Jas Mann had formerly been in an indie music band, called The Sandkings, which he left in 1992, because of musical differences.
Babylon Zoo was signed to Phonogram Records after A&R rep Clive Black heard their first three-track demo tape in May 1993. When Black moved to Warner Bros. Records in 1993, he took Mann's contract with him. An album had been prepared and sleeves for a single, "Fire Guided Light", were printed, but Babylon Zoo's debut was put on hold again when Black moved once more to EMI in 1995, where the band were signed on to a seven-album contract.
However, promotional copies of the song "Spaceman" had already been distributed, and chosen to tie in with the release of a new Levi's jeans TV advert. The single went straight to Number 1 on the UK singles chart and also went to Number 1 in the single charts in twenty-three countries.
An album entitled The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes was produced at Mann's New Atlantis Productions music/artwork/video centre. It was released in 1996 and included new-age tracks such as "Is Your Soul for Sale?" and "I'm Cracking Up I Need a Pill". It debuted at #6 on the album charts and reached the Top 20 in 17 countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
In 1997, Jas Mann was lampooned on the channel 4 TV series, Brass Eye.
Three years later, in 1999, a follow-up album was released entitled King Kong Groover, but Mann decided not to promote the album as he was not getting support from his label EMI since the departure of the man who had signed him, Clive Black. Mann subsequently decided to move to India and work for an aid agency.
Years active 1992–2000
Confused Art
Babylon Zoo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Red light, green light
Red light, green light
Red light, green light
Passion is dead
Computer said
We capture fire
Karma has died
Violence kills the innocent
A modern youth
A common truth
Passion dies
A silent souls
Governments they take control
Extra terrestrial behaviour
In my own backyard
The television always lies
The camera blinds my eyes
A.R.T.
Confused art
Confused art
Confused art
Confused art
Red light, green light
Red light, green light
Passion's a crime
Money's alive
Try and forget
Karma is dead
Politicians always lie
They cover truth to rule our lives
Passion dies
Silent souls
Governments they take control
Extra terrestrial behaviour
In my own backyard
The television always lies
The camera blinds my eyes
A.R.T.
Confused art
Confused art
Confused art
Confused art
The lyrics to Babylon Zoo's song Confused Art are a commentary on the state of society in the modern age. The repeated lines of "red light, green light" act as a metaphor for the control and manipulation present in our lives. The song suggests that passion and karma are dead, indicating a sense of loss and hopelessness. The reference to "computer said" suggests a loss of control to technology, as well as a loss of individuality. The idea of violence killing the innocent, and politicians lying and taking control, reinforces the sense of hopelessness and lack of agency. The final repetition of "confused art" emphasizes the sense of confusion and frustration present in the lyrics.
Overall, the song suggests a loss of passion, individuality, and control in modern society. The use of metaphors and repetition drives home the message of confusion and helplessness. The references to technology, government, and media suggest a distrust of these institutions, and a sense of longing for a simpler and more authentic way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Red light, green light
The constant and repetitive change of lights implies that life is moving too fast and everything is just a matter of timing and chance.
Passion is dead
People are losing their ability to feel passionate about anything with the increasing influence of technology and the media. Emotions are becoming a thing of the past.
Computer said
People are becoming too reliant on technology and using it as their main source of information and decision-making.
We capture fire
Despite the loss of passion, people are still trying to find something to ignite their souls and give them meaning.
Karma has died
The belief in balance and justice in the universe is fading as people become more individualistic and less connected to their spiritual side.
Violence kills the innocent
The brutal reality of modern life is that innocent people are often the victims of violence and crime.
A modern youth
Young people today are growing up in a world that is vastly different from that of their parents and grandparents, and they are struggling to find their place in it.
A common truth
Despite differences in age, race, and culture, people all over the world are facing the same challenges and struggles.
Passion dies
The loss of passion is affecting everyone, and it is leading to a sense of emptiness and apathy.
A silent souls
People are becoming more isolated and disconnected from each other, leading to a lack of community and a sense of loneliness.
Governments they take control
Leaders and governments are becoming more authoritarian and controlling, which is leading to a loss of individual freedoms and rights.
Extra terrestrial behaviour
The behavior of some people is so strange and other-worldly that it is difficult to understand or relate to.
In my own backyard
The problems and issues of the world are not just happening far away, but are also present right in our own communities and neighborhoods.
The television always lies
The media, especially television, is not showing people the whole truth and is manipulating information to shape public opinion.
The camera blinds my eyes
Images and videos can be so powerful that they overwhelm our senses and make it difficult to look at things objectively.
Passion's a crime
Feeling passionate about something is becoming seen as a negative thing, especially if it goes against the status quo or is unconventional.
Money's alive
The pursuit of wealth and material possessions is taking precedence over everything else, and it is becoming the driving force behind people's decisions and actions.
Try and forget
It is becoming harder and harder for people to find any joy or happiness in life, and they are often trying to find ways to escape from reality.
Politicians always lie
Leaders and politicians are often dishonest and untrustworthy, and they use their power to manipulate and control people.
They cover truth to rule our lives
The people in charge prioritize their own interests over those of the general public, and they will do whatever it takes to maintain their power and control.
A.R.T.
The arts are a way for people to express themselves and explore their emotions and ideas, but they are becoming more confused and inaccessible in a world that values conformity and uniformity.
Confused art
Art is beginning to lose its power and meaning as people struggle to connect with it on a deeper level.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JASBINDER SINGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind