Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant – 1977

About The Song

“Pretty Vacant” is a punk rock anthem by the English band Sex Pistols, released in 1977. It’s renowned for its rebellious spirit and straightforward lyrics, capturing the essence of punk’s anti-establishment ethos.

Five facts about “Pretty Vacant” by the Sex Pistols:

Chart Success: “Pretty Vacant” was one of the Sex Pistols’ most successful singles, reaching number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. It further solidified the band’s status as leaders of the punk movement in Britain during the late 1970s.
Written by Glen Matlock and Johnny Rotten: Unlike many of the Sex Pistols’ songs, which were primarily written by guitarist Steve Jones and vocalist Johnny Rotten, “Pretty Vacant” was co-written by bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock’s melodic bassline and Rotten’s snarling vocals contributed to the song’s infectious energy.
Controversial Lyrics: The song’s lyrics express disillusionment with mainstream society and the monotony of everyday life. The term “pretty vacant” suggests a superficial existence devoid of meaning or purpose, reflecting the punk movement’s disdain for conformity and consumer culture.
Album Inclusion: “Pretty Vacant” was featured on the Sex Pistols’ only studio album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols,” released in 1977. The album is widely regarded as one of the most influential punk rock records of all time and helped define the genre’s sound and attitude.
Cultural Impact: “Pretty Vacant” has endured as a punk rock anthem and a symbol of rebellion. Its raw energy and defiant lyrics continue to inspire generations of musicians and activists, cementing its place in the pantheon of punk rock classics.

Video

Lyrics

There’s no point in asking, you’ll get no reply
Oh just remember I don’t decide
I got no reason it’s all too much
You’ll always find us
Out to lunch

Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
We’re vacant
Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
A vacant

Don’t ask us to attend, ’cause we’re not all there
Oh don’t pretend ’cause I don’t care
I don’t believe illusions ’cause too much is real
So stop your cheap comment, ’cause we know what we feel

Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
We’re vacant
Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
Vacant
Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
Ah but now
And we don’t care

There’s no point in asking, you’ll get no reply
Oh just remember I don’t decide
I got no reason it’s all too much
You’ll always find me
Out to lunch

Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
We’re vacant
Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
Vacant
Oh we’re so pretty
Oh so pretty
Ah but now
And we don’t care

We’re pretty a-pretty vacant
We’re pretty a-pretty vacant
We’re pretty a-pretty vacant
We’re pretty a-pretty vacant
And we don’t care