Neil Halstead (born 7 October 1970 in Luton, England) is a British guitaris… Read Full Bio ↴Neil Halstead (born 7 October 1970 in Luton, England) is a British guitarist and singer. He was a founding member of Slowdive. When Slowdive disbanded, Halstead, along with some other members of Slowdive (including longtime friend and musical collaborator Rachel Goswell), formed Mojave 3, a British country/folk band that features Halstead as the principal singer and songwriter.

In 2002, Halstead released his debut solo album, Sleeping on Roads. A second solo album, Oh! Mighty Engine was released on July 29, 2008. Halstead's third solo album, 'Palindrome Hunches', was released on September 11, 2012.

Bad Drugs And Minor Chords
Neil Halstead Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When she was a little girl she travelled all over
This big wide world.
She says it′s not what you do, it's the way
That you do it that really counts.

I′m not your rollercoaster girl,
I'm just a boy and I've got no sty-y-yle.
I′m the bullet, you′re the gun

If you pull the trigger and we'll both be gone.

It′s not what you say, it's the way that you say it
That really hurts.
I know I′m not alone but I'm feeling so lonely,
Don′t you understand?

I don't know know what you're saying girl,
I′m just a boy, and I got no style...

Short shrift on the weekend wars,
Bad drugs and minor cho-o-ords.
Short shrift on the weekend wars,
Bad drugs and minor cho-o-ords

I′m not you roller coaster girl,
I'm just a boy and I got no sty-y-le

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Neil Halstead's song "Bad Drugs And Minor Chords" relay a story about a girl who has experienced a life full of travel and adventure. She believes that it is not just the actions one takes but the way they do them that truly matters. The singer, on the other hand, feels inadequate and lacks confidence. He sees himself as a bullet while the girl is the gun - if she decides to "pull the trigger," they will both be gone. The singer acknowledges that it is not only what is said, but also how it is said that can cause pain. Despite knowing that others may feel the same way, he feels incredibly lonely and longs for understanding. He emphasizes that he is just a boy without any particular style.

Through the lines "Short shrift on the weekend wars, Bad drugs and minor chords," the singer expresses a sense of dissatisfaction with the trivial conflicts and the negative influence of drugs in his life. The phrase "short shrift" suggests that he considers these conflicts to be shallow and insignificant. The mention of "bad drugs" implies that they have had a detrimental impact on his well-being. Meanwhile, "minor chords" symbolize sadness and melancholy, perhaps indicating the emotional state he finds himself in.

Overall, the song captures the contrast between the girl's adventurous spirit and the singer's feelings of inadequacy. It delves into themes of communication, loneliness, and the negative consequences of substance abuse.

Line by Line Meaning

When she was a little girl she travelled all over
In her youth, she explored various places in the world.

This big wide world.
Referring to the vastness and diversity of the world.

She says it's not what you do, it's the way That you do it that really counts.
She believes that the manner in which things are done holds more significance than the actions themselves.

I'm not your rollercoaster girl, I'm just a boy and I've got no sty-y-yle.
Explaining that he is not the exciting and unpredictable person she desires, but rather an ordinary person lacking charisma.

I'm the bullet, you're the gun If you pull the trigger and we'll both be gone.
Metaphorically expressing a codependent relationship where both individuals are at risk of causing harm to each other.

It's not what you say, it's the way that you say it That really hurts.
Emphasizing that the tone and delivery of words can have a greater impact than the actual content, causing emotional pain.

I know I'm not alone but I'm feeling so lonely, Don't you understand?
Despite being surrounded by others, he still experiences a deep sense of loneliness and seeks understanding from his partner.

I don't know know what you're saying girl, I'm just a boy and I got no style...
Admitting his lack of comprehension of her words and reiterating his ordinary nature without any distinctive qualities.

Short shrift on the weekend wars, Bad drugs and minor cho-o-ords.
Referring to a period of dissatisfaction or lack of fulfillment during recreational activities, possibly influenced by negative experiences with substances and unremarkable musical arrangements.

I'm not your rollercoaster girl, I'm just a boy and I got no sty-y-le
Repeating the idea that he does not possess the excitement or allure she desires, emphasizing his ordinary nature.

Writer(s): Neil Halstead

Contributed by Samantha H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS