After a period in several obscure bands, Samson formed his own eponymous outfit, Samson, in 1978, consisting of Chris Aylmer on bass, and Clive Burr on drums. Burr left, and eventually joined Iron Maiden, and was replaced by the controversial Thunderstick, who wore a gimp mask on stage. At a time when the also masked Cambridge Rapist was making the news, he became a target for criticism. In 1979, the line-up was expanded to a four piece with the addition of Bruce Bruce (aka Bruce Dickinson) on vocals.
The band enjoyed a strong cult following in the best years of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal releasing the albums Survivors, Head On and Shock Tactics, until 1981 when Thunderstick left, and Bruce Bruce, who changed his name back to his real surname of Dickinson at this point, left to join Iron Maiden.
The talented vocalist Nicky Moore was recruited as replacement and Mel Gaynor then Pete Jupp took over drums, and this line-up released the commendable albums Before the Storm and Don't Get Mad Get Even. These two albums sold in higher quantities than the first three, and the band toured more countries and played to bigger audiences than the Bruce/Thunderstick lineup, although the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal was by now said to be a spent force. The band finally threw in the towel in 1984.
Samson spent the subsequent years in a variety of solo and group projects, including various temporary reformations of Samson, and had success as a producer, and also as a blues player, spending a year in Chicago. He played on the recording of the Ram Jam 1977 rock hit Black Betty.
In 2002 he died of cancer, whilst recording a new Samson album with Nicky Moore.
Six Foot Under
Paul Samson Lyrics
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But you're singing the same old thing
But don't worry, things will turn out right
'Cause you'll see us in a different light
Now you're saying things don't seem so real
You're so dirty, so how does it feel
But don't worry, things will turn around
Aaaaahhh!
You've been running since time began
But you're singing the same old thing
But don't worry, things will turn out right
'Cause you'll see us in a different light
Now you're saying things don't seem so real
You're so dirty, so how does it feel
But don't worry, things will turn around
'Cause you'll end up six foot under ground
Aaaaahhh!
The lyrics in Paul Samson's song Six Foot Under convey a message of warning to a person who has been running and refusing to change their ways. The opening line of the song, "You've been running since time began", sets the tone for the rest of the song, indicating that the person has been running for a long time without making any progress or change. Furthermore, despite the person's efforts, they are still singing the same old song, which suggests they are stuck in a repetitive cycle. However, the lyrics imply that the person will eventually see the error of their ways and things will turn out right, not because they will succeed, but rather because they will see those who have not given up in a different light. This line sounds like a threat, as if the person's pride clouds their vision, but they must learn to respect others before it's too late.
In the second part of the song, the lyrics become more somber, indicating that the person's time is running out. they are saying that things don't seem so real, and that they feel dirty. They realize that their old habits and behaviors have caught up with them, but there's still hope for the person to change from this standpoint. The final line of the song, " 'Cause you'll end up six foot under ground", is a clear reference to death, implying that the person's refusal to change will eventually lead to their demise. This portrays a strong message about the importance of accountability for your life and a warning to those who ignore that in a proclamatory way.
Line by Line Meaning
You've been running since time began
You have been fleeing and avoiding your problems for as long as humanity existed
But you're singing the same old thing
But you keep singing about issues that you have not taken any action to fix
But don't worry, things will turn out right
Despite your inaction, you are still hopeful that everything will work out in the end
'Cause you'll see us in a different light
Because the way you perceive things will change when it is too late
Now you're saying things don't seem so real
Now you are beginning to question your reality
You're so dirty, so how does it feel
You have made terrible choices and have to live with the consequences
But don't worry, things will turn around
But like before, despite your actions, you are still hoping for a positive outcome
'Cause you'll end up six foot under ground
Because ultimately you will die and be buried six feet under the ground
Aaaaahhh!
A vocal expression of emotional pain and realization of the impending consequences
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN MCCOY, PAUL SAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind