"On The Rack" refers to Piccadilly Circus, it was well known for Male prostitution.
(Its a reference used in lots of "period" writings.. see this article with kenneth brannagh http://www.branaghcompendium.com/artic-advoc1.htm)
Trade = A person looking for sex, not sex itself. "Rough Trade"... Easy trade
Plying an ancient trade = prostitution, the oldest business on earth!
I don't see any sort of bondage reference in " a belted coat", I think "Cause in a belted coat, Oh, I secretly knew That I hadn't a clue " is just a reference to the fact the Subject of the song doesn't really fit in to this world, and maybe has someone to help him learn the ropes, so to speak,
(as this is when suggs kicks in with No no no, you cant go down that way.. follow me)
Earls Court (and Nottinghill) were a "Gay Ghetto" in the 50s and 60s and into the 70s, with the Colherne pub and the man 2 man book shop etc, there was a thriving large gay community.
I find this last verse a little confusing, but the change in pronoun makes me think the subject is singing of/to someone else.
i can only think its about Gay Lib as it was at the time, The more open lifestyle available in earls courts bars and community to be smiled about, but the Battles to get this far are something to be cried at.
Re- Loves_young_dream
"On The Rack" refers to Piccadilly Circus, it was well known for Male prostitution.
(Its a reference used in lots of "period" writings.. see this article with kenneth brannagh http://www.branaghcompendium.com/artic-advoc1.htm)
Trade = A person looking for sex, not sex itself. "Rough Trade"... Easy trade
Plying an ancient trade = prostitution, the oldest business on earth!
I don't see any sort of bondage reference in " a belted coat", I think "Cause in a belted coat, Oh, I secretly knew That I hadn't a clue " is just a reference to the fact the Subject of the song doesn't really fit in to this world, and maybe has someone to help him learn the ropes, so to speak, (as this is when suggs kicks in with No no no, you cant go down that way.. follow me)
Earls Court (and Nottinghill) were a "Gay Ghetto" in the 50s and 60s and into the 70s, with the Colherne pub and the man 2 man book shop etc, there was a thriving large gay community. I find this last verse a little confusing, but the change in pronoun makes me think the subject is singing of/to someone else. i can only think its about Gay Lib as it was at the time, The more open lifestyle available in earls courts bars and community to be smiled about, but the Battles to get this far are something to be cried at.