ANGELIC UPSTARTS are an English punk rock band formed in South Shields in 1… Read Full Bio ↴ANGELIC UPSTARTS are an English punk rock band formed in South Shields in 1977. They are one of most prominent Oi! bands, and espouse a socialist and working class philosophy which later inspired bands such as: Strawman, Red London or Redskins . Angelic Upstarts have been associated with anti-fascist skinhead subculture. More than two decades after its release, their debut single, "The Murder Of Liddle Towers", was included in Mojo magazine’s list of the best punk rock singles of all time. The original line up for the band was Mensi (vocals), Mond (guitar), Steve Forsten (bass) and Decca Wade (drums). The band have reformed and split a few times over the years and some of the ex members include bass players, Ronnie Wooden, Glyn Warren, Tony Feedback, Ronnie Rocker and Max Splodge who also had a stint playing drums. Other drummers have included Sticks (who later joined The Cockney Rejects), Paul Thompson (ex Roxy Music) and Chris White. Decca Wade rejoined the band for a few years before leaving again. Brian Hayes originally joined the band as second guitarist until Mond left leaving Brian as the only guitarist. The line up for the band is as follows
The band are still playing throughout Europe.
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42nd Street
Angelic Upstarts Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

On 42nd street
There′s gentlemen I'd rather not meet
I′d like to call it skid row
There's so much grass I had to blow

See them lining door to door
Faces I've seen in cities before
Sirens had to clash

This was the interstate New York bash

On 42nd street
There′s a girl I′d like to meet
I'd like to take her home
But my girl wants me alone

We′re in uncertain heat
As the N.Y.P.D. control the beat
But I think they're just as bad
If this was a reservation
There′s too many chiefs and not enough indians

On 42nd street

White hot steam fills the street
On 42nd street

Overall Meaning

The Angelic Upstarts' song "42nd Street" is a social commentary on the notorious New York City street that has a reputation for being gritty and dangerous. The lyrics refer to the numerous characters that one might encounter on 42nd street, from gentlemen that you would rather not meet to faces that resemble those from other cities. The line "I'd like to call it skid row" is a clear indication of the area's notoriety. The song mentions sirens clashing and an interstate New York bash happening. This could be interpreted as the area being a meeting point for different cultures and influences.

The singer also mentions a girl that he would like to take home, but his girlfriend wants him to stay faithful. This line can be seen as commentary on the moral ambiguity of the street and how it can challenge one's moral compass. The mention of "uncertain heat" and the N.Y.P.D. controlling the beat further reinforces this idea of moral ambiguity.

The chorus mentions "white hot steam" that fills the street, which could be taken as a metaphor for the energy and excitement that permeates the area. Overall, the song portrays 42nd street as a place where anything can happen, both good and bad, and where one's moral compass can be tested.

Line by Line Meaning

On 42nd street
The song is about the street called 42nd Street.

There's gentlemen I'd rather not meet
The street has some undesirable people.

I'd like to call it skid row
The street is so rundown and dirty that it resembles a skid row.

There's so much grass I had to blow
There is an abundance of marijuana on that street.

See them lining door to door
People are standing in a row, waiting outside buildings.

Faces I've seen in cities before
The people in the city look similar to those in other cities.

Sirens had to clash
The chaos of the street is reflected in the sound of the sirens.

This was the interstate New York bash
The chaos on the street is likened to a wild party.

There's a girl I'd like to meet
The singer is interested in a girl he saw on the street.

I'd like to take her home
The singer wants to take the girl home with him.

But my girl wants me alone
The singer's girlfriend does not want him to spend time with other women.

We're in uncertain heat
The singer and his girlfriend are experiencing some tension in their relationship.

As the N.Y.P.D. control the beat
The police are trying to keep control of the situation on the street.

But I think they're just as bad
The singer does not have a good opinion of the police.

If this was a reservation
The singer is using a metaphor to compare the situation on 42nd Street to a Native American reservation.

There's too many chiefs and not enough indians
The singer thinks there are too many people trying to be in charge and not enough people following orders.

White hot steam fills the street
It is hot and steamy on the street, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

Writer(s): Thomas Mensforth, Tony Morrison

Contributed by London J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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