"Saturday Nite Is Dead" is a song by British rock musician

Graham Parker Graham Thomas Parker (born 18 November 1950) is an English singer-songwriter, who is best known as the lead singer of the British band Graham Parker & the Rumour. Life and career Early career (1960s–1976) Parker was born in Hackney, East L ...

, recorded with his backing band

the Rumour The Rumour was an English rock band in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They are best known as the backup band for Graham Parker, whose early records (from 1976 to 1980) were credited to Graham Parker & The Rumour. However, The Rumour also ...

. The song was released on his 1979 album, ''

Squeezing Out Sparks ''Squeezing Out Sparks'' is the fourth studio album by English singer-songwriter Graham Parker and his band the Rumour. The album was released in March 1979. Although the Rumour were not credited on the cover, their name was included on the album ...

''. Written about his experiences growing up in suburbia, the song features caustic lyrics and an angry vocal delivery. Though not released as a single, the song has since become one of Parker's most famous songs. The song has seen positive critical reception.

Background and lyrics

"Saturday Nite Is Dead" was written partially as a social critique and about his personal upbringing. He explained, Saturday Night' was not just about controlled fun for the masses on the weekend; it was also a personal thing about growing up." In another interview, Parker pointed to the artificiality of partying on a Saturday as another example of "squeezing out a spark," referencing the album's title. The song was originally written by Parker as part of a larger album concept about growing up in suburbia. He explained:

Music

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s Dave Swanson describes the song as "a real raver." Parker called it a "pretty angry song" that was "delivered in a very angry way." He elaborated, "Attitude is what's behind it. If you sing in a sort of wimpy attitude, that shows you've been distorted by getting old, that shows you've mellowed, more than the specifics of the songs."

Release and reception

"Saturday Nite Is Dead" was first released on Parker's fourth studio album, ''

'', in March 1979. The song was not released as a single. It also appears on the compilation album ''Master Hits: Graham Parker.'' John M. Borack of '' Goldmine'' stated in an interview with Parker that he "always liked" the song. Dave Swanson of ''

'' ranked the song as the second best Parker song, calling it "perfection in action" and stating, "This full-on rocker stands as a testament to the power and urgency of the Rumour in their prime. Straight ahead, no frills, traditional rock 'n' roll, delivered full steam ahead, 'Saturday Nite Is Dead' was one of many high points on the fourth GP album. The Rumour tear it up while Graham spits it out." Parker has said the track is misunderstood, explaining,

References

{{Graham Parker & The Rumour 1979 songs Graham Parker songs Song recordings produced by Jack Nitzsche