Ian Dury and the
Blockheads' first single
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll was released
in August 1977, directly after the release of their album
New Boots and
Panties!! (however, the song was not originally included on the UK release). The song was the
showcloser for the
Stiff Live Stiffs tour, in which Dury sung his
anthem with several companions of the
Stiff label (including
Elvis
Costello &
The Attractions).
It is unclear whether Ian Dury (and co-writer Chaz Jankel) are the
original creators of the catchphrase Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll,
but these words proved to be rules to live by for many generations of
rock artists to come.
(use your best Cockney cackle)
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is all my brain and body need
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is very good indeed
Keep your silly ways
Or throw them out the window
The wisdom of your ways
I've been there and I know
Lots of other ways
What a jolly bad show
If all you ever do is
Business you don't like
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Is very good indeed
Every bit of clothing
Ought to make you pretty
You can cut the clothing
Grey is such a pity
I should wear the clothing
Of Mr. Walter Mitty
See my tailor, he's called Simon
I know it's going to fit
Here's a little bit of advice
You're quite welcome, it is free
Don't do nothin' that is cut-price
You know what they'll make you be
They will try to trick you, devise,
Trap you with the ordin'ry
Get your teeth into a small slice
The cake of liberty
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll
Sex and drugs and rock and roll Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!
Sex and drugs and rock and roll