Business as Usual

Song Meaning

Gary Moore's "Business as Usual" isn't just a song; it's a visceral, almost photographic slide show of formative memories, soaked in the grit and glory of a life lived hard. The recurring phrase "These are my memories, coming home" acts as both a statement and a question. Is Moore literally returning to a place, or is he undertaking a deeper, psychological homecoming – a reckoning with the experiences that forged him? The song’s power lies in its unflinching honesty, presenting snapshots of childhood trauma ("violence I heard from my bedroom"), youthful rebellion (drugs, losing virginity), and the painful realities of adulthood (divorce, scandal). The beauty of Moore's songwriting in "Business as Usual" rests in his ability to weave the sacred and the profane. A "pink crucifix" sits alongside the stark image of a "man with blood on his hands." This juxtaposition suggests a struggle between faith and the harsh realities of existence. The references to fellow musicians like Rory Gallagher and Philip Lynott ground the song in a specific time and place, evoking a sense of camaraderie and shared experience. Yet, even within these moments of connection, there's an undercurrent of transience, a feeling that everything is fleeting. The track’s title, "Business as Usual," is the lyrical key to unlocking the song's core message. Despite the personal turmoil and the litany of experiences, Moore seems to suggest a weary acceptance. He's seen loss, betrayal, and heartache, yet life continues. It's a sentiment that echoes the blues tradition, acknowledging suffering without succumbing to despair. The final verses, referencing "Green" (likely Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac, a mentor to Moore), hint at a search for freedom and salvation, even if it arrives "lately" and tinged with regret. Ultimately, "Business as Usual" is a raw, affecting meditation on memory, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of the human condition.