Born to a Welsh father and English mother, Protheroe joined a local church choir when he was 12 years old and started piano lessons at about the same time. The music of Cliff Richard and the Shadows inspired him to start learning the guitar. He joined a rock band called The Coasters as lead singer in 1961 and also joined an amateur theatre group called The Studio Theatre at around the same time.
First job was a library assistant for a year followed by three years as a student technician in a hospital pathological laboratory.
Musical influences around this time were Elvis Presley, The Everly Brothers, Josh White, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Terry and Brownie Mcghee, Dave Brubeck, and the choral church music of Bach.
Brian joined the folk group, Folk Blues Incorporated (FBI) when he was 19, while at this time listening to Bob Dylan and especially The Beatles.
He came to London with FBI in 1965 and played in folk clubs in and around London.
"The three of us lived in one room of a flat in south London owned by a blues singer called Gerry Lockran. We had no money and lived fairly rough for about three months before we gave it up and went home. During this time we met Paul Simon who was playing the same clubs as us."
In 1966, Brian began his career as an actor. His first job was with his local repertory theatre in Salisbury. He worked there for about 7 months then spent the next 5 years in various theatre companies around England, developing his musical skills as well as becoming an experienced actor.
In 1968 he worked for nearly two years in a theatre company in Lincoln in north east England where he met Martin Duncan who was also a musician, writer and actor. Over the next few years they collaborated on various musical and artistic projects.
"When we wrote together Martin would usually write the lyrics and I would set them to music. I was quite conventional in my approach to song writing but Martin had a more anarchic style and a wonderful surreal sense of humour that would force me into unusual musical forms."
During 1973 Brian lived in a flat in London's Covent Garden.
"I wasn't working much as an actor and wasn't in a relationship at the time but was writing the occasional song. I wrote a song called "Pinball" one weekend about my life at the time and made a simple home demo of it along with a couple of other songs."
Later in 1973 Brian was playing the part of a pop singer in a play called "Death on Demand" when a representative from Chrysalis Records heard a song he had written for the show.
"He asked if I had any other material so I played him my home demos. He liked them and I was offered a recording contract."
Brian's first single, "Pinball" was released in August 1974 followed by Pinball. This was followed over the next couple of years by two more albums - "Pick-Up" and "I/You."
Brian's acting career continued and in 1976 he starred in the London Production of the rock musical, "Leave Him to Heaven" at the New London theatre.
Basta Records collected his first three albums, remastered and released them as a box set with a "new" disc of unreleased material. The package was called "Brian's Big Box" and was the first time his material was available in more than two decades.
With the development of the internet, his recordings became more available to the fans that remembered him from the 70s, and he is enjoying a resurgence in popularity and has begun recording again.
The 2005 album "Citysong" was released by Basta as "Brian Protheroe's New Single and 17 Bonus Tracks." It also included two homemade movies to accompany the single. It was also released on iTunes.
In 2006, EMI released "Pinball and Other Stories," a career retrospective, with the included tracks having been remastered at Abbey Road studios.
His personal web page includes his extensive Theater/TV/Movie experience.
As a pianist Brian is a big follower of Dr. John and Randy Newman.
Every Roman Knows! is the official BP fan page.
Backaway
Brian Protheroe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Does the hit'n'lip make you trip, or do you fight it?
Well do you tend to get the jingles in the jungle?
Well do you find that you're afraid of the maze?
When the man with the plan, puts the money in your hand
Do you hear a little whisper when you say
You better back away
If a Jew Jew talk to you, do you fear him?
Well did you get a little worried at the party
When the stranger asked you if you were gay
Well did you fret, did you sweat, have another cigarette
Do you hear a little whisper in you say
You better back away, ha ha ha
You better back away my love
Better back away
You better back away my love
Better back away
Yes, and hide
If the casebook hates your luck, do you fight him?
Do you sleep tight in the night, or leave the light on?
Or do you jump back a little when the phones goes?
When there's a knock at the door, do you start to break
Well don't sweat, don't fret, don't have a cigarette
'Cause all you gotta do, you gotta say
You better back away, ha ha ha
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
When the trash man scratch your back do you like it?
Does the hit'n'lip make you trip, or do you fight it?
Well do you tend to get the jingles in the jungle?
Do you find that you're afraid of the maze?
When the man with the plan, puts the money in your hand
Do you hear a little whisper when you say
You better back away, ha ha ha
You better back away my love
Better back away
You better back away my love
Better back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
You better
Back, back, back, back away
You better
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
Back, back, back, back away
You better
Back, back, back, back away
You better
Back, back, back, back away
The lyrics of Brian Protheroe's song "Backaway" seem to be filled with abstract and metaphorical phrases that provoke introspection about one's fears and insecurities. The song appears to explore how individuals react and cope with unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations.
The first verse presents a series of questions, suggesting various scenarios where one might feel uneasy or scared. The references to the trash man scratching one's back and the sensation of hit'n'lip (perhaps referring to a drug-induced state) imply moments of discomfort or vulnerability. The mention of getting the jingles in the jungle and being afraid of the maze denotes a sense of being lost or uncertain. The presence of a man with a plan, offering money and whispering warnings, further adds to the atmosphere of apprehension. The repeated line "You better back away" can be interpreted as a cautionary reminder to step back and assess one's emotions and actions in these situations.
The second verse continues to explore instances that may trigger anxiety or fear. The reference to a hobo saying hello and the fear associated with a Jew Jew talking implies a fear or prejudice towards those different from oneself. The mention of feeling worried or pressured at a party when asked if one is gay highlights the societal pressures and judgment that can lead to discomfort. Perhaps the whispered presence and the suggestion to back away symbolize a need to protect oneself or retreat from threatening or uncomfortable situations.
Ultimately, "Backaway" seems to be a song about self-reflection and the importance of acknowledging and addressing one's fears and insecurities. It encourages the listener to be aware of their own reactions and emotions and to take necessary steps to protect themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
Well when the trash man scratch your back do you like it?
Are you comfortable with receiving help or favors from unexpected or unconventional sources?
Does the hit'n'lip make you trip, or do you fight it?
Do you embrace or resist the excitement or thrill that comes with taking risks or engaging in unconventional behavior?
Well do you tend to get the jingles in the jungle?
Do you often feel anxious or overwhelmed in unfamiliar or chaotic situations?
Well do you find that you're afraid of the maze?
Do you experience fear or apprehension when faced with complex or confusing situations?
When the man with the plan, puts the money in your hand
When someone who seems knowledgeable or influential offers you financial assistance or opportunities
Do you hear a little whisper when you say
Do you have doubts or unclear thoughts when expressing your acceptance of their offer?
You better back away
It may be wise to distance yourself or reconsider accepting their help
When the hobo say hello, do you hear him?
Are you willing to listen or pay attention to people who are often marginalized or overlooked?
If a Jew Jew talk to you, do you fear him?
Are you prejudiced or fearful towards people of Jewish descent who engage with you?
Well did you get a little worried at the party
Were you anxious or concerned about how others perceive your identity or preferences at a social gathering?
When the stranger asked you if you were gay
When an unfamiliar person inquires about your sexual orientation
Well did you fret, did you sweat, have another cigarette
Did you respond with anxiety, stress, or discomfort, seeking a coping mechanism like smoking?
Do you hear a little whisper in you say
Do you experience an inner voice or intuition nudging you towards caution or self-protection?
You better back away, ha ha ha
It may be advisable to distance yourself or reconsider your involvement in the situation, despite the potential consequences
You better back away my love
My dear, it would be wise to create some distance or disengage from this situation
Yes, and hide
Seek safety or take measures to protect yourself from potential harm
If the casebook hates your luck, do you fight him?
When external elements or systems seem to be working against your success, do you resist or confront them?
Do you sleep tight in the night, or leave the light on?
Do you feel secure and at peace during the night, or do you maintain a constant state of alertness or vigilance?
Or do you jump back a little when the phone goes?
Do sudden or unexpected calls make you react with surprise or startle?
When there's a knock at the door, do you start to break
When someone comes knocking, do you experience anxiety, insecurity, or a sense of vulnerability?
Well don't sweat, don't fret, don't have a cigarette
Do not allow yourself to become distressed, anxious, or addicted in response to the situation
'Cause all you gotta do, you gotta say
Because the only action required from you is to verbalize or assert
You better back away, ha ha ha
It may be advisable to create distance or retreat from this situation, despite the potential consequences
Back, back, back, back away
Retreat or move backward to establish distance or disengage
You better back away
It may be wise to distance yourself or reconsider your involvement
Back, back, back, back away
Retreat or move backward to maintain a safe distance
Back, back, back, back away
Move away or retreat to ensure a safer position
Back, back, back, back away
Distance yourself or create separation to avoid potential harm
You better
It may be advisable
Back, back, back, back away
Retreat or move backward to establish distance or disengage
You better
It would be wise
Back, back, back, back away
Retreat or move backward to maintain a safe position
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Brian Protheroe
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind