Sid Vicious and Jonny Rotten

by Daniel Couzins
(New Hampshire)

These two are the ultimate in successful rebellion and making something out of nothing - and I mean literally! These are two of the most iconic musicians of the 1970s - and Rotten couldn't sing and Sid couldn't play guitar. They became successful through sheer attitude and resilience.

They even made it to number one in the charts on the Queen's silver jubilee - this was such an embarrassment that it was covered up, and the coveted number one spot awarded to another contender.

They sung what they believed, wore what they wanted and defined a whole genre of music. There could hardly be a greater achievement, especially with such impoverished backgrounds. Sid was born to a drug addict, and Rotten was cast out on the streets in his teens. When you are down on your luck, just remember these two and all they did.

Tragically, Sid died in New York city while still in his twenties, but his memory is a beacon of how someone with so little can achieve so much in such a short space of time. So each time you turn on the radio and hear the likes of NOFX or Greenday, just remember who made it all possible.

Each time I listen to Sid's version of "My Way", I have all the inspiration I need!

Editor's note: Thanks for sharing about your idols. I am posting the video and lyrics of "My Way" here for you:

Click here if the video doesn't play

My Way Lyrics

And now, the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
You c*, I´m not a queer
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life, that is full
I've traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

Regrets, I've had a few
But then again, too few to mention
I did, what I had to do
And saw it through, with out exemption
I planned each chartered course
Each careful step along the highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way

There were times, I'm sure you knew
When there was f*-all else to do
But through it all, when there was doubt
I shot it up, or kicked it out
I faced the wall and the world
And did it my way

I've laughed, and been a snake
I´ve had my fill, my share of losing
And now, the tears subside
I find it all so amusing
To think, I killed a cat
And may I say, not in a gay way
Oh no, oh no not me
I did it my way

For what is a brat, what has he got
When he wears hats, and he cannot
Say the things he truly feels
But only the words, of one who kneels
The record shows, I f* a bloke
And did it my way

Sid Vicious and Jonny Rotten

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