Th… Read Full Bio ↴Aztec Camera was a Scottish Indie pop/New Wave band from Glasgow.
The line-up of the band changed several times over the years, but the constant member had been guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Roddy Frame. Founding members included Campbell Owens (bass) and Dave Mulholland (drums). Ex-Bluebells bassist Craig Gannon was a member from 1983 through 1985, before joining The Smiths. Guitarist Malcolm Ross (formerly of Josef K and Orange Juice) also joined in 1983, and appeared on the Knife album.
Aztec Camera first gained recognition as part of the Scottish post-punk scene along with bands like Orange Juice and Josef K, all of which released singles on the influential Glasgow-based label Postcard records. The band's first UK 7" single was released by Postcard in 1981, containing the songs "Just Like Gold" and "We Could Send Letters". The latter was included on the NME's C81 compilation, which pointed strongly towards the future C86 indie pop movement in the United Kingdom.
Though most commonly remembered generally as part of the 80s New Wave era, Aztec Camera has gone through numerous stylistic changes throughout their career, ranging from stripped-down, almost pastoral post-punk to slicker, more sophisticated pop rock as well as jazz and latin influenced acoustic ballads. As Roddy Frame's guitar playing has always been the signature of the band's music, guitar pop might be a more succinct description.
Aztec Camera's debut album, High Land, Hard Rain, was released in 1983. However, Owens and Mulholland left the group before the release, leaving Frame to complete the album alone. The album was quite successful, gathering significant critical acclaim for its well-crafted, multi-layered pop. The band went on to release a total of six albums, although most of these were essentially written and played by Frame. The albums included Knife (1984), Love (1987), Stray (1990), Dreamland (1993) and Frestonia (1995).
After the release of their sixth album, Frestonia, Frame finally dissolved the band to go solo.
Popular songs by Aztec Camera include "Oblivious", "Somewhere in My Heart", and "Good Morning Britain" (a duet with former Clash guitarist Mick Jones).
The group have also done cover versions of Blue Orchids "Bad Education", and a slowed-down version of Van Halen's Jump.
A 'Best of' collection was released in 1999.
How It Is
Aztec Camera Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Keep your behind above the water in the meantime
Join the corporate pyramid
I couldn't blame you if you did
Until you sell out your brother while your sister falls
Playin' daddy, doing the company crawl
You don't deserve your daughter's kiss, it's sad
Well, uptown there's been more than an oil spill
Another woman beaten, raped, blood spilled, male hate
The paper's couldn't wait, racism, sell this
Well there's excusin' in what I'm saying
It's just that there's a million colors praying
For real justice that's how it really is
You just get born, keep on keepin' on
Defend yourself against the worries
Try and have fun
Party on until your number's picked
But beware 'cause the fight is fixed
It was them but it could be you next
Paranoia saves lives
So if you wanna exist
Get your head round this
That's how it is
That's how it is
That's how it is
That's how it is
...
The song "How It Is" by Aztec Camera is a commentary on the societal pressure to conform and succeed at all costs. The lyrics criticize the idea of joining the corporate world and selling out one's own ethics and morals for the sake of success. The verses describe the harsh reality of our world where people are forced to choose between their loved ones and their ambitions. The lyrics suggest that people often prioritize their own selfish interests, which leads to social issues like racism and male hate.
The chorus is a reminder that despite the struggles of life, we must continue to push through and have some fun. The lyrics suggest that paranoia is necessary to protect ourselves from those who might harm us. The song concludes with the statement, "that's how it is", which implies that the harsh reality of life is something that we cannot escape.
Line by Line Meaning
Get grades, toe the line
Maintain good grades and follow the rules
Keep your behind above the water in the meantime
Stay afloat and survive in the world
Join the corporate pyramid
Become part of the corporate world
I couldn't blame you if you did
It's understandable if you choose to join the corporate world
Until you sell out your brother while your sister falls
Don't betray and harm your family for personal gain
Playin' daddy, doing the company crawl
Acting like a kiss-up and putting on a fake persona to climb the corporate ladder
You don't deserve your daughter's kiss, it's sad
Losing the love and respect of your family because of your actions is a sad reality
That's how it is
This is the unfortunate truth
Well, uptown there's been more than an oil spill
There are serious problems in the world
Another woman beaten, raped, blood spilled, male hate
Gender-based violence and hate crimes are still prevalent
The paper's couldn't wait, racism, sell this
Media outlets exploit these issues for profit
Well there's excusin' in what I'm saying
I can't excuse or justify what's happening in the world
It's just that there's a million colors praying
Many different people are hoping for change and justice
For real justice that's how it really is
True justice is difficult to achieve but necessary
You just get born, keep on keepin' on
Life begins and you just have to keep going
Defend yourself against the worries
Protect yourself from the anxieties and problems of life
Try and have fun
Enjoy life when possible
Party on until your number's picked
Enjoy life while you can because it can be taken away at any moment
But beware 'cause the fight is fixed
Some things in life are predetermined or rigged against you
It was them but it could be you next
Bad things can happen to anyone
Paranoia saves lives
Being cautious and aware can prevent harm and protect you
So if you wanna exist
If you want to survive and thrive
Get your head round this
Understand and accept the reality of the world
That's how it is
This is the way things are
That's how it is
This is the way things are
That's how it is
This is the way things are
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODDY FRAME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jazzporridge1506
'"All you've got to be is true"
"You can't buy time
But you can sell your soul
And the closest thing to Heaven is to Rock and Roll"
I commend to all of you everything Mr Frame has ever composed
And thanks a million, Roddy.
@katieleblanc3557
If your still listening to this in 2023 you are a legend❤
@grahamcheesman2252
You are beautiful 🌹 😉 💚
@katieleblanc3557
@@grahamcheesman2252 ty
@grahamcheesman2252
@@katieleblanc3557 pleasure beautiful 😉 keep listening to great 80's music
@pr0bitcoin19
A child of the 80s Miss.
@albanocardoso4997
What about if in 2024? 😀
@boblancaster3826
I am 71 and still love this song it has everything, clear lyrics, lovely sax and guitar solos
@carolinesmith7390
That's awesome to hear 👍
@birgitmatzat472
Yes it is!
@brucepickess8097
I discovered this about three years ago after saying 80's music had lost something to me. Now it's on all my playlists, great guitar solo.