About the song
Let’s delve into the captivating sounds of “Marquee Moon” by the influential band Television. This mesmerizing track, featured on their debut album of the same name released in 1977, is a masterclass in art-rock innovation.
Crafted by the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, Tom Verlaine, “Marquee Moon” stands as a shining example of Television’s unique blend of punk energy, poetic lyricism, and intricate guitar work. With its dynamic shifts in tempo and mood, the song takes listeners on a sonic journey that is both exhilarating and introspective.
Upon its release, “Marquee Moon” received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its ambitious songwriting and virtuosic musicianship. While it didn’t achieve significant commercial success, the album has since been hailed as one of the greatest records of the punk and post-punk era, with “Marquee Moon” often cited as its standout track.
One of the defining features of “Marquee Moon” is its epic guitar solo, performed by Tom Verlaine, which stretches over the course of nearly three minutes. This extended solo, characterized by its melodic complexity and emotional depth, has earned praise from critics and fellow musicians alike, cementing Verlaine’s status as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.
Despite its initial lack of commercial success, “Marquee Moon” has endured as a cult classic that continues to inspire generations of musicians. Its innovative approach to songwriting and genre-bending sound have solidified its place in the pantheon of rock music history.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a musical journey that transcends genres and defies expectations, join Television and experience the magic of “Marquee Moon”.
Video
Lyrics
I remember
Ooh, how the darkness doubled
I recall
Lightning struck itself
I was listening
Listening to the rain
I was hearing
Hearing something else
Life in the hive puckered up my night
A kiss of death, the embrace of life
Ooh, there I stand neath the Marquee Moon
Just waiting
I spoke to a man
Down at the tracks
And I ask him
How he don’t go mad
He said, “look here, junior, don’t you be so happy
And for heaven’s sake, don’t you be so sad”
Life in the hive puckered up my night
The kiss of death, the embrace of life
Ooh, there I stand ‘neath the Marquee Moon
Hesitating
Well, the Cadillac
It pulled out of the graveyard
Pulled up to me
All they said, “get in, get in”
Then the Cadillac
It puttered back into the graveyard
Me, I got out again
Life in the hive puckered up my night
A kiss of death, the embrace of life
Ooh, there I stand neath the Marquee Moon
But I ain’t waiting, uh-uh
I remember
How the darkness doubled
I recall
Lightning struck itself
I was listening
Listening to the rain
I was hearing
Hearing something else