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.
Theresa Green
Barry Adamson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a whirring in my head
And my skills have disappeared
There's an aching in my limbs
Don't know where it quite begins
But the truth is what I feel
Here she comes
Dancing through my mind
That there's another point of view
You can hear it pushing through
Just try and see
That I wish that I could press rewind
To a different time
'Cause I had to learn to push a feeling of joy way beyond me
[unknown]
Trees are green
Can't find her anywhere
The Berlin spy machine
[unknown]
Wait a while for something to happen
For no reason
My lover from afar
I'm praying five in the morning
And I wish that I'd have payed the price
To a different way of life
Where I [unknown]
I lay down, before you
When you haven't got a lot, all that you got is a lot
Tender in the garden, with the culture of bruises
Now I pull my skin off
Bring it as a gift to you
And even though it's cold outside, you'll be wrapped up in me
Being raptured in me
Being captured by me
I wish I was
Theresa Green is a song by Barry Adamson that depicts a person’s internal struggles with depression and a longing for a different way of life. The opening lines of the song, “Can't get out of bed, there's a whirring in my head, and my skills have disappeared,” highlight the physical and emotional toll that depression can take on a person. The singer is unable to shake off the lethargy that comes with depression and seems to have lost their sense of purpose.
The song is also about the sudden appearance of someone that gives the singer a new perspective on life. “Here she comes, dancing through my mind, leading me, the blind, to see that there's another point of view,” suggests that the singer has met someone who has a different outlook on life and who inspires them to move forward. However, the lines “Can't find her anywhere, the Berlin spy machine” suggest that this person may have disappeared or is somehow inaccessible.
The lyrics of Theresa Green are quite abstract and open to interpretation. However, the song clearly echoes the difficulty of dealing with depression and the hope that can come with the unexpected appearance of a person who inspires change.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't get out of bed
I'm feeling depressed and unmotivated
There's a whirring in my head
I have racing thoughts and can't focus
And my skills have disappeared
I feel like I've lost my abilities or talents
There's an aching in my limbs
My body feels physically tired and sore
Don't know where it quite begins
I'm not sure what's causing these symptoms
But the truth is what I feel
These sensations are real to me
Here she comes
A person or memory is entering my thoughts
Dancing through my mind
They are vivid and active in my imagination
Leading me, the blind, to see
This person or memory is giving me a new perspective or insight
That there's another point of view
There are different ways to interpret a situation
You can hear it pushing through
I'm starting to understand this new perspective
Just try and see
I'm encouraging myself to be open-minded and receptive
That I wish that I could press rewind
I regret certain choices and wish I could go back in time
To a different time
I would prefer a past era or experience
'Cause I had to learn to push a feeling of joy way beyond me
In the past, I had to work hard to find happiness
[unknown]
This line is unclear and could have various meanings
Trees are green
Nature is still beautiful and calming
Can't find her anywhere
I'm searching for someone who is missing or no longer present
The Berlin spy machine
This line could hint at espionage, surveillance, or political tensions
[unknown]
This line is unclear and could have various meanings
Wait a while for something to happen
I'm trying to be patient and hopeful
For no reason
There may not be a clear explanation or cause for events
My lover from afar
I have feelings for someone who is currently distant or unavailable
I'm praying five in the morning
I'm seeking comfort or guidance during a difficult time
And I wish that I'd have payed the price
I regret not making different choices or sacrifices
To a different way of life
I would prefer a different lifestyle or mindset
Where I [unknown]
This line is unclear and could have various meanings
I lay down, before you
I'm humbly submitting or presenting myself to someone else
When you haven't got a lot, all that you got is a lot
When you're struggling, even small blessings or kindnesses should be appreciated
Tender in the garden, with the culture of bruises
This line could describe both gentle and painful experiences
Now I pull my skin off
I'm exposing my raw emotions or vulnerabilities
Bring it as a gift to you
I'm offering my true self to someone else
And even though it's cold outside, you'll be wrapped up in me
Despite external difficulties, we can provide comfort and warmth to each other
Being raptured in me
I hope to bring someone else profound joy or satisfaction
Being captured by me
I hope to gain someone's devoted attention or admiration
I wish I was
This incomplete sentence could express a range of desires or aspirations
Contributed by Jake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.