E.M.I.

The Sex Pistols

About E.M.I.

"E. M. I." is a song on the Sex Pistols 1977 debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. It was written after the group's contract with record label EMI had been terminated on 6 January 1977 after only three months, following the publicity storm caused by their appearance on the Today programme in December 1976. The song mocks the label for wanting to cash in on the growing punk phenomenon and sign the band, only to drop them when the group's antics damaged the label's reputation. The song was first recorded the same month at Gooseberry Studios, in Glen Matlock's last recording session with the band before he was fired, but the version that appears on the album was a re-recording made two months later at Wessex Studios. It was first played live at Notre Dame Hall, London, on 21 March 1977. Paste called the song "the group's middle finger salute aimed at the record industry and label that fired them out of fear of their lyric content". The Sex Pistols' lead singer Johnny Rotten described "E. M. I." as "one of my faves" in his 1994 autobiography Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs and in 2017 he told Rolling Stone, "EMI wanted to sign us to show what a grand, varied label they were, but they really were not. This song was fun to write. It was actually mostly done in the studio because the groove was there, and it was relentless." The Independent has described the song as ranking "alongside Graham Parker's "Mercury Poisoning" as the most gleeful rant at a record company ever recorded." 


Year:
1979
160 
#2

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There's unlimited supply
And there is no reason why
I tell you it was all a frame
They only did it 'cause of fame
Who?

E.M.I. E.M.I. E.M.I.

Too many people had the suss
Too many people support us
An unlimited amount
Too many outlets in and out
Who?

E.M.I. E.M.I. E.M.I.

And sir and friends are crucified
A day they wished that we had died
We are an addition we are ruled by none
Never ever never

And you thought that we were faking
That we were all just money making
You do not believe we're for real
Or you would lose your cheap appeal?

Don't judge a book just by the cover
Unless you cover just another
And blind acceptance is a sign
A stupid fools who stand in line
Like

E.M.I. E.M.I. E.M.I.

Unlimited edition
With an unlimited supply
That was the only reason
We all had to say goodbye

Unlimited supply E.M.I
There is no reason why E.M.I. 
I tell you it was all a frame E.M.I.
They only did it 'cause of fame E.M.I.
I do not need the pressure E.M.I.
I can't stand the useless fools E.M.I.
Unlimited supply E.M.I.
Hallo E.M.I., goodbye A & M

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The Sex Pistols

The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in London in 1975. Although their initial career lasted just two and a half years, they were one of the most culturally influential acts in popular music. The band initiated the punk movement in the United Kingdom and inspired many later punk, post-punk and alternative rock musicians, while their clothing and hairstyles were a significant influence on the early punk image. The Sex Pistols' first line-up consisted of vocalist Johnny Rotten (born John Lydon), guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock, with Matlock replaced by Sid Vicious (born John Simon Ritchie) in early 1977. Under the management of Malcolm McLaren, they generated widespread media controversies bringing them to the… more »

3 fans

Written by: PAUL THOMAS COOK, STEPHEN PHILIP JONES, JOHN LYDON, GLEN MATLOCK

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"E.M.I." is a song by English punk rock band 'The Sex Pistols'. It was featured on the band's only studio album, 'Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols', which was released in 1977.
Authorship
The song was written by all four members of the band - John Lydon, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, and Steve Jones.
Inspiration
The song was inspired as a direct rebellion against EMI, a multinational record label, that dropped the band U.K. after releasing only one single due to its controversial nature.
Controversy
It served as a public criticism of the music industry's censorship and control over artists, as Sex Pistols felt mistreated and exploited by the record label.
Lyrics
The lyrics contain the refrain "EMI, your future dream is a shopping scheme", signifying their dissatisfaction and frustration with EMI.
Impact
The song gained popularity due to the controversy involved. It further solidified The Sex Pistols' image as rebels and non-conformists.
Live Performances
Despite the controversy, the band continued to perform the song live in concerts and included it in several compilations and live albums.
Cultural Influence
The song and the story behind it is often cited in discussions about artistic freedom, censorship, and the functioning of the music industry.
Cover Versions
Several artists have done covers and paid tributes to the song, underlining its impact on the punk genre.
Signature Sex Pistols Style
"E.M.I." is considered a prime representation of the Sex Pistols' raw, aggressive musical style and their bold, outspoken approach to societal issues.

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