Billy Liar

The Decemberists

About Billy Liar

"Billy Liar" is the first single released by The Decemberists. Deriving its title from the English novel Billy Liar, the song also references "Nogood Boyo" of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood and appears to generally talk about a young man's boredom during long summer days. Musically, it has an upbeat, somewhat piano-driven, rather poppy sound.


Year:
2003
4:08
145 
#1

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Billy Liar's got his hands in his pockets
Staring over at the neighbor's, knickers down.
He's got his knickers down.

So the summer is eternity for you?
Sleeping in until your father's shaking you down
He's shaking you down.

And the mailroom shift gets a real short shrift
As you dole out the packages, no-one seems to want you around
All skulking around.

Let you legs loss on the lino
'Til your sinews spoil
Will you stay here for a while, dear,
'Til the radio plays something familiar?
Plays smoething familiar.

All a-drifting, he's a nogood boyo
Sent a-fishing for a whalebone corset frame
(His only catch all day)

So he sits and lets the current take him
A gentle breeze will leave his pants in disarray
And at his ankles laid.

As he drifts to sleep with a moan and a weep
He is decked by a Japanese geisha with a garland of pearls
How she twists and twirls!

Let you legs loss on the lino
'Til your sinews spoil
Will you stay here for a while, dear,
'Til the radio plays something familiar?
Plays smoething familiar.

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The Decemberists

The Decemberists are an indie folk rock band from Portland, Oregon, United States, fronted by singer/songwriter Colin Meloy. The other members of the band are Chris Funk (guitar, multi-instrumentalist), Jenny Conlee (Hammond organ, accordion, melodica, piano, keyboards, harmonica), Nate Query (bass guitar, string bass), and John Moen (drums, backing vocals, melodica, guitar). more »

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Written by: COLIN MELOY

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Band Background
"Bily Liar" is a song by The Decemberists, a indie rock band from Portland, Oregon that was formed in 2000.
Album Information
The song is from their second album, 'Her Majesty the Decemberists', which was released on September 9, 2003.
Musical Style
"Billy Liar" features a catchy melody with pop sensibilities, which somewhat contrasts with the band’s usual folk-rock style.
Song Title
The song's title, "Billy Liar," is borrowed from a 1959 novel written by Keith Waterhouse and its subsequent 1963 film adaptation.
Song Content
Many interpret "Billy Liar" as being about a compulsive dreamer who refuses to wake up to reality, which is a characteristic shared with the novel's protagonist.
Performance
This song is often performed live in their concerts and is well received by audiences.
Critical Reception
Critics praised the song for its lyrical depth and catchy melody.
Artistic Influence
The Decemberists are known for their narrative songs and "Billy Liar" adheres to that style – telling a detailed and intricate story through its lyrics.
Band members
The Decemberists at the time of the album included members Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, and John Moen.
Song Length
The running time of the song is 2 minutes 53 seconds, making it one of the shorter songs on the album 'Her Majesty the Decemberists'.
Record Label
The album 'Her Majesty the Decemberists', including the song 'Billy Liar', was released under the record label Kill Rock Stars.
Album Recognition
The album 'Her Majesty the Decemberists' was listed in NPR's "50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade" in 2009, reflecting the song's influence and recognition.

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