One Drop

Album: This is PiL (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Following a 17-year hiatus, Public Image Ltd. reformed in September 2009 with multi-instrumentalist Scott Firth replacing the late PiL guitarist John McGeoch. Frontman John Lydon financed the reunion using money he earned doing a UK television commercial for Country Life butter. This is the title track of the band's first record since getting back together, the vinyl only EP was, er, dropped on April 21, 2012.
  • The song also featured on This PiL, the band's first album for 20 years. It was recorded at Steve Winwood's studio, which is located in a barn in the middle of the Cotswolds in southern England. Lydon told Reuters that the former Spencer Davis Group and Traffic singer did pop into their sessions, "but only with one ear to the barn door, and then he pretended to be watering the daisies. So he never contributed, but it was great he rented us the studio."
  • Lydon discussed the song's meaning during an interview with NME: "What started out as a bit of fun in the studio became this song about wanting to readdress the balance in society," he explained. "It's about police, it's about politicians and it's about the Rupert Murdoch situation. All we need is one drop to readdress the balance. One drop and we can get it back on the good foot. We can change this whole sorry situation. It's a timeless song and that's why I sing: 'We are the ageless. We are all teenagers.' We don't get old, society makes us old."

Comments: 1

  • James Daniels from Romford What a brilliant track and beat ..another classic from the timeless PIL
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Joan Armatrading

Joan ArmatradingSongwriter Interviews

The revered singer-songwriter talks inspiration and explains why she put a mahout in "Drop the Pilot."