Billy Liar (song)

"Billy Liar" is a song by the British indie rock band The Wedding Present. It was released as a single in 1990. The song is known for its fast tempo, angular guitars, and David Gedge's distinctive vocals and lyrical style, which often explores themes of heartbreak and social awkwardness. The lyrics tell a story of a relationship gone sour, with the protagonist's feelings of resentment and frustration laid bare. The song's title references the 1959 novel Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse, and the subsequent film adaptation, which tells the story of a young man who escapes his mundane life through elaborate daydreams and lies. The Wedding Present's "Billy Liar" captures a similar sense of disillusionment and escape through fantasy, albeit within the context of a failed romance. The single was a commercial success for the band, reaching the UK Singles Chart.