I saw Big Head Todd and the Monsters play for the first time on 9/13/18 in Santa Rosa, CA, with the Gin Blossoms. I was actually there for the GBs, and knew nothing about BHTM, as they're known. They blew me away with their musicianship, energy, professionalism, and positivity. They had to be the "headliners" that night since Robin from the GBs was sick... but BHTM won me over, anyway, and probably everyone else who stayed to see them.
They played "Damaged One" early in the set and it just struck me like a bolt of lightning. It's a song that's as timeless, powerful, and passionate as rock 'n' roll itself—the best of pop, country, and rock mixed into one. It gave me chills. I remember turning to my wife and just saying, "This is a great song." I knew I had to cover it.
Now, I know my version will not top BTHM's, and for me, that's never the point. It's to dig into the original, revel in it, and just interpret in my own way. It's my homage to this incredible group of musicians and the incredible night they gave us. I've heard the song, and my own mix of it, probably dozens—maybe a few hundred—times by now, and it still grabs me. There's something joyful and spiritual about it, even though it's about a relationship gone wrong, like most great rock songs.
I hope you like my cover as much as I enjoyed working on it. And please, do yourself a favor and check out BTHM's version. You won't be sorry.
Rock on!
- Rich
lyrics
(Original song and lyrics by Todd Park Mohr)
I had a crush of madness
advances so reckless
then came the sweet day when
your walls came down
There was no trace of malice
I never thought i would have this
I got it so wrong
This love was so wrong but so fun, so fun
I was already
already the damaged one
You ran off and left me
I turned into a lawless gun
You left one cold September
that letter's now ash and ember
now we don't talk
yeah you don't call anymore
But this judge ain't sentimental
I can see life is a rental car
but I wanted a home...
I wanna go home
right now, right now
I was already
already the damaged one
You ran off and left me
I turned into a lawless gun
Our love was so wrong
we should have been done by now
by now
You were careless and got captured
Your wounding days are numbered
Both your charm and your desperate devices have failed
Now i ain't the one who can rescue
I ain't someone you can lean on
Our love was so wrong
We should have been done by now
I was already
already the damaged one
You ran off and left me
I turned into a lawless gun
credits
from 10 Covers,
track released November 1, 2018
Recorded, mixed, mastered, all vocals and instrumental parts performed by Richard Turgeon.
Saw these ladies open for Juliana Hatfield and they're my new favorite band. If you like '90s alt-rock like Veruca Salt and the Donnas, these 3 kick it up a notch. Amazing. Richard Turgeon
I've been a fan of J's since the mid-'90s, when "Become What You Are" became one of my favorite LPs ever. I've since met her in person, seen her play 3x, and featured her in my book, 'Indie Rock 101.' Richard Turgeon
Wife Patrol make instantly catchy alt rock with streaks of punk, new wave, and metal, overlaid with Bangles-esque harmonies. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 20, 2020