After the Watershed (Early Learning the Hard Way)

"After the Watershed (Early Learning the Hard Way)"
Single by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine
from the album Straw Donkey... The Singles
Released5 October 1991
Recorded1990
Genre
Length4:00
LabelChrysalis
Songwriter(s)Morrison, Carter, Richards and Jagger
Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine singles chronology
"Sheriff Fatman"
(1989) 		"After the Watershed (Early Learning the Hard Way)"
(1991) 		"The Only Living Boy In New Cross"
(1991)

"After the Watershed" is a 1991 single by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine. Although never featured on any original album by the band, it is included on several later compilations.

The Rolling Stones took a dim view of the unauthorised use of their lyrics, - the refrain "Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday" - in the song's chorus, and took out an injunction which forced the song from the radio.

The song is memorable as being performed at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party of 1991, when Fruitbat rugby tackled Phillip Schofield on live TV after his reference to Carter's instrument-smashing performance lacking originality.[1]

Meaning

The title of the song refers to the watershed time period, enforced on British television by the ITC (now Ofcom). Adult content cannot be broadcast before the 9pm "watershed", in an attempt to prevent adult content being available to younger audiences.

"Early Learning the Hard Way" is portmanteau phrase combining the Early Learning Centre and Learning the hard way.

The song also refers to the conspiracy theorist David Icke, stating "David Icke said, he'd like to show us how, to love us back to life again now".

Composition

The song uses lyrics from the song Ruby Tuesday through the lyrics "goodbye Ruby Tuesday, come home you silly cow", it also uses the bass riff from Satisfaction. Following legal action by The Rolling Stones, the track is now credited to Morrison, Carter, Richards and Jagger.

Track listings

  • CD USMCD1 12" VINYL ABB100T
  1. "After the Watershed (Early Learning the Hard Way)"
  2. The 90's Revival
  3. A Nation Of Shoplifters
  4. This Is How It Feels

Charts

Chart (1991/92) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[2] 124
UK Singles (OCC)[3] 11

References

  1. ^ NME song info for After the Watershed by Carter USM
  2. ^ "Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing 2 March 1992". Bubbling Down Under. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 March 2023.