“Rumors” by Rich Kids On LSD (RKL) is a punk rock anthem about the pitfalls of gossip and the consequences of spreading unverified information. Through vivid storytelling, the lyrics depict a night gone wrong, illustrating how rumors can distort reality and impact people’s lives. The song addresses themes of deception, betrayal, and the search for authenticity in a world filled with falsehoods. The band, known for their energetic and raw sound, uses this track to send a message about the importance of living an authentic life, free from the influence of gossip and rumors.
Have you ever been caught up in a whirlwind of gossip, only to realize that the stories being spread were far from the truth? “Rumors” captures this chaotic energy and turns it into a punk rock power anthem, leaving listeners questioning the stories they hear and the people they trust.
“Rumors” Lyrics Meaning
“Walkin’ through the Hamburg streets,” the song begins, immediately placing us in a specific setting and creating a sense of place. “I see a bar, I better drink some beer,” continues the narrator, setting a casual, carefree tone. However, this relaxed atmosphere quickly changes as “a beast in red approaches me,” introducing a sense of danger and uncertainty.
“It’s buy a drink or sleep with me,” reveals the beast’s intentions, and the following line, “Now I’m blown away!” shows the narrator’s shock and disbelief at the situation. This is followed by a violent turn of events as “thugs with a bat” appear, demanding payment and escalating the situation further.
The chorus then hits with a powerful accusation: “Lies. Stories you’re tellin’. You’re makin’ rumors.” The band makes it clear that they see through the deception and are calling out those who spread false stories. “You wanna dish out a scoop for your friends, so you’ll feel like someone,” further criticizes the motivations behind spreading rumors, highlighting the desire for attention and validation that often drives gossip.
“Talkin’ ’bout somethin’, something you really know nothing about,” the song continues, challenging the authenticity of the rumors and the credibility of those who spread them. “I bought her a drink, but who would ever think? It was 300 marks for champagne,” the narrator reflects on a moment of deception, where a simple gesture led to an unexpected and exorbitant expense.
“Typical set up, pay or be beat up! Now you see what goes down,” the song reveals the consequences of falling victim to deceit, showing how quickly a situation can escalate when rumors and gossip are involved. “Walkin’ streets, you’re livin’ out what I go through,” the narrator addresses the listener directly, inviting them to empathize with their experience.
“It’s second hand, it’s not the truth that you want,” the song continues, highlighting the unreliable nature of rumors and the distortion of truth that often occurs when stories are passed from person to person. “There’ll be a time, a change of mind, you’ll grow to find that living your own life means more than talking ’bout mine,” the song concludes, offering a message of growth and self-discovery, encouraging listeners to focus on their own lives rather than getting caught up in the lives of others.
The Story Behind “Rumors”
“Rumors” was written when punk rock was at its peak, with bands like RKL leading the charge with their high-energy sound and rebellious lyrics. The band, known for their critical and often cynical view of society, used their music as a platform to challenge the status quo and encourage listeners to think for themselves. The lyrics of “Rumors” mirror the band’s frustration with the spread of false information and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. Through vivid storytelling and a raw, unfiltered sound, RKL captures the chaos and confusion that often accompany rumors, providing a powerful commentary on the dangers of gossip and the importance of authenticity.
The song serves as a reminder to question the stories we hear and the motives of those who spread them, urging listeners to seek out the truth and live their own lives, free from the influence of rumors and gossip. In writing “Rumors,” RKL created a punk rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners, serving as a call to action and a reminder to stay true to ourselves in a world filled with deception and falsehoods.