Run Like a Villain!

The Battersea Power Station in London went offline in 1983. I didn't see any flying pigs a la Pink Floyd's Animals (1977) back then, but rather a steady stream of Concorde SSTs lumbering through the sky, each like a giant praying mantis. My first time in London, 1981; most recent, 2000. I wonder how things are going today? (Supersonic transport flights stopped about five years ago.)


Strangely, there were celebrations in newly air conditioned pubs and wine bars of Bastille Day and US Independence Day. Londoners seemed to have no clue what those July holidays meant in either France or "the States." July 4th posters pictured American cowboys lassoing cattle, July 14th flyers featured beret-wearing artistes, the Eiffel Tower and champagne. Cartoon images.


Class conciousness and conflict persisted everywhere, but punk-inspired women compensated for a host of such sins. Sheena was a punk rocker, indeed . . . In London, I'd run like a villain with Suzanne in '83 and Jacqui in '91. Regrets? What do you think? Run like a villain to the sugar bowl . . .

The gospel according to Iggy Pop -- "Run Like a Villain" (1982):

The shining moon the dead oak tree
Nights like this appeal to me
I've got some loving arms around me
Trying to steal a moment of pleasantry
In this zzzzzombieee birdhouse

Run, run, run
Run like a villain let the good times roll
Run like a villain to save your soul
It can't be done I already know so I
Run like a villain to the sugar bowl

'Cause who you are nobody knows
Who you are nobody knows
Rings on your fingers and bells on your toes . . .

Yesterday's Rune: Growth. Today's: The Mystery Rune.
Go Giants!