After meeting at the Deeply Vale Free Festival, The Ruts were formed on 18 August ]1977, the band consisted of Malcolm Owen (vocals), Paul Fox (guitar), John "Segs" Jennings (bass) and Dave Ruffy (drums).[1] As part of the Misty in Roots People Unite collective based in Southall, west London, the band were active in anti-racist causes and played a number of benefits for Rock Against Racism.
On 11 February 1980, the band returned to a BBC studio for their third Peel session, two tracks of which - "Demolition Dancing" and "Secret Soldiers" - later appeared on Virgin's posthumous Grin & Bear It album.
By this time singer Malcolm Owen was suffering with health problems; a combination of sore throats and a heroin addiction. A UK tour was arranged, the 'Back to Blighty' tour, but a number of dates had to be cancelled due to Owen's condition. What turned out to be the last Ruts gig with Malcolm took place at Plymouth Polytechnic on 26 February 1980.
Many of the Ruts best gigs were RAR (Rock Against Racism) gigs with Misty in Roots, and Jah War was written in response to the Southall Riots where the police attacked the Anti-Nazi League that were protesting a National Front march through the predominantly British Indian Southall area.
The Ruts, in their attitude, politics and music were truly representative of the best Punk had to offer. Sadly we were never to discover how they would develop as Malcom Owen, their charismatic front man, died of a heroin overdose on 14th July 1980, aged 26.
Backbiter
The Ruts Lyrics
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The words you say are gushing by you talk about friction
I don’t wanna hear about the troubles that you found
Don’t wanna know the way that you’ve been messed around
Backbiter you’re a loser
Backbiter you’re a user
Backbiter you’re a loser
You stitch up your friends you think you’ve got it sown iup
But that was a true lie, we know that you suck
I don’t wanna know about what happened to your life
Don’t wanna know the reasons why you’re still alive
Backbiter you’re a loser
Backbiter you’re a user
Backbiter you’re a loser
Backbiter you’re a user
The Ruts’ song “Backbiter” is an anthem against fake friends and people who talk bad about others behind their backs. The lyrics speak to the anger and frustration many people feel towards individuals who pretend to be friends but then gossip and betray them. The songwriter expresses their distaste for hearing about the problems of these “backbiters” who always seem to put others down and cause friction.
The chorus of the song is a direct attack on these fake friends, calling them out as “losers” and “users”. This strong language shows the songwriter’s contempt for individuals who manipulate others for their benefit. The verse continues to describe the ways in which backbiters twist the truth and put others down for their own gain. The song provides a cathartic release for those who have been victims of fake friendships and encourages listeners to be wary of those who may not have their best interests at heart.
Line by Line Meaning
Don’t grow my insight you talk about fiction
I don't want you to make me wiser by telling me lies
The words you say are gushing by you talk about friction
Your speech is just superficial and full of arguments
I don’t wanna hear about the troubles that you found
I don't want to hear your problems and complaints
Don’t wanna know the way that you’ve been messed around
I don't want to know how you've been mistreated because you're probably exaggerating
Backbiter you’re a loser
You're pathetic because you talk behind people's backs
Backbiter you’re a user
You're manipulative because you use gossip to get ahead
You stitch up your friends you think you’ve got it sown iup
You manipulate your friends behind their backs because you think you're in control
But that was a true lie, we know that you suck
That was a real deception, and others know that you're a fake
I don’t wanna know about what happened to your life
I don't care about your past or your personal history
Don’t wanna know the reasons why you’re still alive
I don't need a detailed explanation for why you're still here on this planet
Contributed by Sebastian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.