A Criminal Mind

Gowan

About A Criminal Mind

"A Criminal Mind" is a song by Scottish-born Canadian artist Lawrence Gowan. Released in January 1985 as the lead single from second studio album, Strange Animal, it reached number five in Canada. Gowan refers to it as one of his signature songs.


Year:
1997
193 
#2

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You see my hands are steady
You've seen my face before
Soon you can take your last look
And they'll close the door
I stand accused before you
I have no tears to cry
And you will never break me
Till the day I die
(chorus)
A criminal mind
Is all I've ever known
They tried to reform me
But I'm made of cold stone
A criminal mind
Is all I've ever had
Ask one who's known me
If I'm really so bad...
I AM
I've spent my life behind these steel bars
I've paid my debt in time
But being brought to justice
That was my only crime
I don't regret a single action
I'd do the same again
These prison walls secure me
And I'm numb to pain
repeat chorus
Before you hand me over
Before you read my sentence
I'd like to say a few words
Here in my own defense...
Some people struggle daily
They struggle with their conscience
Till the end
I have no guilt to haunt me
I feel no wrong intent
repeat chorus
I'm made of cold stone
Just like your prison walls
A criminal mind
I AM

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Gowan

Gowan is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter. He is known for his solo career, as well as his work as the lead vocalist and keyboardist of the band Styx. Gowan's music style incorporates elements of rock, pop, and progressive rock. He gained popularity in the 1980s with hits such as "A Criminal Mind" and "Moonlight Desires." more »

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Written by: LARRY GOWAN

Lyrics © OLE MEDIA MANAGEMENT LP

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


9 facts about this song

Release and Chart Success
"A Criminal Mind" was released in 1985 as part of Gowan's second studio album, "Strange Animal." Even though it didn't reach the top ten in the Canadian Singles Chart, the song is often considered one of Gowan's signature songs.
Composition
The song was composed and performed by Lawrence Gowan, a Scottish-Canadian songwriter. Despite its pop and rock style, the song combines elements of progressive rock, incorporating complex lyrics and sophisticated melodic stylings.
Music Video
Gowan's personal interest in cinematography was reflected in the music video for "A Criminal Mind," which features unique filmic elements not typical of the decade, such as stark, monochromatic imagery, and an emphasis on narrative.
Influence
"A Criminal Mind" has been recognized as an influence for other Canadian artists. Artists such as Styx, who Gowan has been a member of since 1999, often perform the song during their live shows.
Re-releases
Over the years, Gowan has re-released "A Criminal Mind" in live and acoustic versions, demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity. In 2006, his live album "Home Field" included an orchestral version of the song.
Legacy
"A Criminal Mind" remains one of the most iconic songs in Canadian pop music. It's on constant rotation on Canadian Classic Rock radio and is often the song that closes Gowan’s performances.
Critical Reception
The song has been critically acclaimed for its insightful lyrics, which delve into the depth of the human condition from the perspective of a criminal. This represents a departure from the more common love-centric themes of popular music from the era.
Unique Theme
What makes "A Criminal Mind" stand out is its distinctive theme that explores an anti-hero's point of view, which is quite unusual in pop music. It provides an introspective into the psyche of a person following a path of crime, making it a unique narrative in Gowan's music catalog.
Vocals
The song showcases Gowan's wide vocal range and ability to express emotion through his singing. His theatrical style of performing adds drama to the narrative of the song.

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