Adamson left school and shifted into graphic design attending Stockport Art College[3] but quit shortly after, favouring to venture into the exploding punk rock scene of the late 1970s. He joined ex-Buzzcocks singer Howard Devoto's band Magazine, playing bass guitar, scoring one chart single, "Shot by Both Sides"; in late 1977, he also joined Buzzcocks, as a short-time replacement of Garth Smith. He played on all of Magazine's albums, and contributed to Devoto's solo album and his next band, Luxuria. He also contributed to the studio-based band Visage, playing on the ensemble's first two albums, Visage and The Anvil.
After Magazine broke up, Adamson worked with another ex-Buzzcock, Pete Shelley, before joining Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He appeared on five of that band's albums: From Her to Eternity; The Firstborn Is Dead; Kicking Against the Pricks; Your Funeral, My Trial; and Tender Prey. After his stint in the band, he went solo, releasing an EP, The Man with the Golden Arm in 1988, and his first solo album, Moss Side Story, the following year, the soundtrack to a non-existent film noir.[4] The album incorporated newscasts and sampled sound effects and featured guest musicians Marcia Schofield (of The Fall), Diamanda Galas, Roland S. Howard, and former colleagues from the Bad Seeds.[4] Adamson's second solo album was the soundtrack to a real film this time - Carl Colpaert's Delusion, and he would go on to provide sountracks for several other films.[4]
Adamson's third album, Soul Murder, was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize in 1992.[4][5]
His solo work is influenced by John Barry, Elmer Bernstein and Ennio Morricone. Later works have included jazz, electronica, soul, funk, and dub styles.
In 2002, Adamson left his long-term label, Mute Records, and started his own 'production home', Central Control International. In 2006, he released Stranger on the Sofa, first for his Central Control International imprint, to critical acclaim. Back To The Cat, his second album for the label, was released in March 2008.[1]
In 2007 it was announced that Magazine would reform for concerts in 2008. Adamson will be part of this and the same line up that recorded Secondhand Daylight will reform, with the exception of the late John McGeoch. McGeoch will be replaced by Luxuria/Apollo 440 member Noko.
Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis
Barry Adamson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ooooooh, set the controls for the heart of the pelvis
Haven't you heard my name rhymes with Elvis
And one thing I know is this
That your mouth is telling me to give you a big kiss
(Now my guard's down)
(Save me from my own hand)
Yeah babe it's going cheap today
I enter a room and all the girls say
C'mon Jarv, can I be the first?
Oh you make us so hot we feel we're gonna burst
(Now my guard's down)
So please, so please
Don't leave me alone in this double bed
It smells of damp towels and asthma inhalers
Say you're gonna call back later
Save me from these glossy photographs
Save me from my mother's laugh
Save
(Now my guard's down)
That's right girls
That's right girls
Save me from my own hand
In the song Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis by Barry Adamson, the artist sings about the overwhelming female attention he receives, as he becomes a rock and roll icon similar to Elvis Presley. The intense fame he is beginning to experience leaves him vulnerable, and he pleads for protection from himself, his own hand. Adamson sings "save me from my own hand" indicating the desire to remain intact as a person amidst this newfound fame.
The lyrics "set the controls for the heart of the pelvis" give the song its title and explain the sexual nature behind the lyrics, with the pelvis being the central point of sexual activity. Adamson's comparisons to Elvis Presley further emphasize this sexual nature as the King of Rock was notorious for his shake of the hips and overtly sexual performances. Overall, Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Pelvis is about the struggle between fame and personal identity, with the singer trying to maintain his identity and resist the temptations that come with stardom.
Line by Line Meaning
(Save me from my own hand)
I need assistance to prevent myself from harming or sabotaging myself.
Ooooooh, set the controls for the heart of the pelvis
Let's get intimate and passionate, let's explore the depths of our physical desires.
Haven't you heard my name rhymes with Elvis
I'm a charming and charismatic person similar to the iconic musician Elvis Presley.
And one thing I know is this
I am certain about this one thing.
That your mouth is telling me to give you a big kiss
You're sending me signals of attraction and desire through your words and body language.
(Now my guard's down)
I am vulnerable and open to your advances.
Ahhh, can't you see what's on offer
Don't you understand the opportunity that's available to us?
Yeah babe it's going cheap today
It won't cost you a lot to get what I'm offering.
I enter a room and all the girls say
Women are attracted to me and express their interest.
C'mon Jarv, can I be the first?
They're eager to be with me and have a chance to experience what I have to offer.
Oh you make us so hot we feel we're gonna burst
I arouse and excite them to the point of feeling like they can't contain their desire.
So please, so please
I am pleading with you.
Don't leave me alone in this double bed
I don't want to be lonely in this space meant for two people.
It smells of damp towels and asthma inhalers
There are unpleasant odors and reminders of illness in the bedroom.
Say you're gonna call back later
Promise me that you will contact me again in the future.
Save me from these glossy photographs
Help me escape the pressure and expectations of perfection presented by images in magazines.
Save me from my mother's laugh
Protect me from the ridicule or criticism of my family members.
That's right girls
You understand what I'm talking about, ladies.
That's right girls
I'm speaking to you, women.
Save me from my own hand
Again, I need rescue from my own self-destructive tendencies.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BARRY ANTHONY ADAMSON, JARVIS BRANSON COCKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@richiewilliams6875
Light it up and lift of Holly Smoke. Thanks for the marvellous music. And rest easy
@middleagedpunk8923
Heard this for the first time last night on the brilliant 6Music show 'Don Letts' Culture Clash Radio'. As a massive Magazine and Pulp fan, this is my discovery of the year.
What a brilliant song.
@ucviet1
Just too ahead of its time.....6..5..4...still rockin 25 yrs later
@blackcoffin90
I could not think of the name of this song to save myself.
Jarvis is a legend.
@DenisPopov888
Mesmerizing gem of Barry and Jarvis. Excellent track of shining quality - the vibe solo is a tremendous success
@jonathanaldecoa1099
Indeed good sir!!🕺🕺🕺
@productdesign9626
the vibes ain't nothing but the vibes
@igormiovski1803
What a gem...What a jam
@lunaticfit
Jarvis Cocker: undisputed king of horniness.
@susiepaterson4787
From 1996 album - really. How did I miss this guy? Brilliant track freaturing Jarvis Cocker.