Led by Adam Ant (real name Stuart Goddard), the band formed in 1977 in London, England, consisting of Lester Square (guitar), Andy Warren (bass guitar) and Paul Flanagan (drums). Square was replaced by Mark Gaumont early in the band's career, before the release of their debut album Dirk Wears White Sox (1979, Do It Records). The album was somewhat dark, with post punk riffs and some vestiges of glam rock. The album was not a success, so Adam and the Ants hired Malcolm McLaren (manager of the Sex Pistols) to help with their image.
While preparing for their second album, McLaren convinced the Ants to leave Adam and form Bow Wow Wow. A new version of the Ants was formed by Marco Pirroni (guitar), Kevin Mooney (bass guitar) and two drummers, Terry Lee Miall and Merrick. Pirroni would go on to become an influential member of the group, and cowrite many of their songs with Adam Ant.
The band signed a major label deal with CBS Records and began recording Kings of the Wild Frontier. That album was an enormous hit in the United Kingdom and put the band at the forefront of the New Romantic moment. The album reached #1 on the UK album charts on January 24, 1981.
There were several hit singles from this LP, including Dog Eat Dog (reaching #4 on the UK singles charts in October 1980), Ant Music (#2 in January 1981) and Kings of the Wild Frontier (#2 in March 1981). In addition, Antmusic made it to No.1 in Australia for five weeks.
Bassist Kevin Mooney left the band in 1981, and was replaced with Gary Tibbs who joined just in time to record the hit single "Stand and Deliver".
In November 1981 Adam and the Ants released another highly successful album, Prince Charming. The band had two United Kingdom #1 singles. "Stand and Deliver" was the #1 single in the UK for 5 weeks in May 1981, followed by "Prince Charming", which topped the UK charts, for 4 weeks in September 1981. "Antrap" reached #3 in January, 1982.
The band seized the opportunities provided by music videos on the new MTV channel to develop a theatrical, charismatic onscreen persona. With romantic costumes and heavy make-up, the band was an early example of the New Romantic movement, with contemporaries such as Duran Duran dressing similarly. Lavish videos were produced for the Prince Charming singles, including Stand and Deliver, Prince Charming, and Ant Rap. In the Stand and Deliver video, Adam Ant is dressed as a "dandy highwayman" and generally indulges his exhibitionist tendencies. These videos helped break the band in the United States when MTV began airing them.
In early 1982 the band received a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist.
Purple Rain
Adam and the Ants Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
These niggas praying down they hope that I fall
I ain’t going down I put in my all
Niggas that talk take bullets to tha heart
He tried to run but he ain’t make it far
They think that I’m done but this just tha start
Yeah just play yo part
just maybe you might make it far
These niggas keep playing they think it’s a park
I take me a perk straight to tha heart
I might have to fall back
it’s getting to dark
These niggas all bark no bite
I shut them out like a light
The lyrics of Adam and the Ants's song "Purple Rain" convey a sense of resilience, determination, and confidence in the face of adversity. The opening lines suggest that the singer has earned their success and is counting their hard-earned money, while others hope for their downfall. The use of the word "niggas" may refer to individuals who doubt the singer's abilities or wish to see them fail.
The next lines emphasize the singer's refusal to give up, stating that they have put their all into their work and will not be brought down by negative talk. The mention of bullets to the heart suggests that the singer is not afraid to confront those who doubt them and will not be defeated easily. The phrase "the bigger they are, the harder they fall" implies that the more prominent or influential their opposition, the greater their determination to overcome it.
The following lines suggest that someone tried to escape or challenge the singer's dominance, but failed to succeed. It is implied that others may underestimate the singer and think they are finished, but they see it as just the beginning of their rise to even greater success. The statement to "just play your part" suggests that others should contribute their efforts if they want to achieve similar success, and that the singer's journey is far from over.
Continuing with a metaphorical twist, the lyrics compare those who doubt the singer to dogs that bark but have no bite. The singer metaphorically "shuts them out like a light," suggesting that they simply ignore the negativity and remain focused on their own path. The use of the word "light" implies that the singer's success and determination bring clarity and enlightenment, drowning out the meaningless noise of detractors.
Overall, these lyrics reflect an individual who has worked hard for their success and is confident in their abilities. They refuse to let negativity or doubt hinder their progress and are determined to continue striving for greatness. The lyrics also convey a sense of self-assuredness and an understanding that true success comes from within, rather than relying on the opinions or expectations of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Counting this money cause I earned it all
I am meticulously keeping track of my earnings because I have worked hard to acquire them.
These niggas praying down they hope that I fall
Certain individuals are actively wishing for my failure and downfall.
I ain’t going down I put in my all
I refuse to succumb to adversity and obstacles because I have given my utmost effort.
Niggas that talk take bullets to tha heart
Those who indulge in empty talk often experience emotional pain and disappointment.
Tha bigger they are tha harder they fall
The more towering and influential someone appears, the more devastating their eventual downfall can be.
He tried to run but he ain’t make it far
Someone attempted to escape from a challenging situation but did not succeed in traversing a significant distance.
They think that I’m done but this just tha start
Many mistakenly believe that I have reached the end of my journey, but in reality, this is merely the beginning.
Yeah just play yo part
Simply fulfill your designated role or responsibilities.
just maybe you might make it far
By doing so, there is a chance that you may achieve great success.
These niggas keep playing they think it’s a park
Certain individuals continue engaging in trivial and leisurely activities, mistakenly believing life to be an effortless playground.
I take me a perk straight to tha heart
To cope with the difficulties, I occasionally rely on a substance that directly affects my emotional well-being.
I might have to fall back
I may need to retreat or withdraw from my current position or situation.
it’s getting to dark
The circumstances are becoming increasingly bleak and challenging.
These niggas all bark no bite
These individuals boast and make empty threats without actually following through with their actions.
I shut them out like a light
I completely disregard and ignore their presence or influence, similar to turning off a light switch.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Anthony Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nige
on Lou
So... we're just going to let AI invent song-lyrics now? This is not Adam Ant's Lou. Shameful lazy website.
Ben - Moderator
on Cleopatra
Hi Kevin, I have updated the song facts to reflect these corrections. Please let us know if any further errors are found.
Kevin Manktelow
on Cleopatra
Couple of glaring errors, Cleopatra was first performed on the 10th July 1978 on the Peel Sessions and it was record in in the studio in 1979 for the Dirk Wears White Sox album which was released in January 1980. Marco Pirroni didn't join the band until after Malcolm Mclaren persuaded the rest of the band to quit and form Bow Wow Wow at the end of January 1980. It also wasn't on the normal release of the Prince Charming album, nor was it released as a single.