In 1978 Ian Gillan had become dissatisfied with the jazz fusion style of his band called Ian Gillan Band and dissolved it, retaining only keyboard player Colin Towns, and formed a new band entitled Gillan. He added Steve Byrd on guitar, Liam Glenocky on drums and John McCoy (ex-zzebra) on bass, and initially pursued a progressive rock direction, releasing their eponymous debut in 1978, although they could only get a record deal in Japan. This recording has subsequently become more widely available as THE JAPANESE ALBUM.
The album was sufficiently successful to attract more attention and in 1979 the band secured a European deal with Acrobat Records. Before a new album was recorded, Byrd was replaced by Bernie Tormé and Glenocky by Mick Underwood, Ian Gillan's former colleague in Episode Six. Torme's "screaming guitar" sound fundamentally altered the dynamics and Gillan took a heavy metal direction. This lineup's first album was released as MR. UNIVERSE and contained many re-worked songs from The Japanese Album. The band caught the rise of the NWOBHM at just the right time and the group gained popularity in Europe. At Christmas Gillan turned down an offer from Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, but Blackmore did make a "legendary" guest appearance for Gillan at their Christmas show. It was the first time Ian Gillan and Blackmore had performed together since 1973.
In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the successful GLORY ROAD album with the limited edition "free" LP for gillan fans only. However the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite tours.
By 1981 the band members were becoming disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased pay, and after the FUTURE SHOCK album tour, Torme walked out just before the band were due to appear on Top of the Pops. He was replaced by White Spirit guitarist Janick Gers and this line up releaed the live/studio combi double album DOUBLE TROUBLE at the end of the year. In 1982 final album MAGIC followed. By this time, tension over money had reached fever-pitch and Ian Gillan needed time to have nodes removed from his vocal chords. He also received and accepted an offer to replace Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath. After the Magic tour Ian Gillan dissolved the band to the incredulity of the other members, particularly McCoy, and the acrimony remained into the 21st century.
McCoy subsequently released compilations of studio out-takes to which he had the rights, beginning with Gillan Tapes, Vol. 1, and ensured that revenues were distributed fairly amongst the band.
Bad News
Gillan Lyrics
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I can't sleep, you make me so mad
I can't sleep, you bring me bad news
You bring me bad news
Don't tell the truth, just tell me some lies
Maybe I'll live, maybe I'll die
I can't sleep, you make me so mad
I can't sleep, you make me so mad
Bad news, you bring me bad news, you bring me bad news
Don't tell the truth, just tell me some lies
Maybe I'll live, maybe I'll die
Bad news, you bring me bad news, you bring me bad news
Don't tell the truth, just tell me some lies
Maybe I'll live, maybe I'll die
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Bad news, you bring me bad news
The lyrics of "Bad News" by Gillan express frustration and anger towards someone who brings negativity and conflict into the singer's life. The repetition of "I can't sleep" emphasizes the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing due to this individual. The line "Don't tell the truth, just tell me some lies" suggests that the singer would rather hear false but comforting words than face the harsh reality of the situation.
The chorus, which repeatedly states "Bad news, you bring me bad news," serves as a refrain that highlights the central theme of the song: the toxic impact of the person addressed in the lyrics. The singer seems to be caught in a cycle of hopelessness and confusion, uncertain whether staying in this situation is worth the pain.
Overall, "Bad News" conveys a sense of resignation and defeat, as the singer feels trapped in a situation that brings nothing but strife and unhappiness. The song's straightforward lyrics and driving rock rhythm create an impactful and relatable depiction of a challenging relationship dynamic.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't sleep, you treat me so bad
Your mistreatment of me is causing me sleepless nights
I can't sleep, you make me so mad
Your behavior is making me extremely angry, to the point where I can't sleep
I can't sleep, you bring me bad news
Your presence and the things you tell me have a negative impact on my ability to rest
You bring me bad news
Your words and deeds tend to have negative implications for me
Don't tell the truth, just tell me some lies
I would prefer to hear something more comforting than the harsh reality, even if it means being deceived with falsehoods
Maybe I'll live, maybe I'll die
The outcome of my current predicament is uncertain, and it's causing me a great deal of anxiety
Bad news, you bring me bad news, you bring me bad news
Your actions and the impact they have on me are consistently negative
Bad news, you bring me bad news
Your presence and communication cause me to feel bad, upset or uneasy
Contributed by Nathan L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.