Clem Snide is an alt-country indie rock project from New York, NY and Nashv… Read Full Bio ↴Clem Snide is an alt-country indie rock project from New York, NY and Nashville, TN consisting of songwriter/singer/guitarist Eef Barzelay, and a rotation of musicians. Primarily an outlet for Barzelay, the band consisted chiefly of bassist/cellist Jason Glasser through mid-2006, as well as more recent members including multi-instrumentalist Pete Fitzpatrick, and his cousin Brendan Fitzpatrick.

"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.

Happy Birthday
Clem Snide Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Never have I been made to feel less doubtful
Never have I been made to feel less cynical
'Cause I haven't been to brave been mostly frightened
But I never though that there would come a day

Well I hope that your song's not be "boys of summer"
Just because you were both born on that day
And half-Jewish boys make kick ass drummers

But if you need lessons I'll have to pay
And I hope that your friends are true and funny
And your girlfriends are sweet and wear tight pants
And after your heart is gently broken
I hope that you get a second chance

Just let some air in
Just turn on some light
Just make some room inside

Never have I been made to feel less heavy
Never have been made less cynical

Cause I haven't been to kind been unforgiving
But I never thought that there would come a day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Clem Snide's song "Happy Birthday" are a powerful and heartfelt message of hope and well wishes for the recipient of a birthday. The first verse describes the singer's personal transformation from feelings of doubt and cynicism to a more hopeful outlook. The second verse starts by hoping that the recipient's birthday song is not a cliche and then turns to the wish for the recipient's having true and funny friends, and a supportive partner. The lyrical theme emphasizes the importance of a supportive community in overcoming life's challenges and maintaining hope.

The chorus of "Happy Birthday" encourages the listener to let some air in, turn on some light, and make some room inside. The lines are a metaphor for making space in one's life for new experiences, and the positive changes that come with them. The song highlights the potential for personal growth and transformation, particularly in challenging personal circumstances, and encourages the listener to seize these opportunities for change.

Overall, the message of "Happy Birthday" is one of hope and good wishes, but also of accountability and personal responsibility for making changes in one's life. The song acknowledges the difficulties and challenges of life, but emphasizes the potential for transformation and learning from adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Never have I been made to feel less doubtful
I've never felt more sure about anything

Never have I been made to feel less cynical
I've never been less suspicious

'Cause I haven't been to brave been mostly frightened
I haven't taken many risks, I've been scared

But I never though that there would come a day
I never expected things to turn out this way

Well I hope that your song's not be "boys of summer"
I hope your celebration isn't cliché

Just because you were both born on that day
Just because you share a birthday

And half-Jewish boys make kick ass drummers
Mixed-race musicians are awesome

But if you need lessons I'll have to pay
I'm willing to invest in your talent

And I hope that your friends are true and funny
I wish you genuine and entertaining friends

And your girlfriends are sweet and wear tight pants
I hope you find attractive and kind partners

And after your heart is gently broken
When you experience heartache