If You Love Someone Set Them On Fire - The Dead Milkmen
"If You Love Someone Set Them On Fire" is a song by the alternative rock band The Dead Milkmen. The track, released in 1987 on their album "Bucky Fellini," features a darkly humorous and satirical take on relationships and love. The song's theme revolves around the idea of letting go of someone you love by literally setting them on fire. The lyrics are filled with absurd and surreal imagery, reflecting the band's signature quirky and offbeat style. The catchy chorus, "If you love someone, set them on fire," is repeated throughout the song, adding to its darkly comedic tone. Musically, the track is driven by a fast-paced punk rock rhythm with jangly guitar riffs and energetic vocals. The Dead Milkmen's unique blend of punk, post-punk, and new wave influences is evident in the song's composition, making it stand out in their discography. Despite its controversial title and lyrics, "If You Love Someone Set Them On Fire" became a fan favorite and a staple of The Dead Milkmen's live performances. The song's irreverent humor and catchy melody have made it a cult classic among fans of alternative rock and punk music.
The Dead Milkmen
The Dead Milkmen are an American punk rock band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1983. The band originally consisted of vocalist and keyboardist Rodney Linderman (also known as Rodney Anonymous), guitarist and vocalist Joe Genaro (also known as Joe Jack Talcum), bassist Dave Schulthise (also known as Dave Blood), and drummer Dean Sabatino. They are known for their irreverent and satirical lyrics, as well as their high-energy live performances. The Dead Milkmen quickly gained a following in the underground punk scene with their debut album, "Big Lizard in My Backyard," released in 1985. The album featured the hit single "Bitchin' Camaro," which became a college radio staple. The band continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Eat Your Paisley" (1986), "Beelzebubba" (1988), and "Metaphysical Graffiti" (1990). The Dead Milkmen's music is characterized by its humorous and often politically charged lyrics, which touch on topics such as consumerism, suburban life, and social issues. Their unique blend of punk rock, surf rock, and psychedelic influences set them apart from other bands of the era. The Dead Milkmen achieved commercial success with their single "Punk Rock Girl" from the album "Beelzebubba," which received heavy rotation on MTV and radio stations across the country. The song remains one of the band's most popular tracks and is considered a punk rock classic. Throughout their career, The Dead Milkmen have maintained a loyal fan base and continued to tour and record new music. Their influence on the punk rock and alternative music scenes is undeniable, as they paved the way for other bands with their DIY ethos and unapologetically quirky style. In conclusion, The Dead Milkmen are a seminal punk rock band whose irreverent lyrics, infectious melodies, and spirited performances have left a lasting impact on the music world. Their legacy as pioneers of the punk rock genre and champions of artistic freedom continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.