In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Dear Mavis I'm compelled to write this letter
In the hope that you may soon be getting better
I've a feeling you should go and see a doctor
If you haven't then you know you really oughta
I was worried so I went to see the vicar
But before I could confess he first confessed to be a stripper
Dear Mavis it was very strange to see him
So I thought I'd write and ask you your opinion
Should I grass on him, report him to the Cardinal?
Or whether I should egg him on to turn professional?
If I dob on him they'll call him plastic scouser
But the only thing the Stripper Vicar wears is plastic trousers
Mavis's opinion, all we really seek
Mavis's opinion, all we, should we
Lie while he's still alive?
Should we lie while he's still alive?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it
Dear Mavis thought I'd follow up my letter
Drop a line about the fate of our poor vicar
Very tragically his time on Earth has ended
Found him gagged and bound in stockings and suspenders
Dear Mavis if you tell us what you're thoughts are
And I hope that they're not biased 'cause you are the vicar's daughter
Mavis's opinion,all we really seek
Mavis's opinion, all we, should we
Lie now that he has died?
Should we lie now that he has died?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it
And we know that he's a vicar and by night a part time stripper
And the vicar got suspended in his stockings and suspenders
And he's making wine from water while he dresses like his daughter
And we know that he's a rip off 'cause we've seen him with his kit off
Should we lie now that he has died?
Should we lie now that he has died?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it, oh shit!
In the hope that you may soon be getting better
I've a feeling you should go and see a doctor
If you haven't then you know you really oughta
I was worried so I went to see the vicar
But before I could confess he first confessed to be a stripper
Dear Mavis it was very strange to see him
So I thought I'd write and ask you your opinion
Should I grass on him, report him to the Cardinal?
Or whether I should egg him on to turn professional?
If I dob on him they'll call him plastic scouser
But the only thing the Stripper Vicar wears is plastic trousers
Mavis's opinion, all we really seek
Mavis's opinion, all we, should we
Lie while he's still alive?
Should we lie while he's still alive?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it
Dear Mavis thought I'd follow up my letter
Drop a line about the fate of our poor vicar
Very tragically his time on Earth has ended
Found him gagged and bound in stockings and suspenders
Dear Mavis if you tell us what you're thoughts are
And I hope that they're not biased 'cause you are the vicar's daughter
Mavis's opinion,all we really seek
Mavis's opinion, all we, should we
Lie now that he has died?
Should we lie now that he has died?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it
And we know that he's a vicar and by night a part time stripper
And the vicar got suspended in his stockings and suspenders
And he's making wine from water while he dresses like his daughter
And we know that he's a rip off 'cause we've seen him with his kit off
Should we lie now that he has died?
Should we lie now that he has died?
Cause when the vicar strips he gets away with it, oh shit!
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Hayalperest
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This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
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I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
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Dusty Springfield
Dusty Springfield
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/
Page
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
There aren’t many things that’ll hurt more than giving love a chance against your better judgement only to have your heart crushed yet again. Ed Sheeran tells such a story on “Page.” On this track, he is devastated to have lost his lover and even more saddened by the feeling that he may never move on from this.
Well, what can i say about the lads from Chester!!! Saw them way back in 1996 in Leeds in a gig that coined the phrase "Stop throwing shoes on stage!". This song is fantastic live .... just like all Mansun material (what you hear on the vinyl / cd is what you get at a gig).