and received critical acclaim. The band's second single Killamangiro was released November 29 2004 on Rough Trade Records and reached number 8 in the UK charts. The band embarked on another tour in December amid increasing concern about Doherty's drug use. During a gig in Blackpool the band walked off stage as it became clear Doherty was too intoxicated to perform and a riot broke out at the London Astoria when Doherty failed to turn up for a gig.
In January 2005, Gemma Clarke quit the band, citing disagreements with the management who she considered irresponsible for failing to address Doherty's obvious drug problem. She was replaced with Adam Ficek, Patrick Walden's former bandmate in The White Sport. In February 2005 Doherty, along with fellow musician Alan Wass, was arrested on suspicion of assault and blackmail. It was alleged that Doherty assaulted Max Carlish, a documentary maker, in a London hotel, a charge he strenuously denied. Carlish had made a documentary about Doherty, from which clips were used for the channel 4 documentary 'Stalking Pete Doherty'. After allegedly assaulting Carlish, Doherty spent several nights in prison until £150,000 bail could be raised. After being released on bail Doherty spent several weeks in a recording studio in Wales working on Babyshambles' debut album. All charges against him were dropped in April 2005.
On October 1, 2005, the Babyshambles tour bus was raided by police. Doherty was charged on suspicion of possession of class A drugs and bailed until December, although Doherty claims that the substances were related to his Naltrexone implant.
Work on Babyshambles' debut album continued throughout April and May 2005 with Mick Jones, who worked with Doherty on the producing of The Libertines' albums. The album, Down in Albion was released on 14th November, having been leaked onto the internet on 19th October. It came 10th in the Radio 1 Album Charts. The single Albion was released on the 28th November and came 8th in the Radio 1 Single Charts. Another single Fuck Forever was released on August 15th, reaching #4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Peter Doherty appeared on Newsnight at the end of 2005, and played a few secret and personal gigs to fans at the end of the year. At the start of 2006 the band announced that they would play 3 small club shows in London, Sheffield and Stoke. To fans' surprise, Babyshambles performed at the first of the London dates without guitarist Patrick Walden. Instead of Walden, Doherty played guitar at the London date. The band have since made an announcement that Walden quit the band to pursue other projects. Walden was replaced by Mick Whitnall.
December 2006 saw the release of a new EP, featuring The Blinding EP, the July single 'Beg, Steal & Borrow' and new single 'I Love You (But You're Green)'.
On January 18th, 2007 it was announced that the band signed a "long term" album deal with Parlophone.
Babyshambles released their 2nd album, Shotter's Nation, on October 1, 2007. It was produced by Stephen Street (Morrissey, Blur) and features Bert Jansch on guitar on the last track Lost Art Of Murder.
Baddie's Boogie
Babyshambles Lyrics
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He understands about stabbing backs and shaking hands
So if or when you're behind bars or in front of them as you are
Look out for the man who'll bum your wife and then shake your hand
Oh you've been here before, you fell in love and carried her over the threshold
Thinking, she's far too good looking to do the cooking
Now, but that's twenty years ago...twenty years ago
That's a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
Lousy life, lousy life
Kid was singing will I ever be free, does this town hold no more for me
Club Tropicana the drinks are free, stick one in his face for me
Baddies bound to decency and secrecy
Baddies bound
Oh well you've been here before, fell in love and carried her over the threshold
Thinking, she's far too good looking to do the cooking
Oh but that was twenty years ago... twenty years ago
It's a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
Lousy life, a lousy life
Kid was singing will I ever be free, does this town hold no more for me
Club Tropicana the drinks are free, stick one in his face for me
Baddies bound, decency and secrecy
The lyrics of Babyshambles's Baddie's Boogie are a commentary on the consequences of living a life of reckless abandon, and ultimately the toll it takes on those around you. The song begins by describing a man referred to as "Baddie," who lives by ancient codes of both decency and secrecy, being well-versed in both backstabbing and handshake diplomacy. The lyrics warn that he is the type of person who will sleep with your wife and still shake your hand afterward, indicating a lack of loyalty and morality.
The chorus then repeats the phrase "a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard" three times, painting a picture of the devastating effect living a life of constant drinking and partying can have on a wife who is left behind to suffer. The song ends with a reference to someone asking whether they will ever be free from this town, and a suggestion to stick a drink in someone's face at Club Tropicana, implying the only escape is temporary oblivion.
Line by Line Meaning
Baddie's bound by ancient codes of decency and secrecy
The term 'Baddie' refers to someone who is involved in shady or criminal activities and follows strict rules of conduct that prioritize secrecy and respect. This person is well-versed in the art of betraying others while also making alliances.
He understands about stabbing backs and shaking hands
The Baddie is aware of the importance of deception and communication in his line of work. He knows how to gain allies and use them to his advantage, even if that means betraying them in the future.
So if or when you're behind bars or in front of them as you are
The singer is addressing someone who is facing legal consequences, warning them to be cautious of the Baddie's intentions, as he may be looking to betray them or take advantage of their situation.
Look out for the man who'll bum your wife and then shake your hand
The Baddie is not above engaging in affairs with the partners of those he is deceiving. He is a master of manipulation and may use this tactic to gain leverage over his targets.
Oh you've been here before, you fell in love and carried her over the threshold
The artist is reminiscing about a past relationship where he was once in love and happy.
Thinking, she's far too good looking to do the cooking
The singer is expressing a sense of entitlement in his relationship, expecting his partner to conform to gender roles based on her physical appearance.
Now, but that's twenty years ago...twenty years ago
The singer is acknowledging that the relationship he was once in love with is now long gone, and that he has moved on with his life.
That's a lousy life for the washed up wife of a permanently plastered, pissed up bastard
The artist is making a derogatory comment about the life that some women lead when they are in relationships with abusive and alcoholic partners.
Kid was singing will I ever be free, does this town hold no more for me
The artist is referencing a song where someone is questioning whether they will ever be able to escape the environment they are in and start a new life away from the town they know.
Club Tropicana the drinks are free, stick one in his face for me
The artist is making a sarcastic comment about the perfect life depicted in the song Club Tropicana, where people can drink for free and enjoy themselves without consequence. He is encouraging rebellion against conformity.
Baddies bound to decency and secrecy
The singer is repeating a previous line, emphasizing how the Baddie follows a code of conduct that involves keeping secrets and showing some level of respect towards those he is deceiving.
Baddies bound
The artist is repeating the chorus, tying it together with the repeat of the previous line to further emphasize the importance of the Baddie's code of conduct.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL WHITNALL, PETER DOHERTY, NICHOLAS TOCZAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind