Pretty Vacant

The Sex Pistols

About Pretty Vacant

"Pretty Vacant" is a song by the English punk rock band the Sex Pistols. It was released on 1 July 1977 as the band's third single and was later featured on their only album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, released during that same year. The song reached No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart and marked the band's first appearance on the British chart music TV programme Top of the Pops. The song gained attention for vocalist John Lydon's phrasing of the word "vacant", emphasising the last syllable to sound like the vulgar word cunt. According to bassist Glen Matlock, the song's main riff was inspired by hearing "S. O. S." by ABBA. The B-side of the single was a cover of the Stooges' "No Fun", which the band played on the spot without a proper rehearsal. It was taken from demo sessions recorded by producer Dave Goodman. The band made a video for "Pretty Vacant" (as well as one for "God Save the Queen") on 11 and 12 July 1977 at the studios of ITN in Wells Street, London. They were thrown out after throwing cans of lager at the cameramen on the 11th, but came back on the 12th to finish the recording. 


Year:
2004
2:58
20 
#2

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There's no point in asking
You'll get no reply
Oh just remember a don't decide
I got no reason it's all too much
You'll always find us
Out to lunch

Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
We're vacant
Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
A-vacant

Don't ask us to attend
Cause we're not all there
Oh don't pretend 'cause I don't care
I don't believe illusions 'cause too much is real
So stop your cheap comment
Cause we know what we feel

Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
We're vacant
Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
A-vacant

Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
Ah but now
And we don't care

There's no point
Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
We're vacant

Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
A-vacant

Oh we're so pretty
Oh so pretty
Ah but now
And we don't care

We're pretty a-pretty vacant
We don't care

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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: Glen Matlock, Paul Spencer Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Data
"Pretty Vacant" is among the most popular songs by the seminal British punk rock band, the Sex Pistols. Comprised of Johnny Rotten, Sid Vicious, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook, the band was known for their rapidly fast, loud music, defiant attitude and aggressive lyrical content.
Song Release
The song was released on 2 July 1977 as the band's third single. It was released through Virgin Records in the United Kingdom and Warner Bros. Records in the United States.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Pretty Vacant" became a sensation and it peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1977. This represented the Sex Pistols' breakthrough into the UK mainstream.
Album Inclusion
"Pretty Vacant" was also included in the band's only studio album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols", which was released in October 1977.
Lyrics and Interpretation
The song's lyrics showcase the band's disdain for the status quo and conformity, a staple of punk rock music. The title phrase "pretty vacant" was a ploy where listeners could mishear it as "pretty, vacant" and "pretty, aren't they?"
Songwriting and Composition
The song, like many other tracks by the Sex Pistols, was credited to all four members, regardless of who made the most significant contributions. It is recognized for its distinctive four-note riff.
Cultural Impact
"Pretty Vacant" is considered a classic punk rock anthem and it is often cited as one of the genre's defining songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and bands, and it has been featured in various films and television series.
Controversies
Being direct with their critique at society, the Sex Pistols, including "Pretty Vacant", faced several controversies including obscenity, performance bans from certain venues and cities, and even arrestings.
Music Video
The music video for "Pretty Vacant" was largely filmed at a live concert at the Happy House, a youth club in Orpington, Kent, supplemented with cutaways to the band in a car.
Legacy
In 2007, on the 30th anniversary of its original release, the song was re-released and reached number 2 on the UK Rock Chart. Even after decades, it remains popular and continues to receive substantial radio airplay.

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