X-Ray Spex are an English punk band from London that formed in 1976. The or… Read Full Bio ↴X-Ray Spex are an English punk band from London that formed in 1976. The original line-up featured singer Poly Styrene (born Marianne Joan Elliott-Said) on vocals, Jak Airport (Jack Stafford) on guitars, Paul Dean on bass, Paul 'B. P.' Hurding on Drums, and Lora Logic (born Susan Whitby) on saxophone. This latter instrument was an atypical addition to the standard punk instrumental line-up, and became one of the group's most distinctive features.

X-Ray Spex's other distinctive musical element was Poly Styrene's voice, which has been variously described as "effervescently discordant" and "powerful enough to drill holes through sheet metal". As Mari Elliot, Poly had released a reggae single for GTO Records in 1976, "Silly Billy", which had not charted. Born in 1957 in Brixton, London, of Somali-English parentage, Poly Styrene became the group's public face, and remains one of the most memorable front-women to emerge from the punk movement. Poly Sytrene also became one of the first high-profile black people in punk rock. She wore braces on her teeth and once stated that "If anybody tried to make me a sex symbol I would shave my head tomorrow".

X-Ray Spex existed from mid-1976 to 1979, during which time they released five singles - "Oh Bondage, Up Yours", "Identity", "The Day the World Turned Day-Glo", "Germ Free Adolescents", and "Highly Inflammable" - and one album, Germ Free Adolescents. The album and title single reached 30 and 19 in their respective charts, although "Oh Bondage, Up Yours" is regarded as their most enduring artifact, both as a piece of music and as a phrase. The song was not originally on the album, although later CD releases added it as the final track. The group did play a fortnight's residency at New York's CBGB's even though Germ Free Adolescents was not released in America until 1992. Exhausted by touring, Poly Styrene left the band in 1979 to release a solo album, Translucence, before joining the Hare Krishna movement (as did Lora Logic, in a coincidental move, who left the band aged 16 in 1977 to form a new group called Essential Logic).

Without Styrene, the group lost its momentum and split up. Hurding and London went on to form Classix Nouveaux, while Paul Dean retired from musical activities.

In 1991 re-grouped X-Ray Spex played a surprise sell-out gig at the Brixton Academy. Uniquely, this version of the group did not include Poly Styrene, and according to an interview with Lora Logic: "...that was a mistake. They put that together with another singer and I played with them for a tour but you can't really have it without Poly."

The group reformed more successfully in 1995 with a line-up of Styrene, Dean and Logic to release a new album Conscious Consumer. Although heralded as the first in a trilogy, the album was not a commercial success. Styrene later explained that touring and promotional work suffered an abrupt end when she was run over by a fire engine in central London. The group disbanded, but subsequent releases include a compilation of the group's early records, a live album, and an anthology of all the aforementioned.

Jak Airport later worked for the BBC's Corporate and Public Relations department under his real name, Jack Stafford; he died in August 2004.

Discography

Singles
"Oh Bondage, Up Yours", 1977
"The Day The World Turned Day-Glo", 1978 #23 UK
"Identity", 1978 #24 UK
"Germ Free Adolescents", 1978 #19 UK
"Highly Inflammable", 1979 #45 UK

Albums
Germ Free Adolescents, 1978
Conscious Consumer, 1995

Poly Styrene later went on to reform X-Ray Spex with a 30 year anniversary sell-out gig at The Roundhouse, Camden, London September 6th 2008 with original bass player Paul Dean, Jak Airport sadly no longer with us was replaced by Saxby guitarist for Arnold, saxophone was provided by Flash formerly of Rip Rig & Panic and finally drummer Sid (Sidation) Truelove from Rubella Ballet and Flux of Pink Indians, hand picked by Poly for his authentic resemblance to B.P. Hurdings original punk style completing the line up for one of the most long awaited gigs of the last three decades. This performance will be available to buy on DVD and live album in November 2009 on Future Noise Music, for more info go to www.futurenoisemusic.com
Polystyrene sadly lost her battle with cancer and passed away 26/04/11
www.x-rayspex.com// http://www.myspace.com/xrayspexrealofficialpage
X-ray Spex

I Can't Do Anything
X-Ray Spex Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can't write
And I can't sing
I can't do anything
I can't read
And I can't spell
I can't even get to hell
I can't love
And I can't hate

I can't even hesitate
I can't dance
And I can't walk
I can't even try to talk

Freedom tried to strangle me
With my plastic popper beads
But I hit him back
With my pet rat
Yeah I hit him back
With my pet rat

I can't spit
And I can't kick
I can't even be thick
I can't read
And I can't spell
I can't even get to hell
I can't love
And I can't hate
I can't even hesitate
I can't dance

And I can't walk
I can't even try to talk

Overall Meaning

The song "I Can't Do Anything" by X-Ray Spex explores themes of powerlessness and frustration. The singer lists off all the things they cannot do, including write, sing, read, spell, love, and hate. They express an inability to even try to communicate with others. Despite this sense of inadequacy, the singer responds to the oppressive forces in their life by "hitting back with a pet rat." This line suggests an irreverent, non-conformist attitude that seeks to assert itself even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The lyrics are likely inspired by the punk ethos of the late 1970s, which rejected mainstream values and celebrated individualism and rebellion. The song speaks to the frustration many young people felt at the time, as they struggled to find their place in a world that seemed to have little use for them. The use of dissonant, repetitive guitar riffs, as well as the raw, unpolished sound of the recording, further emphasize the anarchic spirit of the song.

Overall, "I Can't Do Anything" presents a bold statement of defiance against the forces that seek to suppress individuality and creativity. Despite the singer's sense of powerlessness, they refuse to be silenced, using what resources they have to stand up to their oppressors.

Line by Line Meaning

I can't write
I am unable to write anything

And I can't sing
I am incapable of singing

I can't do anything
I lack the ability to do anything

I can't read
I am illiterate and cannot read

And I can't spell
I don't have the skill to spell words

I can't even get to hell
I am not capable of getting to the place called hell

I can't love
I am unable to love anyone

And I can't hate
I am incapable of hating anyone

I can't even hesitate
I am unable to pause and think before doing something

I can't dance
I lack the ability to dance

And I can't walk
I am unable to walk

I can't even try to talk
I don't have the capability to even attempt to speak

Freedom tried to strangle me
Freedom has tried to suffocate me

With my plastic popper beads
Using my plastic beads, which make a popping sound when snapped together

But I hit him back
I fought back against Freedom's attack

With my pet rat
Using my pet rodent, I retaliated against Freedom

Yeah I hit him back
I successfully fought back against Freedom

With my pet rat
Using my small animal, I defended myself

I can't spit
I am not able to spit

And I can't kick
I am unable to kick

I can't even be thick
I am not capable of being slow-witted

I can't even get to hell
I don't have the ability to travel to the place called hell

I can't love
I am unable to love anyone

And I can't hate
I am incapable of hating anyone

I can't even hesitate
I lack the capability to pause and think before doing something

I can't dance
I don't have the ability to dance

And I can't walk
I am incapable of walking

I can't even try to talk
I am not able to even attempt to speak

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Borislav Kostov

8y↑71

I can't write
And I can't sing
I can't do anything
I can't read
And I can't spell
I can't even get to hell
I can't love
And I can't hate
I can't even hesitate
I can't dance
And I can't walk
I can't even try to talk

Freddie tried to strangle me
With my plastic popper beads
But I hit him back
With my pet rat
Yeah I hit him back
With my pet rat

I can't spit
And I can't kick
I can't even be thick
I can't read
And I can't spell
I can't even get to hell
I can't love
And I can't hate
I can't even hesitate
I can't dance
And I can't walk
I can't even try to talk

All comments from YouTube:

archonsod

13y↑30

RIP, one of the best vocal deliveries in punk.

Jill Knapp

2y↑6

I love that you can hear the 60s girl group influence on this song, but they make it into a whole thing. RIP Poly. <3

Jeffrey Grant

Love it my pet rat

A Macaluso

13y↑11

Such a amazing vocalist R.I.P. Poly you will be missed and never forgotten

Eddie Willers

13y↑11

Sheesh - I'm feeling old now I just found out Polly Styrene has passed - RIP. Definitely one of the better voices of English punk in the late '70s

pretty-wise

13y↑14

Rest in Peace, Poly Styrene. I am genuinely upset by her death. She was brilliant.

Penno 76 mofucker

3y↑5

Love this band ..pure class,,more than just punk is this

lillith665

13y↑5

I love this song so much *I don't care* that there's no video. Love you Poly! Wherever you are, gracing the universe with your presence and brilliance!

James Ball

5y↑3

Poly will live forever as a icon in the punk movement of the 70s. No one comes close to her too this day.

sigi notmylastname

I agree, NO ONE!!!!

James Ball

5y↑3

Polly and the crew were the best punk band to come out of the 70s early eighties. They still are better than most bands nowadays. God or Buhhda is taking care of Polly now. Miss her dearly. Jimmy

SuperSpeckledhen

12y↑8

1 Of The Top 3 Best Punk Albums Ever Pure Classic. God Bless You Polly.

Elizabeth Williamson

9y↑3

one of the most influential bands of the 70's . so good, especially when on ecstasy. ha-
ha

Kevin Cooper

4y↑1

The best punk band on the planet. Amen.in fact the best sax in the 70s .

Borislav Kostov

8y↑71

Harry Graham

7y↑2

I've always thought t was Freddie and it sure sounds like Freddie tried to strangle me

Joseph Ether

7y↑1

It is Freddie

meiko

5y↑3

With myyyy pet. rrrrrrattt.

Rambo Ramone

Thanks for the lyrics. I love this song.

Stan Henderson

5y↑1

Some of the best writing in all of punk by Poly Styrene.

Russell M Kenny

15y↑1

God!!!!!!! these were fucking brilliant,i remember when this album came out thanks for uploading this stuff

Richard I G

4y↑5

That was an awfully good album for a band that didn't manage to record a second one.

Cold Daze

4y↑1

general morose,They did record a second one, but not til 1995. Was called Conscious consumer, nowhere as good as the first though. Production was a lot cleaner and more polished, and she was actually singing, more than just letting loose, not even half the heart and the fire they poured into Germ free.. This album is def the best thing they ever did, just truth I reckon.

BillSwansea

14y↑14

My anthem for just coming out of a job interview and also finding out later that you were "unsuccessful"

anonamatron

3y↑6

I thought you were supposed to go hit the boss with a rat.

Universo Paralelo konflito

3y↑1

Oikkkkk óuò

Maxwell Murmur

Best Female Lead Vocalist ever!

Eddie Willers

14y↑1

ace drummer! Haven't heard this in years!

Rebecca Jones

2y↑2

I really Love this Song.

WoodRatGirl

14y↑5

Lyrical genius.

Maxwell Murmur

One of my Favorite Bands. U of I Represent. Class of 2023 or Whatever Year it is Anymore.

goth moth

2y↑1

Why tf was this taken off Spotify 😭😭😭

Kalle Andersson

13y↑8

This reminds me of... "Heathcliff, Heathcliff, no one should... Terrify their neighborhood. But Heathcliff just won't be undone Playing pranks on everyone." Ha! Just like the good ol' punkrockers of yore!

Laveyan Pride

7y↑1

Kalle Andersson old post but Fuck yeah, I hear it too. lofl

Space Cadet Silver Boots

4y↑1

YESSSS I WAS LOOKING FOR THIS COMMENT

librarian4life

3y↑1

Heathcliff, it's me, I'm Cathy..

Oops. Wrong song.

exeuroweenie

10y

Yep,best teacher I ever had (Literature) was obsessed with77 punk.Old geezer still is.

TOP 5 HISTORY

38w

So raw and best voice..

Maksapihvi

13y

Plain brilliant.

marmelaaden

14y↑3

it's my anthem now :D

Gary Cropper

11y

Well said SuperSpeckledhen. Miss you Poly xxx

キラキラ

8y↑24

I feel like this was made for me haha

Tegan T

7y↑1

ブレンダアマンテ me too

Kalle Andersson

13y↑5

@highlighterlady Poly Styrene is still a damn good God!

Eddie Willers

7y↑3

sick drummer!

Jarred Nonnemacher

11y↑15

My High School English Teacher loved X-Ray Spex, Monks, Rezillos, ect.

librarian4life

3y↑2

Bless the education system for SOMETHING

Conor Der

13y↑1

RIP im 16 years old and loved poly and xray spex.

JhonyHellrocker

13y↑1

i´m 17 n i knew xray spex about a year ago, i loved it so much!!!! i even get in the eir website n sent many e mails.... god i still can´t believe she´s death :/

sean soblixe

5y↑17

I WAS WEARING A MOHAWK AT THE TIME...NOW IM BALD

Flamsterette

13y↑1

RIP, Poly. :(

Space Cadet Silver Boots

Anybody noticed how the Heathcliff theme song sounds just like this ?

TheMeltdown23

13y↑6

R.I.P DAYGLO WARRIIOR

Trina Harris

8y↑2

love xray spex. too bad poly styrene went crazy

CeleNabu999

8y↑7

I prefer the term mental imperfection. I love my bipolar1 disorder, it gives me character & weeds away useless people. In the old days, it was just being punk...

Erik Rudolph

7y↑2

Trina Harris mental illness makes real punk what it is! its when artists are stable and with the mainstream and have plenty of money they turn into shitty radio music.

Stan Henderson

5y↑1

Crazy no...overwhelmed by stardom in Britain, yes. RIP

KebabMusicLtd

She never went crazy. She was still performing until a couple of months before she lost her fight against cancer. But she said in 1979 that she didn't want to be just another commodity which is why she decided to turn her back on the 'celebrity' that the punk era brought to her door. I suppose in todays world of wannabe celebrity that must seem an alien concept, but it is that very aspect of her personality that makes us remember just how original she continues to be.

Metina Brown

8y↑3

we all go a little crazy.

Larz Gustafsson

11y↑2

SUPERB!!!!

millerhxc

5y↑1

Anyone else hearing similarities between this and the Muppet Babies song in Muppets Take Manhattan?

Or just me?

Space Cadet Silver Boots

4y↑1

I was just commenting how it sounds just like the Heathcliff theme song

sabrinasjourney

4y↑1

@Space Cadet Silver Boots lol!

k38k

11y

very cooool 8)

leo alex

Pick up on those popper beads.

Gareth Walsh

what a fucking song!

Stephen Wills

13y

Gutted by this news

Erik Rudolph

7y↑7

viva la soomalia!

Gasu Trías

42w

😍

Tara Callaghan

10y↑3

Laura logic

Oi Mate

2y↑1

Isn’t it infared..?

Brasstacks

Yay or Nay? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOxErh1AvCA

T

Yaaa!

Rhys parsonage wintle

13y

@rockcherry13 Yeah same here , im 14 and listen to punk rock but all my mates listen to complete shit ! They have got know idea when I talk about X-spex , the damned and the dead kennedys . Its shit .