The current line-up is :
Buster Bloodvessel - Vocals
Simon Cuell - Guitar
Lee Thompson -Bass
Richie Downs - Keyboards
Matt Goodwin - Sax
Matt Bane - Drums
Colin Graham - Trumpet
Russel Wynn - Percussion
Inner London Violence
Bad Manners Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Policeman knocking with a rat-a-tat-a-tat
Them bored around the streets at night
They're not looking but they find a fight
I say inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Policemen coming there's no relief
Even your best friend is a thief
Soon locked up in your council flat
Machine gun go a rat-a-tat-a-tat
I say inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Hey hey hey
(instrumental break)
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
Inner London violence
The song Inner London Violence by Bad Manners portrays the violent reality of life in urban London. The lyrics depict the struggle of young men in the inner city who feel trapped by the cycle of poverty and violence, and often turn to crime as a means of survival. The singer, a rude boy, is constantly in conflict with the police and other gangs on the street.
The first verse describes the constant presence of police in the inner city, who are always on the lookout for potential troublemakers. Despite their efforts, fights and violence are still rampant. The second verse refers to the betrayal that can occur in such an environment. Even one's closest friend can turn out to be a thief, leading to imprisonment in their small council flat. The chorus reinforces the message of the song, that in inner London, violence is the norm and there is no escaping it.
The instrumental break between the second and third chorus provides a chaotic respite, with brass instruments blaring out notes of discordance, mirroring the violent environment the song speaks of.
Overall, Inner London Violence is a powerful commentary on the hard realities of inner city life in London. The lyrics are raw and direct, capturing the frustration and hopelessness felt by young people living in poverty and facing systemic social issues. The song highlights the urgency of addressing these issues and finding solutions to improve the lives of those who are most marginalized.
Line by Line Meaning
Rude Boy went in handsome hats
A young man dressed stylishly with a confident manner enters the scene.
Policeman knocking with a rat-a-tat-a-tat
Law enforcement arrives noisily with knocking and banging.
Them bored around the streets at night
Individuals aimlessly wandering the darkened streets.
They're not looking but they find a fight
Disputes and altercations seem to arise without provocation.
I say inner London violence
The chorus serves as a proclamation that the song is about violence in specific parts of London.
Policemen coming there's no relief
Enforcement appears almost futile as police presence causes no release from tension.
Even your best friend is a thief
The line points out that even trusted associates may have nefarious motives.
Soon locked up in your council flat
The sense of imprisonment is emphasized in the mention of a council flat.
Machine gun go a rat-a-tat-a-tat
The sound of gunfire erupting is conveyed by the phrase a rat-a-tat-a-tat.
Hey hey hey
A brief interjection bridging a new section of the song.
Inner London violence
The repetition of the song's subject matter continues the theme.
Contributed by Victoria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.