Public Image Ltd - (This is Not a) Love Song

[@peterabram62]

I think when he says "Are you ready to grab the candles. Out of the cupboard. No television." He's referring to the early 70s power blackouts that made our life a misery in 70s Britain. At our house the tv would go off and my Nan always made sure I was ready to grab the candles and light them.

[@Dmnthygtshlds2]

You Brits and your Nans lol

[@peterabram62]

@@Dmnthygtshlds2 yep!

[@eye_straindigital]

It’s lit

[@timomomomo969]

The beginning of the end of an empire

[@martywhitevan]

after listening to the song on repeat for 24 hours i am beginning to think that this may NOT be a love song ...although i questioned it for the first 12 or so hours

[@martywhitevan]

upon later analysis with an additional 30 hours of listening i am beginning to think this "could" indeed be a love song..thoughts on theory?

[@IndridCold]

I dunno it is a song, I also love this song. Though I have no idea if it could be a love song from that perspective, even upon your 9 months and 30 more hours Can any of us really say what love is?

[@martywhitevan]

it is very interesting because i think that this could possibly be love in the form of a song but then again is it a song?

[@IndridCold]

Well...I suppose that is up for interpretation... I mean Just because I thought it was a song, does not in fact mean it was actually a song. Perhaps it was always just a message. or poetry... I mean the artist defines a song as does interpretation, But I am sure 50% of people see a rant from a permanent agitated Johnny. you sir raise some interesting points in this back and fourth.

[@martywhitevan]

i would prefer to go fourth at this point and as of 0600 in the am, i am currently convinced that this is "art" and might be considered a love song

[@りったん-h1g]

今でもこんな素敵な曲がすぐ見られて良い時代になりましたね。

[@aclark903]

#Shonenknife

[@nakabayashishayashi5976]

ほんとです

[@arnoldhernandez1910]

Amen.

[@applepie5886]

One of my favorite love songs.

[@jimvarney511]

hehe

[@barfbagtpot7579]

Cult Miyako lol

[@Yakudo14]

This is NOT a love song

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

@@Yakudo14 😂😂😂

[@louisgreenstein6886]

But this is not a love song.

[@noahsmith6455]

I think I read on Songfacts that one of Johnny's higher-ups asked him to "make a radio friendly love song," and in return he wrote this song bashing big business's ego and know-it-all demeanor. He also later on said he couldn't believe this was PIL's biggest hit since it was the most "spiteful" song he'd ever written.

[@marcushaupt1564]

I guess he forgot he wrote "God Save the Queen" and "EMI"

[@cursive6412]

Spite is what they crave

[@crysstoll1191]

@@marcushaupt1564 haha!

[@Ruby-eq1qg]

Spite is a good ingredient for a song

[@johnc5395]

After listening to thousands of songs with intelligible and unintelligible lyrics my ears just go for the beat. If the beat is good I'll listen to the lyrics. If that's good too then the song is a hit. To me this song got the juice so it's a hit.

[@ladycharlesmusic]

Never noticed before but relistening to this gem, Johny's dynamics in this song are brilliant - oscillating between soft and tuneful and snarling punk bombast with shades in between. He doesn't really usually try to carry a tune so people underrate him as a vocalist, but he's a genius at what he does and it's always so memorable.

[@Roan7995]

I like that one part where he says "This is not a love song."

[@timothykozlik6707]

***** this is not rap its punk rock

[@timothykozlik6707]

Well seeing how it is punk

[@timothykozlik6707]

***** its still punk just not what everyone thinks punk to be

[@elijahpadilla2094]

+DeadPistolsBrainGerms Most of the sex pistols song were did not have power chords.

[@ShipperTrash88]

LMAO

[@Styxhexenhammer666]

This musical composition does not primarily involve romance and courtship.

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

You the same Styxenhammer on Twitter?

[@bigjohn2811]

@@alfredocarpaneto5976 click on his emblem. Yes, it's him. Here's the video he did on Rotten. kzbin.info/www/bejne/laWVmnRvl9Kij9k

[@suziequzie]

Well.. yeah.. it's not a love song.

[@maliciousbugman]

The Piece of Harmonic Entertainment in the Medium of Sound That You Are Currently Engaged in Listening to is Not One That Pertains to the Emotions of Carnal Fondness a Human Being Experiences for Another Individual.

[@cindigonzalez7350]

Second time I've seen ur comment on a music video I looked up. I think the last one was Back Door by Clan of Xymox. So, we both have similar political views and great taste in music 😅👍

[@anthonymackey222]

I always love Johnny's antics and I like those glasses.

[@limelightraver5690]

That hair and those glasses with that suit make pretty cool combination, he looks like a character from Trainspotting or Eureka Seven

[@sadiesleepwalker646]

I guess he was an influence for Trainspotting that vibe :s

[@kevinrutkowski3034]

His lyrics are so mind expanding and beautifly written, truly elegant writings i just wish i could interpret what kinda song this is....

[@danneumann3274]

its not a love long

[@vapingotter7518]

Hes a fucking Poser 🙄

[@c0l1n_m45]

Knowing the kind of person Johnny Rotten is it probably actually has some hidden political critique in it somewhere.

[@derekpatzer4329]

Dan Neumann was correct ... It is not a love song

[@VoxOperator]

Definitely not a love song.

[@modelsmasher9889]

Probably the greatest love song ever written

[@jjmaster94]

I've heard that This is not a love song.

[@priscillasalzberg5349]

Sure, if you consider love of money a love song.

[@MeiFloyd]

i can't explain to myself why I like this so much.. why I like HIM so much.

[@capnflukie]

This may or may not be a love song, need more info.

[@laredolassoo]

+Donald Keyser thanks dearly.

[@brentpreid]

+Donald Keyser I was wondering the same. I'll let you know when I have more info. I'm in consultation with some mid-level managers and salespeople. I'm sure they will guide me correctly.

[@glengamble526]

+Donald Keyser I think, but don't quote me...that, um...this is NOT a love song. But...I'm not sure?

[@martywhitevan]

+Donald Keyser it could be a matter of perspective, this may well indeed be a love song to some, after all what is love, and this is a song

[@yourtube5932]

Actually this is a love song. Also, put the marbles in your nose, do not put them in your nose!

[@flyinglittleduckss]

I like how at 2:23 the car in the back doesn't switch lanes even though the cop keeps pointing.

[@Kevin-rw4yw]

Yes thats funny!

[@gletube3109]

Cos I wanted to be in the video.

[@AlejandroMS67]

you mean how incredibly stupid that driver must've been...

[@martywhitevan]

i am coming back after 3 years to see if this is in fact still not a love song

[@carlitos5984]

Me 2

[@jayblack12]

Haha!

[@twilightspeak]

And.. is it?

[@blacson30]

It’s 3 years later….Well??…

[@twilightspeak]

Don’t give up hope. I’m returning every year, who’s with me?

[@5077Clara]

good song since 1983! it was one of my favorite then and it is still good!

[@Frumples8]

How cool would it be to have Johnny play a cameo as the Joker in a Batman movie?

[@mistapushy]

he'd get kicked off set, having too much fun. gotta love it though lol

[@orangie8426]

Try Riddler

[@42t16]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@caydencayuga7876]

This comment gave me a boner.

[@jimthescotsman]

Woah , That's an awesome thought

[@brentpreid]

One of those tracks that keeps making more sense the more you play it...I think it has me in its clutches.

[@shannonnonnahs6943]

I love this song even though it's not a love song.💗

[@Destiny-bt7oi]

Love this. Bought the CD back in the day. Had a car stereo that had a CD player with 6 slots. PIL was almost always in there. I'm 63 here in year 2024.

[@kapilkachru8059]

"Happy to Have. Not to Have Not." Say what you will about Brother Lydon, you can't accuse him of not being brutally honest. At all times.

[@atillathehungry3145]

Quantum theory states that this is both a love song and not a love song at the same time.

[@thepoetryzonewithsam6955]

Schrödinger's love song

[@jessicaamber6623]

Mr. Lydon, being his cheeky self!

[@EpicSauce12345]

Unbelievable guitar riff

[@alnka1974]

That's the only best part of rhe song along with the bass.

[@paintedbird1020]

Well, I should HOPE it's not a love song... what in the world are they good for, really? This song fills me with positivity and joy!

[@dan210]

I remember this vid from the 80s....I believe it was filmed in LA Century City, anybody know if this is correct

[@casbah6603]

The Damened : Here’s a love song PIL : This is not a love song

[@kristinhinga5406]

My favourite PIL song! It makes me swoon!

[@christopherwelch136]

Religion is good as well.

[@aerynea]

This is my favorite love song

[@bentramer682]

* Sir, this is Wendy's Drive-Thru.*

[@armandolopezjr5906]

He just wants to make sure they understand

[@windmillrespector]

This is not a Wendy’sssss

[@donlockman3504]

Johnny doesn't GAF!

[@Kim-uc2fe]

My bestie spray painted the hood of his car with Johnny's face with some bricks. Loophole. 💕

[@Elchamuc020]

I'm new here I love this song but what does this mean.

[@CantinaTurner]

I love the suit. It suits him just fine in my eyes (pun very much intended).

[@greaseitandsqueezeit]

the greatest love song ever written

[@juliannaanda8210]

Loved being a teen in the 80's from PIL& Alien Sex Fiend(great in small venues) to Grand Funk over to Kraftwerk. Eclectic and not rock!

[@livingf0ssil]

Julianna Anda I like your paprika profile picture

[@thesultanofswing8706]

And not a love song.

[@bobl310]

Krafwerk and Johnny Rotten. Good woman

[@RyhzaliaLisa4118]

I just heard this song last night on the car radio. It's good. I like it.

[@WorkingCrassShero]

Why isn't this superior version on Spotify ;-;

[@burodietrich7826]

Fantastic Song

[@onetimepeace]

2023 and composition of this love song is amazing.

[@michaelbenson9518]

Well this brings me back to a mixed tape I had at 16. Fad Gadget's "Collapsing New People" was after this.

[@meribast]

In case you were unsure...

[@jftruthseeker989]

What an awesome psychopathic song ! Weirdo pale Johnny in the burning sun , i love this

[@keefrice]

Love the motorcycle cop in pursuit gesturing to the other traffic to back off John is loving it!

[@EricJEgolf]

Once you see the cop on the motorcycle waving people off from behind Johnny's car, it's the only thing about the video you can focus on.

[@Ruebacca]

True, looks like California Highway Patrol, but probably a local cop.

[@funtime974]

They all use off duty or retired cops. A music video has a smaller budget, so they were probably unlikely to be able to close off traffic.

[@darthanddedeu2580]

@@funtime974 the courtyard at the tower, the cop on the bike, the car & chauffeur

[@UncleJoeLITE]

I still love this song.🎉

[@Klehocky1]

If I remember correctly this song was written after he was screwed over financially by some of his business partners and how he had to “change his ways when money applies” and how he is not in love with the idea of having to do that.

[@MrZappaman420]

awesome bass work

[@classicalgasemission]

Pubic hair on camera lens at 2:53

[@bethshadowen904]

+Ben Century I thought you meant where his shirt opens and his tummy is exposed. I went back and laughed MFAO...hahahahah

[@alvinfry]

Yeah it's easier to make pube free videos now that everyone waxes.

[@CarlHubb-u8h]

Gotta love John, he's done everything HIS way! He even reclaimed his Irishness by entering the Irish National Song contest in the expectation (!) that he'd win, thereby gaining a Eurovision Song Contest place! He didn't get there but he should've won!

[@merboyontiveros5297]

Perfect for these times nothing’s change

[@tonybaloney8455]

Why have I never seen this?! This is awesome!

[@MkeKen67]

We used this song in a play I did in high school. It had nothing to do with the plot really, except as something for some of the characters to lip sync to. They were supposed to be in a rock band for one of the scenes, (but at the same time they were also birds like the rest of the characters). It was a weird play. (Oh, and we picked it after hearing it on a local college station while painting the set.)

[@Erpiee]

Awesome,I´m back to the 90´S

[@DEVIL-uf3gk]

カッコイイ！！！！！！！

[@honiideslysses12]

He's such a dapper chap; always wears cool suits!

[@ethansloan]

I wonder if this has ever been played at a wedding.

[@hineygorerage1]

Note to self : play this at my wedding.

[@melissathies2636]

It has

[@STPickrell]

Before or after “The Rains of Castamere”?

[@okoenig.3424]

my wedding song, right here.

[@International72521]

This music video feels like an art school project.

[@jmpolock5211]

Yeah, cause it's aimed at obvious suited dweebs like you.

[@xochitl9161]

that is why e's an honest genius.

[@NYCQuint]

This is not a love song

[@5077Clara]

@@NYCQuint is it?

[@dreamervanroom]

With a big budget.

[@shiz777]

Waltz with Bashir

[@AlekYaw]

Such a good movie

[@francescocco8297]

Such a biased movie, btw the idf are the ones who murdered the Pali folks, it wasn't the Lebanese forces nor the flange

[@francescocco8297]

Murderers!

[@brennan_exe]

Why I'm here

[@martinhyizna3299]

I love how every little thing Johnny does is offensive & confrontational

[@leslieschmidt4744]

he's the best

[@scottttym]

it is not...

[@coolcatdozzit6482]

Yes those who challenge status quo and question conventional norms and wisdoms, great

[@bradsittmann1]

Hating people through John.

[@douglasholleley2296]

The trouble with being a rebel is that you instantly and intimately, identify with the thing you profess to be rebelling against.

[@RagedContinuum]

That was one of Mel Gibson's greatest quotes, thanks for reminding me

[@Lugh444]

@@RagedContinuum He plagiarized a Mel Gibson?

[@really88]

This was a 45 rpm record, the song got even better when played on 33😄😄 - the baby shark song of the 80's

[@kylabotting]

So bloody good!

[@JakeMars]

150 people came here looking for a song about love.

[@goodtimeswerehad]

Yet the expected result was clear in the song title ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@LezleyKnott]

Only you.

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

It's gaslighting at its finest! This is, CLEARLY, a love song! You're just being led to believe it isn't! Break the shackles! Strip off the blinders!

[@trevormcmullin4274]

I seen a reunited PIL perform on Jimmy Kimmel when I was a kid. They performed this song. Changed my life. Instant fan.

[@choad1976]

What a nice little love song.

[@jimvarney511]

hehe

[@Rejoice.]

This is my favorite Punk Rock song.

[@drea4195]

I'm a bit in love with John after hearing this song. Oh the irony.

[@alukuhito]

That's a good one.

[@stevenmorris2234]

The king of Punk Rock. Johnny Rotten is a songwriter genius along with making fans laugh. A person wanted him to make a love song and I bet Johnny said ok I'll write a love song and instead did this instead lol 😂 Just to piss him off.

[@charlesameyer1]

This song is so annoying that it’s hard to get 10 seconds without stopping. But after that, you can’t stop listening.

[@amyevans1118]

Damn I love his music.

[@ArleneRaizman]

W O W! It's a bitter bitter song.... Behind curtains....? 😅

[@christophermckenzie7167]

I can't pass those towers without thinking of this song

[@lima4-2angel]

Where are they?

[@gothamnetworks]

Sitting at the creativity table and saying I've got a new song and the rest around the table say oh really how does it go? Then in the short span of about 3.2 seconds John Lydon sings This Is Not A Love Song while that 3.2 second guitar riff plays..... Then a silent stare at the rest of the table..... You're going to need more than that if you're going to have a song Johnny. John Lydon turns to the camera and smiles and says no I won't!

[@casademayhem8644]

Can somebody post the lyrics to this Please!!!!

[@Stuntman87]

😂

[@garydalie7051]

Love it Johnny!

[@edwardmclellan764]

51 years old and this is still not a love song. Love from Cleveland, USA

[@kittyblingbling]

love the bass!

[@Prone2Thrill]

This is not a love song but it's a song to be loved

[@NayroTheAdventurer]

The genius of this song is that it actually is a love song

[@AvianSavara]

Love is a petty, bourgeois emotion :P

[@emiliobello2429]

That's Persepolis not Waltz With Bashir

[@spinmanfinn4129]

i love the fact that this is not a love song... too many of those syrupy replicas in the music world

[@BillyLydon]

John is no short of BRILLIANCE.

[@danielscissorhands]

Are we not speaking English today?

[@dildonius]

@@danielscissorhands English isnt everyone's native tongue. What a crazy idea, eh? How many languages do you speak fluently?

[@danielscissorhands]

@@dildonius It depends, do alien languages count?

[@kellyroberts1097]

Sheer bloody poetry man!

[@DanforthDiva]

Well, John is correct. Especially in Ontario where apparently we are open for business and to heck with the environment.

[@dildonius]

Guess the crack dealers are in for a good few years of solid booming business, eh?

[@teijironishii8841]

Ｒ＆Ｒ　lovelove　Anser　Thanks

[@CrowleyHead]

Biffed! Greatest song criticizing selling out in the world.

[@leslieh2753]

Definitely one of the best love songs. Top 10 at least.

[@thegreyalien]

Yeah Yeah Yeahs did a fantastic job interpolating this song into "Heads Will Roll"

[@ThatWeirdPlaceInYT]

You're the only other person who noticed, no one else ever talks about it.

[@thegreyalien]

​@@ThatWeirdPlaceInYT Nick Launay is the connection. He produced this YYYs song/album and also worked with PiL. I like to imagine Nick (Zinner) was just messing around with the riff for shits and giggles in the studio and then this song came about. I know HWL was one of the last songs written for It's Blitz, maybe they needed some inspiration? 2 classics.

[@cosmicsoul7773]

This is not a love song. But I love this song!!

[@angelicat.8963]

I LOVE THIS!!!....👍🏻😘😛✌️🎄👀

[@mjmcnult]

I just realized that Rammstein's tune Amerika was influenced by this.

[@jessiehermit9503]

Oh, it is, isn't it? I haven't thought of that...

[@busterbluesun]

Also Heads Will Roll by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

[@kenloggins9539]

Arguably the greatest song ever

[@SamTerrazas]

I really hope there is a circle of hell where this is played on repeat. No one is allowed into the circle save for anyone and everyone responsible for this catchy affront to humanity.

[@StacyCold]

Had to look this one up today ." This" is not a love song either. Here on business. Cannonball style 💀

[@lucasriley9386]

2:25 cops did not like rotten standing up in that car

[@Moody801]

Why in the fahk is this the ONLY version of this song NOT on Spotify

[@44027]

FOR SURE!!!!!!

[@Kammler03]

THAT'S GREAT !!! Thanx for sharing ... CHEERS !!

[@spetsziva]

brilliantly irritating as usual.I think alot of people love the song, so it may well be a love song

[@quietrob1984]

Now that's a chooon! Shame i'm a couple of years too young to remember it the first time round. :( RIP good music!

[@jimomaha7809]

This is not a love song? The days when songs had some meaning. Still I love it!

[@AtmosphereOfSound]

This was a time when Top 40 Pop needed a perfect troll.