Stewart and Gouldman were straight pop-song-writers, who created the band’s most accessible songs; Godley and Creme were the experimental half of 10cc, featuring an Art School sensibility and cinematic writing. All are skilled multi-instrumentalists, vocalists, writers, and producers, and each could perform convincingly as lead singers, leading to favourable comparisons with The Beatles.
The band achieved its greatest commercial success during the 1970s.
In 1976 ... Godley & Creme left, releasing records under that name before making a significant contribution to the development of the music video in the 80s.
In 1977 ... 10cc embarked on an international tour with guitarist Rick Fenn, keyboardist Tony O'Malley and additional drummer Stuart Tosh and recorded a live album in 1977, "Live And Let Live", which mixed the hits with material from the previous three albums.
Fenn, Tosh, Burgess and keyboardist Duncan Mackay were full members of the band and performed on 1978 album "Bloody Tourists", which provided the band with their third UK No.1 single, the reggae-styled "Dreadlock Holiday".
1977-1983 ... After the departure of Godley and Creme, Stewart and Gouldman opted to continue as 10cc, bringing in to the studio drummer Paul Burgess, who had up to that point been their tour backup drummer. Their first album as a three piece band was "Deceptive Bends".
1984-1992 ... Separate projects - after 1983, the band went into recess as Stewart did produce recordings for Sad Café and Gouldman produced tracks for The Ramones before teaming up with Andrew Gold to form the synth-pop group Wax.
1992-1995 ... In 1992 the original four members reunited to record "Meanwhile", an album produced by Gary Katz of Steely Dan fame. ...the album was not a "reunion" in the strict sense of the word. All the album's songs were written by Stewart and Gouldman ... Creme and Godley agreed to guest on the album to fullfil their obligation to Polydor records.
1999-2009 ... since 1999 Gouldman has toured as 10cc consisting of Rick Fenn, Paul Burgess, Mick Wilson, Mike Stevens and/or Keith Hayman, with occasional guest appearances by Kevin Godley. The band has embarked on several national tours of the UK and various dates throughout the World playing 10cc hits, plus a section of Gouldman's hits written for others. Their first gig was at Ronnie Scotts jazz club in Birmingham in 1999.
Additional info:
There is much speculation about where the name of the band comes from but the general consensus was that it is named after the average amount of ejaculate in a single male orgasm. However one will find that the average is about 3cc ...the name "10cc" in fact comes from a dream: Jonathan King, the person who signed them, dreamed of a band called 10cc topping the charts in both the UK and America - see: snopes.com/music/artists/10cc.asp
Blue Bird
10cc Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Teach me how to fly
Teach me how to sing
Bluebird, guardian of my soul
Inside everybody
Is a story to be told
I came in from the cold
Strong enough to bear
The strain of our existence
And troubles everywhere
But time heals
And I know you'll be there... ooh
Bluebird symphony in flight
Symbol of the dawn
Symbol of the night
I'll try with all my might to be a brother
Always there for you
Mother (mother, mother) knowing what to do
And farther than anyone has flown
Courage to spread your wings alone
And who will help me?
Bluebird
Bluebird stranger to these shores
I look into your eyes
Have you been here before
Take me through the door to Heaven
And show me
The treasures that you keep
The magic of the sky
And the beauty of the deep
And I'll do what I have to do
To be one of the chosen few
Fly anywhere with...
You, Bluebird
Bluebird, Bluebird (Yeh)
In "Blue Bird" by 10cc, the singer appeals to the bluebird to teach him how to sing and fly, with the bird as his guardian of the soul. He describes the bluebird's flight as a "symphony" and a symbol of both dawn and night, representing hope and the unknown.
The singer opens up about having found someone strong enough to help bear the strain of their existence and troubles that come with it. Yet he acknowledges that time heals and knows the bluebird will be there to help him through. The bluebird is referred to as a stranger to these shores, and the singer wonders if it has been here before. He asks the bird to take him to Heaven and show him the treasures that it keeps, including the magic of the sky and beauty of the deep.
One interpretation of the lyrics could be the singer's desire for spiritual guidance, reflected through his association with the bluebird. The bird's singing and flying represent a sort of freedom that he longs for as he navigates through life's difficulties. He looks to the bird for guidance on how to navigate the unknown, including death ("door to Heaven"). The bluebird, therefore, represents not only hope but a guide to help him through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Bluebird take me on your wing
I am asking for guidance and direction from Bluebird, so that I can also be able to soar the way he does
Teach me how to fly
I need Bluebird to show me the necessary skills and abilities to fly
Teach me how to sing
In addition to flying, I want Bluebird to teach me how to express myself musically, so I can spread joy and happiness as I fly
Bluebird, guardian of my soul
Bluebird is my protector and guide, who watches over my inner being or soul
Inside everybody
Every individual has a unique story that needs to be shared or told
Is a story to be told
People need to open up and share their stories with others, so they can learn from them, empathize and connect with them
I came in from the cold
I finally found someone who accepted me and offered shelter from the harshness of life
When I found someone
I discovered that I needed someone as a confidant and source of comfort and support
Strong enough to bear
The person I found was strong enough to handle my problems and help me cope with my struggles
The strain of our existence
Together, we can overcome any challenges that life throws at us
But time heals
As time passes, we will eventually overcome our troubles and move forward
And I know you'll be there... ooh
I am confident that I can always count on this person to be there for me
Bluebird symphony in flight
Bluebird is an embodiment of beauty and grace as he flies through the sky
Symbol of the dawn
Bluebird represents a new beginning or fresh start, a new day full of promise and hope
Symbol of the night
Bluebird is also a reminder of the peacefulness and serenity of nighttime and the beauty of the starry sky
I'll try with all my might to be a brother
I want to extend my friendship and support to Bluebird and be there for him, the same way he has always been there for me
Always there for you
I will be steadfast in supporting and being there for Bluebird no matter what happens
Mother (mother, mother) knowing what to do
Just like a mother, I will take care of Bluebird and know what he needs
And farther than anyone has flown
Bluebird has gone further than anyone, in terms of discovering new paths or opportunities in life.
Courage to spread your wings alone
Bluebird has the boldness and courage to venture out alone and explore new opportunities and experiences
And who will help me?
But even Bluebird needs help sometimes, and he is wondering who will be there to help him in the quest for his dreams
Bluebird
Bluebird is still the ever-reliable guide, companion and protector in the journey of life and dreams
Bluebird stranger to these shores
Bluebird appears to be new to this place or country, he is unfamiliar with the culture and environment
I look into your eyes
But when I look into Bluebird's eyes, I see that he has a deep reservoir of knowledge, insight and wisdom
Have you been here before
I wonder if Bluebird has experienced similar situations or faced similar challenges in other places or times
Take me through the door to Heaven
I am requesting Bluebird to take me on an exciting adventure to the next level or phase of my life, where all my dreams can come true
And show me
I need Bluebird to help me discover the hidden treasures, secrets and mysteries of life beyond this world
The treasures that you keep
I know that Bluebird has several interesting and valuable experiences or pieces of knowledge, which he can share with me
The magic of the sky
I dream of exploring the wonders of the sky, whether that involves flying high or simply marveling at its beauty
And the beauty of the deep
I am also curious about the depth and mystery of the oceans, and I long to discover its secrets
And I'll do what I have to do
I am willing to make sacrifices and work hard in the pursuit of my dreams
To be one of the chosen few
I aim to be among the select few who have the privilege of experiencing the full range of life's beauty and wonders
Fly anywhere with...
I am giving Bluebird free rein to take me on numerous adventures and experiences, without limitation or reservation
You, Bluebird
Bluebird is my ever-reliable guide, protector and companion, and I will always look to him for guidance, direction, and support
Bluebird, Bluebird (Yeh)
The final reminder that Bluebird is still the ever-present guide, protector and companion in all aspects of life and adventure
Contributed by Gabriel I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Joost Kleppe
This is among the most beautiful songs Graham has written. Listen two the secondary voices, especially in the end. Universal bliss.
רוברט ויינגר
Thank you very much the 10ccFanClub for sharing the tracks that were not on the original release, God bless!
Mich van der Zant
Ah man, I used to love this song when I was 13
teresa shepherd
Great vocals on every 10cc song whoever sang lead. eric graham lol and kevin.
Lauretta Roper
What's not to like 😎
Renner Zaen Espinoza
Jessica Ttito dónde estés! Conocí esta canción por ti.... Espero seas feliz ...