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)
Trade Stylee
Blur Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They let me out in the summer
I think I was in a coma
I didn′t know what to do
Oh no
You go hang around go round
I'll watch myself hang on
Look out for the Bugman
I′ll watch myself hang on
Look out for the Bugman
I got no sent of existence
I know the nodding dogs
I go out in the city
I stay away from the bugs
Oh yeah
You go hang around around
I watch myself hang on
Look out for the Bugman
You go hang around around
I watch myself hang on
Look out for the Bugman
The bu uh uh ug man
I go out in the city
I stay away from the bugs
Oh yeah
Na na na na na oh oh...
I go out in the city
The lyrics to Blur's song "Trade Stylee" capture a sense of disorientation and disconnectedness. The singer describes being an ex-offender who is released from prison in the summer, but feels like they are in a coma and don't know what to do. This suggests a sense of disconnection from the outside world and a struggle to reintegrate into society.
The mention of the Bugman could be interpreted as a metaphor for societal pressures and expectations. The singer warns to look out for the Bugman, indicating the need to navigate through these pressures and maintain a sense of autonomy. The repetition of the line "You go hang around, I'll watch myself hang on" suggests a detachment from others and a reliance on self-preservation. The overall tone of the lyrics conveys a feeling of being lost and vulnerable.
Overall, "Trade Stylee" reflects the struggle of someone who feels disconnected from society after being released from prison. It highlights the challenges of reintegration and the need to navigate societal pressures and expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
I am an ex offender
I have a criminal record and have served time in prison
They let me out in the summer
I was released from prison during the summer season
I think I was in a coma
Metaphorically, I felt disconnected or unaware of my surroundings
I didn't know what to do
I lacked a sense of direction or purpose
Oh no
Expressing a sense of worry or concern
You go hang around go round
You continue to socialize and engage in activities
I'll watch myself hang on
I will observe and hold on to my own sense of self
Look out for the Bugman
Be cautious and aware of potential dangers or negative influences
You go hang around around
You continue to spend time with others
I'll watch myself hang on
I will maintain my own personal stability and resilience
Look out for the Bugman
Stay vigilant and mindful of potential threats or problems
I got no sent of existence
I lack a clear sense of purpose or meaning in life
I know the nodding dogs
I am familiar with conformists or those who blindly follow societal expectations
I go out in the city
I venture into urban areas
I stay away from the bugs
I avoid negative influences or harmful situations
Oh yeah
Expressing a sense of assurance or agreement
Na na na na na oh oh...
Non-literal, serves as a melodic interlude
I go out in the city
I continue to explore urban environments
Writer(s): Graham Coxon, David Rowntree, Damon Albarn, Steven James
Contributed by Julian L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.