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.
Round
Public Image Ltd. Lyrics
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Round and around
Around, around, round, round
Round and around
Around, around, round, round
Around, around, round, round
Well of course
We've always had it in us
For a million years
Sleeping halitosis
Deaf ears provide
Perfect pure protection
Round and around
Around, around, round, round
Mushrooms on the horizon
Mushrooms on the horizon
You seem to say to say
Nothing can be something
Ignorance now
Dominates the season
Cruel fool
Idiot and spastic
Dutch courage
Talking like an ashtray
Round and around
Around, around, round, round
Mushrooms on the horizon
Mushrooms on the horizon
How many of you have seen a factory
As the boss held high
And the children die
Don't lecture here
Don't spit on my life
Round and around
Around, around, round, round
Mushrooms on the horizon
Mushrooms on the horizon
Round and around
Around, around, round, round (repeat)
The lyrics of Public Image Ltd.'s song "Round" are a commentary on the cyclical nature of human behavior and societal issues. The repetition of the phrase "round and around" emphasizes the idea of things coming full circle and the same problems resurfacing over time. The line "We've always had it in us, for a million years" suggests that certain negative behaviors and attitudes have been present in human society for a very long time. The reference to "sleeping halitosis" could represent how these negative traits can lie dormant for a while but eventually resurface.
The lyrics also touch on themes of ignorance and cruelty. Lines like "ignorance now dominates the season," "cruel fool, idiot and spastic," and "talking like an ashtray" all suggest a frustration with people who are ignorant or intentionally hurtful. The reference to "mushrooms on the horizon" could be a metaphor for societal issues growing and spreading like a fungus.
The last verse of the song is more pointedly political, with references to factory conditions, child labor, and a sense of powerlessness in the face of these issues. The line "Don't spit on my life" suggests that the singer feels their experience is being devalued or dismissed by those in positions of power.
Overall, the lyrics paint a somewhat bleak view of the human condition, acknowledging that certain negative behaviors and societal issues can be hard to eradicate and often resurface over time.
Line by Line Meaning
Round and around
The cyclical nature of life
Around, around, round, round
Repetition reinforces the cyclical nature of life
Well of course
Obvious statement
We've always had it in us
We have always possessed certain qualities
For a million years
A metaphorical exaggeration of time
Sleeping halitosis
Hidden negative qualities
Deaf ears provide
Not being open to criticism
Perfect pure protection
The inability to be influenced by outside forces
Mushrooms on the horizon
Something ominous that is coming
You seem to say to say
The artist's confusion on someone's point of view
Nothing can be something
The idea that even nothing has meaning
Ignorance now
The current state of ignorance
Dominates the season
Ignorance is widespread
Cruel fool
People who take advantage of others
Idiot and spastic
Derogatory terms used to describe people
Dutch courage
Alcohol-fueled bravery
Talking like an ashtray
Poor communication skills
How many of you have seen a factory
Question directed to the listener
As the boss held high
Wealth and power in the hands of a single person
And the children die
The negative effects that result from a selfish mindset
Don't lecture here
The artist's rejection of a patronizing tone
Don't spit on my life
The artist's plea to be respected
Contributed by Bella O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.