A Criminal Mind
Gowan
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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 All I've ever known They tried to reform me But I'm made of cold stone My criminal mind is all I've 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 A criminal mind is all I've All I've ever known Don't try to reform me Cause I'm made of cold stone My criminal mind is all I All I've ever had Ask one who's known me If I'm really so bad... I AM Oh I AM Oh I AM I'm made of cold stone Made of cold stone Just like these prison walls A criminal mind Oh Made of cold stone I'm made of cold stone Just like your prison walls I'm made of cold stone A criminal mind I am A criminal mind
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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.
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CompositionThe 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.
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Music VideoGowan'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.
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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.
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Re-releasesOver 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.
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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.
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Critical ReceptionThe 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.
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Unique ThemeWhat 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.
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VocalsThe 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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Citation
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"A Criminal Mind Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19603971/Gowan/A+Criminal+Mind>.
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