Music Moment – Lunatic Fringe

Posted on By RB

The Canadian band, Red Rider, released “Lunatic Fringe” way back in 1981. At the time, the songwriter, Tom Cochrane, was inspired to write it after noticing a resurgence of anti-semitism in the 1970s. He was also influenced when reading about Raoul Wallenberg, a Swede who helped Jews to escape the Holocaust during World War II. 

The song recently popped up in the playlist I was listening to and the lyrics stuck in my head. Although written over forty years ago, the lyrics and their sentiment seem more appropriate for today’s political climate, especially here in the U.S.

“Lunatic Fringe” starts off with eerie keyboard/synthesizer groans to set the mood, then is followed by a guitar intro that catches the listener’s attention before the bass and drums kick in. 

Cochrane’s lyrics, however, take center stage. They are a passionate warning to those on the fringe that fascism and hatred won’t win this time. 

Here are the lyrics and video of the song (all credit to Tom Cochrane and Red Rider):

Lunatic fringeI know you’re out thereYou’re in hidingAnd you hold your meetings
 
I can hear you comingAnd we know what you’re afterWe’re wise to you this time(We’re wise to you this time)We won’t let you kill the laughter
 
Lunatic fringeIn the twilight’s last gleamingThis is open seasonBut you won’t get too far
 
‘Cause you’ve got to blame someoneFor your own confusionWe’re on guard this time
(on guard this time)Against your final solution
Oh no
 
We can hear you coming(We can hear you coming)No, you’re not going to win this time(You’re not gonna win)We can hear the footsteps(We can hear the footsteps)Way out along the walkway
(along the walkway)
 
Lunatic fringeWe all know you’re out thereCan you feel the resistance?Can you feel the thunder?Oh no
 
 

Let me know what you think.

RB

Music Reviews YouTube

Comments (15)

  1. I’m of an age when I would have bought this record, if only because of the anti fascist sentiment. Unfortunately I wasn’t aware of it at the time but purchased records by the band Crisis which were as scathing about the ring wing, probably more so. Apart from a misguided dalliance I have remained staunchly anti fascist since 1977 and believe that the threat from the far right in my country, and also worldwide, is becoming more prominent. I’ve also mulled over the problems in the Middle East and think Israel are justifying there actions against the Palestinians in a very strange way, almost admitting they’ve taken a leaf out of Hitler’s book with the genocide of Palestinians. Further to that I cannot believe that the world has done nothing to alleviate the Palestinians sufferings.

    To clear any question about whether or not I’m anti Jew or not, I’m not, but I am anti needless killing and destruction. I’m anti the people that are inflicting the misery of the Palestinians. I’m sure the normal population of Israel have mixed views, maybe some support Netanyahu, I know there’s some that don’t. To me, again whether I’m right or wrong I don’t know, but the response by Israel over the actions that Hamas took, has been disproportionate. Neither side has any less blame to share with the other and as this conflict has been going on for as long as I can remember in my 6 decades. I remember it well from when I was a youngster, living in a country that eventually exploded into conflict, a conflict that’s not totally resolved even now, Israel was mentioned frequently on the World Service and when I looked at an atlas could not believe how near they were.

    So, I’m sure that both sides would welcome a resolution, if only to stop more needless deaths. If not, despite Netanyahu wanting to eradicate all Palestinians, the conflict will continue and casualties with be on both sides. I think I know where the problem could be alleviated but I’m no expert, I am just an outsider looking and sickened by the needless suffering.

    Maybe one day, there will be peace. I truly hope so, I’m not optimistic given the past sixty years I’m aware of.

    Reply

      1. Not at all, mate. It was a very apt – and passionate – response. I’m glad you enjoyed the song and that it struck a chord with you (no pun intended).

        Reply

    1. I agree, my friend. It amazes me that so many people accept and encourage that awfulness.

      Reply

  5. Thanks a lot for sharing this great song!
    Its message is more important than ever, even today. We must be aware and resist all ideologies that promote hatred.

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Luisa!
      It’s unfortunate that these extreme ideologies never fully go away.

      Reply

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