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
Sex Without Stress
Au Pairs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
walk up to be
((the center cog of normality))
it doesn't matter, mythology
you see at home on the tv screen
or you read it in a magazine
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
to get what you expect
that's fidelity
possession bursting insecurity
solid values and stability
does it give you a healthy personality?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
of different kinds...
((rose gave you crabs))
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
((rose gave you crabs))
cause you get only one
The song "Sex Without Stress" by Au Pairs is a bold and thought-provoking statement about sexual liberation and exploration, free from societal norms and expectations. The repetition of the opening and closing lines "Would you like to express your sex without stress?" and "Cause you get only one" drives home the urgency and importance of breaking free from sexually repressive mindsets.
The first verse speaks to the diversity of sexual expression, encouraging the listener to discover the "physical conversations of different kinds" through which they can express their sexuality without hesitation or judgment. The second verse takes a critical look at the supposed benefits of traditional fidelity and stability, questioning whether they truly lead to a healthy and fulfilling sex life. The line "possession bursting insecurity" suggests that enforcing strict boundaries and rules around sex can actually be harmful, leading to anxiety and self-doubt.
The repeated inclusion of the line "rose gave you crabs" is a playful nod to the risks and vulnerabilities that come with exploring sex without inhibitions. It reminds the listener that sexual freedom is not without its pitfalls, but ultimately encourages them to take the risk anyway and discover the joys of living without sexual stress.
Line by Line Meaning
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Do you want to enjoy sex without worrying about the pressures of traditional societal norms?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Do you want to explore different sexual experiences without being judged?
walk up to be
((the center cog of normality))
Society often pressures individuals to conform to the norm even when it comes to sex.
it doesn't matter, mythology
you see at home on the tv screen
or you read it in a magazine
The media often portrays sex in a certain way that may not necessarily reflect reality.
to get what you expect
that's fidelity
possession bursting insecurity
solid values and stability
does it give you a healthy personality?
Expectations in relationships can often lead to jealousy and possessiveness, which can negatively affect one's mental well-being.
of different kinds...
There are endless possibilities when it comes to exploring and enjoying sex.
((rose gave you crabs))
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
Practicing safe sex is important to protect oneself from sexually transmitted infections, as one only has one body.
Contributed by Sadie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@theendlessblue4939
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
what ought to be
the so called normality
it doesn't matter, mythology
you see at home on the tv screen
or you read it in a magazine
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
to get what you expect
that's fidelity
possession bursting insecurity
solid values and stability
does it give you a healthy personality?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like to discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
Would you like to express
your sex without stress?
Would you like discover
physical conversations of different kinds?
of different kinds...
((roles gave you cramps))
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
cause you get only one
((roles gave you cramps))
cause you get only one
@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms
"You get what you expect thats fatality" and "solid values and stability don't give you a healthy personality" could be applied to many things.
@geert-janubels2663
one of my best songs from punktime
@craigbeasley1
And indeed they did ...very briefly and what an uproar it made for us all!
@FABREZOR
postpunk time I think. Underrated band, but it's much better like that. Good taste is not for the mass.
@craigbeasley1
It was the first example of "being" another in the essence of a song! Not a one compares to their just so brilliant repertoire.
@craigbeasley1
This was an initial version when 1982 saw all of us! It's seen better days, yet it makes plainly clear where their image was moving toward. Alas, they ended and just left tidbits of wonderful 'avenues' where they might have taken their projects!
@phoebesanchez8915
Ace girl
@jacoboviola4383
JUST GREAT!!!
@seanuh7691
El Lissitzky !
@mediacrusher
Looking for the lyrics to this if anyone can help :)