Bad Influence
The B-52's · Good Stuff [1992]
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Big town holds me back
Big town skins my mind
Small minds wear me down
Spreading salt on fertile ground
Honest pleasures now forsaken
Drastic measures to be taken
Can't accept your difference
They call it bad influence
Free mind, free soul
It's time for liberation to flow
Free mind, free soul
It's time so let your future unfold
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Break out of the mold
Before the mold sets in
Dangerous walls are closin' in
They twist the truth
Then give it a spin
Love's a grenade, I'll pull the pin
Free mind, free soul
It's time for liberation to flow
Free mind, free soul
It's time so let your future unfold
The circle is wide
Shadows flower into the light
Bad influence
Bad, such a bad influence
You think I'm bad, you think I'm bad
Well, I'm the most fun that you ever had
So good, so good
But people say I'm a bad influence
Wide mouths with narrow minds
Can't accept your difference
Open season on new ideas
They call it bad influence
Free mind, free soul
It's time for liberation to flow
Free mind, free soul
It's time so let your future unfold
My bad, my bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Just a bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Just a bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Just a bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Just a bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Wide mouths with narrow minds
Narrow minds, creak and grind
Rally to a peaceful sound
Let the barriers tumble down
My bad, my bad influence
My bad, my bad influence
Break out of the mold before the mold sets in
Dangerous walls are closin' in
They twist the truth then give it a spin
If love's a grenade, better pull the pin
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Call it bad
My bad, my bad influence
Bad Influence
The B-52's' "Bad Influence" stands as a quintessential example of the group's unique blend of new wave, funk, and theatrical pop. Released on the 1992 compilation album Good Stuff, the track features the band's signature sound: a driving bassline, distorted guitars, and the distinctive vocal harmonies of keyboardist and lead singer Kip Ford. The song captures the band's irreverent humor and eccentric stage presence, which were hallmarks of their career spanning from the early 1980s through the 1990s. As part of their broader discography, "Bad Influence" reflects the band's ability to maintain their quirky identity while engaging with evolving musical trends of the era. It remains a staple of their live performances and a favorite among fans of the band's eclectic catalog.