The son of pop singer Marion Ryan and Fred Sapherson, Barry and his twin brother Paul began to perform at the age of 15. In 1965 they signed a contract with Decca and brought out singles such as "Don't Bring Me Your Heartaches" (1965), "Have Pity on the Boy" (1966), and "Missy Missy" (1966).
When it turned out that Barry's brother, allegedly on the verge of a nervous breakdown, was unable to cope any longer with all the stress connected with the show business, the two brothers decided on a new division of labour: Paul would write songs which Barry would then interpret as a solo artist. Their greatest success as a composer-singer duo, now for MGM Records, was "Eloise" (1968), melodramatic and heavily orchestrated. Later singles included "Love Is Love" (1968), "The Hunt" (1969), "Magical Spiel" (1970), and "Kitsch" (1970).
Ryan was also very popular in Germany. Promoted by BRAVO, the German youth magazine, Ryan also recorded a number of songs in German, for example "Die Zeit macht nur vor dem Teufel halt" (Time only stops at the devil).
Barry Ryan's career as a singer was over in the early 1970s. There were rumours that Ryan had had an accident in the recording studio, had suffered serious burn wounds in the face and would no longer be able to appear in public. However, he made a comeback in the late 1990s when a two CD set with his and his brother's old songs was published.
He was part of the Solid Silver 60s Tour of the UK in 2003, singing Eloise backed by The Dakotas.
Kitsch
Barry Ryan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
oh what a dream
I saw the shape
of things to come
then I awoke
it was no joke
I'd seen the shape
of things to come
Kitsch is a beautiful word
it's a beautiful word
it's a beautiful lullaby
I saw a queen
all dressed in green
but I could see
she had no soul
I see the moon
shining in June
what we all need
is Rock and Roll
Kitsch is a beautiful word
it's a beautiful word
it's a beautiful lullaby
Old plastic macs
and Cadillac's
prawn cocktails
steak
and lovely wine
just do your thing
and we'll all sing
so here we go
now take your time
Kitsch is a beautiful word
it's a beautiful word
it's a beautiful lullaby
The lyrics of Barry Ryan's song Kitsch speak to the power of imagery and the way in which we can be seduced by beautiful, but ultimately empty and superficial things. The song begins with the singer describing a dream in which they saw "the shape of things to come." This suggests that the singer is perhaps a visionary or someone who has a prophetic sense of what is to come in the world. However, the singer is quickly disillusioned, as when they wake up they realize that what they had seen was nothing more than the "shape of things to come" in a world dominated by kitsch.
The word "kitsch" is repeated throughout the song, almost like a mantra. The use of repetition draws attention to the word and emphasizes its importance. The singer seems to be suggesting that kitsch is a beautiful and seductive word, but ultimately empty and meaningless. The chorus of the song suggests that kitsch is also a lullaby, implying that it can lull us into a false sense of security or complacency.
The second verse of the song reinforces the idea that kitsch is something that is superficial and lacks soul. The singer describes a queen dressed in green who appears to be beautiful on the surface, but who is ultimately empty and soulless. The singer then contrasts this with the idea of rock and roll, which is portrayed as something that we all need. Rock and roll is associated with authenticity, passion, and vitality, in contrast to the lifeless world of kitsch.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a dream
I had a vision or an idea
oh what a dream
It was an amazing and unforgettable experience
I saw the shape
I visualized the future or a glimpse of it
of things to come
Of what the future will bring or look like
then I awoke
I became fully aware of the present or reality
it was no joke
It wasn't a lie or a fabrication
I'd seen the shape
I had a clear understanding of the future or upcoming events
of things to come
What will happen or how things will turn out
Kitsch is a beautiful word
Kitsch means something that is tacky, cheap, or low-quality, but some people love it for its unique and quirky appeal
it's a beautiful word
Despite its negative connotations, Kitsch has its own charm and beauty
it's a beautiful lullaby
Listening to Kitsch music or songs can be soothing and calming like a lullaby
I saw a queen
I encountered someone who seemed majestic or powerful
all dressed in green
Wearing a color that symbolizes growth, balance, and harmony
but I could see
Despite her appearance, I sensed something was amiss
she had no soul
She lacked warmth, emotion, or depth
I see the moon
I notice the celestial body that illuminates the night sky
shining in June
During the sixth month of the year, the moon looks particularly radiant
what we all need
Everyone requires something to feel satisfied, content or happy
is Rock and Roll
Rock and Roll music can be a source of joy, excitement or liberation
Old plastic macs
Raincoats made from cheap materials
and Cadillac's
Luxury cars that are now seen as old-fashioned and outdated
prawn cocktails
A dish that was popular in the 1960s, made with prawns, lettuce, ketchup, and mayonnaise
steak
A popular and classic dish made from beef
and lovely wine
A drink that is associated with sophistication, romance or pleasure
just do your thing
Be yourself, pursue your passions or interests without worrying about what others think
and we'll all sing
If we all act authentically and respect each other's uniqueness, we can create harmony and joy
so here we go
Let's start or begin
now take your time
Don't rush or hurry, enjoy the journey or process
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAUL RYAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Andrea Blau
Wieder so ein Hammer Song von Paul geschrieben. Großes Orchester und Barry's Stimme. Alles paßt ❤️
R. I. P. PAUL 🌹+ BARRY 🌹
Jack Evans
R.I.P Barry. A real legend. What a voice. Thanks for the amazing songs.
Marita Boettcher
Barry ist Unvergesslich, Super Musiker!❤😊
Katy P.
What a brilliant video, thank you 👍 for showing it. Considering it's over 50 years old it's in excellent condition, it's sharp the colour is good and it's great to see a live video of Barry Ryan. I doubt there are many decent ones left these days.
Syrka Ros
OMG This is so glam
ladyfantasy71
Great footage but it's from 1971 not 1970. RIP Barry 😔
Roger ERRINGTON
Are you sure? It was a hit in May 1970. Why make a promotional video a year later?