"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.
Collapse
Clem Snide Lyrics
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And the fluttering sound of the bird that was trapped in the attic
But you couldn't be sure that it wasn't just all in your head
As you carefully swept all the broken glass out of your bed
When it finally collapsed all the actors were hotly protested
The people they had to portray were a little depressing
So a grass roots initiative based upon sharing and trust
When it finally collapsed as it had been since way before when
The pedophiles did their rendition of You've Got a Friend
Everyone had to admit that it wasn't half bad
But they still felt uneasy fearing they'd be dismissed as a fad
When it finally collapsed giant billboards made people aware
Of the idea that we are comprised of just water and air
A vandal had written that Jesus knows just how you feel
When you're falling asleep, asleep at the wheel
The song "Collapse" by Clem Snide is a melancholic reflection on the collapse of society and the aftermath of such an event. The opening verse describes the collapse as if it were an event in the distant past, and all that remains are the sounds of the aftermath. The singer tells of hearing the radio static and the fluttering of a trapped bird in the attic, after sweeping broken glass out of their bed. This paints a picture of a world in disarray, with chaos and destruction everywhere. The second and third verses continue in the same vein, with the collapse affecting different aspects of society.
The second verse speaks of actors being protested for portraying depressing characters, leading to a grassroots initiative based on sharing and trust. The third verse describes the collapse continuing as before, with pedophiles doing their rendition of "You've Got a Friend" and people feeling uneasy about being dismissed as a fad. The final line mentions giant billboards reminding people that we are all comprised of just water and air, with a vandal's graffiti suggesting that even Jesus knows how it feels to be asleep at the wheel.
Overall, the lyrics of "Collapse" suggest an apocalyptic event that has left society struggling to rebuild and survive. The themes of chaos, uncertainty, and disillusionment are pervasive throughout the song, and the imagery used paints a vivid picture of a world in ruins.
Line by Line Meaning
When it finally collapsed all you heard was the radio static
When everything fell apart, there was only white noise left to hear
And the fluttering sound of the bird that was trapped in the attic
The only other noise came from the helpless creature stuck in the highest room
But you couldn't be sure that it wasn't just all in your head
You couldn't distinguish reality from the imagination that fueled your fears
As you carefully swept all the broken glass out of your bed
You tried your best to clean up the mess and remove the sharp fragments that might cut you
When it finally collapsed all the actors were hotly protested
The public strongly opposed the choice of performers in the production's cast
The people they had to portray were a little depressing
The characters represented were not easy to identify with or find uplifting
So a grassroots initiative based upon sharing and trust
A spontaneous movement that relied on mutual generosity and openness
Went into production to harness the power of dust
Formed to make use of the seemingly worthless, transient aspects of life
When it finally collapsed as it had been since way before when
The moment of breakdown felt like a reiteration of a long-lasting condition
The pedophiles did their rendition of You've Got a Friend
The predators chose to perform a classic song about friendship, likely to emulate innocence and gain trust
Everyone had to admit that it wasn't half bad
Despite the heinous acts of the abusers, their rendition of the song was well executed
But they still felt uneasy fearing they'd be dismissed as a fad
The public still found it hard to accept a trend that involved such sensitive themes
When it finally collapsed giant billboards made people aware
As society was crumbling, publicity posters reminded everyone of the essential truth that we are beings of air and water
Of the idea that we are comprised of just water and air
The message that we are fundamentally composed of basic elements was promoted through mass media
A vandal had written that Jesus knows just how you feel
In an act of vandalism, someone had defaced the billboard with a religious message to comfort the suffering
When you're falling asleep, asleep at the wheel
Referring to the dangerous and irresponsible act of driving while being half-asleep or exhausted
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EEF BARZELAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind