We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Ambition Burns

from Blang! by Lach

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    The ultimate antifolk album by the movement's founder. "Excellent! Blang! is required listening!"-Allmusic.com. "Triumphant! A wholly enjoyable voyage into a strange and brilliant musical mind!"-Billboard, “Don’t just listen to this album, study it, marvel at it then you can relax and enjoy” -Songwriter’s Monthly,
    This limited to 20 edition comes with a beautiful 16 page booklet with song and studio notes by Lach and lots of photos (Including Lach with Kiss!)

    Includes unlimited streaming of Blang! via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ships out within 3 days
    edition of 20 

      £12 GBP or more 

     

about

SONG NOTES: There had been a lot of talk on the Antifolk scene about making it and the desire for fame seemed pretty rampant. I had friends who had been signed to major labels. Their lives were not any better and their souls sometimes seemed damaged by the deals. Their focus on why they played music became lost in the push to succeed. I guess this was on my mind. I don't remember writing the song.

STUDIO NOTES: Jamie turned on the tape recorder. I played the song. Richard said, "Got it."

lyrics

Ambition Burns

I don't want to win, be kingpin, live in the din of clamoring kin
Don't need acclaim, fame maims, makes great names lame
So, while you plot and plan, scheme and dream
And end up with the blue ribbon
I'll stamp and cheer and say a prayer
For all my sins to be forgiven
Cause I'm jealous of you
Jealous of you
Jealous of you even though I know it's all unreal

I don't believe in time, no finish line, no graduation
No transformation at midnight's chime,
Life is not Prince Charming's Ball
So, while you race for gold, fight growing old,
And glorify ambition
I'll simplify and simply cry out
For all my sins to be forgiven
Because I'm angry at you
Angry at you
Angry at you even though I know it's all unreal

And I perform because I'd go crazy if I didn't
Not for the things that shine or the ones who coo
If this is a game I sure hope that I don't win it
Cause I have seen the things that winners have to do

I don't want to be hard, on guard,
Soul marred seeing stars
Checking charts with baited heart
Will it sell in Wal-Mart?
So while you calculate, manipulate
Congratulate yourself on being driven
I'll contemplate and meditate
On how I may be forgiven
Cause I identify with you
Identify with you
Identify with you even though it's all unreal
I understand how you feel
It looks like such a good, good deal
I understand how you feel

©1998 Lach

credits

from Blang!, released November 11, 2013
Lach - Guitar, Vocal

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Lach Edinburgh, UK

Lach, founder of the Antifolk movement and star of BBC Radio 4's The Lach Chronicles.

‘Beat-punk-unplugged joy!’-The Guardian UK

‘Splendid! Best of it's kind!’- Mojo

‘Incredibly bright, influential, funny, poetic.’-Suzanne Vega

‘Best punk guitarist since Johnny Ramone.’-Billy Ficca of Televis
... more

shows

contact / help

Contact Lach

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this track or account

Lach recommends:

If you like Lach, you may also like: