Steve Whitehouse and Hodge joined in 1982, replacing the original drummer and bassist. This was now the classic Sharks line up that we have all grown up with.
The band's first album 'Phantom Rockers' was recorded in 1982 and released soon afterwards on Nervous Records. The band later spilt in 1983.
Steve went on to form Frenzy and has made a big success of it. Alan went on to carve a career as a record producer. Hodge could often be found playing in either Frenzy or some of Alan's studio and live projects.
The Sharks re-formed in 1993 with Alan Wilson on Guitar/vocals, Morrissey's bass player Gary Day on bass and Hodge on drums and released the album 'Recreational Killer' on Cherry Red/Anagram records and the 12" EP 'Bitch Attack' (Vinyl Japan).
In 1995 Steve returned when Gary left to re-join Morrissey. The next album was 'Colour My Flesh' in 1995 - again on Cherry Red/Anagram. Other releases included 'Ruff Stuff' - an album of demos and the vinyl EP 'Sir Psycho' (Fury).
Nowadays, Steve can still be found touring and recording with his band Frenzy. Hodge lives in Spain where he runs his own business. Alan is a producer and also owns a studio and label called Western Star.
Death Row
The Sharks Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and the defiant bars stand strong
All is quiet on the Death Row
we all know it won't be long
The wardens keep us waiting
They torment us as long as they dare
We all wonder who is the next one
We're on the Death Row
We're paying for our crimes
We're on the Death Row
They're gonna blow our minds
We're on the Death Row
It makes me sick sometimes
Society won't tolerate me
That's why I'm sitting in a prison cell
'cause I done something real bad
But I wish they'd come and get me
'cause the suspense just drives me mad
And I'm thinking whilst I'm waiting
'Shit, I hope they don't shave my hair
'Cause I wanna see it stand up straight
when they strap me to that chair'
Then I hear footsteps outside
and the man in black walks in
All is quiet on the Death Row
as the light bulbs all glow dim
The Sharks's song Death Row tells the story of a person who is waiting for their execution on death row. The lyrics paint a picture of the bleak and hopeless environment of a prison cell, as the day breaks and the bars stand defiantly. The eerie quietness of the surroundings heightens the looming sense of doom that the inmates all feel. The wardens add to the tension by tormenting them, keeping them waiting in unbearable suspense. The lyrics also explore the thoughts of the inmate who is waiting for their turn in the electric chair. They express a feeling of needing closure and wish for the warden to come and take them away. The lyrics are also reflective of the society's intolerance and inability to forgive someone who has committed a heinous crime.
The Sharks's Death Row is a powerful and emotive song that sheds light on the experience of people who face execution on death row. The lyrics are written in a simple but effective manner, which helps to convey the bleakness and hopelessness of the prisoners' situation. The quietness of the surroundings and the tormenting done by the wardens makes the situation even more unbearable for the prisoners. The song explores the psychological impact of being on death row, reflecting on the thoughts and emotions of those who await their execution.
Line by Line Meaning
As the day breaks through the window
The morning light filters through the small window in the cell, indicating the start of a new day.
and the defiant bars stand strong
The iron bars that separate the inmates from the outside world are unyielding, representing the hopelessness of their situation.
All is quiet on the Death Row
Despite the looming threat of execution, the prisoners are eerily quiet, knowing that their time is running out.
we all know it won't be long
Everyone on Death Row is aware that their end is near, and they will soon be executed for their crimes.
The wardens keep us waiting
The prison guards make the condemned wait and suffer, prolonging their agony and fear.
They torment us as long as they dare
The prison guards push the limits of the prisoners' mental and emotional stability through various forms of torture and abuse.
We all wonder who is the next one
The prisoners are constantly guessing who among them will be chosen for execution next.
to be dragged down to the chair
The thought of being strapped to the electric chair and tortured to death is a constant fear for each prisoner.
We're on the Death Row
The prisoners are all awaiting their imminent execution on Death Row.
We're paying for our crimes
The inmates are atoning for their past transgressions which have led them to the point of being sentenced to death.
They're gonna blow our minds
The use of the electric chair as a means of execution implies a violent and unsettling end to the prisoners' lives.
It makes me sick sometimes
The anxiety and fear of being executed can become overwhelming and result in physical illness.
Society won't tolerate me
The singer feels that society has rejected them and their actions, leading to their current situation on Death Row.
That's why I'm sitting in a prison cell
The reason for the singer's imprisonment is due to their actions and behavior, which are viewed as unacceptable by society.
'cause I done something real bad
The singer acknowledges that their actions were wrong, resulting in their current punishment on Death Row.
But I wish they'd come and get me
The uncertainty and waiting period for execution can be torturous, and the artist wishes for a swift resolution to their fate.
'cause the suspense just drives me mad
The constant waiting and anticipation for execution can lead to severe mental distress, causing the artist to feel overwhelmed.
And I'm thinking whilst I'm waiting
The singer reflects on their situation and contemplates the various scenarios and outcomes of their final moments.
'Shit, I hope they don't shave my hair
The ritualistic process of shaving the prisoner's head before execution is a source of distress for the singer, causing them to feel apprehensive and uneasy.
'Cause I wanna see it stand up straight
Despite the fear and apprehension, the artist wants to maintain their dignity and sense of self even in the face of death.
When they strap me to that chair'
The artist visualizes being physically tied to the electric chair, signifying the ultimate end to their life.
Then I hear footsteps outside
The sound of approaching footsteps is the final indication that the moment of execution has arrived, causing the artist's anxiety and fear to intensify even further.
And the man in black walks in
The executioner, dressed in black, enters the cell to inform the prisoner that their time has come, representing the finality and inescapability of their punishment.
All is quiet on the Death Row
In the final moments of the prisoner's life, Death Row is eerily and ominously silent, signifying the ultimate end to their time on earth.
as the light bulbs all glow dim
The dimming of the light bulbs represents the final moments of the prisoner's life slipping away, signaling the end of their physical existence.
Contributed by Micah I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
psychochris1987
isnt it the only version to like...its the original you can never beat the original!!
DAG
we all feel like that sometimes
batmobilly01
original version from 1983
Frank.w. Buchanan
👍😎
Rockenrollmaschine
that's it