The one permanent fixture amidst the Fall's ever-changing line-up was Mark E. Smith (1957 – 2018). Smith's lyrics are free, unboxed and unpredictable, touching on an extremely wide range of subjects and places, and caring little for being tied down to easily digestible messages.
Smith's singing could put off some people, but others find it a uniquely expressive instrument. Smith was not a conventionally great vocalist, but his keen sense of rhythm, his energy and personality more than made up for this.
The Fall's music changed depending on the line-up at a given time. Always experimental, Mark E. Smith claimed to invent several musical genres, including house music; "we were doing that years ago" and even the internet. "He told me I didn't understand, that we were from the bleak industrial wastes of North England, or something, and that we didn't understand the Internet. I told him Fall fans invented the Internet. They were on there in 1982." One thing that is for sure is that The Fall (and their fans) always pushed the boundaries, and were never afraid to experiment.
The Fall were a favorite group of DJ John Peel, recording 24 sessions for his BBC1 radio program over the years.
The Fall's back catalogue consists of 29 studio albums, and is very fragmented with a seemingly endless number of compilations and semi-official live albums.
In 2006, British music-critic Dave Simpson published an entertaining account of a journalist's attempt to track down all 43 former members of The Fall in the Guardian. Many previous members have been fired, often with little or no notice. Simpson's ongoing effort was subsequently described at greater length in his book "The Fallen" (2008). His effort to track down the final unaccounted stragglers of at least 50 previous members of The Fall - including drummer Karl Burns - continues in his blog. Having decried Simpson's book as a "hatchet job" in the pages of Pseud. Mag., a Fall fan-mag, Mark E. Smith countered in short order with his autobiography "Renegade: The Lives and Tales of Mark E. Smith" (Viking, 2008/Penguin 2009).
Mark E. Smith died on 24 January 2018, aged 60.
Key Albums include:
# Live At the Witch Trials (debut)
# Dragnet
# Totale's Turns (It's Now Or Nevr)
# Grotesque (after the Gramme)
# Perverted By Language
# Hex Enduction Hour
# This Nation's Saving Grace
# Middle Class Revolt
# Bend Sinister
# Extricate
# The Infotainment Scan
# Country on the Click aka The Real New Fall LP
# Fall Heads Roll
# Reformation Post TLC (new)
Compilations/Singles/B-Sides:
# 50,000 Fall Fans Can't Be Wrong: 39 Golden Greats
# The Complete Peel Sessions 1978-2004
# Totally Wired: The Rough Trade Anthology (disc 1) and Totally Wired: The Rough Trade Anthology (disc 2)
# 458489 A-Sides
# 458489 B-Sides
Kimble
The Fall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I warn ya
He's out!
Rrrrrrrr-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch
You never knew
I was around
That's why you tried to climb on my back
You step on my toes
But you mess
With this cat
But let me warn you my friend, never do that again
Cause I'm Kimble!
the Nimble!
I wear very good shoes
but since the Midlands mentality
has decided to do all buildings in upholstery
the people smell (step on my toes!)
A child.. (But let me warn you my friend
I am Kimble (never do that again)
the Nimble
I'll make ya (for this is Kimble)
tremble (the Nimble!)
And
why are people grudgeful yeah
From the depths of ignorance
To the soul of the mediocre
I am Kimble
Ah
I am shocking
So mind your socking (I am Kimble)
Take it from me (I'll make ya tremble)
I am shocking
I am Kimble
Take it from me
.....
I'm Kimble
the Nimble!
Don't try and cheat me
Otherwise
... Kimble
The Fall's song Kimble is a swaggering and taunting anthem to a fictional character named Kimble, who is portrayed as a nimble, agile and confident individual. The opening lines of the song, "I'm hot! I warn ya, He's out!" set the tone for the rest of the song as Kimble warns the listener not to mess with him. He talks about how the listener stepped on his toes and climbed on his back, and warns them not to do that again. The chorus, "Cause I'm Kimble! the Nimble!" further reinforces his confidence and agility.
The second verse talks about the Midlands mentality of covering buildings with upholstery, which causes people to smell. Kimble again warns the listener not to step on his toes and mess with him. The third verse talks about why people are grudgeful, and how ignorant and mediocre people tend to envy someone like Kimble, who is confident and successful.
Overall, the lyrics of Kimble are filled with bravado, confidence, and a sense of defiance. Kimble is portrayed as a character to be reckoned with, someone who commands respect and attention. The song is a celebration of individualism and the power of personality.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm hot!
I am feeling confident and empowered.
I warn ya
I am giving you a heads up, be cautious of my actions.
He's out!
Somebody is present and active in the situation.
Rrrrrrrr-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch-tch
The sound of activity or movement that is taking place.
You never knew
You were unaware of my presence before.
I was around
I have been in this situation for some time now.
That's why you tried to climb on my back
You were trying to take advantage of my position or authority.
You step on my toes
You have crossed a boundary and disrespected me.
And pretend you never knew
You are acting as if you were innocent and unaware of your actions.
But you mess with this cat
You are messing with somebody who is highly capable and will not tolerate any mistreatment.
But let me warn you my friend, never do that again
I am warning you to never mistreat me again or there will be consequences.
Cause I'm Kimble! the Nimble!
I am Kimble and you should recognize my greatness and agility.
I wear very good shoes
I have the proper tools to accomplish my goals and succeed.
but since the Midlands mentality has decided to do all buildings in upholstery the people smell (step on my toes!)
The local mindset has decided to construct buildings using materials that emit unpleasant odors.
A child.. (But let me warn you my friend, I am Kimble (never do that again) the Nimble
I may seem innocent or naive, but do not underestimate me because I am Kimble.
I'll make ya (for this is Kimble) tremble (the Nimble!)
I am capable of intimidating you and making you feel powerless.
And why are people grudgeful yeah From the depths of ignorance To the soul of the mediocre I am Kimble
People harbor resentment towards me because they do not understand my greatness, due to their own limitations.
Ah I am shocking So mind your socking (I am Kimble) Take it from me (I'll make ya tremble)
I am startling and confident, so be cautious around me.
I am shocking I am Kimble Take it from me
I am confident and capable of achieving great things.
...I'm Kimble the Nimble!
I am Kimble and I am able to accomplish my goals with ease.
Don't try and cheat me Otherwise ... Kimble
Do not attempt to deceive or cheat me, or there will be consequences.
Contributed by Tyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Vicious Sticks
A massive fave of my friend Ellen who died a few years back. Miss you Ellen this tune always makes me think of you !! Xx
hawthornberry
All my heroes are dying off now. RIP Mark. RIP LSP.
MoBOT
My wedding tune.
Netley Lucas
HIC!!!!!!!!!
Nigel Robles
This a cover of the Lee Scratch Perry song Kimble the Nimble!
Patrick Joseph
Why did I sell this one? I totally forgot about this EP.
John Hawk
Patrick Joseph I still got it!
John Hawk
I am a-shockéd!
Netley Lucas
hic!