Design For Life
Manic Street Preachers
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Libraries gave us power Then work came and made us free What price now for a shallow piece of dignity I wish I had a bottle Right here in my dirty face to wear the scars To show from where I came We don't talk about love we only want to get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for life I wish I had a bottle Right here in my pretty face to wear the scars To show from where I came We don't talk about love we only want to get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for life We don't talk about love we only want to get drunk And we are not allowed to spend As we are told that this is the end A design for life A design for life A design for life A design for
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2 fans
Written by: James Bradfield, Sean Moore, Jones Nicholas
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Details"A Design for Life" was the first single released from the Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers' fourth studio album, "Everything Must Go," in 1996.
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Chart PerformanceThe track peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the band's most successful singles.
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Song MeaningThe song touches on class struggle and Welsh identity, reflecting the working-class background of the band members.
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Critical AcclaimIt received massive acclaim from critics and is considered one of the band's defining songs, viewed as a triumphant comeback after the disappearance of guitarist Richey Edwards.
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InfluencesThe song’s lyrical content was inspired by the band's hometown Blackwood, in South Wales, marked by mining community lifestyle.
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Platinum Status"A Design for Life" was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in 2018, demonstrating its enduring popularity.
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Musical StyleThe song signaled a departure from the Manic Street Preachers' earlier punk-influenced sound, moving toward a more melodic and anthemic style.
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Major RecognitionIt was named Best British Single in 1997 at the BRIT Awards.
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Cover ArtistThe single's cover features a black-and-white photograph by Dutch photographer Rineke Dijkstra. It shows a man wearing a 'Never Mind the Bollocks' t-shirt, a reference to punk band Sex Pistols, whose influence had been paramount on Manic Street Preachers.
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Band's TributeIn live performances, the band dedicating "A Design for Life" to Richey Edwards, who was missing since 1995 and was officially presumed dead in 2008, is quite common.
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Key LyricsThe song’s first line "Libraries gave us power," is believed to be taken from the inscription over the door of the former Pill library in Newport, Wales. It signifies the band's advocacy for the empowerment of the working class through self-education.
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Notable PerformancesOne of the most memorable performances of the song was at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympics, broadcasted worldwide.
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Citation
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"Design For Life Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26650785/Manic+Street+Preachers/Design+For+Life>.
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