Billy Idol

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The bitter taste
On my tongue
The many holes
The damage done
It's bittersweet
Black on gold
And talk is cheap
Or so I'm told

[Pre-Chorus]
I'm gonna ride this bike to the edge of town
Roll to the bridge with my eyes shut and spit at the stars
And scream in the dark
There's nothing I can do to change it now
But if I cut myself open, baby
You can read all my scars
Read all my scars

[Chorus]
Hello, goodbye
There's a million ways to die
Should've left me way back
Should've left me way back by the roadsidе
Hello, goodbye
I was staring in the dеvil's eyes (Staring in the devil's eyes)
Should've left me way back
Should've left me way back by the roadside
It's a bitter taste
[Verse 2]
Jagged stain
On my skin
Broken leg
Born again
Wide glide
Upside down
Twisted frame
My new crown

[Pre-Chorus]
I'm gonna ride this bike till the break of day
Rollin' through the garden like the fountain won't take it away
I'm not gonna change
I'm gonna live so hard, these broken wings
Will lift me to the sun so I can burn up in the flames
Again and again

[Chorus]
Hello, goodbye
There's a million ways to die
Should've left me way back
Should've left me way back by the roadside
Hello, goodbye
I was staring in the devil's eyes (Staring in the devil's eyes)
Should've left me way back
Should've left me way back by the roadside
[Bridge]
It's a bitter taste (Whoa oh, whoa oh)
It's a jagged stain (Whoa oh, whoa oh)
It's a bitter taste, whoa oh, whoa oh
It's a jagged stain, whoa oh, whoa oh

[Outro]
Hello, goodbye
There's a million ways to die
Should've left me way back
Should've left me way back by the roadside
It's a bitter taste

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to nearly lose everything you’ve worked for because of one momentary mistake? Billy Idol had to learn this lesson the hard way when he was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident that almost cost him his leg. This life-altering experience inspired him to write "Bitter Taste," arguably one of his most introspective and heartfelt songs to date.

About Bitter Taste

Released in 2021, "Bitter Taste" serves as a reflection of Billy Idol's 1990 motorcycle accident that left a deep mark on him, both physically and emotionally. The song delves into the aftermath of this life-altering experience and how it impacted him. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had never written a song about this event because he needed time to let things marinate and that the accident is something he has been reflecting on for 30 years.

The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has been through a lot and is now trying to come to terms with everything he has lost. He sings about the bitter taste left in his mouth after his life was turned upside down in an instant. "Bitter Taste" is a song that speaks to anyone who has ever been through a traumatic or life-altering experience and had to pick up the pieces and move on.

This track has all the signature Billy Idol elements: infectious guitar riffs, upbeat rhythms, and that unmistakable voice that makes his music instantly recognizable. A standout feature of the song is its catchy chorus, which is sure to get stuck in your head for days on end.

Despite its upbeat nature, one cannot help but feel the emotional weight of the song's lyrics. It's clear that Billy Idol poured his heart and soul into the track, and the result is a poignant and deeply personal piece of music.

In addition to its personal significance to Billy Idol, "Bitter Taste" also serves as a reminder of how life can change in an instant. It's a song that encourages us to appreciate each moment we have and to hold onto the things that matter most in our lives.

Final thoughts

Billy Idol's "Bitter Taste" is a song that speaks to the heart and soul, capturing the essence of what it means to be human. It's a reminder that life can be fragile and that even the strongest among us can falter. With its catchy chorus, infectious guitar riffs, and deeply personal lyrics, "Bitter Taste" is a track that is sure to stand the test of time. It's a beautiful tribute to Billy Idol's resilience and a message of hope for anyone who has gone through tough times.

• Release Date: August 11, 2021
• Artist: Billy Idol