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
We're So Cool
Au Pairs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't mind if you want to bring somebody home
To spend the night
I don't mind your casual affairs
Your one-night stands because I know I'm the main man in your life
And you know I don't mind if you leave me behind
When you go away for a couple of days
But you know that I could come too
'cause things are so cool between us
Your affection is ultimately mine
Remember from the start
I won't take up all of your time
I am in your heart
Your body
But you must admit
I'm prepared to share
At off-peak times
When you think about it
Because we know
That others have
And do share mine
That you're mine
The Au Pairs' song "We're So Cool" is about a relationship that is open and willing to share partners. The first verse suggests that the singer is happy for their partner to sleep with other people, either on their own or with someone else in their shared space. They accept that their partner might have casual affairs or one-night stands, but they know that they are the main person in their life. The tone is one of acceptance rather than jealousy, and the singer even suggests that they could come along with their partner on their adventures without causing a fuss.
The second verse delves deeper into the relationship dynamic. The singer acknowledges that their partner's affection is ultimately theirs, and that they know they won't take up all of their partner's time. The line "I am in your heart, your body" suggests that their physical intimacy is a crucial part of their relationship, but the singer is prepared to share their partner's time when it is convenient. The final line "that you're mine" is a reassurance that despite their open relationship, the singer still sees their partner as belonging to them in some way.
Overall, "We're So Cool" is a song about a relationship that is open and unconventional but still ultimately founded on love and trust. The singer accepts their partner's sexuality and trusts that they are still the most important person in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't mind if you want to sleep on your own
I am completely fine with you wanting to sleep alone.
I don't mind if you want to bring somebody home
I have no problem with you bringing someone back to our place for the night.
To spend the night
I understand that they will be staying the night.
I don't mind your casual affairs
Your casual relationships do not bother me.
Your one-night stands because I know I'm the main man in your life
I understand that I am the most important person in your life and that these one night stands do not change that.
And you know I don't mind if you leave me behind
You know that I am okay with you going places without me.
When you go away for a couple of days
When you need to be away for a few days, I understand.
But you know that I could come too
I just want you to know that I am always willing to accompany you.
And I wouldn't intrude, wouldn't make any fuss
I promise that I would not be bothersome or cause any trouble if I was with you.
'cause things are so cool between us
Our relationship is so relaxed and comfortable that I don't think there would be any issues.
Your affection is ultimately mine
Your love is primarily directed towards me.
Remember from the start
We both know that we agreed to this from the beginning.
I won't take up all of your time
I understand and respect that you have other things to do besides spending time with me.
I am in your heart, your body
Emotionally and physically, I feel like a part of you.
But you must admit, I'm prepared to share
I hope you know that I am okay with sharing your time and affection with others when it's reasonable and agreeable to both of us.
At off-peak times
We can share each other's time and affection during times that are not high-pressure or busy.
When you think about it
If you really think about our relationship, I believe you will see that we are a good match for each other.
Because we know that others have and do share mine
We both are aware that other people have shared their love and affection with me in the past and may still in the future.
That you're mine
Despite everything, you are still mine.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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