As the years progressed, the PiL line-up would change, adding renowned drummer Martin Atkins in 1979 as the direction of the band evolved. Compared to their first three albums, the later 1980’s/early 1990’s period saw a more conventional sound to the musical aspect, but still retaining Lydon’s biting lyrics. The album Compact Disc (aka Album or Cassette, depending on what format you have it on), recorded by Lydon with a slate of studio musicians organized by producer Bill Laswell, is considered the artistic highpoint of this period of PiL’s evolution. PiL reached their commercial zenith with their aptly titled ninth album, 9, during 1989/1990.
PiL kept going as a Lydon project until 1993, when Lydon disbanded the group. Their final lineup consisted of Lydon, Ted Chau (guitar, keyboards), Mike Joyce of The Smiths (drums), John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees (guitar), and Russel Webb (bass).
This is not a love song
PiL Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
Happy to have, not to have not
Big business is very wise
I'm crossing over into
E-enter-prize
Love song
Love song
Love song
Love song
I'm going over to the other side
I'm happy to have not to have not
Big business is very wise
I'm inside free enterprise
I'm adaptable
I'm adaptable
I'm adaptable and I like my new role
I'm getting better and better
And I have a new goal
I'm changing my ways where money applies
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
Now are you ready to grab the cradle
That tunnel vision-not television
Behind the curtain-out of the cupboard
YOu take the first train-into the big world
Now will I find you-now will you be there
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
This is not a love song
PiL's "This is not a love song" is a satirical take on popular love songs. Johnny Rotten's delivery is aggressive making it clear that he is not interested in singing a love song. In the chorus, he repeats "This is not a love song" numerous times to emphasize his point.
The first verse talks about how big business is wise and how the singer is crossing over into enterprise. The singer is happy to have enough and doesn't need more. He is changing the ways he thinks about money and adapting to his new role.
In the second verse, the singer addresses the listener and challenges them to act. He encourages them to grab the cradle and get out into the "big world." The song ends with the same chorus repeated, emphasizing that this is definitely not a love song.
Overall, the song is a critique of the common love song formula and promotes living outside the norm and embracing entrepreneurship.
Line by Line Meaning
This is not a love song
The song is not about love.
This is not a love song
The song is not expressing love.
This is not a love song
The song is not a romantic love song.
This is not a love song
The song is not about love.
This is not a love song
The song is not expressing love.
This is not a love song
The song is not a romantic love song.
This is not a love song
The song is not about love.
This is not a love song
The song is not expressing love.
This is not a love song
The song is not a romantic love song.
This is not a love song
The song is not about love.
This is not a love song
The song is not expressing love.
This is not a love song
The song is not a romantic love song.
Happy to have, not to have not
Content to possess something rather than nothing.
Big business is very wise
Large, successful companies are smart and strategic.
I'm crossing over into E-enter-prize
I'm entering the world of electronic business operations.
Love song
Despite the repetition of this phrase, the song is still not about love.
Love song
Still not about love.
Love song
Nope, still not about love.
Love song
Definitely not about love.
I'm going over to the other side
I'm moving to a different way of doing things.
I'm happy to have not to have not
I'm content to not be in a state of poverty.
Big business is very wise
Large, successful companies are smart and strategic.
I'm inside free enterprise
I'm a part of the system of capitalism and business competition.
I'm adaptable
I can adjust to new circumstances.
I'm adaptable and I like my new role
I'm capable of changing and I enjoy my new position in life.
I'm getting better and better
I'm improving and increasing in ability.
And I have a new goal
I have set a new objective for myself.
I'm changing my ways where money applies
I'm modifying my behavior based on financial considerations.
Now are you ready to grab the cradle
Are you accepting the challenge of life?
That tunnel vision-not television
Focus on your own goals, not distraction from the media.
Behind the curtain-out of the cupboard
Things hidden from view are now revealed.
You take the first train-into the big world
Begin your journey into the vast unknown.
Now will I find you-now will you be there
Will you be there for me when I need you?
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN LYDON, KEITH LEVENE, MARTIN CLIVE ATKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind