Maidenhead

Album: Under Color of Official Right (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Maidenhead is a town that lies just south of the River Thames, 25 miles from London. Its riverside location has drawn many celebrities to live there. So why did Detroit punk band Protomartyr record a song about the English place?

    Vocalist Joe Casey told NME the track was inspired by writer Patrick Hamilton's book Hangover Square about a London-based drunk who wishes he could live in Maidenhead but after finally getting there he finds it to be as depressing as everywhere else he's ever been. He explained: "I like the way he describes the periods of dead moods this guy has, and I kind of latched onto that in a good way. I think in Detroit a lot of people think, 'If I didn't live in Detroit my whole life would be so much better', and after traveling around a little bit I can see that no matter where I am I'm still the same guy – so there's no Maidenhead out there for me."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

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.

Gary Numan

Gary NumanSongwriter Interviews

An Electronic music pioneer with Asperger's Syndrome. This could be interesting.