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).
In September 2009, Lydon announced that the band would reform, including earlier members Bruce Smith and Lu Edmonds, for a number of Christmas shows in the UK. The One Drop Songfacts reports that Lydon financed the reunion using money he earned doing a UK television commercial for Country Life butter. This Is PiL, the band’s first album for 20 years was recorded at Steve Winwood’s studio, which is located in a barn, in the middle of the Cotswolds in southern England. It was released on May 28, 2012.
Criminal
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Did you think it could be like on TV?
Where you could be big in your own movie?
Did real life let you down?
A genuine Pygmalion.
(Criminal) Like a criminal.
(No) No good to anyone.
(No) No pity, no pardon.
Criminal. Just like a criminal.
Could've been a factor.
Could've been another distracter.
Some like it in limousines, I like it in a tractor.
Solo, separate, not just one of a crowd.
Indifferent to compliment.
I leave my funeral ground.
(Criminal) Like a criminal.
(No) No pity, no pardon.
Just a criminal.
Haven't got a clue.
Cannot comprehend anything you value.
I'm probably just like you.
Yes, I haven't got a clue.
Just let that Judas goat lead you down that narrowing
path.
As affluence is your influence.
You'll be of no consequence.
(Criminal) Like a criminal.
(No) No pity, no pardon.
Yes, I haven't got a clue.
Just like a criminal.
I can not comprehend anything you value.
Probably just like you.
Yes, I haven't got a clue.
I cannot comprehend anything you value
The song "Criminal" by Public Image Ltd. explores themes of identity and social status through the lens of a self-proclaimed criminal. The opening lines of the song suggest that the singer has a distorted perception of what it means to be successful and famous, as if he thought it would be easy and glamorous like on TV. However, when faced with real life, he becomes disillusioned and sees himself as a "genuine Pygmalion," meaning he was once hopeful and ambitious, but now feels like a failure.
Throughout the song, the singer compares himself to others who are successful and wealthy, but he recognizes that he is no good to anyone, and he laments that he cannot comprehend "anything you value," referring to the values of mainstream society. He embraces his criminal identity by rejecting pity and pardon, and he sees himself as indifferent to compliments and separate from the crowd. The final lines of the song suggest that the singer sees himself as just like the listener, lost in the search for meaning and identity.
Overall, the song paints a vivid portrait of a person who has rejected mainstream society and instead identifies with the criminal underworld. By doing so, the singer seeks to distance himself from the values and expectations of mainstream society and to assert his independence and individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
Like a criminal.
Feeling like an outcast or guilty of something, possibly due to not fitting in with societal norms or expectations.
Did you think it could be like on TV?
Asking if the person thought their life would be glamorous or exciting like it's portrayed on television.
Where you could be big in your own movie?
Wondering if the person had unrealistic expectations of being the star of their own life.
Did real life let you down?
Questioning if the person's actual experiences have been disappointing or not measuring up to their expectations.
A genuine Pygmalion.
Referencing the Greek myth of Pygmalion, where a man creates a statue and falls in love with it, implying that the person has unrealistic ideals or expectations.
(No) No good to anyone.
Stating that the person is not helpful or beneficial to anyone else.
(Foolish) Gotta get a life and get sensible.
Advising the person to stop being foolish and take control of their life in a responsible way.
(No) No pity, no pardon.
Declaring that there will be no sympathy or forgiveness for the person's actions.
Criminal. Just like a criminal.
Reiterating that the person's behavior is akin to that of a criminal.
Could've been a factor.
Acknowledging that the person had potential to make a difference or have an impact, but did not follow through.
Could've been another distracter.
Suggesting that the person could have instead been a source of distraction or hindrance.
Some like it in limousines, I like it in a tractor.
Pointing out that the artist values simplicity over extravagance in their life choices.
Solo, separate, not just one of a crowd.
Emphasizing the singer's individuality and refusal to blend in with the masses.
Indifferent to compliment.
Admitting that the singer does not care about or desire praise from others.
I leave my funeral ground.
Hinting at the singer's desire to live their life to the fullest and not be bound by conventions or expectations.
Haven't got a clue.
Admitting to not having any understanding or knowledge about something.
Cannot comprehend anything you value.
Admitting to not being able to understand or relate to the person's values and priorities.
Probably just like you.
Suggesting that the singer and the person they are addressing are more alike than they realize.
Just let that Judas goat lead you down that narrowing path.
Urge to follow someone who is leading them astray by comparing them to a 'Judas goat', a trained animal who will lead other animals to their slaughter.
As affluence is your influence.
Implying that the person's focus on wealth and riches is negatively influencing their decisions and actions.
You'll be of no consequence.
Suggesting that the person's actions and behavior will not have any lasting impact or importance.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN DIAS, JOHN LYDON, JOHN MCGEOGH, JOHN ALEXANDER MCGEOCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind