The band was formed in 1993 by Tony Nwachukwu and Charlie Dark. Charlie Dark was a part time journalist and DJ and had been approached by James Lavelle to produce and engineer tracks for his Mo Wax record label.
Their first release, Vibes, Scribes and Dusty 45's Ep, contained the down tempo classic Contemplating Jazz. Featuring the vocals of third member Roba El-Essawy, Attica Blues' sound contained the trademark trip-hop aspects like heavy beats, vocals and deep dark atmospheres. They released a follow up album, Blueprint.
Attica Blues were also often solicited for remixing and producing.
After the Mo Wax album Blueprint, they released a second album, Test,Don't Test on Sony Records.
Look At Yourself
Attica Blues Lyrics
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Everyone knows your name, so you claim
Out for fortune and for the fame
Though you play your life like it's just a game
I'd rather be fabulous than famous
Live my life steady than nervous
Always looking over my shoulder
Never knowing what's coming round the corner
Look at yourself
Look at yourself
You're the fliest in the neighborhood
But i wonder if we'd all be like you if we could
The flashest cars
The sovereign rings
Champagne worlds filled with material things
Peddling plastic dreams
A way of life far removed from reality
But nothing lasts for long
And you can't take it with you when you're gone
Look at yourself
Look at yourself
I'd rather be fabulous than famous
Live my life steady than nervous
Always looking over my shoulder
Never knowing what's coming round the corner
Look at yourself
Look at yourself
The song "Look at Yourself" by Attica Blues is a critical commentary on the phenomenon of individuals who seek fame and fortune at any cost. The lyrics describe the singer as a big fish in a small pond, who wishes to achieve fame and fortune regardless of the consequences. The song highlights the fact that such individuals are always on the lookout for fame, living life like it's just a game. Attica Blues suggests that it is worthwhile to strive for a fabulous and steady life, rather than an anxious and fame-driven life.
The lyrics illustrate the materialistic side of these men's indulgences, which the song describes as crooked and full of plastic dreams. The song's underlying theme is that no matter how hard these individuals try, they will never achieve happiness because they choose to live their lives in the public eye, always seeking the next best thing, and never being satisfied with what they have. Attica Blues urges us to look at ourselves and question what is truly important in life, rather than blindly follow a path towards materialism.
Overall, "Look at Yourself" is a thought-provoking piece that encourages self-reflection and positive life choices. By promoting the belief that we should strive for personal joy rather than opting for materialistic desires, Attica Blues inspires individuals to live a fulfilled and happy life doing what they love. The lyrics' messages are highly relevant in today's fame-driven society, where people are eager to achieve stardom by any means necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
You're a big fish in a small pond
You hold a significant position in a limited environment
Everyone knows your name, so you claim
You seek recognition based on familiarity
Out for fortune and for the fame
You pursue wealth and recognition
Though you play your life like it's just a game
You treat your life like it's a trivial matter
I'd rather be fabulous than famous
I prefer to be exceptional rather than well-known
Live my life steady than nervous
I prefer a life of stability over anxiety
Always looking over my shoulder
Always being cautious
Never knowing what's coming round the corner
Never being certain of the future
You're the fliest in the neighborhood
You have the best style in your community
But i wonder if we'd all be like you if we could
I question if everyone would adopt your lifestyle if they could
The flashest cars
Cars that are designed to be flashy
The sovereign rings
Expensive, ornate rings with a significant setting
Champagne worlds filled with material things
A life of luxury surrounded by material possessions
Peddling plastic dreams
Promoting unrealistic goals or dreams
A way of life far removed from reality
A lifestyle that is disconnected from real life
But nothing lasts for long
Everything is temporary
And you can't take it with you when you're gone
You cannot take material possessions with you after death
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEN HENSLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind