This has to be the most fun song I’ve ever heard about drug addiction.
Hateful was one of the most memorable songs from London Calling, likely because of it’s upbeat, Bo Diddly style rhythm, the call and response style vocals, and the very singable chorus. The lyrics are obviously about a man who is addicted to heroin (most likely), and his single minded pursuit of his next fix, loathing himself the whole time.
Here’s a link to a tribute video
And of course, the lyrics:
Well, I got a friend who’s a man (who’s a man)
What man?
The man who keeps me from the lonely, the only
He gives me what I need
What you need? What you got?
I need it all oh so badly
Oh, anything I want he gives it to me
Anything I want he gives it, but not for free
Hateful
And it’s paid for and I’m so grateful to be nowhere
This year I’ve lost some friends
Some friends? What friends?
I dunno, I ain’t even noticed
You see, I gotta go out again
Again? My friend
I gotta see that main man
Oh, anything I want he gives it to me
Anything I want he gives it, but not for free
Hateful
And it’s paid for and I’m so grateful to be nowhere
You know – ooh
Yeah
Ooh
Yeeeeeeah… Oh, anything I want he gives it to me
Anything I want he gives it, but not for free
Hateful
Yep, and it’s paid for and I’m so grateful to be nowhere
I killed all my nerves
My nerves? What swerves?
And I can’t drive so steady, an already
I’ve lost my memory
My mind? Behind!
I can’t see so clearly
Oh, anything I want he gives it to me
Anything I want he gives it, but not for free
hateful
(Anything I want) he gives it to me
(Anything I want) me
(Anything I want) but not for free
(Anything I want) to me
Anything I want
