Soft Cell

Lyrics

2 ContributorsI Am 16 LyricsI met Johnny down the disco the other night. He said "Hey baby, you look pretty cool. Are you dancing?" I said "Are you asking?" He said "Yeah but first look into my big brown eyes and tell me the story of your life" I said "Baby you'd never believe my life."

I am 16 going on 17
I've been in with it twice
Mommy is a drunk
And daddy is a punk
And sister is cold as ice

Incest is a common factor
I am my brother's son
Grandma is a junkie
Grandad is a monkey
Beastiality is fun

Mommy and daddy never got married
Do you know what that makes me?

I have 10 brothers
Soon there'll be others
Daddy has just fucked mommy

I am 16
Going on 17

I know you'd never believe it
You might also likeDaddy has just fucked mommy
Sister is cold as ice
I'm as cold as ice
I'm as cold as ice
Cold cold cold cold
I'm as cold as ice
At the disco
At the disco
Hey Johnny
Ooh baby, Ooh baby
Love to love you
Ooh baby, Oh baby, Oh baby
Oh Johnny, oh Johnny, I'm not cold anymore
Johnny, Johnny
Love to love you
Love to love you
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I feel love
I'm only 16
Oh yeah baby I'm only 16
You Just look at this complexion baby and you'd never believe it, but I'm just 16 and I've had a hard life Johnny, JohnnyEmbed

Hey there music lovers! Today, I want to introduce you to a song that not only caught my attention but left me in awe. It's called "I Am 16" by the incredible Soft Cell. This intriguing track delves into the troubled life of a 16-year-old boy, recounting his tumultuous experiences and revealing shocking secrets. As a music expert with over 20 years of experience, I can confidently say that "I Am 16" is a song that will leave you captivated and craving for more.

About I Am 16

At its core, "I Am 16" is a dark and thought-provoking piece that showcases the raw talent and creativity of Soft Cell. The song revolves around a troubled 16-year-old boy who seeks solace in sharing his life story with a character named "Johnny." Through his lyrics, the protagonist reveals various distressing aspects of his life, from being arrested twice to being a product of incest.

Soft Cell expertly weaves a narrative that pushes boundaries and tackles uncomfortable themes, such as the protagonist's fanatical interest in bestiality. It is important to approach this song with an open mind and understand that it serves as a harrowing portrayal of the protagonist's troubled inner world, rather than an endorsement or glorification of the topics discussed.

One aspect that makes "I Am 16" even more intriguing is its connection to Marc Almond's performance pieces. Soft Cell created this song specifically as a soundtrack to one of Almond's performances, further enhancing the overall experience and giving it an immersive quality. This collaboration between the band and Almond adds an extra layer of depth to the song, making it an engaging and multi-dimensional piece of art.

When it comes to the musical arrangement of "I Am 16," Soft Cell ensures that the instrumentation perfectly complements the dark and intense lyrics. The haunting melodies and brooding synth-pop elements create an atmospheric backdrop that immerses listeners into the gritty world of the protagonist. Each chord progression, drumbeat, and synth line is meticulously crafted to evoke the emotions and turmoil that the 16-year-old boy experiences.

Soft Cell's lead vocalist, Marc Almond, delivers a captivating vocal performance on "I Am 16." His voice resonates with emotion, capturing the pain, confusion, and rebellion that the protagonist embodies. Almond's expressive delivery adds another layer of authenticity to the narrative and increases the impact of the lyrics.

"I Am 16" not only pushes boundaries thematically, but it also showcases Soft Cell's ability to create music with complex and intriguing storytelling. The band's willingness to explore taboo subjects and address them head-on is a testament to their artistic vision and fearlessness.

In terms of reception, "I Am 16" has sparked both controversy and intrigue. It is a song that elicits strong reactions from listeners due to its provocative subject matter. Soft Cell's fearlessness in tackling such themes is commendable, as it challenges societal norms and opens up conversations that are often shied away from.

In closing, "I Am 16" is a song that demands attention. Soft Cell's ability to create a dark and gripping narrative, coupled with their impeccable musical talent, makes this track a standout in their discography. Whether you are a fan of synth-pop or appreciate songs that push boundaries and explore the depths of human experience, "I Am 16" is a must-listen. Brace yourself for an intense and thought-provoking journey into the troubled world of a 16-year-old boy.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your headphones, turn up the volume, and prepare to be captivated by the haunting melodies and powerful storytelling of "I Am 16" by Soft Cell.

• Release Date: 1980
• Artist: Soft Cell