Burning Down the Facade: A Rebel's Scathing Rebuke | Nasty Lyrics | The Damned

The Damned, a pioneering punk rock band from London, released "Nasty Lyrics" as part of their 1979 album "Machine Gun Etiquette". The song's lyrics, penned by lead vocalist Captain Sensible (real name Ray Burns), are a scathing critique of the social norms and conventions that governed British society at the time.

The song's title is no exaggeration - the lyrics are indeed explicit and confrontational, with Sensible delivering a series of biting attacks on the hypocrisy and superficiality of the establishment. The song's central theme is the commodification of sex and the objectification of women, with Sensible railing against the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles.

The lyrics are also notable for their irreverent humor and wit, as well as their use of innuendo and double entendre. Sensible's delivery is characterized by his distinctive snarl and growl, which adds to the song's sense of raw energy and rebellion.

"Nasty Lyrics" was a departure from The Damned's earlier work, which had been more focused on the punk movement's traditional concerns with social justice and anti-establishment rhetoric. Instead, this song represents a darker, more cynical take on the state of British society in the late 1970s - a era marked by economic stagnation, social unrest, and cultural malaise.

Despite its provocative subject matter, "Nasty Lyrics" has been praised for its boldness and willingness to tackle taboo topics. The song remains a fan favorite and is widely regarded as one of The Damned's standout tracks from their early period.