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
Wonderland
10cc Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know where I'll end up yet
The devil or the deep blue sea
There's always someone watching over me
The power of communication
Every little word's a big sensation
Sitting in the palm of my hand
Everyone at my command
It's a wonderland
(And I've only just begun)
(But I get a smile from everyone)
It's a wonderland
(Makes no difference, day or night)
('Cause I won't go down without a fight)
I'd like to introduce you to
A special substance, good for you
No physical dependency
For a star in its ascendancy
The world is a great big oyster
I'm riding through on a roller coaster
I'm looking at exotic places
But I'm colour blind to all these faces
It's a wonderland
(And I've only just begun)
(But I get a smile from everyone)
It's a wonderland
(Makes no difference, day or night)
('Cause I won't go down without a fight)
Live while you can
Everyday's a holiday
These are the golden years
And they won't be coming round again
So little time to be wild and free
So many things that you want to be
So little space between the cradle and the grave
But the minutes are ticking away
These are the special times
And they won't be coming round again woh oh woh
People take me for a ride
But I'm feeling good inside
The consequence of love and pain
And I'm not the one who takes the blame
My head is on another planet
My thoughts are soothed
By the hands upon it
A simple trade in real affection
And I'm not alone in the twilight zone
It's a wonderland
(And I've only just begun)
(But I get a smile from everyone)
It's a wonderland
(Makes no difference, day or night)
('Cause I won't go down without a fight)
It's a wonderland
(And I've only just begun)
(But I get a smile from everyone)
It's a wonderland
(Makes no difference, day or night)
('Cause I won't go down without a fight)
It's a wonderland....
The lyrics of 10cc's song Wonderland describe the feeling of being in control of one's own destiny while navigating through life's ups and downs. The singer wants to take a giant step without knowing where it will lead him, but says there is always someone watching over him. He feels the power of communication, and how every little word he says can create big sensations. He feels like he's in a wonderland, with everyone at his command. He introduces a "special substance" that has no physical dependency, and he talks about riding on a roller coaster through the world, looking at exotic places but not seeing the different faces of people he meets. He continues to say that everyday is a holiday, and that these are the special times that won't be coming around again.
The song is about the joy of living during a unique time in life, with one foot in childhood and the other foot in adulthood. The singer is enjoying the freedom of being young and living life to the fullest, but at the same time, he is aware that these special times are fleeting and won't last forever. There is a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the present moment, as well as an acknowledgement of the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to take a giant step
I have a strong desire to make a significant move forward in my life.
Don't know where I'll end up yet
I am unsure about my destination, but I am still determined to take that step.
The devil or the deep blue sea
I am weighing the risks of taking that step, but in the end, I will still take the plunge either way.
There's always someone watching over me
I have faith that someone greater than me is looking after me every step of the way.
The power of communication
I understand the importance of effective communication, and how it can make a significant impact.
Every little word's a big sensation
I believe that every word, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on those who hear it.
Sitting in the palm of my hand
I feel that I have control over my life and that everything is going the way I want it to.
Everyone at my command
I believe that I can influence and direct everyone around me.
It's a wonderland
The world is a fascinating and incredible place that I am only beginning to explore.
(And I've only just begun)
I am just getting started in my journey of discovery.
(But I get a smile from everyone)
I am a friendly and approachable person who can bring a smile to anyone's face.
Makes no difference, day or night
Regardless of the time of day, I am always eager and ready to explore the world around me.
('Cause I won't go down without a fight)
I am a determined and resilient person who will never give up, no matter the obstacles.
I'd like to introduce you to
I want to share something special with you.
A special substance, good for you
It is something unique that can bring a positive change to your life.
No physical dependency
It is not addictive and will not harm you in any way.
For a star in its ascendancy
It is something that can help you rise to meet your full potential and achieve great things.
The world is a great big oyster
The world is full of opportunities and discoveries just waiting to be explored.
I'm riding through on a roller coaster
I am enjoying the ups and downs of life and living each moment to the fullest.
I'm looking at exotic places
I am drawn to exploring new and exciting locations around the world.
But I'm colour blind to all these faces
I am open-minded and non-judgmental towards people of all races and backgrounds.
Live while you can
I believe in living life to the fullest and making the most of every moment.
Everyday's a holiday
Every day is an opportunity to celebrate life and find joy in everything we do.
These are the golden years
These are the times in our lives when we are most vibrant and full of potential.
And they won't be coming round again
These moments are fleeting and will not come again, so we must cherish them while we can.
So little time to be wild and free
We have such a short time on this earth to be our true, authentic selves and follow our dreams.
So many things that you want to be
There are so many opportunities and experiences waiting for us, and we should pursue them all.
So little space between the cradle and the grave
Our time on this earth is brief, and we must appreciate every moment we are given.
But the minutes are ticking away
Time is constantly moving, and we must make the most of every precious moment.
These are the special times
These moments in our lives are rare and unique, and we should cherish them deeply.
And I'm not alone in the twilight zone
I am surrounded by others who understand and appreciate the magic of these special times.
People take me for a ride
Others try to influence and manipulate me to their own ends.
But I'm feeling good inside
Despite these attempts, I am still happy and content with myself and my life.
The consequence of love and pain
No matter how much we try to avoid it, love often brings pain and heartache.
And I'm not the one who takes the blame
I understand that love is a two-way street and that no one is entirely at fault when things go wrong.
My head is on another planet
I am often lost in my own thoughts and dreams, unaware of what's happening around me.
My thoughts are soothed by the hands upon it
I find comfort and reassurance in the touch of another person's hands on my head.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind