The group had a single in the British Top 60 with "At Home He's A Tourist" in 1979, which was blacklisted by Top Of The Pops for its use of the relatively innocuous term "rubbers". Storming, Doc Marten-booted and fueled by a heady cocktail of Gramsci, Marx and lager, out of the Leeds art-school scene that produced The Mekons and Delta 5, they played a stripped-to-the-wire, funk-fueled permutation of punk rock. This is best exemplified by the dry production and forceful polemic of debut effort Entertainment! - Gang of Four's later albums (Songs Of The Free and Hard) found them softening some of their more jarring qualities, and drifting towards disco.
Critic Stewart Mason has called "Love Like Anthrax" (their first single, later re-recorded as "Anthrax") not only the group's "most notorious song" but also "one of the most unique and interesting songs of its time"; it's also a good example of Gang of Four's social perspective. After a minute-long, droning, feedback-laced guitar intro, the rhythm section sets up a funky, churning beat, and the guitar drops out entirely. In one stereo channel, King sings a "post-punk anti-love song", comparing himself to a beetle trapped on its back ("and there's no way for me to get up") and equating love with "a case of anthrax, and that's some thing I don't want to catch." Meanwhile in the other stereo channel (and slightly less prominent in the mix), Gill reads a deadpan monologue about public perception of love, and the prevalence of love songs in popular music: "Love crops up quite a lot as something to sing about, 'cause most groups make most of their songs about falling in love, or how happy they are to be in love, and you occasionally wonder why these groups do sing about it all the time." The simultaneous vocals are more than a little disorienting, especially when Gill pauses in his examination of love songs to echo a few of King's sung lines.
Allen left after Solid Gold and was replaced briefly by Buster Jones (who never recorded with the group), then by Sara Lee; Allen later co-founded Shriekback, Low Pop Suicide and The Elastic Purejoy.
Their angular, slashing attack and liberal use of dissonance had a significant influence on their post-punk contemporaries in the States, including Mission Of Burma. Gang Of Four went on to influence a number of successful funk-tinged alternative rock acts throughout the 80s and 90s - even, arguably, many rap-rock and nu metal groups who were "not in touch with their ancestry enough to realize it" (Andy Kellman, on allmusic.com) - although few of their followers were as arty or political. Michael "Flea" Balzary of Red Hot Chili Peppers has stated Gang of Four were very influential on his band's early music.
Gang of Four can also be credited as one of the early influences on techno or electronic music; they released dance remixes of several later singles.
Recently the band has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, initially due to emergence of new post-punk influenced bands such as The Rapture and Radio 4 and then the rise of Franz Ferdinand and Bloc Party, which led to the renewed patronage of the NME. The original Burnham/Allen/Gill/King lineup reformed in November 2004. In October of 2005, Gang of Four released a new LP featuring new recordings of past songs, entitled Return The Gift.
Dave Allen also co-hosts a twice-weekly "New Music Hour" radio show with Portland, Oregon's 94.7 alternative radio station.
Andy Gill died on 1st February, 2020 from, according to reports, a respiratory illness caught on the group's tour in Asia the preceding year. He was the only original member still playing in the Gang Of Four.
Soul Rebel
Gang of Four Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
See the morning sun on the hillside
Not living good, travel wide.
Said I'm a living man; I got work to do
If you're not happy children, then you must be blue
I'm a rebel, soul rebel, talk don't bother me
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
Said I'm a living man, I got work to do
If you're not happy children, then you must be blue
Said if you're not happy children, then you must be blue
(If you're not happy you must be blue)
People say,
I'm a rebel, soul rebel
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
People say,
I'm a rebel, soul rebel
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
I'm a rebel, soul rebel = talk don't bother me
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
Gang of Four's song Soul Rebel is an anthem for those who refuse to conform to society's expectations and instead choose to live their lives on their own terms. The lyrics speak of a person who identifies as a rebel and adventurer of the soul. The reference to the morning sun on the hillside implies a sense of freedom and possibility, suggesting that the person is not tied down by convention and is open to exploring new places and experiences.
The refrain "I'm a living man; I got work to do" underscores the rebel’s sense of purpose despite not conforming to societal norms. The song's chorus emphasizes the singer's rebellious spirit and soul-seeking nature, suggesting that he or she is on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Overall, the song celebrates the value of individualism and personal freedom in the face of a conformist culture. It encourages listeners to reject the narrow-mindedness of the masses and to embrace their own unique paths, no matter how unconventional they may be.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a rebel, soul rebel
I am a nonconformist who stands up against authority and societal norms without hesitation. My values and principles guide me.
I'm a capturer, soul adventurer
I am an opportunist who seeks to experience new things and places. I explore the world and embrace its diversity.
See the morning sun on the hillside
I witness the beauty of nature and appreciate the simple things in life. The sunrise reminds me of the infinite possibilities of each new day.
Not living good, travel wide
I may not have a lot of material possessions, but I am enriched by my travels and experiences. I believe that the value of life is not just measured by wealth.
Said I'm a living man; I got work to do
I am alive and active, and I have a purpose in life. I am constantly striving to make a positive impact in the world.
If you're not happy children, then you must be blue
If you are not content with your life and surroundings, then you must be sad or depressed. Life is meant to be enjoyed and lived to the fullest.
People say, I'm a rebel, soul rebel, talk don't bother me
I am aware that some people may criticize or judge me for my choices and beliefs, but their opinions do not affect me. I remain true to myself and stay focused on my goals.
Said if you're not happy children, then you must be blue
Once again, the message is clear that happiness and contentment are crucial aspects of life, and if one fails to achieve them, they will naturally become blue or sad.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: ROSS ANDERSON, SIMON LAW, BOB MARLEY, MIKE WEST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind