Born in 1959 in Chatham, Kent. Billy Childish left Secondary education at 16 an undiagnosed dyslexic. Refused an interview at the local art school he entered the Naval Dockyard at Chatham as an apprentice stonemason. During the following six months (the artist’s only prolonged period of employment), he produced some six hundred drawings in ‘the tea huts of hell. On the basis of this work he was accepted into St Martin’s School of Art to study painting. However, his acceptance was short-lived and before completing the course he was expelled for his outspokenness and unorthodox working methods. With no qualifications and no job prospects Childish then spent some 12 years ‘painting on the dole’, developing his own highly personal writing style and producing his art independently.
I Remember
Billy Childish Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
all the things I did as a child
x2
when I see what they're doing
it's enough to drive me wild
I remember all the things
all the things we did in the past
but you done left me child's
and don't think I'm gonna last
solo
well remember the dress you wore
all the things that drove me wild
I remember all the things
from when you was a child
1st verse
The lyrics of Billy Childish's song "I Remember" express nostalgia for the past and frustration with the present. The repetition of "I remember all the things" emphasizes the importance of memories and how they can shape our emotions and behavior. The reference to childhood memories in the first verse suggests a longing for a simpler time when life seemed less complicated. However, the second half of the verse introduces a sense of anger or disbelief at what is happening in the present that is disturbing enough to "drive me wild." This could be interpreted as a commentary on the changes and challenges of adulthood that can sometimes seem overwhelming.
The second verse continues with the theme of memories, but this time the focus is on a relationship that has ended. The repetition of "all the things we did in the past" suggests a nostalgia for a time when the two individuals were together, but the following line "but you done left me child's" suggests a sense of abandonment or betrayal. This also implies that the singer is struggling to move on from the relationship and may be feeling hopeless about the future because of the loss. The solo section offers a time for reflection and contemplation, allowing the listener to fill in their own memories and emotions.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Remember" show a complex mix of emotions - love, pain, nostalgia, and frustration - and highlight the impact that memories can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember all the things
I recall every aspect of my past experiences
all the things I did as a child
Every action and behavior I exhibited when I was young
when I see what they're doing
Observing their present actions and behaviors
it's enough to drive me wild
Their actions are infuriating and unbearable
I remember all the things
The events and memories etched in my mind
all the things we did in the past
The shared experiences and moments of the bygone days
but you done left me child's
You departed and left me behind, remaining childish and immature
and don't think I'm gonna last
The emotional pain and emptiness caused by your leaving might be insurmountable
Contributed by Jackson R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mr27Mod
I just love this man. Great!