"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.
Tears on My Pillow
Clem Snide Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I remember you
Twas not so long ago
You broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you
If we could start anew
I would not hesitate
I'll gladly take you back
And tempt the hand of fate
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you
Love is not a gadget
Love is not a toy
When you find the one you love
She'll fill your heart with joy
You don't remember me
But I remember you
Twas not so long ago
You broke my heart in two
Tears on my pillow
Pain in my heart
Caused by you (Repeat x8)
The lyrics to Clem Snide's "Tears On My Pillow" express heartbreak and longing for a lost love. The singer remembers the person who broke their heart, even if that person has forgotten about them. The imagery of tears on a pillow and pain in the heart convey the depth of hurt that the singer still experiences. Despite the heartache, the singer expresses a willingness to give their love another chance, even if it means tempting fate.
The lyrics suggest that love is not a mere plaything or something to be taken lightly. Rather, when someone finds true love, it fills their heart with joy. The repetition of the chorus throughout the song reinforces the idea of the lasting impact that the lost love has on the singer.
Overall, the lyrics of "Tears On My Pillow" depict the complexity of love and heartbreak. The song explores the themes of memory, loss, and the enduring power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't remember me
The person addressed in this song has forgotten about the singer.
But I remember you
The singer still remembers the person they are addressing.
Twas not so long ago
It hasn't been that long since the person broke the singer's heart.
You broke my heart in two
The person addressed in this song caused the singer a lot of emotional pain.
Tears on my pillow
The singer has been crying and feeling sad about the situation.
Pain in my heart
The singer is experiencing emotional pain and heartache.
Caused by you
The person addressed in this song is responsible for the singer's pain and sadness.
If we could start anew
The singer is willing to give the relationship another chance.
I would not hesitate
The singer is ready and willing to take the person back.
I'll gladly take you back
The singer is willing to forgive and forget the past.
And tempt the hand of fate
The singer is willing to take a risk in the hopes of having a successful relationship.
Love is not a gadget
Love is not something that can be easily replaced or used like a tool.
Love is not a toy
Love is not something that can be easily played with or discarded.
When you find the one you love
When you find the right person for you.
She'll fill your heart with joy
Being with the right person can bring great happiness and fulfillment to your life.
Contributed by Jack F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.