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.
Queen's Tattoos
Aztec Camera Lyrics
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Hard pushed, hard bitten, that's a show
They've got their tickets and they're spying out
For somewhere safe where they can go
Like a big black train
They're coming through
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
That kind of love gets all the biggest licks
From [Incomprehensible] and Fry and Mills and Boone
But it's got no guts, it's got no big kicks
My love and I will kill it soon
You gotta melt your guns
They're playing our tune
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
My love and I will kill it soon
You gotta melt your guns
They're playing our tune
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
The lyrics for Aztec Camera's song "Queen's Tattoos" offer a commentary on youth culture and rebellion. The song describes a group of youngsters, represented by the Johnny Yens, who are searching for a safe place where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or persecution. The phrase "Queen's Tattoos" can be interpreted as a symbol of this rebellion, a mark of identity that sets these youths apart from the rest of society.
The lyrics suggest that the kind of love that is often celebrated in literature and pop culture, represented by "Fry and Mills and Boone," lacks real substance or passion. The singer, instead, values a love that is authentic and able to stand up to the challenges of life. The repeated phrase "You gotta melt your guns, they're playing our tune" could be interpreted as a plea to let go of aggression in favor of empathy and harmony.
Overall, the lyrics of "Queen's Tattoos" offer a reflection on the struggles of youth to find their place in the world, and the importance of finding one's own voice and identity in the face of societal pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
Here come a million Johnny Yens again
A large group of anxious and weary individuals are approaching
Hard pushed, hard bitten, that's a show
They have been beaten down and are showing the marks of their struggles
They've got their tickets and they're spying out
For somewhere safe where they can go
They have the means to escape and are searching for a place of security
Like a big black train
They're coming through
Their arrival is unstoppable and powerful
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
They are proudly proclaiming their identity and accomplishments, having been in the public eye
That kind of love gets all the biggest licks
From [Incomprehensible] and Fry and Mills and Boone
But it's got no guts, it's got no big kicks
My love and I will kill it soon
The type of love that is popular in media is hollow and lacks passion, and will soon fall apart
You gotta melt your guns
They're playing our tune
There is no need for violence, as they are in control and have the situation on lock
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Reiterating their identity and success
My love and I will kill it soon
You gotta melt your guns
They're playing our tune
They are confident in their ability to overcome any obstacle, and proclaiming that the power of their love is the key to their success
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
You must have seen our scene
We've been on the news
Singing, "Hey, we do the Queen's Tattoos"
Final affirmation of their identity and public presence
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODDY FRAME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind