This song was originally written by a guy called Peter Gutteridge. He was one of the founders of the "Dunedin Sound" a musical scene in the south of New Zealand in the early 80s. From there it was covered by "The Clean" one of the early bands of that scene (he had originally been a member of in it's early days, writing a couple of their best early songs). The Dunedin sound, and the Clean became popular on american college radio in the mid to late 80s. I guess Yo La Tengo heard that version.
Great version of a great song,
Telegram force and ready I knew this was a big mistake
There's a fine line drawing my senses together
And I think it's about to break
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
Nightshades on a warning give me strenth at least give me a light
Give me anything even sympathy there's a chance you could be right
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
It's gonna race it's gonna break it's gonna move up to the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
It's gonna race it's gonna break it's gonna move up to the borderline
There's a fine line drawing my senses together
And I think it's about to break
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
Nightshades on a warning give me strenth at least give me a light
Give me anything even sympathy there's a chance you could be right
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
If I listen close I can hear them singers oh-oh-oh
Voices in your body coming through on the radio-oh-oh
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
It's gonna race it's gonna break it's gonna move up to the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
Moving up it's gonna race it's gonna break through the borderline
The union of the snake is on the climb
It's gonna race it's gonna break it's gonna move up to the borderline
Lyrics submitted by shut
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I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example:
"'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
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“Well, good morning there / What a way to start the day / With everything laid bare,” Ed Sheeran sings in the first verse, enthusiastic to be waking up beside his woman. He apologizes for missing her calls in the second verse and promises to return them because for him, speaking to her is the most important thing. “Well, I get lost inside my head / In this chaos, you’re my calm / And I will find my feet again / ‘Cause еven the worst days of my life will always еnd / At midnight in your arms,” sings Ed Sheeran in the chorus, revelling in his good luck.
it's about tanttric sex.
"The word Tantra means expansion. It is a Sanskrit word, connected to an Eastern Indian spiritual path, Tantra Yoga. The ultimate goal of Tantra Yoga is the Divine Union between the goddess Shakti and god Shiva. Shakti, also called Kundalini, is in the base of the spine. In her form as Kundalini she is seen as a cobra, coiled 3 1 / 2 times, asleep. As Shakti, she is the divine feminine, passionate, strong, an incredibly creative force to be reckoned with.
The Divine Union takes place as the Kundalini snake starts waking up at the base of the spine, gradually uncoiling herself as she rises up the spine. She pierces each chakra in her undulating movement upward, and meets god Shiva, seen as pure consciousness, at the top of the head. Their merging ends the longing for wholeness.
The dance of Shakti and Shiva symbolizes the coming together of the feminine and masculine energies inside a person, as well as the creation of the world."
that all makes sense. although its fun to think of it about a cult that worships snakes. and takes over people's minds. what was that video about by the way...
Simon says the snake is the subconscious mind taking over. A snake is also connected with the devil and with the loss of innocence. There's more connotations behind it too that's just a start.
All I know is the video and album cover for Seven and the Ragged Tiger is full of occult, satanic, and masonic symbolism.
@Luke007 Is correct. The cover and video contain very specific symbols for the satanic church (the double cross on top of an infinity symbol), the Morning of Lucifer symbol (the moon and star), and frankly - more symbolism than one could discuss in a blog comment. Not sure whose ideas the artwork represents - Malcolm Garret (the designer)? EMI (the label), band members? Either way - there is an undeniably dark undercurrent beneath the glitz and pop glamour that we call "Duran Duran".
Like I posted on another D2 song-Simon just writes things down-no real meaning. I have no clue what the "Union of the Snake" means-the album "Seven and the Ragged Tiger"-was an alliteration of the band&their managers-the seven and the music industryand it's game as the ragged tiger...
This song was actually written by a farmer about how a snake was obliterating his onion crops. Simon had read the chorus wrong and had read ‘Union’ as ‘Onion’ and then it became so. A bit sad, actually.
Yes, this is correct.\n\n\nSimon Le Bon