Fahey left the group in 1988 and later formed Shakespear's Sister; she now performs as a solo artist. Fahey replacement Jacquie O'Sullivan (formerly of the Shillelagh Sisters) left the trio after one album. Dallin and Woodward have recorded as a duo since since 1992. Banananarama's tenth studio album, "Viva" was released on September 14, 2009. It includes the hit singles, "Love Comes" and "Love Don't Live Here." In November 2010, a new single "Baby It's Christmas" was released in the UK and the U.S. The single is also featured on the compilation album, "Super Dance Christmas Party ,Vol. 3." In September 2012, Bananarama released the EP entitled "Now Or Never." The successful " Bananarama U.S. Tour 2012" took place during October 2012.
In 2017, the original line-up announced a one-off UK tour
Rough Justice
Bananarama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well not in this life
Big mouths and money
Win every time
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
[Chorus]
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
King for a day
But their kingdom grows cold
They'll never grow up
But they're bound to grow old
I remember the pain
And humiliation
And I'll show them rough justice
The way that they did
[Chorus: x2]
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
[Chorus: x2]
Don't call that justice
The song "Rough Justice" by Bananarama is a commentary on social injustice and the unfairness of the world. The lyrics suggest that the young are not given a fair chance to grow up, as big mouths and money seem to win every time. The song also brings attention to the gender and class inequalities that exist, with boys beating girls and the sneaky and snide taking all the money and pride. The chorus talks about innocent people walking by, without even a chance to smile before they die, and how it's impossible to call that justice. The song is a call to action, asking for change and for people to stand up for what is right.
The lyrics are powerful and thought-provoking, highlighting the struggles that many people face every day. The use of the phrase "rough justice" implies that justice is not a smooth or fair process, but rather a harsh and uneven one. The idea of showing the same rough justice that was once shown to the singer brings a sense of retribution and fighting back against the system.
Overall, "Rough Justice" is a commentary on the unfairness of society and the need for change. Its powerful lyrics and catchy melody make it a memorable and impactful song that leaves a lasting impression.
Line by Line Meaning
The young don't grow up
Many people never mature or learn from their mistakes in life.
Well not in this life
This is the unfortunate reality for many individuals in the world.
Big mouths and money
Those who are loud and wealthy often get their way in life.
Win every time
They always come out on top in any situation.
Boy beats girl
Men using their physical strength to overpower women is an all too common occurrence.
While the sneaky and snide
Those who are cunning and underhanded often succeed in life.
Take all your money
These individuals will take advantage of any opportunity to take away what you have worked for.
And take your pride
They will do this in a way that undermines your self-worth and dignity.
Innocent people walking by
People who have done nothing wrong can still be caught up in the crossfire of injustice.
No time to smile before they die
Their lives are cut short before they even have a chance to experience joy and happiness.
Don't call that justice
This is not a fair or just way for people to live.
Children are starving on the street
There are many innocent, helpless children who are forced to go without basic necessities such as food.
Another one disappearing every week
Some of these children are disappearing and never found, left to an unknown fate.
King for a day
Some people seem to gain power or influence in life, even if it is only for a short period of time.
But their kingdom grows cold
Eventually, their power and influence will wane and they will be left with nothing.
They'll never grow up
Some people will always remain immature and self-centered, no matter what they achieve in life.
But they're bound to grow old
Regardless of their mindset, time will catch up to them and they will age like everyone else.
I remember the pain
The singer has experienced personal suffering at the hands of those who use their power and influence to hurt others.
And humiliation
They have also been made to feel ashamed and embarrassed by these people.
And I'll show them rough justice
The artist is determined to take revenge on those who have caused them harm, regardless of the consequences.
The way that they did
The artist will use similar tactics to those who have wronged them in order to get revenge.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Keren Woodward, Sarah Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, Steve Jolley, Tony Swain
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stefano Orrù
The young don't grow up
Well not in this life
Big mouths and money
Win every time
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
King for a day
But their kingdom grows cold
They'll never grow up
But they're bound to grow old
I remember the pain
And humiliation
And I'll show them rough justice
The way that they did
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Don't call that justice
Trollstrolch
The young don't grow up
Well not in this life
Big mouths and money
Win every time
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
King for a day
But their kingdom grows cold
They'll never grow up
But they're bound to grow old
I remember the pain
And humiliation
And I'll show them rough justice
The way that they did
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Boy beats girl
While the sneaky and snide
Take all your money
And take your pride
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Innocent people walking by
No time to smile before they die
Don't call that justice
Children are starving on the street
Another one disappearing every week
Don't call that justice
Don't call that justice
WessexFox519
A lot of people wrongly write them off as just fluffy pop but tracks like this I mean the lyrics are pretty dark, kinda depressing and almost late 80s Depeche levels of dark almost. Great track and really talented ladies.
PetShopMod
l remember listening to this album on cassette before going to school in form 5 (Year 11) in 1990 and like a lot of kids l was bullied savagely by my so called mates. This song always gave me a little bit of strength each day to face school and the bullying. The lyrics 'l remember the days and humiliation and l'll show them Rough Justice they way that they did' became a self fulfilling prophecy as by years end, l had bashed my tormentors (there were 3 of them) and left the gang/group on my own accord as most had gone from seeing me as a weak and easy target to a someone they couldn't look in the eye anymore. 46 yo old now and ex Muay Thai fighter (5 yrs finished 6 yrs ago with Black and yellow singlet) Funny the things you remember.
Just plain Jimmy
They are all gorgeous! Back in 1984, I wrote Sarah a fan letter and I received a very nice personal reply. I still have it today.
Jeff Burnham
Always been partial to Keren myself.
jay kaye
A seriously underrated band and song
David Maderich
Siobhan really is the star of all these videos - she just adds a little bit extra to her outfit, her singing...just that star quality.
Bert Krus
Siobhan must have been very strongwilled and ambitious in her young days,
I'm sure
Lex Beltran
This song takes me back to the 80's, Banarama has so many catchy songs this is one of my favorites. 😊
R1
same for me with "i heard a rumour" and " a trick of the night"
Vincent Ruvo
Hilarious video!