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.
Crumb Begging Baghead
Babyshambles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't take me for no sunbeam
No sunbeam no sunbeam
Another faction of
And no detection of
Another tax out of your life
Don't take me for no sunbeam
No sunbeam no sunbeam
Cause I'm a crumb begging baghead baby yeah
Crumb begging baghead baby yeah
Bet you say that to all of the girls
All of the long lost wars
Any cause is worth dying for
What passing bells for those who die like cattle again and again and again and again
Now, don't take me for no sunbeam
Don't take me for no sunbeam
No sunbeam no sunbeam
I'm a crumb begging baghead baby yeah
A crumb begging baghead baby yeah
Bet you say that to all of the girls
If you ever smile
In the street, crocodiles
I doubt you'd ever smile again
Now, don't take me for no sunbeam
Don't take me for no sunbeam, no sunbeam, no sunbeam
The song "Crumb Begging Baghead" by Babyshambles is a rebellious and introspective piece of music. At first glance, the lyrics might seem nonsensical or disconnected, but they actually reflect the songwriter's frustration with societal pressures and expectations. The repeated refrain "Don't take me for no sunbeam" is a rejection of the notion that one must be pure and bright in order to be valued or loved. The singer is pushing back against this ideal and asserting their own identity as a "crumb begging baghead" - an outsider who prefers a simpler, more authentic way of life.
The verses of the song touch on themes of war, politics, and conformity. The lines "Any cause is worth dying for" and "What passing bells for those who die like cattle again and again and again and again" suggest a deep cynicism about the cyclical nature of conflict and the dehumanization that occurs when people are reduced to mere numbers. The singer is calling out those who blindly follow authority without questioning its motives or consequences.
Ultimately, "Crumb Begging Baghead" is a song about self-acceptance and resistance. The singer refuses to be molded or manipulated by the world around them, and chooses instead to embrace their own flawed and imperfect humanity. By rejecting the false ideals of purity and perfection, they are able to find true authenticity and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't take me for no sunbeam
Don't mistake me for something pure and bright, I'm not what I seem
No sunbeam no sunbeam
I am not a source of light or hope
Another faction of
A different group with their own agenda
And no detection of
Without being noticed
Another tax out of your life
Taking another toll on your already difficult existence
Cause I'm a crumb begging baghead baby yeah
I'm a homeless person begging for even the smallest amount of food or money
Bet you say that to all of the girls
You probably try to charm everyone with your smooth talk
All of the long lost wars
Reflecting on the pointlessness of past conflicts and tragedies
Any cause is worth dying for
People can be convinced to fight and die for almost any reason, no matter how trivial or misguided
What passing bells for those who die like cattle again and again and again and again
A bleak reminder of the constant cycle of violent death and mass slaughter throughout human history
If you ever smile
If you show any vulnerability or happiness
In the street, crocodiles
You will be attacked and devoured by the cruel realities of society
Now, don't take me for no sunbeam
Again emphasizing the singer's warning not to expect anything positive or uplifting
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL WHITNALL, PETER DOHERTY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind