… 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.
rough kids
Ian Dury Lyrics
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They walk in certain style
Rough kids shout rude names and write slogans
They leave thier feet out in the aisle
Rough kids have bother and make nusience
They cum on someone else's fence
Rough kids give m-m-m-m-mama no obedience
Come on now rough kids
Enough, enough
So rough, so tough
Rough kids
Rough kids
Rough kids, all right, all right, all right
Rough kids move in teams, don't play away
They go ‘round knocking off some stuff
Rough kids let of steam and go astray
Enough, enough, to be so rough
Enough to be rough kids
Enough to be rough kids
Enough to be rough kids
Rough kids
Rough kids
Rough kids
Rough kids
Rough kids
I'm gonna smash your face in
The song "Rough Kids" by Ian Dury is a punk rock song that talks about the rough and rebellious behavior of young people. The first verse describes how they play rough games and kick tin-cans while walking in a certain style. The second verse talks about how they shout rude names, write slogans and leave their feet out in the aisle. The third verse describes the trouble that rough kids cause such as making a nuisance, cuming on someone else's fence and not obeying their m-m-m-m-mama. The chorus repeats the phrase "Rough kids" and emphasizes their toughness and rebellious nature.
The song seems to be a commentary on society's view of young people and their behavior. The lyrics suggest that rough kids are misunderstood and judged harshly for expressing their youthful energy and rebellious spirit. However, the song also acknowledges that rough kids can be a source of trouble and harm to themselves and others. The phrase "enough to be so rough" suggests that there is a limit to how much rough behavior is acceptable and society needs to find a balance between allowing young people to express themselves and keeping them safe.
Overall, "Rough Kids" is a hard-hitting song that captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of youth culture. Its lyrics are insightful and thought-provoking, challenging listeners to examine their attitudes towards young people and their behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Rough kids play rough games and kick tin-cans
Children who grew up in violent neighborhoods used to play rough games like kicking tin-cans instead of playing with dolls.
They walk in certain style
These children have developed a way to walk that shows their toughness and roughness.
Rough kids shout rude names and write slogans
These children intentionally insult others and deface public property with their crude sayings.
They leave thier feet out in the aisle
Their lack of respect for others manifests in their disregard for personal space, as they leave their feet in the aisle.
Rough kids have bother and make nusience
Such children cause trouble and become a nuisance for their neighbors and other people around them.
They cum on someone else's fence
They desecrate other people's property by ejaculating in their yard or on their fence.
Rough kids give m-m-m-m-mama no obedience
These kids do not respect their mother or elders and do not follow their instructions.
You know, you know they've got no sense
It is clear that these children lack common sense and maturity to comprehend the consequences of their actions.
Come on now rough kids
A plea to those that have been raised in such environments.
Enough, enough
It's time to stop the behavior.
So rough, so tough
These children are too aggressive and need to soften up.
Rough kids
A descriptor for children who grew up in tough neighborhoods.
All right, all right, all right
An agreement that these kids have their own unique identity, but it's time to change their ways.
Rough kids move in teams, don't play away
These children move in groups and play within their neighborhood, not venturing too far away from their territory.
They go ‘round knocking off some stuff
They intentionally break things, vandalize, and steal from people's front porches and lawns.
Rough kids let of steam and go astray
These kids use violence to manage their emotions, often straying from the proper path.
Enough, enough, to be so rough
Again, it's time to stop the rough behavior.
I'm gonna smash your face in
A threat of violence towards others who don't fit in with their group.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
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