"Public Image" is the debut single by Public Image Ltd. It reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart. The lyrics were written when band co-founder John Lydon was a member of the Sex Pistols. The song addresses Lydon's feelings of being exploited in the Sex Pistols by Malcolm McLaren and the press. Along with being released as a single, it appeared on PiL's 1978 debut album Public Image: First Issue. On the song, PiL leader John Lydon has said: It entered the UK Singles chart on 21 October 1978 at number 21. The single then peaked at number 9 on 4 November 1978.