Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead – 1979

About The Song

“Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a landmark song by Bauhaus, released in 1979. Here’s a short description and five facts about the song:

Description: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is a gothic rock classic and the debut single by the English post-punk band Bauhaus. Released in 1979, the song is known for its atmospheric and haunting sound, setting the tone for the emerging gothic rock genre.

Facts:

1. Release and Length: The song was released as a 12-inch single and is notable for its extended runtime, clocking in at over nine minutes. This extended format allowed the band to explore a more atmospheric and experimental sound.
2. Inspiration from Bela Lugosi: The song’s title refers to Bela Lugosi, the Hungarian-American actor famous for his portrayal of Count Dracula in the 1931 film “Dracula.” The lyrics evoke a dark and vampiric atmosphere, fittingly paying homage to Lugosi’s iconic role.
3. Instrumentation and Atmosphere: “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is characterized by its minimalistic yet powerful instrumentation, featuring a driving bassline, haunting guitar riffs, and atmospheric vocals. The song’s brooding atmosphere became influential in shaping the gothic rock genre.
4. Cultural Impact: The song is often considered a seminal track in the post-punk and gothic rock movements. Its influence can be heard in the work of numerous bands that emerged in the 1980s and beyond, contributing to the development of alternative and dark music genres.
5. Film and Television: Due to its atmospheric and evocative nature, “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its distinctive sound is often associated with gothic and vampiric themes in popular culture.

Video

Lyrics

White on white translucent black capes
Back on the rack

Bela Lugosi’s dead
The bats have left the bell tower
The victims have been bled
Red velvet lines the black box

Bela Lugosi’s dead

Bela Lugosi’s dead

Undead, undead, undead

Undead, undead, undead

The virginal brides file past his tomb
Strewn with time’s dead flowers
Bereft in deathly bloom
Alone in a darkened room
The count

Bela Lugosi’s dead

Bela Lugosi’s dead

Bela Lugosi’s dead

Undead, undead, undead
Undead, undead, undead

Undead

Oh, Bela
Bela’s undead
Oh, Bela
Bela’s undead
Bela’s undead
Oh, Bela
Bela’s undead
Oh, Bela

Undead