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This is probably an old question but I am new to this. Do the lyrics of Subculture go "One of these days when you sit by yourself, You'll realise you can't shaft without someone else" or "One of these days when you sit by yourself, You'll realise you can't show off without someone else"?
If it is the former of the 2.....why the need to be crude?
Joe wrote:
If it is the former of the 2.....why the need to be crude?
Well he's not lying. You do need someone.
When I was young and innocent I always thought it was 'shop' 
Now I'm old and wise to the ways of the world, I'm pretty sure it's 'shaft'...
Snorri xxx
or maybe Barney is getting near the age when he won't be able to "shift" without someone else? :D
Johnny wrote: or maybe Barney is getting near the age when he won't be able to "shift" without someone else? :D
He can always hit Caps Lock instead, hee hee
Joe wrote:
If it is the former of the 2.....why the need to be crude?
If you think that's crude listen to the live versions!
Subculture - always good sung Charles Aznavour style.
I thought it was shop, lol. 
I was like...erm, Barney, you can go to Tescos on your own, you know. Anyway, I'm more perplexed by the: "I like walking in the park when it gets late at night" part. er....:(
Nicky wrote: Anyway, I'm more perplexed by the: "I like walking in the park when it gets late at night" part. er....:(
Maybe he's a mugger.
Slippy wrote: A view without a room or a room without a view?
DEPENDS ON THE VERSION. I THINK THIS SONG IS A CLASSIC. I LOVE THE DARK SYNTH RIFF AND THE LYRICS ARE GREAT.
Slippy wrote: A view without a room or a room without a view?
I've always loved the Low-Life version in which he sings "a view without a room." My interpetation of this is that one can see fully see everything happening on the external aspect of things, only there's no personal place for internal comfort.
Vice versa, however, it's just line of cliche poetry.
A couple of lyric websites have it down as 'shop', probably going for the less filthy option.
I think the remixed version that was released as a single had some serious overdubs and backing vocals to make it sound more ambiguous than the Lowlife original.
You only have to watch the live recording on Pumped Full of Drugs to realise its definitely 'shaft':sex:
In an interview in the 80's Steve said Sub culture was Gillian's mum's favourite track, and that she must not have heard the rude bit....so that pretty much ties it down then.
Snorrimon wrote: When I was young and innocent I always thought it was 'shop'
Snorri xxx
Fuck that's exactly what I thought it said! I thought it was a sweet song about how you go through life doing trivial everyday things but it's more fun in two.
Daaaamn right.