"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.
Moment In The Sun
Clem Snide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, how beautiful I'll be
But in a normal sort of way
Like I am you and you are me
Cause I have a lot of things to say
And you'd be wise to listen good
I think that hunger, war, and death
Are bringin' everybody down
I'll share my problems with the world
And psychosomatically I'll sing
To god and all his pretty girls
When it's my moment in the sun
I won't forget that I am blessed
But every hero walks alone
Thinking of more things to confess
The lyrics in Clem Snide's "Moment In The Sun" speak to the desire for recognition and the longing to have a platform to share one's beliefs and struggles with the world. The opening line, "When it's my moment in the sun, oh, how beautiful I'll be" suggests a feeling of insignificance and a yearning for attention. However, the singer desires to be beautiful in a "normal sort of way," emphasizing that they want to be recognized for their thoughts and ideas rather than their physical appearance.
The lyrics go on to express the singer's desire to speak out about issues that are significant to them, including hunger, war, and death, which they feel are bringing everyone down. They long to share their problems with the world, hoping to connect with others who may relate to their struggles. They suggest that singing to god and all his pretty girls is a psychosomatic experience, implying that music can provide a powerful emotional release for them.
The final line, "But every hero walks alone, thinking of more things to confess," suggests that even those who achieve recognition and success still struggle with their own personal demons and continue to search for ways to connect with others. The song ultimately speaks to the universal human desire for connection, understanding, and a sense of purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
When it's my moment in the sun
The singer is anticipating a time when they will be recognized and appreciated
Oh, how beautiful I'll be
The singer imagines themselves as being seen as beautiful and admirable.
But in a normal sort of way
The singer doesn't want to be seen as special or different, but as an ordinary person.
Like I am you and you are me
The artist feels a connection to everyone.
Cause I have a lot of things to say
The artist has opinions and ideas they want to share.
And you'd be wise to listen good
The singer thinks that their ideas are important and should be taken seriously.
I think that hunger, war, and death
The singer believes that these things are causing problems for people.
Are bringin' everybody down
The artist thinks that these things are making people unhappy and sad.
When it's my moment in the sun
The artist is still thinking about the time when they will be appreciated.
I'll share my problems with the world
The artist will tell people about their issues and struggles.
And psychosomatically I'll sing
The singer will express their feelings through music.
To god and all his pretty girls
The artist doesn't have a literal belief in God, but will still sing to something higher and more beautiful than themselves.
When it's my moment in the sun
The singer is still thinking about when they'll be recognized and appreciated.
I won't forget that I am blessed
The singer is grateful for what they have.
But every hero walks alone
The singer believes that being a hero, or someone who is seen as great or admirable, is a lonely experience.
Thinking of more things to confess
The artist is always reflecting on their own experiences and looking for ways to share them.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EEF BARZELAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind