Mclusky were a three-piece group from Cardiff, Wales, who combined the ener… Read Full Bio ↴Mclusky were a three-piece group from Cardiff, Wales, who combined the energy and ethos of punk with varied dynamics and intelligent, black-humoured lyrics. The group consisted of Andy Falkous, aka Falco (vocals, guitar); Jonathan Chapple (bass, vocals) and Matthew Harding (drums).

According to the band, they formed in 1996 when Andy and Matthew met at the Blackwood Miners' Institute, a venue in their home town from which they were both ejected for dressing as miners. They subsequently met Jon at Reading Festival when they caught him urinating on their tent late at night.

Originally called Best, after early Beatles drummer Pete Best, the band signed to London label Seriously Groovy and released their debut record, the 3-track single Huwuno.

The changed their name to mclusky in 1999 (adopting a strictly lower-case approach to the band name, album and song titles), and the following year released their first album My Pain and Sadness is More Sad and Painful than Yours on the Fuzzbox label.

They then signed to Too Pure records and in 2002 released their second album, mclusky Do Dallas, which drew critical acclaim and international attention. In 2003, drummer Matthew Harding left and was replaced by Jack Egglestone, and in 2004 they released their third album The Difference Between Me and You Is That I'm Not On Fire to generally positive reviews.

Their second and third albums were recorded by Steve Albini, whose influence through his legendary work with bands such as Pixies, Nirvana and The Jesus Lizard, as well his own groups Big Black and Shellac, can be easily recognised in mclusky's dense, raw sound.

On January 7th, 2005, mclusky disbanded. The reason for this parting has been kept private although they insist the decision was mutual. There is speculation that tensions within the group developed following the theft of their instruments and equipment during their US tour in 2004; in any case it seems likely that Chapple wanted to develop his songwriting in a different direction and would not have the opportunity to do so while part of mclusky.

Following the split they released the compilation mcluskyism as a single CD ('A-sides'), and a limited triple CD version containing their a-sides, b-sides, a selection of demos and rarities, and a live recording from their last headline gig at ULU, London.

Jon Chapple went on to form Shooting at Unarmed Men, while Falkous and Egglestone teamed up with former members of Jarcrew to form Future of the Left.

Alan Is a Cowboy Killer
mclusky Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Pull up my pants Now the camera crew has gone
In your statement to the police
Tell them how you turned me on

But you were such an ugly child
You were such an awkward child
You were such a stupid child
We should've cottoned on

Alan is a cowboy killer

Take up thai chi
Now your favourite pet has died
We had crazy fucking times
'Til her visa card expired

But you were such an ugly child
You were such an awkward child
You were such a stupid child
We should've cottoned on

Alan is a cowboy killer

Wipe up his mess
Pay your fluffers by the yard
How you're paying for your peace
How you're paying for your peace

But you were such an ugly child
You were such an awkward child
You were such a stupid child
We should've cottoned on

That Alan is a cowboy killer
Alan is a cowboy killer

Overall Meaning

The song "Alan Is a Cowboy Killer" by mclusky is a satirical take on the idea of a modern-day cowboy. The lyrics allude to the idea of someone who is reckless, destructive, and takes pleasure in causing harm. The song opens with the line "Pull up my pants, now the camera crew has gone," which can be interpreted as the singer trying to cover up their bad behavior now that they're no longer in the spotlight.

The next lines "In your statement to the police, tell them how you turned me on" suggest that the singer is trying to manipulate the situation to make themselves seem like a victim, even though they were the one causing harm. This is further emphasized with the repeated lines "But you were such an ugly child, you were such an awkward child, you were such a stupid child, we should've cottoned on" - implying that the singer is projecting their own insecurities onto others.

The chorus "Alan is a cowboy killer" is a repeated declaration that the titular character is someone who is dangerous and unpredictable. The verses that follow continue to paint a picture of a person who is living recklessly - practicing Thai Chi, having crazy times until their credit card expired, and paying for their peace with sexual favors.

Overall, the song is a scathing commentary on toxic masculinity and the danger that comes with trying to live up to the cowboy archetype.

Line by Line Meaning

Pull up my pants Now the camera crew has gone
I must fix my pants now that the camera crew is gone.

In your statement to the police
When you speak to the police,

Tell them how you turned me on
explain how I aroused you.

But you were such an ugly child
You were an unattractive child.

You were such an awkward child
You were an uncomfortable and clumsy child.

You were such a stupid child
You were unintelligent as a child.

We should've cottoned on
We should have realized sooner.

Alan is a cowboy killer
Alan murders cowboys.

Take up thai chi
Begin practicing tai chi.

Now your favourite pet has died
Your beloved pet has passed away.