With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Shitkicker
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Next time we're back we'll bring the gun
And I won't take this shit from you
You'll be swimming in cement shoes
You're just nothing
You're just nothing
Don't you fuck me around
A man of people, me
My people never be free
You're just nothing
You are nothing
Get down on your knees
You're nothing but a little piece of shit
Take your orders from me
I run this town
You're just nothing
You are nothing
"Shitkicker" by Therapy? is an intense song full of anger and frustration, with lyrics that speak of dominance and power. The first verse starts with a warning that there will be consequences if the singer's wishes are not respected. He threatens to bring a gun and make the other person regret their actions, even going as far as saying they will end up in cement shoes. The chorus emphasizes the belief that the other person is nothing, with the repetition of the line "You're just nothing".
The second verse solidifies the singer's belief that he is the king of the town, and that he will not tolerate anyone messing with him. He sees himself as a man of the people, someone who holds power over those he considers beneath him. The final chorus repeats the line "You're just nothing" and adds an order for the other person to get down on their knees and obey the singer's every dictate, as he believes he runs the town.
The song seems to be an exploration of power and domination and the lengths some people will go to maintain their position. It is a harsh depiction of a person's capacity for cruelty and an examination of the idea that some people believe themselves to be above others. The aggressive tone and repetitive lyrics help convey this message of dominance and power.
Line by Line Meaning
This is warning number one
I am giving you a warning for the first time
Next time we're back we'll bring the gun
If we come back, we will use force
And I won't take this shit from you
I will not tolerate your behavior
You'll be swimming in cement shoes
You will suffer consequences for your actions
You're just nothing
You have no worth or importance
I'm the king of this town
I have control over this place
Don't you fuck me around
Do not try to deceive or manipulate me
A man of people, me
I am a leader of the people
My people never be free
My people will never be independent
Get down on your knees
Show respect or submission to me
You're nothing but a little piece of shit
You are worthless and insignificant
Take your orders from me
Do what I say
I run this town
I am in charge of this place
You're just nothing
You have no worth or importance
Contributed by Ava L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@shmupperfromhell
Pleasure Death & Baby Teeth are the two of best albums ever made.
@Dertrend
I was always confused by the cover art for Pleasure death. It sort of looks like corrugated iron panels with bullet holes which was a common barrier used in Belfast back in the day. Is is an obscure anti sectarian message? Does anyone know?
@AttackWithStyle
Real Therapy? , Troublegum was the last great thing they did , Infernal is a good Album but to much of a direction change.
I miss Fyfe Ewing style & snare sound
@jannevens9740
Fyfe, one of a kind.