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
Teenage Disease
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'm a teenage disease, born bred and desire
I was sold the sun, left out in the night
I'm a coming through, you want it, come and get it
Don't you say it's a shame, everyone in a rage
We're going to throw it away, just to live it again
You better grow yourself a smile or get out of the way
I'm a coming through, you want it, come and get it
You want it, come and get it
Surprise, you got a head full of lies
I'd rather die than be living like you
I'm a teenage disease, I'm a sun on fire
I'm gonna make you blind when you fall inside
You want it, come and get it
You want it, come and get it
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather die
The lyrics to "Teenage Disease" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club explore the rebellious nature of youth and the rejection of conformity. The opening lines suggest that the world is filled with falsehoods and that the singer would rather die than conform to such a system. The line "I'm a teenage disease, born bred and desire" suggests that the singer sees themselves as a force that shakes up the status quo and isn't afraid to challenge societal norms. The reference to being "sold the sun, left out in the night" suggests that the singer was once hopeful and optimistic but has since been disillusioned.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the singer's desire to take control and assert their independence. The repetition of "you want it, come and get it" suggests a sense of defiance and readiness to take on any challenge. The line "I'm a total waste, I got the so-so grace" suggests a certain self-awareness on the part of the singer, acknowledging their flaws as well as their strengths. The final lines, "I'd rather die, than be living like you" further emphasize the rejection of conformity and the desire for individuality and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Surprise, you got a head full of lies
You have a lot of false beliefs and it's been unexpected for me
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I'd rather face death than live the way you do
I'm a teenage disease, born bred and desire
I'm a young and fierce rebel, who is driven by passion and purpose
I was sold the sun, left out in the night
I was promised the best, but ended up alone and in the dark
I'm a coming through, you want it, come and get it
I'm unstoppable and if you're up for the challenge, face me
Don't you say it's a shame, everyone in a rage
Don't pity me or the situation, as everyone is just as angry
We're going to throw it away, just to live it again
We'll recklessly destroy what we have, just to go through the same cycle
I'm a total waste, I got the so so grace
I may seem useless and lacking, but I have a certain toughness
You better grow yourself a smile or get out of the way
Don't bring negativity, either be positive or get out of my path
You want it, come and get it
If you desire something, take the initiative and claim it
I'm a sun on fire, I'm gonna make you blind when you fall inside
I am so brilliant and dangerous that I'll burn you if you try to come too close
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I really despise the way you live and would rather face death
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I strongly detest following the way you exist and would rather die
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I have an enormous revulsion towards the way you live your life and would choose death over it
I'd rather die, than be living like you
I absolutely loathe the existence you live and would prefer to die than follow in your footsteps
I'd rather die, than be living like you
The thought of having a lifestyle akin to yours is so offensive, that I would rather face death
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: LEAH JULIE SHAPIRO, PETER B HAYES, ROBERT L BEEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind