Th… Read Full Bio ↴Aztec Camera was a Scottish Indie pop/New Wave band from Glasgow.
The line-up of the band changed several times over the years, but the constant member had been guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Roddy Frame. Founding members included Campbell Owens (bass) and Dave Mulholland (drums). Ex-Bluebells bassist Craig Gannon was a member from 1983 through 1985, before joining The Smiths. Guitarist Malcolm Ross (formerly of Josef K and Orange Juice) also joined in 1983, and appeared on the Knife album.
Aztec Camera first gained recognition as part of the Scottish post-punk scene along with bands like Orange Juice and Josef K, all of which released singles on the influential Glasgow-based label Postcard records. The band's first UK 7" single was released by Postcard in 1981, containing the songs "Just Like Gold" and "We Could Send Letters". The latter was included on the NME's C81 compilation, which pointed strongly towards the future C86 indie pop movement in the United Kingdom.
Though most commonly remembered generally as part of the 80s New Wave era, Aztec Camera has gone through numerous stylistic changes throughout their career, ranging from stripped-down, almost pastoral post-punk to slicker, more sophisticated pop rock as well as jazz and latin influenced acoustic ballads. As Roddy Frame's guitar playing has always been the signature of the band's music, guitar pop might be a more succinct description.
Aztec Camera's debut album, High Land, Hard Rain, was released in 1983. However, Owens and Mulholland left the group before the release, leaving Frame to complete the album alone. The album was quite successful, gathering significant critical acclaim for its well-crafted, multi-layered pop. The band went on to release a total of six albums, although most of these were essentially written and played by Frame. The albums included Knife (1984), Love (1987), Stray (1990), Dreamland (1993) and Frestonia (1995).
After the release of their sixth album, Frestonia, Frame finally dissolved the band to go solo.
Popular songs by Aztec Camera include "Oblivious", "Somewhere in My Heart", and "Good Morning Britain" (a duet with former Clash guitarist Mick Jones).
The group have also done cover versions of Blue Orchids "Bad Education", and a slowed-down version of Van Halen's Jump.
A 'Best of' collection was released in 1999.
Debutante
Aztec Camera Lyrics
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So sad and unsure
Trying to make it happen
To four on the floor
But what do you do
With someone like you
Debutantes shiver in lace
And pray for disgrace
Then hurrying back
Suitably late
You learn what to do
Just wrap it in blue
Tie it up and take it home
I wanna hear the sound
Of the tears you're crying
I wanna be around
When your tears are drying
Wanna say the things
That I know I ought to
But never said before
'Cause I thought you knew
Are you all in blue
For a reason
Believing what you're feeling is true
Or is it just a shade this season
Baby blue.
Swans splash on silvery lakes
But the ice never breaks
Watching the conversation crawl
Reassuringly fake
I'm spinning in space
And feeling this place
Moulding you with money and time
Holding you although you are mine
I wanna hear the sound
Of the tears you're crying
I wanna be around
When your tears are drying
Wanna say the things
That I know I ought to
But never said before
'Cause I thought you knew
Are you all in blue
For a reason
Believing what you're feeling is true
Or is it just a shade this season
Baby blue.
Pretty girl don't wait for me
You'll see his sunshine
Sometime come shining
The song "Debutante" by Aztec Camera is a reflection on the life of a wealthy woman, who is new to the world of debutante balls and high society. The lyrics suggest that the singer is unsure of herself and trying too hard to fit in. The song begins with the singer saying that he has seen this before, implying that this girl is not the first person he has known to enter this world of high society. He muses on the idea of trying to make it happen, as she learns to dance to "four on the floor." However, he also questions what will happen to her, someone like her, in this world of glitter and glamour.
The chorus of the song has the singer wanting to hear the sound of the tears this girl is crying, and wanting to say the things that he knows he ought to but never said before, for he thought she already knew. This suggests a deep friendship or a lost love that never had the chance to develop into something more. The song highlights the loneliness and isolation that the singer feels amidst all the wealth and glamour around her, with the mention of swans splashing on silvery lakes, but the ice never breaks, and the conversation around her is always reassuringly fake.
The song is a commentary on the life of high society and debutante balls, showcasing the isolation and loneliness that comes with it. The singer seems to be questioning the meaning of all of it, wondering if the people involved believe what they're feeling is true, or if it's all just a trend for the season.
Line by Line Meaning
I've seen it before
I have previously witnessed the same situation.
So sad and unsure
It is a tragic and unconfident situation.
Trying to make it happen
Attempting to create an event or circumstance.
To four on the floor
To a fast and lively 4/4 beat.
But what do you do
What actions do you take?
With someone like you
When interacting with somebody such as yourself.
Debutantes shiver in lace
Young women of high society tremble while wearing delicate fabric.
And pray for disgrace
Hoping for some form of embarrassment or scandal.
Crossing the tracks
Going beyond the societal boundary.
Then hurrying back
Quickly returning to the familiar side.
Suitably late
Arriving at the appropriate time.
You learn what to do
One becomes knowledgeable about the situation.
Just wrap it in blue
Simply cover it with blue color or design.
Tie it up and take it home
Secure the object and bring it back with you.
I wanna hear the sound
I desire to listen to the audio.
Of the tears you're crying
The sound of your crying.
I wanna be around
I wish to be present.
When your tears are drying
During the process of your tears stopping.
Wanna say the things
Expressing a wish to communicate some information.
That I know I ought to
That I realize I should have already said.
But never said before
Despite this, I have not previously spoken those words.
'Cause I thought you knew
Because I assumed you were aware.
Are you all in blue
Is your outfit exclusively in shades of blue.
For a reason
Is there a purpose or explanation behind this.
Believing what you're feeling is true
Trusting that your emotions are sincere.
Or is it just a shade this season
Alternatively, perhaps it is merely a fashionable color.
Baby blue.
A lighter shade of blue.
Swans splash on silvery lakes
Swans create ripples as they swim in reflective bodies of water.
But the ice never breaks
However, the ice remains solid.
Watching the conversation crawl
Observing a slow and sluggish exchange of words.
Reassuringly fake
Although it may feel reassuring, it is insincere.
I'm spinning in space
Metaphorically becoming dizzy within this environment.
And feeling this place
Experiencing the sensations of this location.
Moulding you with money and time
Shaping your persona through your level of income and the duration of your existence.
Holding you although you are mine
Despite my possession of you, I still care for you.
Pretty girl don't wait for me
Attractive young woman, do not delay for my sake.
You'll see his sunshine
You will witness his positive and uplifting energy.
Sometime come shining
Eventually it will arrive in full force.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODDY FRAME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind