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.
Low Life
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You never did understand
You fell in love with your ego
It did not fit into plan
Low Life
Your alter-ego is a moron
30 years too late
Can see the crack in your face
Low Life
Bourgeois Anarchist
I read you despise us
Always hurt the one you love
Shit in a drain
Low Life
Ego-maniac traitor
You are a fool to yourself
You lie to be distant
Ignorant selfish
Low Life
Low Life
Ego-maniac traitor
You never did understand
You fell in love with your ego
It did not fit into plan
Low Life
Your alter-ego is a moron
30 years too late
No closet is private
See the crack in your face
Low Life
Bourgeois Anarchist
I read you despise us
Always hurt the one you love
You shit your brain
The song "Low Life" by Public Image Ltd. is a scathing critique of a certain kind of individual who is characterized as an ego-maniacal traitor, a low life with an alter-ego that is a moron. The lyrics suggest that this individual is someone who has fallen in love with their ego and they are a fool to themselves because they are lying to be distant, ignorant and selfish. The overarching theme of the song is the hypocrisy of someone who claims to be an anarchist while living a bourgeois lifestyle.
The line "You fell in love with your ego, it did not fit into plan" conveys the idea that this person's obsession with their own self-image has led them down a path that is not aligned with their true goals and aspirations. The line "No closet is private, can see the crack in your face" suggests that this person's true nature is visible to everyone around them, even if they try to hide it. The song is essentially a call-out of someone who is pretending to be someone they're not, and using their political beliefs as a cover for their own self-interest.
In conclusion, Public Image Ltd.'s song "Low Life" is a biting critique of an individual who is a hypocrite, ego-maniacal and a traitor. The lyrics suggest that this person's alter-ego is a moron, and their claims of being an anarchist are undermined by their bourgeois lifestyle. The song is a warning about the dangers of falling in love with one's own ego, and the importance of being true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Ego-maniac traitor
The person being addressed is characterized as someone who is obsessed with their own ego and who has betrayed others.
You never did understand
The person does not comprehend the consequences of their actions.
You fell in love with your ego
The person is obsessed with their own self and self-importance.
It did not fit into plan
The person's actions do not align with their intended goals.
Low Life
The song's title and central theme, calling out the person for their lowly behavior.
Your alter-ego is a moron
The person's secondary persona is portrayed as foolish.
30 years too late
The person is outdated and past their prime.
No closet is private
The person's secrets are not safe and easily discoverable.
Can see the crack in your face
The person's true character and nature can be seen through their appearance.
Bourgeois Anarchist
The person is a hypocrite, claiming to support the cause of anarchism but living a privileged lifestyle.
I read you despise us
The person has expressed hatred or disdain towards a certain group of people.
Always hurt the one you love
The person causes pain and harm to those they care about.
Shit in a drain
The person is vulgar and has poor behavior.
You are a fool to yourself
The person is foolish and does not recognize it.
You lie to be distant
The person tells falsehoods to keep others away from them.
Ignorant selfish
The person is lacking in knowledge and is only concerned with their own interests.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH LEVENE, JOHN LYDON, JAMES WALKER, JOHN WARDLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kaewonf8
I don't say this ironically: this could be the greatest vocal ever recorded. Certainly the most original rock vocal. The way he sings "low life," never quite the same way twice, is so inspired, you don''t really notice, or care, what the lyrics mean, if anything.
@H4RSHN0IS3
Perfectly said. That’s why John Lydon is awesome. His vocal style is raw.
@AppleMan531
This should have been the 2nd single from this album!
@paulbush9139
Great song. Love the bass and the driving backbeat. A real inspiring feel
@benedettobruno1669
Always and forever, thank you to Great Britain and the British people whose creativity, since the 1960s, has given the rest of the World hundreds of unique bands such as the Public Image Limited and music of unparalleled beauty, quirkiness and atmosphere. What would our lives have been without British bands? Thank you from Sicily.
@damianb2374
Nothing says 'punk rock' like some mumsy internet prose.
@SlimyFilms1
@Damian B this is hardly punk, its new wave, or post punk
@damianb2374
@Cian Rosser punk rock in attitude. Get out much?
@juanmanuelpais4529
cuando la vida me patea pongo este tema y me levanto una vez más.Gracias por siempre por esta canción única para mí
@danielbressanim1814
Lowwwwwwww liiiiiiiiife ...... Jhon é simplesmente o melhor