Musically, the group were influenced by trip-hop, ambient music, and French electronic groups such as Air. However, the lyrics to these lush and romantic melodies are frequently bleak, ironic or sarcastic.
Swinging
Black Box Recorder Lyrics
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I'll show you things you never dreamed of,
After school we'll steal a car,
Drive until the feeling changes,
All the people have to say,
We're swinging,
We don't like you,
We're swinging,
Feeling rotten to the core,
And I don't need you anymore,
Are you a hardcore hooligan,
Did you really burn the old school down,
If I set fire to you now,
Would you even make a sound,
All the people have to say,
We're swinging,
We don't like you,
Go away,
We're swinging,
Feeling rotten to the core,
And I don't need you anymore,
It's the end of the affair,
Bet you never thought you'd even get this far,
And I dare you to look down,
See how brave you really are,
Run with Cardiff to the Southdowns,
We're swinging,
From the coast to the cathedral towers,
We're swinging,
Feeling rotten to the core,
And I don't need you anymore,
And I don't need you anymore,
The song "Swinging" by Black Box Recorder, tells the story of a rebellious teenager who wants to join a gang and explore the world of thrill and adventure it offers. The song is a commentary on the teenage angst and the desperate need to be accepted and recognized by your peers. The singer, who is presumably a disillusioned teenager, is willing to go to great lengths to be part of the gang, including stealing cars, breaking laws, and even setting things on fire.
The song starts with the singer's request to join the gang, promising to show them things they never dreamed of. The singer is looking for a sense of excitement and belonging, which he believes only the gang can provide. The chorus of the song is a taunt from the gang towards the singer, telling him they don't like him and asking him to go away. The singer, undeterred, says he doesn't need them anymore and that he is content with his newfound freedom.
The second verse of the song takes a more sinister turn, with the singer questioning the gang's bravado and even daring them to show their courage by looking down from a height. The chorus repeats, with the gang taunting the singer once again. The final verse of the song encourages the singer to join the gang on a wild ride from Cardiff to the Southdowns. The singer is still yearning for the sense of excitement and rebellion, but he believes he doesn't need the gang's approval anymore.
Overall, "Swinging" is a song about teenage rebellion and the desire to belong. It paints a picture of a disillusioned teenager who is looking for a sense of adventure and acceptance. The song's lyrics are rebellious and provocative, and they serve as a commentary on the complexity of teenage psychology.
Line by Line Meaning
If you let me join your gang,
I am seeking acceptance and friendship.
I'll show you things you never dreamed of,
I have experiences and insights that could broaden your perspective.
After school we'll steal a car,
I suggest doing something rebellious and dangerous together.
Drive until the feeling changes,
Let's keep driving and escape our mundane lives.
All the people have to say,
Others may judge us, but they do not truly understand our bond.
We're swinging,
We are in a state of excitement and freedom.
We don't like you,
Those who do not understand us see us as outcasts.
Go away,
We wish to be left alone to enjoy our rebellion.
Feeling rotten to the core,
Our behavior may be seen by others as immoral, but we do not care.
And I don't need you anymore,
I have found a sense of belonging in this 'swinging' lifestyle.
Are you a hardcore hooligan,
I am questioning your level of commitment to our rebellion.
Did you really burn the old school down,
I am challenging whether you truly participated in previous acts of rebellion.
If I set fire to you now,
I wonder how brave and committed you really are.
Would you even make a sound,
I doubt that you truly understand the consequences of your actions.
It's the end of the affair,
Our moment of rebellion has come to a close.
Bet you never thought you'd even get this far,
We have taken risks and gone further than we ever imagined.
And I dare you to look down,
I challenge you to reflect on our actions and their consequences.
See how brave you really are,
I question whether our rebellious attitudes were truly brave or just reckless.
Run with Cardiff to the Southdowns,
Let's keep running and exploring together.
From the coast to the cathedral towers,
Our sense of freedom and rebellion extends to every corner of our world.
And I don't need you anymore,
I have found a sense of belonging in my 'swinging' lifestyle and am now able to move on without you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHAN EDWARD HOADLEY FOSTER-MOORE, LUKE MICHAEL HAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind