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
Procrastination
The Damned Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I do too much it'll only end in sorrow (Procrastination)
I'll do it later, I'll do it soon
Wait for the right time, that full blue moon
Time waits for no man but it's only an illusion (Procrastination)
It takes a lifetime to complete
My procrastination
I'd have done it all by now but there's something in the way (Procrastination)
I'll consult a horoscope just to pick the perfect day (Procrastination)
My time is precious, I need to hoard it
Here comes my airship, I need to board it
Where's the inspiration, maybe I should forfeit (Procrastination)
It takes a lifetime to complete
My procrastination
Do it now, or some other time
My procrastination (Come on)
I'd like to see the pyramids at this time of the year
But never quite get round to it and end up staying here
Never do today what you can do tomorrow (Procrastination)
If I do too much it'll only end in sorrow (Procrastination)
I'll do it later, I'll do it soon
Wait for the right time, that full blue moon
Time waits for no man but it's only an illusion (Procrastination)
It takes a lifetime to complete
My procrastination
Let's do it now, or I'll run out of time
My procrastination (Come on, don't leave it behind now)
My procrastination
Do it now, or some other time
My procrastination
Come on, come on, come on
The Damned's "Procrastination" is a song full of irony and self-awareness, as it describes the paradox of being trapped in a cycle of postponing tasks and dreams, while at the same time acknowledging the futility of procrastination. The lyrics portray the character as someone who is always waiting for the "right time" or for inspiration to strike, instead of taking action and making things happen. The repeated line "It takes a lifetime to complete my procrastination" highlights the fact that delaying action can lead to missed opportunities and a life that never reaches its full potential.
Throughout the song, there are references to astrology, time, and travel, which can be interpreted as symbols of the bigger picture of life. The character is searching for meaning and purpose, but gets stuck in his own inertia, unable to move forward or backward. The chorus "Do it now or some other time, my procrastination" seems to express a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if the character knows that his tendency to procrastinate is an integral part of who he is.
Overall, "Procrastination" is a song that encapsulates the struggles and contradictions of the human psyche when facing the challenges of life. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of holding onto dreams and ideas for too long, as they may end up slipping away forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Never do today what you can do tomorrow (Procrastination)
Delaying tasks unnecessarily is known as procrastination
If I do too much it'll only end in sorrow (Procrastination)
I am afraid to put too much effort into a task because of the potential for negative consequences
I'll do it later, I'll do it soon
I have a habit of putting off tasks instead of completing them promptly
Wait for the right time, that full blue moon
I am always waiting for perfect circumstances to begin working on a task
Time waits for no man but it's only an illusion (Procrastination)
I understand that time moves forward no matter what, but I still justify procrastination with excuses about the nature of time
It takes a lifetime to complete
My procrastination
My procrastination
Procrastination has become such a habit that it feels like a part of my identity
I'd have done it all by now but there's something in the way (Procrastination)
I convince myself that external obstacles are what's preventing me from completing tasks instead of acknowledging my tendency to procrastinate
I'll consult a horoscope just to pick the perfect day (Procrastination)
I go to extreme lengths to justify waiting for the 'perfect time' to begin working on a task
My time is precious, I need to hoard it
Here comes my airship, I need to board it
Where's the inspiration, maybe I should forfeit (Procrastination)
I prioritize protecting my free time over accomplishing tasks, and indulge in distractions when faced with a lack of motivation
Let's do it now, or I'll run out of time
My procrastination (Come on, don't leave it behind now)
While I feel a sense of urgency to complete tasks, I still hesitate to start and fear running out of time
I'd like to see the pyramids at this time of the year
But never quite get round to it and end up staying here
I have many desirable goals, but never seem to take action towards achieving them due to procrastination
Do it now, or some other time
My procrastination (Come on)
I struggle with indecision and often choose to delay making decisions rather than taking action
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew Pinching, Patrick Michael Beers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
private
Love it! Hooray for Monty! The whole album is FANTASTIC!!
Unit 265
This is fuckin great! Glad that these guys are still out there, saving rock n roll
Jimmy Bezzone
The Damned never let me down! Still putting out fantastic music. Been into to them from the VERY beginning. Can't wait to see them on tour! Love you guys! The Damned FOREVER!
Goad Man
Same -
Dennis Young
It's growing on me, really happy my fav band is still putin out new music that doesn't suck!!! Lookin forward to the new album n hopefully a US tour(not just a handful of west coast shows)
Brewzerr
It does get better with repeat listens. I’ve had about 4 months to digest this album, and I think it’s fair to say this is the best recording they’ve made since Strawberries (though not as good as Strawberries). Much better than SWP or Grave Disorder. Having Paul Gray back on board and an ace producer who knew how to bring out the best in them definitely helps. Saw them live a month ago, and though they only played 2 songs from the new album, they still put on a great show, if a bit more subdued than in years past.
Ken Lieck
It has to do with Vanian being back too! He apparently wasn't very interested when they made SWP...
Florence Gerard
Rendez-vous à Paris le 29 mai... j’ai mes places !!! Yes
Dennis Young
Sam Stowe after a few listens i love the new album as well, its a grower!!! As far as the Depp thing, i really like most of his acting work, n seems to at least have good taste musically, but im sure the damned will be playin a short 'best of' set. They should get some good exposure they wouldnt get otherwise so good for them n great for them that the album charted as high as it did. Its about time the world realized what a great band they are!!!
Sam Stowe
I had three listens before I realized this the best album since Strawberries. Maybe got something to do with PG being back. Hope you get to see them live soon. we saw them at Glasgow Academy earlier this year and they were awesome, only did 3 new songs though. They will be supporting the Johnny Depp vanity project in the UK this summer. will be giving that a miss!!!