There is more than one artist with this name:

1) Harem Scarem is a R… Read Full Bio ↴There is more than one artist with this name:

1) Harem Scarem is a Rock band hailing from Ontario, Canada, formed in 1987. They renamed themselves Rubber in 1999 and released two albums under that name. In 2001, they went back to the Harem Scarem name. In the Summer of 2007 they announced they "will officially break-up after one more studio album." They would reform in 2013 and has released four more albums since then.

2) Harem Scarem emerged from Melbourne's mid-80's indie scene, but, it could be argued, were closer in sound to classic Australian blues-rock from a decade before (Dingoes, Coloured Balls, Chain, Rose Tattoo etc.). Their sound was infused with a heady mix of punk spirit and Stax soul that also made them contemporaries of the likes of The Gun Club and the Beasts Of Bourbon.

Harem Scarem first appeared on the Melbourne Psychobilly compilation “Asleep at the Wheel”. They soon developed (via the “Dogman” EP and some key line-up changes) into a powerhouse live act, where Christopher Marshall's extraordinary, passionate vocals combined with Charlie Marshall's stonesy guitar.

With the classic line-up of the Marshall brothers, Barry Palmer (guitar), Glen Sheldon (bass), Peter Jones (drums) and Chris Wilson (harmonica & sax), the band went into the studio with producer John Archer (Hunters & Collectors) and emerged with this, their masterful 1986 album: Pilgrim's Progress (now re-issued by Aztec Music http://www.aztecmusic.net/)

3) Harem Scarem is a Scottish contemporary folk band http://www.haremscaremscotland.co.uk who have collaborated with Will Oldham AKA 'Bonnie Prince Billy'

Lying
Harem Scarem Lyrics

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I'm the king of all pretenders
The end all be all of fakes
I prey on the mindless
And I like it

Your defenses all surrender
My senses all awake
I kill 'em with kindness

And they buy it

Now I'm not one to seek redemption
The truth will set you free
Is all a mild deception
And you better believe
That I'm lying
Lying
Lie to everyone everyday

The bitter pill of ages
You swallow everyday
If feels so timeless
Don't fight it

Now I give you inhibitions
Take your innocence away

Without even trying
'Cause I can

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, the singer is portraying himself as someone who is deceptive and manipulative. He refers to himself as "the king of all pretenders" and "the end all be all of fakes," suggesting that he excels at pretending to be something he is not. He admits that he preys on the mindless, taking advantage of those who are vulnerable or easily influenced. Interestingly, he also confesses that he enjoys this role, implying a sense of satisfaction or power in his ability to deceive others.

The singer goes on to describe how his targets surrender their defenses and become receptive to his deceit. He claims that his senses are heightened in this process, suggesting that he becomes more aware of his surroundings and the vulnerabilities of others. The line "I kill 'em with kindness" indicates that he uses a façade of friendliness and charm to gain the trust of his victims, ultimately leading them to believe his lies.

Although the singer acknowledges he is not seeking redemption, he asserts that the truth can set someone free. However, he cynically dismisses this idea as a "mild deception," implying that even the idea of truth is not to be trusted. The repetition of the refrain "lie to everyone everyday" emphasizes the singer's commitment to deceit, highlighting the pervasive nature of his dishonesty.

The final stanza portrays the consequences of the singer's actions. He refers to the "bitter pill of ages" that people swallow every day, suggesting that they are constantly subjected to lies and deception. The singer hints that these lies have become ingrained in society, making them feel timeless and inevitable. He takes pleasure in stripping away inhibitions and innocence from others effortlessly, without even trying, further demonstrating his skill in manipulation.

Overall, these lyrics shed light on the mindset of someone who revels in deception and relishes the power it grants them. Through their manipulative actions, they seek to control and exploit others, while also questioning the notion of truth itself.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm the king of all pretenders
I am the ultimate master of deceivers

The end all be all of fakes
I am the absolute epitome of frauds

I prey on the mindless
I target those who lack intelligence or awareness

And I like it
And I derive pleasure from it

Your defenses all surrender
Your protective barriers are rendered useless

My senses all awake
My faculties are fully alert

I kill 'em with kindness
I manipulate them with false kindness

And they buy it
And they believe it without questioning

Now I'm not one to seek redemption
I have no desire to find salvation

The truth will set you free
Truth may liberate you

Is all a mild deception
But it's all just a subtle form of deceit