Oh, Living Colour, very happy to hear from you guys again! We got a little taste of this song when Vic St. John featured you in his “Tune Twist” a few tapes ago, so it’s great that we finally get to listen to the whole thing. I remember really digging this song when it was on the airwaves, and I was also happy to hear that you guys were able to play at least one song that wasn’t so dour and pessimistic. I thought these glamour boys sounded like they’d be fun to hang around with. Although the chorus was of you guys proudly proclaiming that you WEREN’T no glamour boy. And that you were fierce (obvs). So I was always a little confused whether I should like the glamour boys or not like the glamour boys. Honestly, Living Colour, I really didn’t give it much thought. All I really knew was that this song kicked ass. And still does.
Of course, a big part of this blog has been rediscovering the music that I taped off the radio all those years ago and actually paying attention to what it has to say, and of course I’ve now discovered that while this song sounded more upbeat, it had just as heavy of a message as the other songs of yours that I’d recorded. Turns out I shouldn’t want to be a glamour boy, although I probably kinda was one. No, I didn’t wear expensive clothes or go to fancy parties, but my credit was pretty bad. And what’s great about your songwriting is that it’s not so clear cut as to be dismissive of these glamour boys. Sure, you’re taking them down a peg or three, but at the same time, I feel kinda sorry for them, especially when you sing about how disposable they are.
This post is kind of bittersweet, Living Colour, because I’m pretty sure this is the last song of yours that I ever recorded off the radio. I gotta say, it’s kinda bullshit that you guys didn’t get more airplay. You were pretty goddamn great. And fierce. And you had a lot more to say than a lot of bands that were and are on the airwaves. It’s good to see that you’re still out there making music, and even though it’s likely you’ll never see this post, I just want you to know I thought you were great when I was 14 and I still think you’re great now.
“Glamour Boys”
<awesome Living Colour jam>
The glamma boys
Swear they are a diva
The glamma boys have it all under control
Always dancin’
Always laughin’
The glamma boys are playin’ the rooole
The glamma boys
Never have no money
The glamma boys wear the most expensive clothes
The glamma boys are always at the party
Where the money comes from heaven only knoooows
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
Woo!
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
The glamma boys
Live off their ambition
The glamma boys have it all figured out
A very, very
Dubious position
When ya got no clooouuut
The glamma boys’ whole life is a gamble
They might get over or fall flat on their face
But if one does
There’s no need ta worry
Another G-Boy will take his plaaaace
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
Woo!
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma booooy
<awesome Living Colour jam>
The glamma boys don’t think about tomorrow
The glamma boys just need tanight ta plaaay
But just like things
Ya can’t afford on credit
Time catches up and ya have to paaaay
The glamma boys are always on the guest list
You’ll always find them in the hottest spots in town
They’ll be ya friend if you have fame or fortune
If ya don’t they won’t be hangin’ ‘rooouuund
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
Woo!
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
Yeah yeeeah
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy, ahhhh
Woo!
I ain’t no glamma boy
I’m fierce!
I ain’t no glamma boy
No noooooo
What do you mean my credit’s no good?
