"Clem Snide" is a character in several novels by William S. Burroughs, including Naked Lunch, The Ticket That Exploded, and Exterminator!. The band formed in 1991, when Barzelay wanted an outlet for his songwriting, but separated in 1994 after releasing a couple of 7" singles. A few years later, Barzelay met back up with Glasser and began writing songs again, performing under the name Fruit Key. After adding a bassist and drummer, they reclaimed the name Clem Snide, recorded songs, continued performing, and, in 1998, issued their first album, You Were a Diamond (produced by Adam Lasus) on Tractor Beam Records. This album received some short-term major label attention, enough for Clem Snide to release their second album, Your Favorite Music, on Sire Records, before being dropped prior to the album's release.
In 2001, Clem Snide released the album The Ghost of Fashion, which received some extra press due to the song "Moment in the Sun" being featured as the theme song for the second season of the NBC program Ed, after the show lost the rights to the Foo Fighters' "Next Year". Fans were allegedly distraught by the change, and Ed went back to the Foo Fighters for the third season; "Moment in the Sun" continued to be used as the theme song outside the U.S.
At this time, then-bassist Jeff Marshall left the band citing the touring schedule, as the band had performed a number of world tours in support of Fashion. He did, however, stay with the band to help record their fourth album, Soft Spot.
Clem Snide released their fifth album in 2005, End of Love, and in February 2006 Barzelay released his first solo album, Bitter Honey, on spinART Records. Barzelay' s latest solo record, Lose Big was released on June 17th 2008, on 429 Records. Barzelay confirmed that the band broke up during the proceedings, and that another record was completed around the same time, the newer recording set to be released first.
A live, tour-only, CD is also planned in conjunction with a fall tour by Barzelay.
In 2008, Eef Barzelay announced that Clem Snide has reformed and will release a full-length; "Hungry Bird" as well as an EP entitled "I Need You Now". They will support these releases with a tour.
Action
Clem Snide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cause if you spend too much time
Alone in your mind you're through
And if the bedroom feels cold
Then we can unfold tonight
And your hand I will kiss
So unclench that fist it's so tight
'Cause when there's love there's action
Give it away
Don't make 'em pay
And you're free
And if you're alone just pick up the phone it's me
I'll bring nothin' to eat
But I can tickle your fee
'Til you smile
I know they're closing the store
But let's lay on the floor a while
You're everything I want to do
'Cause when there's love there's action
Give me a shove and I'll fall in love
Don't wait
'cause if a civil war buff
Can love a diamond in the ruff it's great
You're everything I want to do
'Cause when there's love there's action
The song "Action" by Clem Snide talks about the importance of taking action in love. The first verse talks about how love can be difficult at times, but it was a smart decision to pursue it because being alone in your mind can lead to disaster. The singer encourages his partner to open up to him and not keep their fists clenched tightly. The second verse refers to the idea of being generous in love by giving it away and not expecting anything in return. The singer assures his beloved that they can call him whenever they feel lonely, and he would be there to make them smile. The chorus emphasizes the importance of taking action in love because when there's love, there's action. The singer is willing to fall in love even if he gets a shove from his partner, and he encourages them not to wait to express their feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
Love can be hard but it was so smart of you
It takes courage to love someone, but you were wise to take that chance.
Cause if you spend too much time
Alone in your mind you're through
Overthinking and isolating yourself can lead to emotional breakdown and suffering in the long run.
And if the bedroom feels cold
Then we can unfold tonight
And your hand I will kiss
So unclench that fist it's so tight
If you're feeling lonely and afraid, I'll be there to comfort you tonight. Please relax and let go of the fear that grips you.
You're everything I want to do
'Cause when there's love there's action
You're all I desire, and love demands active pursuit and effort.
Give it away
Don't make 'em pay
And you're free
And if you're alone just pick up the phone it's me
Be generous with your love and kindness, and don't expect anything in return. And if you need me, don't hesitate to call - I'm here for you.
I'll bring nothin' to eat
But I can tickle your fee
'Til you smile
I know they're closing the store
But let's lay on the floor a while
I may not have much to offer, but I can make you happy and bring joy to your life. Let's forget the outside world and enjoy each other's company.
Give me a shove and I'll fall in love
Don't wait
'cause if a civil war buff
Can love a diamond in the ruff it's great
Don't be afraid to take the lead and show me your love. And don't worry about our differences - if a history nerd like me can fall for someone like you, it's proof that love knows no bounds.
You're everything I want to do
'Cause when there's love there's action
Once again, you're my highest priority and love requires us to actively pursue each other.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EEF BARZELAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
M Desbiens
This is an important album in my life!