Buzzcocks – What Do I Get? (1978)

What Do I Get? is taken from Singles Going Steady, remastered and re-released by Domino Record Co, out now. It is a single by Manchester punk rock band Buzzcocks. Its B-side, Oh Shit, provided Buzzcocks with their UK chart debut, peaking at No. 37 on the UK Singles Chart. It was released on the 3rd Feb 1978, and written by the late Pete Shelley.

It has been covered by a number of artists, such as Steve Lieberman. It makes an appearance in the video game Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock and the movie Ghost World.

Buzzcocks are an English punk rock band formed in Bolton, England in 1976 by singer-songwriter-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. The original line up was John Maher (drums), Pete Shelley (vocals, guitar), Howard Devoto (lead vocals) and Garth Smith (bass), Smith shortly being replaced by Steve Diggle. After Devoto left to form Magazine, Steve Diggle switched from bass to guitar and vocals, with Smith rejoining the band on bass. When Garth Smith left in 77 he was replaced by Steve Garvey.

Buzzcocks – What Do I Get? (Lyrics)

I just want a lover like any other
What do I get
I only want a friend who will stay to the end
What do I get

What do I get
Oh oh what do I get
What do I get
Oh oh what do I get

I’m in distress I need a caress
What do I get
I’m not on the make I just need a break
What do I get

(Chorus)

I only get sleepless nights
Alone here in my half-empty bed
For you things seem to turn out right
I wish they’d only happen to me instead

(Chorus)

I only get sleepless nights
Alone here in my half-empty bed
For you things seem to turn out right
I wish they’d only happen to me instead

(Chorus)

I just want a lover like any other
What do I get
I only want a friend who will love to the end
What do I get

(Chorus)

Well let me tell you now
I get no love
I get no sleep at nights
I get nothing that’s nice
I get nothing at all
At all, at all, at all
At all, at all, at all
Cos I don’t get you

(From Buzzcocks – What Do I Get? Lyrics)