Bad Reputation

Album: Last Days of the Century (1988)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written about the same time as the Lynott/Downey/Gorham composition of the same name, any similarity does not transcend the coincidental title. Running to 4 minutes 54 seconds, Al co-wrote "Bad Reputation" with regular collaborator Peter White. The first track on side 2 of the vinyl release of Last Days Of The Century, it features some tasteful lead guitar.
  • The big question though is who is the song about? At that time, Al was still chasing the ghost of his first true love, Mandi, who features in a number of his early songs until she was exorcised by the 1988 release "Where Are They Now?" Clearly this song is not about her, but about an unnamed unrequited obsession, though for those who know him personally there is perhaps a clue in the line "You only want the things that you can't have." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Libby from Louisville KyIs this about the 'Antartica' woman?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.