Deeper Water

Album: This is PiL (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • John Lydon sings here about going into the creative unknown. He explained to Mojo magazine: "I drive boats with my wife, Nora. One thing I know: if you're in a storm at sea, go out and to the deeper water, it's easier to ride out. So there's Johnny Rotten, going ever deeper and deeper in the wonderful world of music."

    "The song came out of a little pattern that (guitarist) Lu Edmonds had, and a heap of conversations we'd had on tour, like Lu's family have got admirals in its history," he continued. "When he was very young, his family bought a yacht and took them around the world! From that, I literally wrote on the spot, went straight into record in a flurry live format, in front of a load of British journalists, who'd come to check out PiL in the studio!"

    "So, it's a song all of us feel very deeply emotionally about, about smiling in the face of adversity," Lydon concluded. "Face the storm. I will not drown. Anything is possible. The more you pile the pressure on, actually, the better the work. And the more inside yourself you go, and the more outwardly you can project."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.