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
Rowche Rumble
The Fall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rowche Rumble
It's valium
Valium
Valium
Roche Rumble
That's rumble
For thousands of wives around the world
The doctors need prescriptions
The wives need their pills
So Rowche Rumble
Menopause wives are hard to handle
No culture or love, no gamble
The dope addicts are especially smashed
On Rowche Rumble
Rowche Rumble
Physician, heal thyself
Our government's built an expense account
Once in, never out
A step to Rowche
A force feeding
What are the people around you taking?
Rowche Rumble
Now I've tried crazy things
Abusing my body to a great end
But I'll never never never never do it again
I said I'll never never never never do it again
Rowche Rumble
Physician, heal thyself.
Musician, heal thyself.
Hey mister, heal thyself.
And loads of people across the land
Who do a prescribed death dance
While condemning speed and grass
They got an addiction like a hole in the ass
Rowche Rumble
Rowche Rumble
I send 70 pounds instead of 70 p to
Pharmaceutical company Rowche AG
The lorry arrived the next day
Swiss gnomes dealing out potions
Lend a hand
What is the fear for?
Whose do you think your body is?
Rowche Rumble
It's valium
That's rumble
[ Play on the name of the giant Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. ]
The lyrics to The Fall's song "Rowche Rumble" appear to be addressing the widespread use and abuse of the prescription drug Valium, produced by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. The repetition of "Valium" and "Rowche Rumble" highlights the drug's prevalence in society and its potential to cause a "rumble" or disturbance, both physically and emotionally. The line "Menopause wives are hard to handle" suggests that the drug is often prescribed to women going through menopause, who may be experiencing mood swings or other symptoms.
The lyrics also criticize the medical industry and the government for their involvement in the widespread use of prescription drugs. The line "Our government's built an expense account / Once in, never out" implies that officials have a financial incentive to promote the use of drugs like Valium, even if they are not necessary. The repetition of "Physician, heal thyself / Musician, heal thyself / Hey mister, heal thyself" suggests a call to action for individuals to take responsibility for their own health and well-being, rather than relying on drugs to solve their problems.
Overall, the lyrics to "Rowche Rumble" are a commentary on the societal and cultural attitudes towards prescription drugs and the medical industry's role in promoting their use. The song raises questions about the effectiveness and safety of prescription drugs, as well as the motives behind their widespread use.
Line by Line Meaning
Rowche Rumble*
The song's title, playing on the name of the pharmaceutical company Roche.
Rowche Rumble
Repeating the song's title.
It's valium
The drug being discussed is Valium, a brand of diazepam manufactured by Roche.
Valium
Repeating the drug's name.
Valium
Repeating the drug's name.
Roche Rumble
A play on the name of the pharmaceutical company Roche, which manufactured the drug Valium.
That's rumble
Referring to Valium as 'rumble,' or something that has a powerful effect.
For thousands of wives around the world
Valium is prescribed to many women globally.
Are given out by doctors, to feed their little girls
Doctors prescribe Valium, often to wives, who then give it to their daughters.
The doctors need prescriptions
The doctors themselves require prescriptions to legally prescribe the drug.
The wives need their pills
Wives are reliant on the drug to manage their daily stressors.
So Rowche Rumble
Valium, or 'Rowche Rumble,' is a solution for these women and their doctors.
Menopause wives are hard to handle
Women experiencing menopause can be difficult to manage without the use of Valium.
No culture or love, no gamble
The singer suggests that women are given this drug instead of being given love or coping mechanisms to deal with challenges.
The dope addicts are especially smashed
Those who are addicted to Valium are heavily impacted by the drug's effects.
On Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again, and its powerful effects.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
Physician, heal thyself
Doctors who prescribe Valium should be looking after their own wellbeing instead of prescribing the drug for others.
Our government's built an expense account
The government profits off of the distribution and sale of drugs like Valium.
Once in, never out
Once someone has become addicted to Valium, it can be very difficult for them to stop using it.
A step to Rowche
Taking a step towards using Valium, or Rowche Rumble.
A force feeding
People are being 'force-fed' drugs like Valium, rather than natural, holistic methods for dealing with issues.
What are the people around you taking?
The singer is calling on listeners to examine the drugs that others are taking, and the systems that make these drugs so prevalent.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
Now I've tried crazy things
The singer has engaged in self-destructive behaviors in the past.
Abusing my body to a great end
The singer has engaged in these behaviors to achieve a goal or benefit.
But I'll never never never never do it again
The singer promises to avoid engaging in such behaviors in the future.
I said I'll never never never never do it again
Repeating the promise to avoid self-destructive behaviors.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
Physician, heal thyself.
Calling on doctors who prescribe Valium to look after their own wellbeing instead of relying on drugs.
Musician, heal thyself.
Calling on musicians, who may have their own struggles, to look after their own wellbeing.
Hey mister, heal thyself.
Calling on all individuals to prioritize their own wellbeing and avoid destructive behaviors.
And loads of people across the land
Many people globally are taking drugs like Valium.
Who do a prescribed death dance
People are prescribed these drugs, but can become addicted and experience negative effects.
While condemning speed and grass
While drugs like marijuana and cocaine are stigmatized, prescription drugs like Valium are normalized.
They got an addiction like a hole in the ass
Those who are addicted to Valium are heavily impacted by the drug's effects, and their addiction can be difficult to manage.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
I send 70 pounds instead of 70 p to
The singer sent more money than was required to purchase the drug.
Pharmaceutical company Rowche AG
Referring to Roche, the company that manufactured Valium.
The lorry arrived the next day
The artist received the drug without issue or delay.
Swiss gnomes dealing out potions
Pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies have a great deal of control over the way that drugs are distributed.
Lend a hand
The singer suggests that listeners should work together to find alternative solutions to the pervasive use of prescription drugs.
What is the fear for?
The artist calls on listeners to examine the systems and structures that make prescription drug use so prevalent.
Whose do you think your body is?
The artist suggests that individuals should take ownership over their own bodies and prioritize their own wellbeing rather than relying on prescription drugs.
Rowche Rumble
Referring to the drug Valium again.
It's valium
Repeating the name of the drug being discussed.
That's rumble
Referring to the powerful effects of the drug Valium.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: MARK RILEY, CRAIG ANTHONY SCANLAN, MARK EDWARD SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@flandomaltrizian4603
HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing
0:40 Sam Riegel: Mind Freak
3:35 Laura’s merch corner
5:40 Someone with teeth like that must know about food
9:25 Intro cinematic
11:15 EPISODE STARTS
13:05 Donnie Boy
14:15 Recap ends, Travel day 1 (also new art drops)
15:25 Travel day 2
16:15 Ruidus is on the down side of flat Exandria
18:10 Travel day 3
19:50 If you’re hot, you can’t be cold
21:00 Fearne milks Donnie Boy
23:35 Travel day 4 (Donnie Boy makes an offer)
26:05 Battle begins
35:10 Tossed raccoon
38:35 15’11” becomes 16’1”
43:20 Sam finds a goat blog
44:05 Talking to Donny Boy
52:15 Deanna and FCG
1:00:40 Imogen poops her non-existent pants
1:01:15 Commune
1:10:20 FCG and Deanna
1:18:55 Deanna is nosy enough to hear the kiss
1:20:05 Chetney’s old man roll
1:21:55 Chetney is second smallest
1:23:30 They progressively understand the raft was a bad idea, but can’t back down
1:25:55 Deanna does goat murder
1:29:45 Donny Boy is freaking out
1:34:10 Into the Savalir Woods
1:41:20 Confronting the werewolf bite
1:44:05 Ashley is doing object work
1:45:50 Differing perspectives on goat killing
1:47:45 Travel Day 5
1:49:55 Shutting down the motor (intro to monster)
1:58:35 BREAK STARTS
2:13:15 Art Montage
2:15:15 BREAK ENDS
2:17:45 Battle begins
2:21:30 FCG is the only one allowed to tongue FRIDA
2:36:00 FCG cain’t quit FRIDA
2:38:05 Crazy in love
2:59:05 Lady’s boat
3:01:00 HDYWTDT
3:04:00 Fresh wood
3:10:35 Talking to fish
3:14:45 Second mouth
3:18:25 Chetney is our king
3:22:35 Deanna and FRIDA
3:27:50 Travel Day 6
3:30:50 Travel Day 7
3:37:45 Riding the aeormatons
3:39:40 Blood muffins
3:42:45 Aabria is worried about Burching Travis
3:54:00 The Crimson Shades might be bad
3:58:30 A very disturbing monster description
4:02:05 Tchh
4:03:15 Roping Matt into the nonsense
4:06:30 It’s a secure line
4:10:20 Episode Ends
The in-game start date for the episode was the 25th of Fessuran in the year 843. Sam’s gas can has multiple sequential messages that say “Happy 4/20! : Yes, I'm talking to you. : You specifically. : No, you're not being paranoid. This is really directed at you specifically. : Why? Are you doing something wrong? : Something you should be ashamed of? : I'm just wishing you a happy 4/20. Why are you being weird about it? : Anywho, Happy 4/20!”
Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?
@flandomaltrizian4603
HEY, there might be some SPOILERS under the thing
0:40 Sam Riegel: Mind Freak
3:35 Laura’s merch corner
5:40 Someone with teeth like that must know about food
9:25 Intro cinematic
11:15 EPISODE STARTS
13:05 Donnie Boy
14:15 Recap ends, Travel day 1 (also new art drops)
15:25 Travel day 2
16:15 Ruidus is on the down side of flat Exandria
18:10 Travel day 3
19:50 If you’re hot, you can’t be cold
21:00 Fearne milks Donnie Boy
23:35 Travel day 4 (Donnie Boy makes an offer)
26:05 Battle begins
35:10 Tossed raccoon
38:35 15’11” becomes 16’1”
43:20 Sam finds a goat blog
44:05 Talking to Donny Boy
52:15 Deanna and FCG
1:00:40 Imogen poops her non-existent pants
1:01:15 Commune
1:10:20 FCG and Deanna
1:18:55 Deanna is nosy enough to hear the kiss
1:20:05 Chetney’s old man roll
1:21:55 Chetney is second smallest
1:23:30 They progressively understand the raft was a bad idea, but can’t back down
1:25:55 Deanna does goat murder
1:29:45 Donny Boy is freaking out
1:34:10 Into the Savalir Woods
1:41:20 Confronting the werewolf bite
1:44:05 Ashley is doing object work
1:45:50 Differing perspectives on goat killing
1:47:45 Travel Day 5
1:49:55 Shutting down the motor (intro to monster)
1:58:35 BREAK STARTS
2:13:15 Art Montage
2:15:15 BREAK ENDS
2:17:45 Battle begins
2:21:30 FCG is the only one allowed to tongue FRIDA
2:36:00 FCG cain’t quit FRIDA
2:38:05 Crazy in love
2:59:05 Lady’s boat
3:01:00 HDYWTDT
3:04:00 Fresh wood
3:10:35 Talking to fish
3:14:45 Second mouth
3:18:25 Chetney is our king
3:22:35 Deanna and FRIDA
3:27:50 Travel Day 6
3:30:50 Travel Day 7
3:37:45 Riding the aeormatons
3:39:40 Blood muffins
3:42:45 Aabria is worried about Burching Travis
3:54:00 The Crimson Shades might be bad
3:58:30 A very disturbing monster description
4:02:05 Tchh
4:03:15 Roping Matt into the nonsense
4:06:30 It’s a secure line
4:10:20 Episode Ends
The in-game start date for the episode was the 25th of Fessuran in the year 843. Sam’s gas can has multiple sequential messages that say “Happy 4/20! : Yes, I'm talking to you. : You specifically. : No, you're not being paranoid. This is really directed at you specifically. : Why? Are you doing something wrong? : Something you should be ashamed of? : I'm just wishing you a happy 4/20. Why are you being weird about it? : Anywho, Happy 4/20!”
Any moments I missed? Feel free to post them here. Is it Thursday yet?
@kingxl10
Had to scroll so comment for algorithm
@RuailleBuaille
Cheers Flando!
@samuraiko
As always, Flando, thank you so much! (And scritches and boops to Beau!)
@Pberry2761
Traveller bless you, Flando
@lilcrowlet1802
Thanks Flando
@veritush
i almost die with:
-"goats do float"
-"alive?"
-"let me check"
@jarrodcollihole1379
And christians "if they do float, they're a witch" mate knows what's up
@phoenixdzk
Deana: You'll float too!
@sarahlizzieful
Where Taliesin has his eerily realistic crow noises, and Liam has his shockingly life-like elephant noises, Matt has his comedically accurate goat noises. What a talented bunch.