Ratcat formed in 1986 in Sydney and were a mainstay of that city's live music scene until they were eventually signed to Waterfront Records where they released a self-titled EP, several singles ("I Think I Love You", "Baby's Got A Gun") and their debut album, This Nightmare in 1989. Another EP, Killing Joke, and another single, "Saying Goodbye" followed.
In 1990, the band signed to the rooArt label. Their first release for their new label was a 6-track EP called Tingles. A combination of budget pricing and catchy A-side "That Aint Bad" saw the Tingles EP reach #1 on ARIA's alternative charts, and shortly afterwards, the top of the Australian national chart. The band's subsequent album, Blind Love and the singles "Don't Go Now" both reached #1. Their next single "Baby Baby" and a follow-up album Insideout sold well, but not to the extent of their previous successes. The band sporadically played live shows over the next few years and released another album Easyrider in 1997.
Ratcat reformed in 1998 to play at the Homebake Festival with new bassist Nic Dalton (formerly of The Lemonheads) and again in 2006 to play a support slot on the Psychedelic Furs Australian tour.
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That Ain't Bad
Ratcat Lyrics
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They said you were no good for me.
They told me you were a bad bad person.
But you seem alright to me.
I love you
They told me you hung around with all the wrong people.
They said you were no good for me.
They said I should not even talk to you.
I love you
They told that you lied.
They said you'd do something bad to me.
But I can't seem to see that side.
When, when you're holding on to me.
I love you,
and that ain't bad.
The lyrics of Ratcat's song "That Ain't Bad" seem to follow the journey of someone who is warned about a person they are attracted to. The individual is told that this person is not good for them and is a bad influence. However, despite the warning, the individual goes on to develop feelings for this person and believes that they are not as bad as others make them out to be.
The repetition of the line "They told me" emphasizes the influence that others can have on our perception of people and how we can be swayed by their opinions. However, the individual's own experience with the person in question contradicts what they have been told, and they realize that sometimes, we need to form our own opinions based on our own experiences rather than blindly believing what others say.
The chorus "I love you, and that ain't bad" indicates that love can conquer all, including rumors and fear-mongering. Sometimes, trusting our own instincts and heart can lead us to make the right decision, even if it goes against what others think.
Line by Line Meaning
They told me that you were really bad news.
I was informed that you had a troublesome reputation.
They said you were no good for me.
They warned me that being with you might have negative consequences.
They told me you were a bad bad person.
They portrayed you as a completely negative character.
But you seem alright to me.
But from what I've seen, you don't appear to be so bad.
I love you
I have developed feelings for you that go beyond what others have said about you.
They told me you hung around with all the wrong people.
They accused you of spending time with individuals who have negative influences.
They said I should not even talk to you.
They discouraged me from even having a conversation with you.
Oh now you seem alright to me.
But now that I've gotten to know you, you don't appear to be as negative as they said.
They told that you lied.
They accused you of being dishonest.
They said you'd do something bad to me.
They warned me that something negative would result if I were to interact with you.
But I can't seem to see that side.
But I haven't personally witnessed any dishonest or harmful behavior from you.
When, when you're holding on to me.
When we are together, in each other's embrace.
I love you,
I still love you, despite what others have said about you.
and that ain't bad.
And it's not a negative thing to be in love with you, despite others' warnings.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SIMON DAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
simpfendorfer Me
Best live EP ever.
boatsinmonterey !
Classic piece of pop art