Bela Lugosi's Dead
Bauhaus
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White on white translucent black capes Back on the rack Bela Lugosi's dead The bats have left the bell tower The victims have been bled Red velvet lines the black box Bela Lugosi's dead Undead undead undead The virginal brides file past his tomb Strewn with time's dead flowers Bereft in deathly bloom Alone in a darkened room The count Bela Logosi's dead Undead undead undead
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Written by: Daniel Gaston Ash, Kevin Michael Dompe, David John Haskins, Peter John Murphy
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Origins of the Song"Bela Lugosi's Dead" is an iconic song by English rock band Bauhaus. A big part of its fame is due to it being typically recognized as the first gothic rock release.
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Recorded on DebutThe song was recorded live in the studio on the very first take during a recording session in 1979.
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Song TitleThe song's title refers to Bela Lugosi, famed Hungarian actor best known for his potrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film.
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Song Duration"Bela Lugosi's Dead" clocks in at over nine minutes, which is somewhat unusual for a rock song. Its long, atmospheric introduction, amounting to nearly three minutes before the lyrics commence, was unconventional and contributed to its unique place in punk rock.
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Record FormatUpon initial release, it was available only in 12-inch vinyl format, which was unusual at the time. The format added to its unconventional appeal.
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Film FeatureThe song was used in the opening scenes of the 1983 horror movie "The Hunger", sealing its position as a defining anthem of the goth movement.
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Iconic InfluenceThe song never charted but went on to become highly influential, often being cited as the birth of gothic rock, influencing countless bands and artists in the genre.
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Music StyleThe song differs significantly from traditional rock or punk music as it is stark, simple, and bare, with darkly atmospheric sound, haunting bassline and jagged, angular guitar.
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Cover VersionsBauhaus' iconic track has been covered scores of times by artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Massive Attack and Nouvelle Vague, indicating the song's lasting impact.
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Tour HighlightDespite its length and unconventional structure, "Bela Lugosi's Dead" often closed Bauhaus' live shows, demonstrating the band's commitment to their art over conventionality.
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Live Performance RarityAfter Bauhaus dissolved, its individual members rarely performed the song live. Frontman Peter Murphy began including it in some of his performances after about 2005.
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Song LyricsLugosi is never mentioned by name in the song, but referred to indirectly with lyrics like "undead, undead, undead". This ambiguity adds to the chilling appeal of the song.
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Band SuccessThe song didn't bring immediate success to the band, but it became a fan favorite and its popularity grew over time, helping to solidify Bauhaus' influence in gothic rock genre.
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Citation
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"Bela Lugosi's Dead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2061227/Bauhaus/Bela+Lugosi%27s+Dead>.
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