When You Wasn't Famous

The Streets

About When You Wasn't Famous

"When You Wasn't Famous" was the first single from The Streets' third studio album The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living. Released on 30 March 2006, it went straight to number 8 in the UK and number 26 in Ireland. The song's chorus is about how Mike Skinner finds it easier to have sexual relations with non-famous women now that he's famous, but how things are just like they used to be when attempts to sleep with a similarly famous woman. The song's verses recount Skinner's unsuccessful attempt to seduce a female pop star. The lyrics are purportedly autobiographical, but Skinner has never confirmed the identity of the pop star (who at one point is described "smok[ing] crack") in question. He has, however, categorically denied rumours that it is Cheryl Cole or Rachel Stevens. The song contains the lyric "Considering the amount of prang you've done, you looked amazing on CD:UK" and a reference to MTV's children's appeal. The reference to the television show CD:UK in the song is quite notable because the show was axed just two days after "When You Wasn't Famous"' was released. 


Year:
2006
3:20
112 
#2

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Ahhh see right see the thing that's got it all fucked up now is camera-phones
How the hell am I supposed to be able to do a line in front of complete strangers, when I know They've all got cameras?

When you're a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls,
It's all so easy you get a bit spoiled.
So, when you try to pull a girl, who is also famous too,
It feels just like when you wasn't famous.

The celebrity pages in papers don't tell tales that are always to the line of the truth.
It's 'til a line at which most likely you'll have the time, or enough finance to sue.
Which is why it's so frightening buying papers in the morning fearing the next Mike Skinner scoop.
'Cause I used to believe what I read, so now I know that others will believe that it's true.

But I realized, with you the truth could be, a whole lot worse than the flack.
My whole life I never thought I'd see, a pop star smoke crack.
And I must admit I was quite shocked, with that thing you did with me on my back.
But, outside in the lobby, I shouldn't have laughed when you slapped that man.

When you're a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls,
It's all so easy you get a bit spoilt.
So, when you try to pull a girl, who is also famous too,
It feels just like when you wasn't famous.

You were so much fun, I really got to like you more than you liked me,
I really hoped that you'd stay.
Considering the amount of prang you'd done, you looked amazing on cd:uk.
You learn dances, do promo, cameras flashing, get in the van, zoom away (reeeoow).
I wake up high, diss my beat feel hung over and sorry for my doomed day.

But I know I got a bit close to you, and that you found it fucking boring.
You taught me so much about how to deal with the how far I'd fallin' in.
And what version of a rumor would next day be everyone's story of me.
You taught me all the realities and turn the page and ignore 'em.

When you're a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls,
It's all so easy you get a bit spoiled.
So, when you try to pull a girl, who is also famous too,
It feels just like when you wasn't famous.

Anyway, I had to rest my beer hat, delete my dealer's number and unroll my bank notes.
And we were on borrowed time anyway, what with the daily toilet papers not knowin'.
And I knew that when the people who thought they knew you, when they found out, 
I would've been mocked.
Which is ironic, 'cause in reality, standing next to you I look fucking soft.

Whenever I see you on MTV, I can't stop my big wide smile.
And past the 'children's appeal', I see the darkness behind.
We both know the scratches on my back, much better than the alludes and lies.
I miss the bitchin' and shoutin', but I'm glad I got out in time.

When you're a famous boy, it gets really easy to get girls,
It's all so easy you get a bit spoilt.
So, when you try to pull a girl, who is also famous too,
It feels just like when you wasn't famous.

You can't keep fucking pop stars, we've got a fucking business to run. There are industry repercussions, Michael!

I know.

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The Streets

The Streets were an English hip hop and UK Garage project from Birmingham, England, led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner and has included several other contributors, most notably drummer Johnny Drum Machine, vocalist Kevin Mark Trail and the Italian-American beatmaker Leroy. more »

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Written by: MICHAEL GEOFFREY SKINNER

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Release
"When You Wasn't Famous" was released in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2006 as a single by The Streets (Mike Skinner).
Album Information
The song is the first track on The Streets' third studio album, "The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living," which was released in April 2006.
Chart Success
Upon its release, "When You Wasn't Famous" reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart, making it one of the artist's top-ten hits.
Song Subject
The song is known for its somewhat controversial lyrics, where Skinner details a romantic relationship with a celebrity. The identity of the mystery celebrity has been a point of speculation, although Skinner has never revealed it.
Unique Composition
Unlike other songs by The Streets, this track does not have any samples but is rather built around a synthetic orchestral riff.
Critical Response
The single received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised it for its audacity and humor, while others criticized it as too self-indulgent.
Music Video
The music video for "When You Wasn't Famous" features Mike Skinner in various compromising positions with different women, in line with the song's lyrics.
Continued Success
Despite the mixed reviews, the song solidified The Streets' place in the UK music scene and helped Skinner's third album reach the top spot on the UK Albums Chart.
Live Performances
"When You Wasn't Famous" have been performed live by The Streets on several occasions, including notable performances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Lyric Controversy
Although the song's lyrics were kept vague, Skinner did confirm that they were based on his own experiences with fame and relationships, leading to speculative media attention on who the song might be about.

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