Their 1982 self-titled debut album, coming after their 1981 EP 'Telecommunication'. involved themes of alien abduction and disorientation in modern society, comparable to space rock. The band split in 1985 after later songs, taking in inspiration from commercial pop rock of the era instead, failed to reach an audience. Score reformed the band with new members in 1995. The original lineup reunited for a handful of small club dates in 2003. Since then, Score has sporadically performed his version of the band with a fluctuating lineup.
Transfer Affection
A Flock of Seagulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm trying to transfer affection
Trying to feel factor four
Trying to change my direction
To go where I was once before
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide
Nothing inside
I'm trying to break all connections
Burning a hole in my heart
Trying to transfer affection
Is starting to tear me apart
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own
And there's no way to carry on
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide
Nothing inside
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own
And there's no way to carry on
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide
Nothing inside
I'm tired but then on reflection
It's so hard to open my eyes
To try reaching out for affection
It's so hard to break the disguise
Hold on hold on
The lyrics of A Flock of Seagulls' "Transfer Affection" seem to describe the struggle of someone who is trying to move on from a past relationship or experience. The singer is attempting to "transfer affection" and move on to a new phase in their life, but they're finding it difficult to let go of the past. They're trying to change their direction and go back to where they were before, but it feels like they're burning a hole in their heart and tearing themselves apart in the process.
The lyrics suggest that the singer is feeling isolated and alone, with no one to turn to for support. They don't want to be told that there's nothing left to hide or that they're on their own because it feels like they're already aware of this fact. Despite feeling tired and worn out, they're determined to keep trying to find affection and break free from their past.
Overall, "Transfer Affection" seems to be a poignant exploration of how difficult it can be to let go of something that's holding you back. Whether it's a relationship, a traumatic experience, or something else entirely, the song captures the struggle of trying to move on and find a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on hold on
The singer is telling themselves to hang on and persevere through their struggles.
I'm trying to transfer affection
The singer is attempting to move on and redirect their emotions.
Trying to feel factor four
The singer is striving to attain a deeper emotional connection during this shift in perspective.
Trying to change my direction
The artist is seeking to alter their course and move towards a new direction.
To go where I was once before
The artist desires to return to a time or place they’ve been before.
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own
The singer doesn't want to hear that they are alone and that they cannot keep going.
And there's no way to carry on
The singer refuses to believe that there is no way to move forward.
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide
The artist doesn't want to hear that they have nothing to salvage and everything to expose.
Nothing inside
The artist believes that there is nothing left inside them, emotionally or physically.
I'm trying to break all connections
The artist is attempting to disconnect from past relationships or experiences.
Burning a hole in my heart
This emotional process is extremely difficult and is weighing heavily on the singer.
Trying to transfer affection
The artist is attempting to move on and redirect their emotions.
Is starting to tear me apart
This process of moving on is also causing significant emotional pain and confusion.
I'm tired but then on reflection
The singer is feeling fatigued but is taking time to contemplate the situation.
It's so hard to open my eyes
The singer is struggling to see their circumstances clearly.
To try reaching out for affection
The artist is attempting to find solace through connecting with others.
It's so hard to break the disguise
The artist is having a difficult time navigating their feelings and emotions.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Francis Maudsley, Paul Reynolds, Alister James Score, Michael Score
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jonny Benitez
Hold on, hold on
I'm trying to transfer affection,
Trying to feel factor four.
Trying to change my direction,
To go where I was once before.
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own;
And there's no way to carry on.
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide;
Nothing inside.
I'm trying to break all connections,
Burning a hole in my heart.
Trying to transfer affection
Is starting to tear me apart.
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own;
And there's no way to carry on.
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide;
Nothing inside.
Don't try to tell me now that I'm out here on my own;
And there's no way to carry on.
Don't try to tell me that there's nothing left to hide;
Nothing inside.
I'm tired, but then on reflection,
It's so hard to open my eyes;
To try reaching out for affection,
It's so hard to break the disguise.
Hold on, hold on
johnny seyville
The 80's isn't complete without A Flock of Seagulls.
Efraín Bendezu
Yeaah this is True. The 80 forever
DCGlover
Yeah brother.
Shawn Hellion
This song was very well done and underrated as well
charly9927
they are the 80s.
AngryCanadian
THANKS Captain Obvious
Terence Meikle
These boys produced the goods again and again......a silver thread of hauntingly beautiful, serene, deceptively simple songs weaving through the 80's scene. So listenable. Any time, any day.
AJ17
Simple yet powerful. That's what the Seagulls did best.
Rachel Bainton
absolutely stunning tune!!.Thankyou Mike, Frank, Ali and Paul. Better than all the poor music around now.
madkittyjoey70
The new band members are just as good. :-)