Produced by Bernard Sumner & Joh… Read Full Bio ↴Written by Bernard Sumner & Johnny Marr
Produced by Bernard Sumner & Johnny Marr
Recorded 1990/91
Released 28th May 1991 on Electronic
Personnel
Bernard Sumner - vocals, keyboards, programming
Johnny Marr - guitar, keyboards
Gangster
Electronic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or the way you comb your hair
It's the fact that you are missing
How I feel when you're not there
I went through all the months of January
Locked up in this cell
I'd like to be at home, but on my own
Look at me, I always get the blame
But I can't even learn to spell my name
I like to read, I like to write
But where I live I learn to fight
So don't you ever say that we're the same
I don't need a doctor telling me I'm full of juice
It's not a statement that I'm making, but the plain and simple truth
I went through all the months of January
Locked up in my cell
I'd like to think of home, when I'm alone
It doesn't work too well
The lyrics to "Gangster" by Electronic speak to the longing for an absent loved one and the struggles faced while separated. The first verse acknowledges that it's not the superficial things that make someone special, but rather their presence and the emotional connection that is missed. The second verse paints a picture of a person who has been through difficult times, spending January locked up in a cell. They express a desire to be home, but feeling alone and struggling to cope.
The chorus of the song is a plea for understanding and empathy, with the singer acknowledging that they may be judged or misunderstood by others. They assert their individuality, rejecting any attempts to label them as just another "gangster." The final verse returns to the singer's sense of isolation, unable to find solace or comfort even in thoughts of home.
Overall, "Gangster" offers a glimpse into the emotions and struggles of someone who is separated from loved ones and dealing with challenging circumstances. The lyrics express a sense of vulnerability and yearning for connection, as well as a rejection of stereotypes and a desire for acceptance.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not the way that you would listen
I'm not concerned with how you listen to me
Or the way you comb your hair
I'm not interested in your fashion choices
It's the fact that you are missing
What matters is that you're not here
How I feel when you're not there
I feel lonely and incomplete without you
I went through all the months of January
I spent a long time in jail
Locked up in this cell
I was confined and isolated
I'd like to be at home, but on my own
I wish I could have been free, but I was alone
I didn't do too well
It was difficult for me to cope
Look at me, I always get the blame
I'm often wrongly accused of things
But I can't even learn to spell my name
I struggle with basic skills and education
I like to read, I like to write
Despite my difficulties, I have interests in learning
But where I live I learn to fight
My environment has taught me to be aggressive
So don't you ever say that we're the same
Don't compare yourself to me
I don't need a doctor telling me I'm full of juice
I don't want anyone to tell me what to do or how to live
It's not a statement that I'm making, but the plain and simple truth
I'm not trying to be provocative, I'm just being honest
I went through all the months of January
I spent a long time in jail
Locked up in my cell
I was confined and isolated
I'd like to think of home, when I'm alone
I try to mentally escape my current situation
It doesn't work too well
But it's not very effective
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind