The band's second album 'Take Them On, On Your Own' featured several songs ('Generation' and 'US Government') which were critical of the United States' foreign policy and George Bush in particular.
After conflict with their label (Virgin Records), the band was dropped in 2004. Nick Jago left the band at the end of their summer tour in the same year due to "internal conflict".
Following Jago's departure Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been regrouped and recorded the band's third album. With their third record Howl, they added blues, folk and gospel, a la Spiritualized.
In 2005 the band inked a new deal with Echo in the UK, and RCA in the US. Nick Jago also returned to the fold. The band's third album "Howl" was released that same year to widespread critical acclaim. Jago returned after most of the album was recorded but played on "Promise".
"Baby 81" the band's fourth album was released on May 1st, 2007. In June 2008 Nick Jago once again left the touring line-up of the band being replaced by The Raveonettes' touring drummer Leah Shapiro. Nick stated that "...I am fired again and to be honest with you I respect their decision".
However Hayes and Been released a conflicting joint statement that read "Nick won't be joining us for the upcoming European tour, but it's not true that he is fired. We just feel Nick needs time to sort out exactly what he wants right now. His heart and all his energy and attention is on his own solo project and he needs to see that through".
Current:
On January 9, 2013, the band announced via Facebook the name of their seventh album called Specter at the Feast which was released on March 18 in the UK and Europe and on March 19 in USA, Canada and worldwide. It is considered a tribute to Michael Been (The Call), Robert Levon Been's father who died suddenly on tour with BRMC in August 2010.
It received mostly positive reviews; many critics noting that despite the band having been together for some time the album showed a mellower and moodier side with songs such as opener `Firewalker'.
The band made the first single from the record available, a cover of The Call's 1989 hit "Let the Day Begin", for free download on their official website. The decision to record the song was a tribute to Robert's father Michael, who used his experience from The Call to help BRMC before his death in the last couple of years. The single became Q Magazine's track of the day.[6] The band have also released the Let the Day Begin EP for free, consisting of the single and the album track "Returning", made available for streaming on the official website.[7]
On April 8, 2013 it was announced that the band would play at Rock Werchter, the largest rock festival in Belgium.
The band continues to show a willingness to tour despite the obstacles. During the 2013 tour, the organisers of the Harvest festival in Australia decided to abandon the multi-city event, of which BRMC were one of the lead acts, only a few months ahead of the performances. BRMC was the first band to announce it would still visit the country and play its own shows.
Many shows on the 2013/2014 tour have sold out.
BRMC's music/songs have been featured in many films, television programs and video games.
Visit blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com for tour/CD and merchandise info.
Discography:
2001 - B.R.M.C.
2001 - Screaming Gun (EP)
2002 - Spread Your Love (EP)
2003 - Take Them On, On Your Own
2005 - Howl
2006 - Howl Sessions Vol.1 (EP)
2006 - Howl Sessions Vol. 2 (EP)
2007 - Baby 81
2007 - Napster Live Session (EP)
2007 - American X: Baby 81 Sessions (EP)
2008 - The Effects Of 333 (Download)
2010 - Beat the Devil's Tattoo
2013 - Specter At The Feast
2018 - Wrong Creatures
MK Ultra
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To keep a smile
I bought my legs from the US Government
To keep me in line
We are the ones that keep you high
We are the ones that warm the sky
And you're burning bright
I filled my head with another replacement
To keep me high
I shot my soul when they wanted to take it
Your worst ain't mine
We are the ones that keep you down
We are the ones that warm the ground
While our arms surround
She's my river of sunshine, she's my girl
She can save the US, save the world
Yeah she's alright, I'll be fine
There's no US, save your mind
Save your mind
Save your mind
I'll give you nothing if you're just gonna waste it
But that's alright
I'll give you love if you're wanting the taste that
That leaves you behind
We are the ones that keep you high
We are the ones that burn your pride
And you're burning bright
I've been waiting for the sun to come, lead me through the gates of Rome
You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill
I've been waiting for the sun to come, lead me through the gates of Rome
You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill
I've been waitin for the sun to come, show you all what's being done
You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill
The lyrics of “MK Ultra” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club speak of a person or entity in control of the masses, keeping them under the influence and manipulating their thoughts and actions through various means such as government propaganda, drugs, and other replacements for reality. The chorus phrase, “We are the ones that keep you high, We are the ones that warm the sky,” represents the power that the controllers have over the people, and the line “I bought my legs from the US Government, To keep me in line” implies that people have given up their autonomy and made themselves reliant on the state or other authorities to direct their paths.
The second verse, “I filled my head with another replacement, To keep me high, I shot my soul when they wanted to take it, Your worst ain't mine,” suggests that the person in the song has become addicted to something in place of real happiness, and has lost their sense of self to the point where they are willing to destroy their soul to resist control. The bridge, “She's my river of sunshine, she's my girl, She can save the US, save the world, Yeah she's alright, I'll be fine, There's no US, save your mind,” shows that there is still hope for a way out of this cycle, but it is up to the individual to find their own salvation.
In the final verse, “I'll give you nothing if you're just gonna waste it, But that's alright, I'll give you love if you're wanting the taste that, That leaves you behind,” the singer of the song is expressing their hesitance to give into typical superficial pleasures that ultimately do not bring any real satisfaction. The song ends with the defiant line “You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill,” indicating a revolutionary spirit and a desire for release from the perceived oppression.
Line by Line Meaning
I spit my faith on the city pavement
I publicly displayed my belief and devotion, without reservation or concern for others' opinions
To keep a smile
In order to maintain a positive facade, despite any inner turmoil or discomfort
I bought my legs from the US Government
I allowed the government to control and influence my actions and movements, in exchange for security or protection
To keep me in line
In order to enforce obedience, conformity, and compliance with societal norms and expectations
We are the ones that keep you high
We act as a source of stimulation or euphoria, distracting from the harsh realities of life
We are the ones that warm the sky
We create a sense of comfort, security, and familiarity in the unpredictable and overwhelming world
And you're burning bright
You are thriving and succeeding, fueled by our influence and impact
I filled my head with another replacement
I sought an alternative, temporary solution to my problems, rather than addressing the root cause or underlying issue
To keep me high
In order to escape, numb, or dissociate from reality and its challenges or struggles
I shot my soul when they wanted to take it
I resisted and fought against any attempt to control, manipulate, or undermine my identity, beliefs, or values
Your worst ain't mine
I am not intimidated or affected by the negativity or hostility of others, as I remain true to myself
We are the ones that keep you down
We impose limitations, constraints, or obstacles on your potential and aspirations
We are the ones that warm the ground
We provide a sense of stability, grounding, and foundation in chaotic or uncertain times
While our arms surround
We offer protection, shelter, and comfort in the face of danger, fear, or vulnerability
She's my river of sunshine, she's my girl
She is a constant source of joy, hope, and positivity in my life, a partner or companion who brings light to my days
She can save the US, save the world
She has the power and influence to enact change, to make a difference on a global scale
Yeah she's alright, I'll be fine
Despite any external hardships or obstacles, I am confident and content in this relationship, and believe it will sustain me
There's no US, save your mind
The idea of a unified, patriotic nation is a construct or illusion, and true salvation or liberation comes from inner peace and consciousness
I'll give you nothing if you're just gonna waste it
I am reluctant to invest in someone or something if I believe it will not be appreciated or utilized to its full potential
But that's alright
This decision does not cause me distress or regret, as I am comfortable with my boundaries and priorities
I'll give you love if you're wanting the taste that
I am willing to offer affection or care, but only if there is genuine reciprocation or desire
That leaves you behind
This love or attachment is conditional or fleeting, and will ultimately result in separation or abandonment
We are the ones that burn your pride
We challenge or threaten your sense of superiority, ego, or self-importance, exposing vulnerabilities and insecurities
I've been waiting for the sun to come, lead me through the gates of Rome
I have been anticipating a moment of illumination, enlightenment, or breakthrough, a symbolic journey to a place of historical significance or cultural refinement
You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill
You will realize that the forces or entities you believed were under your control were actually autonomous and resistant to your power or authority
I've been waitin for the sun to come, show you all what's being done
I have been eager to demonstrate the progress, growth, or results of my endeavors, to highlight accomplishments or contributions
You're gonna know they were never, never yours to kill
You will recognize that certain elements or factors were beyond your influence or jurisdiction, despite attempts to manipulate or dominate them
Contributed by Grace C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Paolo D
One of the songs with the best mantra.. still I remember 9 years ago while running across the city on Friday nights. People drinking and partying, me passing by them, on the same place, same road, but having my mind living in a different dimension
Jonatan Oláz
I can't stop listening. They're so fuckin amazing.
Isis Reis
love this song, too bad it's a b-side and i can't find it on spotify or other streaming platforms. i used to play this youtube video with scenes from fritz lang's metropolis and this song (maybe at the time it was the only video with the song?) - absolutely loved it.
Danielle
I'm your 1000th sub, and I LOVE this song & never heard this before!!!!
Star Mann
Better than the original.
Irina K
Thank you for uploading!!!! They keep taking it down