They were successful from the beginning, with their 1981 single "Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)" setting the stage for the breakthrough success of the album 'Pelican West' (1982). The single "Love Plus One" was even bigger than anything previous, and Haircut 100 seemed poised for stardom just as Heyward decided to seek a solo career. The remainder of the band tried to continue with the album 'Paint and Paint' (1984), with percussionist Mark Fox taking over Heyward's vocal duties, but they broke up soon after.
Although somewhat dismissed as a 'one hit wonder' due to the spread of blockbuster hit "Love Plus One", the band proved influential by the late 00s when new wave revivalist bands such as Vampire Weekend and No Kids emerged employing a similar style of preppy, afrobeat-like guitar pop.
Love Plus One
Haircut 100 Lyrics
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Without saying good goodbye
Where does it go from here?
Is it down to the lake I fear?
Ay ay ay ay ay ah
Ay ay ay ay ay ah
Then I call
Ring, ring, ring, ring
La la love plus one
Ring, ring, ring, ring
When I call love
Give love some soul
If I may be quite so bold
Where does it go from here?
Is it down to the lake I fear?
Ay ay ay ay ay ah
Ay ay ay ay ay ah
Then I call
Ring, ring, ring, ring
La la love plus one
Ring, ring, ring, ring
When I call love
Love plus one
The lyrics to Haircut 100's song Love Plus One are somewhat puzzling, as they seem to suggest a narrator who has gone off the right without saying goodbye to someone, wondering where things go from here, and possibly even fearing something down by the lake. However, the song's chorus contains a more positive note, with the singer calling out "la la love plus one" and "when I call love" over a series of ringing phone sounds.
On one level, it could be interpreted that the singer is feeling lost or uncertain in a romantic relationship, unsure of how to proceed or where things might lead. The repeated use of the phrase "where does it go from here?" underscores this uncertainty. However, the chorus suggests that despite these doubts, the singer still believes in the power of love and wants to pursue it further, hence the call for "love plus one" - an extra dose of love or love beyond what they currently have.
Overall, the song seems to reflect the anxieties and hopes inherent in many romantic relationships, with the singer struggling to balance their fears and uncertainties with their desire for love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I went off to the right
I took a different path or made a decision that may have not been expected or acceptable to others.
Without saying good goodbye
Without giving a proper farewell or explanation for my actions.
Where does it go from here?
What could possibly happen next, given my choices or circumstances?
Is it down to the lake I fear?
Does it lead to a dark or unknown place that I might be afraid of?
Ay ay ay ay ay ah
Expressing a feeling of unease or uncertainty.
Then I call
I reach out or attempt to make contact with someone.
Ring, ring, ring, ring
The sound of the phone ringing or metaphorically, the sound of reaching out and getting a response.
La la love plus one
A phrase that represents the desire for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship or connection with someone.
When I call love
When I actively seek out and pursue a loving relationship or connection with someone.
Give love some soul
To infuse love with authenticity, passion and depth.
If I may be quite so bold
If it's not too presumptuous or inappropriate of me to say.
Love plus one
A phrase that represents the desire for more love or intimacy than currently exists in a relationship.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICK HEYWARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind