… Read Full Bio ↴Ian Dury (1942-2000) was an English singer, songwriter, and bandleader.
Born on 12th May 1942, he is best known as founder and lead singer of the British band Ian Dury and the Blockheads, though he began his musical career in pub-rock act Kilburn & the High Roads. He wrote many famous songs including "Hit Me with Your Rhythm Stick", "What a Waste", and "Sex and Drugs and Rock and Roll". He died on 27th March 2000.
At the age of seven, Dury contracted polio; very likely, he believed, from a swimming pool at Southend on Sea during the 1949 polio epidemic. After six weeks in a full plaster cast in Truro hospital, he was moved to Black Notley Hospital, Braintree, Essex, where he spent a year and a half before going to Chailey Heritage Craft School, East Sussex, in 1951. Chailey was a school and hospital for disabled children, and believed in toughening them up, contributing to the observant and determined person Dury became.
Cowboys
Ian Dury Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You pay your way twice over if not more
They say that's the price of fame and now you've made your name
Your friends don't even treat you like they used to do before
They quote the many stars who've died so young
From the firmament you seek to walk among
They tell you who went mad, who went from good to bad
And they warn you of the dangers that await the highly strung
Who the hell are they?
And who cares what they say?
Who only seek to worry and alarm
Don't give those dogs their day
Don't let them get their way
'Cos I can see that fame's done you no harm
They say what you sacrifice to be the best
Means you lose all other purpose in your quest
They say that fame's your only goal and it messes up your soul
And they mention Elvis Presley and you're supposed to know the rest
They tell you cherish every minute that you're hot
So at least you'll have some memories when you're not
They say when fame becomes the spur, you abandon what you were
Which makes it that much harder to give up what you've got
Who the hell are they?
And who cares what they say?
Who only deal in envy and despair
Don't give those dogs their day
Don't let them get their way
I'm glad to see your picture everywhere
They say celebrity extracts a heavy toll
That the devil soon appears to take control
They say it leads you by the nose and they recite the names of those
Who've bled upon the alter of the demon Rock and Roll
Who the hell are they?
And who cares what they say?
Who only seek to worry and alarm
Don't give those dogs their day
Don't let them get their way
'Cos I can see that fame's done you no harm
The song "Cowboys" by Ian Dury is a reflection on the harmful effects of fame and how it can change a person's life. The lyrics talk about the pressures of fame and the constant criticism and judgment from others. The song highlights how people who are in the limelight are often surrounded by naysayers who give warnings about the pitfalls of fame. They suggest that people who are famous are often isolated, as their friends and family treat them differently than before they were famous. The lyrics point to the fact that fame can be a heavy burden to carry and can take a toll on an individual's mental health.
Dury's lyrics also speak to the notion that fame can be an all-consuming goal that can lead to the loss of any sense of self or purpose that was present before fame. The idea that celebrity can be an enabler for the demons of rock and roll is also hinted at in the lyrics.
Overall, "Cowboys" challenges the idea of fame being wholly positive and highlights the downsides that come along with it. The song warns people against surrendering their sense of self to the demands of fame.
Line by Line Meaning
They say it's tough out there and that's for sure
People claim that the world is a hard place to live in.
You pay your way twice over if not more
You have to work really hard to be successful.
They say that's the price of fame and now you've made your name
People say that achieving fame comes at a great cost.
Your friends don't even treat you like they used to do before
Your close associates and peers start to distance themselves from you once you become famous.
They quote the many stars who've died so young
People often mention the untimely death of several celebrities.
From the firmament you seek to walk among
You aspire to be a part of the popular and successful celebrities.
They tell you who went mad, who went from good to bad
People talk about the famous individuals who suffered from mental health issues.
And they warn you of the dangers that await the highly strung
They caution the emotionally sensitive people about the perils of fame.
Who the hell are they?
Who are these people talking negatively about fame?
And who cares what they say?
Why should anyone listen to their opinions?
Who only seek to worry and alarm
These individuals are only looking to cause anxiety and fear.
Don't give those dogs their day
Don't let these people affect you negatively.
Don't let them get their way
Don't let them control you or your emotions.
'Cos I can see that fame's done you no harm
I can observe that fame has brought you no ill-effects.
They say what you sacrifice to be the best
People often discuss the sacrifices that one has to make to achieve greatness.
Means you lose all other purpose in your quest
These sacrifices can cause you to neglect other things in your life.
They say that fame's your only goal and it messes up your soul
People claim that fame is the only aim in life and it can lead to mental and emotional damage.
And they mention Elvis Presley and you're supposed to know the rest
The reference to Elvis Presley is in regards to his alleged struggle with drug addiction and mental health issues.
They tell you cherish every minute that you're hot
People suggest that you should make the most of your time in the limelight.
So at least you'll have some memories when you're not
Having positive memories can help when you're no longer famous.
They say when fame becomes the spur, you abandon what you were
According to them, achieving fame can cause you to lose your original identity and values.
Which makes it that much harder to give up what you've got
It can be difficult to give up the success and fame you've achieved.
Who only deal in envy and despair
The people who spread negativity are often jealous and unhappy.
I'm glad to see your picture everywhere
Despite what people say, I'm happy to see you enjoying success and fame.
They say celebrity extracts a heavy toll
Fame and recognition can take a heavy toll on an individual.
That the devil soon appears to take control
They believe that fame can lead to a loss of control over your life and personality.
They say it leads you by the nose and they recite the names of those
According to them, fame can lead to you being controlled and manipulated by others.
Who've bled upon the alter of the demon Rock and Roll
They make reference to the negative effects of the Rock and Roll lifestyle.
Writer(s): Charles Jeremy Jankel, Ian Robins Dury Copyright: BMG Fm Music Ltd., Templemill Music Ltd.
Contributed by Alaina M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.