Rowche Rumble

The Fall

About Rowche Rumble

"Rowche Rumble" is a 1979 song by British post-punk band the Fall, written by Mark E. Smith, Craig Scanlon and Marc Riley. Released as the band's third single, it was the first record by the Fall to reach a recognised national chart when it reached number 31 on the indie chart in January 1980, the first month of that chart's existence. The song was recorded at Cargo Studios in Rochdale in June 1979 by the band, at that time comprising Smith (vocals), Scanlon (guitar), Riley (guitar), Steve Hanley (bass), Yvonne Pawlett (keyboards), and Mike Leigh (drums). It was produced by Oz McCormick and the band. Its lyrics reputedly reference an incident when Smith worked as a shipping clerk dealing with the Roche pharmaceutical company, and as a result of a clerical error acquired a supply of barbiturates which he attempted to hide around Manchester. The record received positive reviews, with Ned Raggett at Allmusic describing it as "both a highlight of the young band's career and a clear signpost toward much it would do in the future". It was placed at number 21 among the year's top tracks by the NME, and number 40 in John Peel's "Festive Fifty" in 1979. 


Year:
2001
4:02
68 

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Rowche Rumble*
Rowche Rumble
It's valium
Valium
Valium
Roche Rumble
That's rumble
For thousands of wives around the world
Are given out by doctors, to feed their little girls
The doctors need prescriptions
The wives need their pills
So Rowche Rumble
Menopause wives are hard to handle
No culture or love, no gamble
The dope addicts are especially smashed
On Rowche Rumble
Rowche Rumble
Physician, heal thyself
Our government's built an expense account
Once in, never out
A step to Rowche
A force feeding
What are the people around you taking?
Rowche Rumble
Now I've tried crazy things
Abusing my body to a great end
But I'll never never never never do it again
I said I'll never never never never do it again
Rowche Rumble
Physician, heal thyself.
Musician, heal thyself.
Hey mister, heal thyself.
And loads of people across the land
Who do a prescribed death dance
While condemning speed and grass
They got an addiction like a hole in the ass
Rowche Rumble
Rowche Rumble
I send 70 pounds instead of 70 p to
Pharmaceutical company Rowche AG
The lorry arrived the next day
Swiss gnomes dealing out potions
Lend a hand
What is the fear for?
Whose do you think your body is?
Rowche Rumble
It's valium
That's rumble
[ Play on the name of the giant Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche. ]

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The Fall

The Fall are an English post-punk band, formed in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, in 1976. With an ever-changing line up, the group essentially consists of its founder and only constant member, Mark E. Smith, who has said "If it's me and your granny on bongos, then it's [the] Fall". First associated with the late 1970s punk movement, the band's music has evolved through numerous stylistic changes, often concurrently with changes in the group's membership. The Fall's music is characterised by repetition, an abrasive guitar-driven sound, and is always underpinned by Smith's often cryptic lyrics, described by critic Steve Huey as "abstract poetry filled with complicated wordplay, bone-dry wit, cutting social observations, and general misanthropy." more »

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Written by: MARK RILEY, CRAIG ANTHONY SCANLAN, MARK EDWARD SMITH

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Band Origin
"Rowche Rumble" is a song by a band named "The Fall" which originated in 1976, in Prestwich, Greater Manchester, England.
Band Members
Key band members who played in the song include Mark E. Smith, Marc Riley, Craig Scanlon, Steve Hanley, and Mike Leigh.
Album Release
"Rowche Rumble" was released as a 7" single in 1979 making it one of the early tracks in the band's discography.
Lyric Inspiration
The lyrics of "Rowche Rumble" were inspired by Mark E. Smith's experience of drug addiction, specifically regarding the sedative Roche Valium.
Musical Style
The song is a mixture of punk rock and post-punk, a unique blend that The Fall was known for.
Chart Success
"Rowche Rumble" did fairly well on the UK Independent Singles chart, where it peaked at No. 31.
Critical Reception
The song is seen as a significant entry in the band's catalogue, with many critics praising Mark E. Smith's distinctive vocal style and incisive social commentary.
Studio Recording
"Rowche Rumble" was recorded in Cargo Studios and Strawberry Studios in Manchester.
Producer
The song was produced by The Fall along with their frequent collaborator Grant Showbiz.
Song Length
The official length of "Rowche Rumble" is 4 minutes and 2 seconds.
B-Sides
The song was backed with two b-sides, "In My Area" and "Fiery Jack," upon its initial release.
Performances
Despite the critical acclaim, "Rowche Rumble" was not performed live by the band frequently.
Relevance
The song is often referred to as one of the early instances of Mark E. Smith's critical outlook on societal issues through his music.

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