Queer

Garbage

About Queer

"Queer" is a song written and produced by alternative rock band Garbage for the band's self-titled debut album (1995). The song started as a demo during sessions between band members Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker, and finished after singer Shirley Manson joined the band. Manson rewrote the sexualized lyrics to be more ambiguous, and rearranged the song into a subdued trip hop and rock crossover composition. In 1995, "Queer" was released as the band's second international single (fourth in the United Kingdom). The song quickly became a modern rock success for the fledgling band, with positive reviews from music journalists, and was Garbage's first top twenty hit in both the American alternative radio airplay chart and on the UK Singles Chart. "Queer" also earned attention for its music video by Stéphane Sednaoui, which featured Manson detaining, stripping and shaving a man from a first-person perspective. The video clip gained significant airplay on MTV, was credited with presenting Garbage as a new, credible act with strong focus on visuals, and the following year was nominated for Breakthrough Video at the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. 


Year:
1995
4:36
199 
#1

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Hey boy, take a look at me
Let me dirty up your mind
I'll strip away your hard veneer
And see what I can find

The queerest of the queer
The strangest of the strange
The coldest of the cool
The lamest of the lame
The numbest of the dumb
I hate to see you here
You choke behind a smile
A fake behind the fear
The queerest of the queer

This is what he pays me for
I'll show you how it's done
You learn to love the pain you feel
Like father like son

The queerest of the queer
Hide inside your head
The blindest of the blind
The deadest of the dead
You're hungry 'cause you starve
While holding back the tears
Choking on your smile
A fake behind the fear
The queerest of the queer

I know what's good for you, you can touch me if you want
I know you're dying to, you can touch me if you want
I know what's good for you, you can touch me if you want
But you can't stop

The queerest of the queer
The strangest of the strange
The coldest of the cool
The lamest of the lame
The numbest of the dumb
I hate to see you here
You choke behind a smile
A fake behind the fear
The queerest of the queer
The strangest of the strange
The coldest of the cool
You're nothing special here
A fake behind the fear
The queerest of the queer

I know what's good for you I know you're dying to
I know what's good for you
I bet you're dying to
You can touch me if you want
You can touch me if you want
You can touch me
You can touch me
But you can't stop

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Garbage

Garbage is an alternative rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1994. The group consists of Scottish singer Shirley Manson (vocals, guitar) and American musicians Duke Erikson (bass, guitar, keyboards, percussion), Steve Marker (guitar, keyboards) and Butch Vig (drums, percussion). All four members are involved in songwriting and production. The band have counted worldwide album sales of over 17 million units. more »

3 fans

Written by: DOUGLAS ELWIN ERICKSON, SHIRLEY ANN MANSON, STEVE W. MARKER, BRYAN DAVID VIG

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song's Origin
"Queer" was written and recorded by the American rock band Garbage. It was released on November 5, 1995 as the second single from their self-titled debut album.
Song's Performance
The song was a breakthrough hit for the band, reaching the Top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and the Top 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Unique Genre Composition
The song has a distinct sound, featuring swirling alternative rock and electronica influences. It helped to establish Garbage’s genre-blending style.
Controversial Title
The song's title, "Queer", raised some eyebrows because it's a common slang term in the LGBTQ+ community. However, the song isn't directly related to sexuality; it's about feeling different and ostracized.
Music Video
The music video of "Queer" was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui, famous for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers and U2. The video features actress and model Pamela Gidley.
Noteworthy Lyrics
The song includes the lyrics "The queerest of the queer", which has been interpreted as a commentary on social alienation and being an outsider.
Reissued Version
In 2007, a remastered version of "Queer" was included in the band’s greatest hits album, "Absolute Garbage".
Reception and Critical Acclaim
"Queer" received positive reviews from music critics and is often cited as one of Garbage's signature songs, highlighting their stylistic diversity and unique sound.
Live Performances
"Queer" has been a consistent part of Garbage's setlist on their live tours since its release.
Remixes
Several remixes of "Queer" have been released, including versions by Rabbit in the Moon, Danny Saber, and Adrian Sherwood. The various remixes have further demonstrated the song's broad appeal and genre-crossing potential.

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    "Queer Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3185427/Garbage/Queer>.

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