Their first album Playing with a Different Sex is considered a post-punk classic with strong, sarcastic songs like "It's Obvious" and "We're so cool" taking a dry look at gender relations. Other songs, such as "Armagh" with its refrain,"we don't torture" took a pro-republican look at the then ongoing "Troubles" in Northern Ireland, which caused some controversy at the time.
The band's second album, Sense and Sensuality, showed an even greater influence of jazz, soul, funk and disco on the band's sound, but was less well received. The band broke up in 1983 just before they were about to go into the studio to record an album with producer Steve Lillywhite. Woods formed an all woman band called the Darlings in the late '80s, but then left the music industry. She now works as a lawyer. Guitarist, Paul Foad remains an active musician, playing with Andy Hamilton and the Blue Notes, a Jamaican Jazz band and teaching guitar in and around Birmingham. He has also published a guitar technique book, co-written with Stuart Ritchie, titled The Caged Guitarist (2000). Bass player Jane Munro works as an alternative therapist in Birmingham. Pete Hammond also remains an active musician and teaches percussion in Birmingham.
The Au Pairs released two official albums "Playing with a Different Sex" (1981) and "Sense and Sensuality" (1982). Two more albums were released in 1983: "Live in Berlin" and the "BBC Sessions".
Original Line-up:
Lesley Woods - guitar/vocals
Paul Foad - guitar/vocals
Jane Munro - bass
Pete Hammond - drums
Come Again
Au Pairs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You brought in new rules / which you obey
And coping, coping, coping - or nearly anyway
But is it real? Are you feeling it?
You behave like a model / For others to follow -
Equal shares, equal shares
It's frustrating / aggravating / so annoying / pretend you're enjoying
It!
I don't know if you want to
It's inhibiting / restricting / so confusing / now I'm losing count
Can't concentrate, it's another way to take
Mustn't think about it / Free and at ease
You're not selfish / You're trying hard to please me - please please me
Is your finger aching / I can feel you hesitating
Is your finger aching!?!
Yes, thank you / I got one
Yes, it was nice / Yes, we should go to sleep now
Yes, yes it was fine
We must, we must do it again sometime
We must - yes, but I'm tired
Cum again, wot? - I need to etc etc
Shit, I forgot to put my cap in.
The Au Pairs' song "Come Again" is a subversive take on the societal rules around sex and relationships. The song implies that the female singer is in a sexual relationship with a man who follows the new rules - he is willing to share power and respect her as an equal. However, despite his efforts to please her, the singer is left feeling unsatisfied and confused. She questions whether his behavior is genuine, or if he is simply following a new set of rules out of a sense of obligation.
The verses are filled with dichotomies - "coping, coping, coping - or nearly anyway" suggests a sense of disingenuousness, while "equal shares, equal shares" points to a desire for fairness and equality in the relationship. The chorus is the most striking part of the song, with the repeated refrain of "Cum again, wot?" - a play on the phrase "come again?" that can be both a request and a question. This is a powerful statement on the way that women's sexual pleasure is often ignored or dismissed in relationships.
Overall, "Come Again" is a feminist anthem about the ways that men and women are socialized to approach relationships and sex. It challenges the idea that women should be satisfied with whatever they are given, and argues for a more equitable model of relationships and sexuality.
Line by Line Meaning
You're one of those
You are someone who does not follow the usual norms and traditions
who changed the rules
You have introduced new ways and methods
You brought in new rules
You have established new principles
which you obey
And you follow what you have established
And coping, coping, coping - or nearly anyway
You are trying your best to handle the situation, but it is not easy
But is it real? Are you feeling it?
Are you truly experiencing it, or is it just a façade?
You behave like a model
You act as an example
For others to follow
For others to emulate and copy
Equal shares, equal shares
Everything is divided equally - there is no preference
It's frustrating / aggravating / so annoying / pretend you're enjoying / It!
It is an unpleasant experience, but you force yourself to pretend to be happy about it
It's your turn now
It is your chance to lead
But do you want to
But do you have the desire to lead?
I don't know if you want to
I am not sure if you have the motivation to do so
It's inhibiting / restricting / so confusing / now I'm losing count
It is limiting your potential, and the situation is perplexing, making it hard to keep track
Can't concentrate, it's another way to take
It is too distracting to focus on
Mustn't think about it / Free and at ease
Stop thinking about it and relax
You're not selfish / You're trying hard to please me - please please me
You are not self-centered and doing everything to make me happy
Is your finger aching / I can feel you hesitating
It seems like you are unsure and hesitant about something
Is your finger aching!?!
Are you hesitant about taking a step forward?
Yes, thank you / I got one
Yes, I have made a decision and acted on it
Yes, it was nice / Yes, we should go to sleep now
I enjoyed it, but it is time to rest
Yes, yes it was fine
I had an okay experience
We must, we must do it again sometime
We should do it again in the future
We must - yes, but I'm tired
We should, but I am exhausted
Cum again, wot? - I need to etc etc
Sorry, what did you say? I have to take care of something right now
Shit, I forgot to put my cap in.
Oops, I forgot to wear a cap
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: DACOSTA, HAMMOND, HAR, HARPER, MADDEN, PINKNEY, WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kobalt77
As an 80s youth, I have no idea how the hell I missed out on this band. I,m 62 now, but better late than never. This video is amazing, the energy is electric.
@robbiegailh.2076
I fucking love this band and always will. I met the singer and told her I loved her, back in the late 80's. Still do.
@UKAlanR
First saw them in week 1 of a 4-week Thursday night residency at Brum's Golden Eagle. They were so good I went to all 4 gigs, and was afterwards a confirmed fan.
They could be as good as this one clip for almost an hour on stage - a phenomenal live band, very clever and entertaining, as well as delivering a strong and thought-provoking message.
@Dickgoodbody
what a great experience Alan, so envious, thanks for sharing with us
@chris.bcfc.keeprighton.5685
I remember the Golden Eagle as I am a Brummie. Its with great regret that I never saw the Au Pairs live.
@clogsable
Just brilliant
@mattbirch8416
Great song and band. The baseline is hypnotising.
@dartanghaneluard6156
quelle ambiance sensationnelle ! on sent la musique (et quelle musique ! spectaculaire !), en résonance, avec l'énergie de cette performance exceptionnelle, de ce groupe merveilleux, que j'adore beaucoup !... je t'aime, mademoiselle woods, mon amour ! bravo! hehe.
p.s.: merci beaucoup, pour l'envoi rare et précieux (un prix, un cadeau !), de ce "trésor enfoui", mon amie. : )
@nancynolan8186
god i love love LOVE THIS BAND
@tellitlikeitis-rg4ny
mi mate paul foad gret guitarist