… 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.
Sex
Ian Dury Lyrics
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Is all my brain and body need
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Are very good indeed
Keep your silly ways or throw them out the window
The wisdom of your ways, I've been there and I know
Lots of other ways, what a jolly bad show
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is very good indeed
Every bit of clothing ought to make you pretty
You can cut the clothing, gray is such a pity
I should wear the clothing of Mr. Walter Mitty
See my tailor, he's called Simon, I know it's going to fit
Here's a little piece of advice
You're quite welcome it is free
Don't do nothing that is cut price
You know what that'll make you be
They will try their tricky device
Trap you with the ordinary
Get your teeth into a small slice
The cake of liberty
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex, drugs, rock, roll, sex, drugs, rock, roll
"Sex Drugs & Rock & Roll" by Ian Dury is a bold celebration of hedonism and rebellion against conventional societal values. The song implies that sex, drugs, and rock and roll are all that's needed to live a fulfilling life. Dury suggests that one shouldn't waste time accumulating wealth or following mundane pursuits as they can never equal the pleasures that sex, drugs, and rock and roll bring.
The verses of the song argue against conformity and stress the importance of individuality. Dury encourages the listener to embrace their unique style rather than following trends or societal norms. He suggests that one's clothing should speak to their originality and, rather than being uniform, ought to be an extension of their personality.
The chorus reiterates the message of the song and suggests that sex, drugs, and rock and roll are not just good, but 'very good' indeed. It is a song about living life on one's terms, refusing to conform, and celebrating the things that bring us pleasure. The song's overall message is one of liberation and freedom of expression, urging the listener to throw off the shackles of societal expectations and embrace their hedonistic side.
Line by Line Meaning
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Ian Dury believes that sex, drugs, and rock and roll are essential components of his life
Is all my brain and body need
These three elements occupy Ian Dury's body and mind
Are very good indeed
Ian Dury thinks sex, drugs, and rock and roll are great
Keep your silly ways or throw them out the window
Don't bother Ian Dury with things you find silly or not engaging
The wisdom of your ways, I've been there and I know
He's already heard this all before and don't want to listen to your unsolicited advice
Lots of other ways, what a jolly bad show
None of the other options are better than the three he's already mentioned
If all you ever do is business you don't like
If all you do is work, and you don't enjoy the work, then that's a sad way to live
Every bit of clothing ought to make you pretty
Clothing should add to your appearance
You can cut the clothing, gray is such a pity
Don't limit yourself to boring clothing, gray is a wasted opportunity
I should wear the clothing of Mr. Walter Mitty
Ian Dury is drawn to the carefree, adventurous spirit of Walter Mitty and desires to emulate it
See my tailor, he's called Simon, I know it's going to fit
Ian Dury trusts his tailor Simon to get the clothing just right
Here's a little piece of advice
Ian Dury has some wisdom to share
You're quite welcome it is free
He's willing to share his knowledge for free
Don't do nothing that is cut price
Don't sacrifice quality for a lower price
You know what that'll make you be
Sacrificing quality for a lower price will result in a lower quality product or experience
They will try their tricky device
People may try to manipulate or deceive you in order to sell you something
Trap you with the ordinary
They will try to sell you an average or unremarkable product
Get your teeth into a small slice
They may tempt you with a small piece, but you'll ultimately be left unsatisfied
The cake of liberty
The true freedom and enjoyment in life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ian Robins Dury, Charles Jeremy Jankel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ruffeboi7304
This song reminded me about what's important in life. Thanks, Ian Dury ❤
@hessmuller6707
Ian Dury forgot scotch..Or not!
@sickojulius
yes, i could skip the first indeed
@michaelbruns449
Nice, definitely, just dont mix a deadly mismatch that cant be reversed.
@michaelbruns449
Exactly 😂
@gaskell36
@@hessmuller6707qLq
@jackspry9736
RIP Ian Dury (May 12, 1942 – March 27, 2000), aged 57
You will always be remembered as a legend.
@JW-pb8fg
I'm still rockin to dury at 70!
@patttrick
I know its bad Im 55, death comes to us all
@cousinsister69
61yrs. Still remember my friend unwrapping with reverence uncensored album in Australia. New Boots and Panties. He completely blew our minds! Still does. Unique artist. 💜