Mission of Burma
"That's When I Reach for My Revolver" is one of the most iconic tracks by Boston post-punk band Mission of Burma. Written and sung by bassist Clint Conley, it first appeared on their 1981 debut EP Signals, Calls, and Marches. The song became an underground anthem, renowned for its driving guitars, dynamic structure, and fervent vocal delivery.wikipedia.org
Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Mission of Burma |
| Songwriter | Clint Conley |
| Album/EP | Signals, Calls, and Marches (1981) |
| Genre | Post-punk, alternative rock |
| Length | 3:53 |
| Label | Ace of Hearts |
| Producer | Richard W. Harte |
Musical Characteristics
- Instrumentation: Crunchy, overdriven guitar riffs, forceful basslines, and propulsive drumming create the band’s signature, energetic post-punk sound.reddit.com
- Vocals: Clint Conley delivers the anthemic chorus with intensity and yearning.
- Song Structure: The track balances jagged verses with a soaring, memorable chorus and a distinct sense of urgency.
Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics explore themes of alienation, lost ideals, and personal rebellion. The title is a reference to the frequently misquoted line, "When I hear the word 'culture', that's when I reach for my revolver." The original quote by Hanns Johst is, "Whenever I hear [the word] 'culture'... I remove the safety from my Browning!", uttered in his 1933 play Schlageter. This allusion lends the song a layer of political and existential critique.wikipedia.org
Notable Lyrics Excerpt
Once I had my heroes
Once I had my dream
But all of that is changed now
Get turned around inside out...That's when I reach for my revolver
That's when it all gets blown away
That's when I reach for my revolver
The spirit fights to find its way
Influence and Legacy
- The song is widely considered a classic of American post-punk and remains a touchstone for later bands in the genre.reddit.com
- Frequently covered by artists such as Moby (who released a single version in 1996), Catherine Wheel, Superchunk, and others.wikipedia.org
- Its bold sound and themes of unrest made it a favorite at live shows, where Mission of Burma's raw energy and volume were legendary.
Notable Covers
- Moby: Released a charting single version in 1996, which updated the song for a new audience and included alternate lyrics for television airplay.wikipedia.org
- Other Artists: Catherine Wheel (as a B-side in 1992), among several alternative rock and indie acts.wikipedia.org
Cultural Impact
"That's When I Reach for My Revolver" continues to be praised as one of the essential tracks of the American underground rock movement, cited for its influence on bands ranging from R.E.M. and Sonic Youth to Fugazi and Superchunk.reddit.com
The song endures as a sharp-edged anthem of alienation and resistance, its influence still felt across alternative and punk music decades after its release.wikipedia.org+
