Blur's self-titled fifth album (1997) saw another stylistic shift, influenced by the lo-fi styles of American indie rock groups, and became their third UK chart-topping album. Its single "Song 2" brought the band mainstream success in the US for the first time. Their next album, 13 (1999) saw the band experimenting with electronic and gospel music, and featured more personal lyrics from Albarn. Their seventh album, Think Tank (2003), continued their experimentation with electronic sounds and was also shaped by Albarn's growing interest in hip hop and world music, featuring more minimal guitar work. Coxon left the band during early recording sessions for Think Tank, and Blur disbanded for several years after the end of the album's associated tour, with the members engaged in other projects.
In 2009, Blur reunited with Coxon back in the band and embarked on a European reunion tour. In the following years, they released several singles and compilations and toured internationally. In 2012, they received a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. Their eighth album, The Magic Whip (2015), was the sixth consecutive Blur studio album to top the British chart. The group have largely been on hiatus since the Magic Whip tour, but have announced plans to reunite in 2023 for various live dates.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blur_(band)
Studio albums
Leisure (1991)
Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993)
Parklife (1994)
The Great Escape (1995)
Blur (1997)
13 (1999)
Think Tank (2003)
The Magic Whip (2015)
The Ballad of Darren (2023)
Dancehall
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They dance all night
With a vacant gaze
They stand in rows
And buy alcohol
We're having fun at the dancehall
I've got my pills and I've got my toyspin-up girls and pin-up boys
I could kill him, but I just kiss his hand
The song Dancehall by Blur is an interesting commentary on the culture of substance abuse and its relationship to the social scene. The first few lines describe the party-goers as ghosts who are drifting through the event due to their state of intoxication. They're moving aimlessly and emptily, without any particular intention or meaningful interaction. This metaphor is a powerful way of illuminating how the party scene, which is typically associated with joy and connections, can also become a dark and unfulfilling experience.
The subsequent lines detail how the singer is coping with his own issues by escaping into drugs, toys, and other distractions. He's essentially numbing himself to the party and its people, which may suggest some level of disillusionment or dissatisfaction. The final line, "I could kill him, but I just kiss his hand," is a vivid example of how the singer is detached from his own emotions and the situation around him. While he's aware of the anger or violence he feels, he's also resigned to just going through the motions and playing along with the social expectations of the dancehall.
Overall, the lyrics of Dancehall are a poignant and evocative portrait of the darker aspects of party culture. Blur is adept at conveying the complexities of human experience, and this song is no exception. It's a reminder that behind the superficial glamour and pleasure of nightlife, there are also deep challenges and struggles that require empathy and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
There are ghosts in here an easy laze
The club is filled with people who seem empty and lifeless, like ghosts.
They dance all night with a vacant gaze
These people dance all night, but their expressions suggest they aren't really enjoying themselves.
They stand in rows and buy alcohol
The club-goers line up to purchase drinks.
We're having fun at the dancehall
Despite the eerie atmosphere, the artist claims to be having a good time at the club.
I've got my pills and I've got my toys
The artist has drugs and distractions to cope with the strange environment.
Pin-up girls and pin-up boys
The club likely features erotic imagery and scantily-clad performers.
My lips are frozen to another can
The singer is so numb from drugs or alcohol that his lips are sticking to his drink can.
I could kill him, but I just kiss his hand
The artist is so disconnected from his surroundings that he contemplates violent thoughts but ultimately just goes along with the situation.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN ALEXANDER JAMES, DAVID ROWNTREE, DAMON ALBARN, GRAHAM COXON, DAVE CONWAY, J RALSTONE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind