They are notable for being the first of the British punk bands to release a single, put out an album, and tour the United States. Their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, was released six months before The Sex Pistols' debut, Never Mind The Bollocks.
The Damned have dissolved and reformed many times, with singer Dave Vanian remaining the sole constant. They have incorporated many styles in their music, most notably garage rock, psychedelic music, the British theatrical rock of Screaming Lord Sutch and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and New Romantic.
In addition to serving as inspiration for many of the young bands who created hardcore punk in the US, The Damned are also generally regarded as one of the founders of goth music.
Original members Dave Vanian (David Lett), Captain Sensible (Raymond Burns), and Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) were all members of the semi-legendary Masters of the Backside which included future Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde.
Original guitarist Brian James (Brian Robertson) was a member of the early punk band London SS, a unit that never played live, but whose members later found fame in bands including The Clash and Generation X. Rat Scabies was also tried as the drummer for London SS, but was rejected.
Maintaining the goth connection, between 1996 and 2004 the bass guitarist of the Damned was one-time the Sisters of Mercy / the Sisterhood / Gun Club member Patricia Morrison. Morrison married Dave Vanian in 1996 but left the band after the birth of their daughter Emily. She originally joined the band after bassist Paul Grey was injured during a concert.
Discography:
Damned, Damned, Damned – February 25, 1977 (# 36)
Music For Pleasure – November 18, 1977
Machine Gun Etiquette – November 2, 1979 (# 31)
The Black Album – October 20, 1980 (# 29)
Strawberries – October 1, 1982 (# 15)
Phantasmagoria – July 15, 1985 (# 11)
Anything – December 5, 1986 (# 40)
Not of This Earth – November 11, 1995 (Retitled I'm Alright Jack & The Beanstalk in the UK, Germany and Sweden)
Grave Disorder – August 21, 2001
So, Who's Paranoid? – October 28, 2008
Evil Spirits – April 13, 2018
Darkadelic - April 28, 2023
Life Goes On
The Damned Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you think it's al gone wrong
Go on and on and on
Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on
This is the happiest day of your life
Life goes on and on and on
If you think it's al gone wrong
Go on and on and on
Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on
And as the years they move along
I see it now, there's something wrong
'Cos life is for always
Take your time
Who cares what fools say
I don't mind
'Cos this is my day
I'll live it my way
Today, there's just today
Life goes on and on and on
If you think it's al gone wrong
Go on and on and on
Life's a con a con a con
If you think you can't go on
Go on and on and on
The Damned's song "Life Goes On" seems to be a celebratory anthem that encourages listeners to keep moving forward, even when things seem bleak. The chorus repeats the phrase "Life goes on and on and on" several times, emphasizing the idea that no matter what happens, time and the world continue to move forward. The lyrics suggest that life is full of ups and downs, but the key to happiness is to keep going no matter what.
The second verse introduces the idea that life can feel like a con or scam at times, but the chorus once again encourages listeners to keep moving forward despite this feeling. The bridge of the song offers a reminder that every day is a gift and should be celebrated. The final verse acknowledges that there may be something wrong in the world, but encourages listeners to take their time and enjoy life on their own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Life goes on and on and on
Life moves on continuously, without stopping or slowing down
If you think it's all gone wrong
If you feel like everything in life has gone downhill and nothing seems to be working out
Go on and on and on
Keep moving forward, despite the difficulties and setbacks
Life's a con a con a con
Life can sometimes feel like a scam or a deceitful trick
If you think you can't go on
If you feel like giving up and can't find the strength to carry on
And as the years they move along
As time passes by and we all get older
I see it now, there's something wrong
I realize that there's something not quite right with the way life is going
'Cos life is for always
Because life is something that lasts forever and doesn't stop until we die
Take your time
Don't rush things, it's important to enjoy life and experience new things
Who cares what fools say
Don't listen to what others say, especially if they're foolish or unwise
I don't mind
I'm not bothered by what others think or say, I'm going to do things my own way
'Cos this is my day
Because today is the only day that matters to me, and I'm going to make the most of it
I'll live it my way
I'm going to live my life according to my own values, beliefs, and desires
Today, there's just today
There's no other day like today, and we should cherish every moment we have
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Not Kidding
on Shakin’ All Over
English artist
Pierre Clary
on Feel the Pain
DROP SOME BLUES = take some 3french blues3 pills -popular amphetamine and barbiturate drug since the '60's, see movie Quadrophenia