Signed to Polydor in 1984, the band was known for combining Clark's twangy guitar style with Cole's low-key singing style. Particularly notable were Cole's literary lyrics (he was studying Philosophy at the University of Glasgow when the band started) and name-dropping the likes of Norman Mailer, Arthur Lee, Grace Kelly, Truman Capote, Eva Marie Saint, Simone de Beauvoir, and Nancy Sinatra.
For a period in the mid 1980s the band was one of the most successful indie acts in Britain, vying with The Smiths. The band broke up in 1989 amid reports of personality clashes between members, and Cole moved to New York City to pursue a successful solo career. The band reformed in 2004 to perform a 20th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.
Band members
Lloyd Cole (born 31 January 1961) - vocals, guitar, lyricist
Blair Cowan (born 1960?) - keyboards
Lawrence Donegan (born 13 July 1961) - bass guitar
Neil Clark (born 3 July 1955) - guitar
Stephen Irvine (born 16 December 1959) - drums
You Will Never Be No Good
Lloyd Cole and The Commotions Lyrics
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No you will never be no good
D`you know what I'd do if I could
Chop you up into firewood
Because you have sinned far too many times
You have sinned far too many times
And you will pay for all your crimes
You will never be no good
You know it's hard to sympathise
You know it's hard to sympathise
When you never tell nothing but lies
And it's hard to sympathise
You say you're born in the barrel of a gun
Some say you're born in the barrel of a gun
You were your mother's seventh son
And no excuse could be a good enough one
And don't you love her madly
You want to be her daddy
Well that won't do you no good
You might just slip into the priesthood
You will never be no good
No you will never be no good
D'you know what I'd do if I could
And then we'd all receive a knighthood
You'll never be no good
The song "You Will Never Be No Good" by Lloyd Cole and The Commotions is a poignant and melancholic reflection on a person who has committed too many mistakes and sins in their life to ever be redeemed. The lyrics are a scathing indictment of that person, expressed through cutting remarks and a desire to see them punished for their transgressions. The opening lines, "You will never be no good, no you will never be no good," immediately set the tone for the rest of the song, which is unrelenting in its criticism.
The singer goes on to declare that the person in question has "sinned far too many times" and that "you will pay for all your crimes." It's clear that the singer has no sympathy for this person, as they "never tell nothing but lies." The lyrics also reference the idea that the person was born into a violent and hopeless situation, with the line "You say you're born in the barrel of a gun, some say you're born in the barrel of a gun." However, even this background is not enough of an excuse for the person's behavior.
Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The singer has given up on this person ever changing or improving, and instead fantasizes about chopping them up into firewood. The repeated refrain of "You will never be no good, not not ever no good" drives home the song's message of finality and condemnation.
Line by Line Meaning
You will never be no good
You will never become a good person
No you will never be no good
No matter what, you will never become a good person
D`you know what I'd do if I could
If given the chance, I would take action against you
Chop you up into firewood
I would take violent and aggressive action against you
Because you have sinned far too many times
You have committed too many wrongdoings
And you will pay for all your crimes
You will face the consequences of your actions
Not not ever no good
You will never become a good person, under any circumstances
You know it's hard to sympathise
It is difficult to feel sorry for you
When you never tell nothing but lies
You only ever tell lies, making it hard to trust you
You say you're born in the barrel of a gun
You claim to have been born in difficult circumstances
Some say you're born in the barrel of a gun
There are those who believe you were born into difficult circumstances
You were your mother's seventh son
You were born as the seventh son of your mother
And no excuse could be a good enough one
None of your excuses are sufficient
And don't you love her madly
You feel intense love for someone close to you
You want to be her daddy
You aspire to have authority and control over someone close to you
Well that won't do you no good
This desire for control will not benefit you
You might just slip into the priesthood
Your aspirations might lead you towards a career in priesthood
And then we'd all receive a knighthood
If you were to become a priest, we would all be rewarded with social status
You'll never be no good
You will never be a good person
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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