Public Image Ltd. (aka PiL), are an experimental band which formed in 1978 … Read Full Bio ↴Public Image Ltd. (aka PiL), are an experimental band which formed in 1978 in London, England. Its original lineup was John Lydon (vocals) (formerly of the Sex Pistols), Keith Levene (guitar) and Jah Wobble (bass), although by 1983, the band's lineup would become a fluctuating one, revolving around Lydon. PiL are often cited as one of the most challenging and innovative bands of the post-punk period; John Lydon is quoted as saying he wanted to form an anti-rock band. They were influenced by a wide range of artists, especially esoteric artists like Can, Captain Beefheart, Tim Buckley & various dub artists.

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.

Rise
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics

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I could be wrong I could be right
could be wrong

I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be white I could be black
Your time has come your second skin

The cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie

May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you

Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong I could be right

I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be black I could be white
They put a hot wire to my head
'cause of the thing I did and said
And made these feelings go away
Model citizen in every way

May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong I could be right
I could be wrong I could be right
I could be black I could be white
I could be right I could be wrong
I could be black I could be white
Your time has come your second skin
The cost so high the gain so low
Walk through the valley
The written word is a lie

May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you

Could be wrong I could be right
Could be wrong
They put a hot wire to my head
'Cause of the things I did and said
They made these feelings go away
A model citizen in every way
Your time has come your second skin
The cost so high the gain so low

May the road rise with you (Hey)
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you
May the road rise with you

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

Anger is an energy
Anger is an energy

Overall Meaning

Public Image Ltd's song "Rise" features lyrics that are open to interpretation. The verses in the song present the idea of being uncertain about one's own identity. The lyrics state, "I could be wrong, I could be right, could be black, could be white." These lines suggest that the singer is unsure of their own identity, but that it doesn't matter because they are still human.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "May the road rise with you" which is an Irish blessing used to wish someone well on their journey. The song's title "Rise" also suggests a journey, possibly a journey towards self-discovery.

The verse, "They put a hot wire to my head, 'cause of the thing I did and said, and made these feelings go away, model citizen in every way" suggests that the singer has been brainwashed or tortured in some way to conform to society's expectations of what a "model citizen" should be. This, combined with lines such as "The written word is a lie," may suggest that the song is about the dangers of conformity and blind acceptance of societal norms and beliefs.

Overall, "Rise" is a complex song that presents multiple interpretations, including ideas about identity, self-discovery, conformity, and societal norms.

Line by Line Meaning

I could be wrong I could be right
I'm aware of the possibility of being right or wrong

could be wrong
acknowledging the possibility of being incorrect

I could be black I could be white
The color of my skin does not define me or my abilities

Your time has come your second skin
It's time to reveal your true self and leave behind any facades

The cost so high the gain so low
The price of success might be too steep and not worth the reward

Walk through the valley
Face your challenges and go through difficult times

The written word is a lie
Words on paper can be misleading and not convey the true meaning

May the road rise with you
May you have success and good fortune in your journey

Anger is an energy
Emotions can fuel and motivate a person

They put a hot wire to my head
Punished for expressing oneself through actions and words

'cause of the things I did and said
Consequences for behavior and speech

They made these feelings go away
Society tries to suppress individuality and creativity

A model citizen in every way
Expected to fit societal norms and expectations

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Cloud9, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lydon, Bill Laswell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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