Although the band went through many lineup changes over the last 28 years, Mickey DeSadist (vocals) and Dave McGhire (drums) remained the creative foundation of the group through most of its history. McGhire quit in 2003 leaving DeSadist as sole survivor. The main song writers were: Mickey DeSadist, Dave McGhire and Chris Houston.
Memory Lane
Forgotten Rebels Lyrics
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I don't care who will be king or who will be the queen
I won't stop and stare
I'm far away but not there
I don't care about the prince you marry
I don't care whose kid It is you carry
I don't care cos' I can live without them
I read it in the papers, yes I read all about them
Elvis died, you'd sold his soul, you Just had a piece
John Lennon died for rock and roll now the kids won't let him rest In peace
I won't stop and stare
Cos' I'm not quite all there
I don't buy no plastic busts of Elvis
Damn the bastard who sells locks of his hair
I read it in the papers yes I read all about them
Death moneymakers check their stocks and shares
I won't stop and stare
I'm not really there
New Romantics a way of making income
Six hundred suit guarantees you won't look like a bum
Mighty corporations I can hear them laughing
Marketing managers got you under their thumb
The lyrics of Forgotten Rebels' "Memory Lane" express a certain level of detachment and apathy towards mainstream culture and celebrity figures. The opening lines refer to seeing someone's picture on television, likely a famous celebrity or member of royalty, yet the singer doesn't seem to care about their status or importance. They refuse to be caught up in the fanfare around these people and do not indulge in the gossip or news surrounding them.
The following stanzas reference the deaths of Elvis Presley and John Lennon, and the commercialization and commodification of their legacies. The singer seemingly rejects the idea of idolizing and idol-making, denouncing those who sell "plastic busts" of Elvis and "locks of his hair." They perceive the cynical nature of people who profit off the death of famous figures and who are in control of shaping popular culture.
The final stanza mentions the "New Romantics," a fashion and music movement in the early 80s that focused on flamboyant clothing and androgynous looks. It's possible that this is a commentary on the superficiality of trends and consumer culture, as the singer points out that buying expensive suits and adhering to these trends does not necessarily make one immune to being controlled by marketing managers and money-makers.
Overall, the song expresses a sense of disillusionment with mainstream culture and the way people mindlessly follow and idolize celebrities and trends.
Line by Line Meaning
Every time I see your picture on the t.v. screen
Whenever I come across your picture on the TV screen
I don't care who will be king or who will be the queen
I don't bother with who becomes the king or queen
I won't stop and stare
I won't pause and keep looking
I'm far away but not there
Even though I'm miles away, I'm still affected
I don't care about the prince you marry
I'm not bothered about the prince you choose to marry
I don't care whose kid It is you carry
It doesn't matter whose child you carry
I don't care cos' I can live without them
I don't care because I can live without them
I read it in the papers, yes I read all about them
I read it in the papers, all the gossip and news
Elvis died, you'd sold his soul, you Just had a piece
Elvis passed away, and you had a small part in it
John Lennon died for rock and roll now the kids won't let him rest in peace
John Lennon died for rock and roll, yet his fans keep him alive
Cos' I'm not quite all there
Because I'm not entirely sane
I don't buy no plastic busts of Elvis
I don't purchase any plastic Elvis figurines
Damn the bastard who sells locks of his hair
I curse the person who sells locks of his hair
Death moneymakers check their stocks and shares
The people profiting from death monitor their investments
I'm not really there
I'm not fully present
New Romantics a way of making income
New Romantics is a method of making money
Six hundred suit guarantees you won't look like a bum
Purchasing a six-hundred dollar suit ensures you won't look poor
Mighty corporations I can hear them laughing
I can hear the powerful corporations laughing
Marketing managers got you under their thumb
Marketing managers control you and your decisions
Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kallus Maximus
gotta love those killer riffs.
Dave Anchovies
i dont care about the prince you married...