They are commonly regarded as an important influence on the Manchester music scene, the independent record label movement and the punk rock, power pop, pop punk and indie rock genres in general. They are primarily remembered for their singles, a string of would-be hits that combined a strong grasp of pop song craftsmanship with rapid-fire punk energy. These singles were collected on Singles Going Steady, described by critic Ned Raggett as a "punk masterpiece" The widely covered "Ever Fallen in Love?" remains one of their best-known songs.
The name "Buzzcocks" partially comes from the Manchester slang term cock meaning youngster, and its use in the 1970s ITV drama serial Rock Follies which included the catch phrases "that's the buzz, cocks" and "give me a buzz, cock!"
Buzzcocks were one of the key first generation British punk rock bands to form in the wake of the Sex Pistols in 1976. They were founded by Mancunians Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto, however Devoto left soon after the group released their Spiral Scratch EP (on their own independent label), leaving Shelley to take over vocals.
They are best known for their catchy, poppy punk sound, which has been widely influential, which was adopted as Peter Shelley took over on the vocals, singing about what the whole punk rock scene opted not to sing about: love. Devoto in the meanwhile formed Magazine.
They rehearsed in a friend's kitchen and played at the all-day 100 club punk "festival", in London. At the end of 1977 the band signed to United Artists and released "Orgasm Addict", with Shelley's high-pitched vocal delivery and Ramones-esque fuzz-guitar sound ensuring the controversial single would be played over again. Later came "What Do I Get?" which hit the UK charts and showed Shelley's brilliance in songwriting.
An LP was then released, Another Music in a Different Kitchen which came with its own carrier bag, labelled "Product". In 1978-79 five chart-hitting singles were released including "Ever Fallen in Love?" and had captured a pop-loving audience by this time. Love Bites, their second LP was released later on, which had less excitement than the last album, though it did sell well, with Steve Diggle taking over lyric-writing.
October 1979 saw A Different Kind of Tension which was panned by some critics, quite unfairly, as it contains some excellent songs, the title track being the stand-out. It perhaps suffered from being the second album to be released that year, with the record company keen to capitalise on the band's chart success at the time.
3 more singles followed in 1980, but the spark had clearly gone out for a while. Musical differences and the long slog behind them led to the band splitting in early 1981. Pete Shelley embarked in a solo career..
He released three dance/electronic influenced solo albums: Homosapien, XL1 and Heaven and The Sea - all with the same fine songwriting skills. Meanwhile, Steve Diggle formed Flag of Convenience - a power pop combo - and toured with some success.
A 5 album/CD set was released in 1989 called Product, which contained all the albums to date, plus the greatest hits and B sides album, Singles Going Steady, and the last non-album singles, Why She's A Girl From the Chainstore, Airwaves Dream and Running Free, plus the B sides
In 1992 the Buzzcocks reformed, without original drummer John Maher and bassist Steve Garvey, and releasd Trade Test Transmissions in 1993, quite different from their earlier material, with nods to the power pop scene popular at the time. All Set in 1996 saw a return to form with familiar riffs and pin sharp lyrics pop-punk. Next year Chronology was released, the missing album, including outtakes from the three United Artists albums. In 1999 they released Modern, which saw Shelley in reflective mode and Steve Diggle taking over more of the vocal duties.
Then followed another brief break in 2000, with Shelley teaming up with old band-mate Howard Devoto to release a largely disappointing album, Buzzkunst. Compilations followed, including Inventory in 2003, which contained every single to date, and 30 in 2005 to celebrate 30 years performing
2005 saw the Buzzcocks back touring and in 2007 they released the superb Flat Pack Philosophy, widely agreed to rank up with the best of Buzzcocks output
2008/9 saw a short tour where the band played tracks from Another Music and Love Bites.
In August 2011 they headlined the first night of The Rhythm Festival in Bedfordshire.
In November 2011 it was announced they would be playing two shows in 2012 that would feature the original line-up as well as the classic line-up of the band reunited for the first time in many years; these shows took place on 25 May 2012 in Manchester at the O2 Apollo and on 26 May in Brixton at the O2 Academy. It was announced on 26 May 2012 that, for the first time, they would headline Thursday night in the Empress Ballroom at the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool sharing the stage with the likes of Rancid, Public Image Limited and Social Distortion.
On 1 May 2014 Buzzcocks released the album The Way via PledgeMusic. On 13 September 2014 Buzzcocks played "a brief but triumphant set" at Riot Fest 2014 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. In October 2014 Buzzcocks toured the U.K. for three weeks with The Dollyrots as main support.
In 2016, the band embarked on their 40th-anniversary tour (dubbed "Buzzcocks 40"). In 2017, "Why Can't I Touch It" was featured in the opening segment of the Telltale game 'Guardians of the Galaxy.
Buzzcocks continue to be a huge influence on many bands and are still enjoyed by a large, and very loyal, fanbase.
Pete Shelley died on 6 December 2018.
Dreamin
Buzzcocks Lyrics
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Try as hard as I can I just can't get you out of my mind
Dreamin', am I dreamin'?
Will my dreams come true or am I simply wasting my time?
Well, I told you that I'm sorry, didn't mean to make you cry
But look at it from my point of view
It's the little things in life on which our happiness depends
All the problems that the world can provide
If at the end of all it we haven't got the time to be friends?
Well, I get this funny feeling that just won't stay away
You know it drives me almost out of my mind
It seems that life's too short to carry on the way that we do
Too much discrimination is keeping us apart
And I don't think I can take any more
I only hope and pray I can find a way to say "I love you"
Oh wouldn't it be great if we could be in that state forever
Just a moment with you in the next year or two or whenever
Let's make history together
Dreamin', am I dreamin'?
Try as hard as I can I just can't get you out of my mind
Dreamin', am I dreamin'?
Will my dreams come true or am I simply wasting my time?
Try as hard as I can I just can't get you out of my mind
The Buzzcocks' song "Dreamin'" is about the singer's longing and desire for someone they deeply care for. The lyrics reflect the angst and frustration that come with wanting someone so much that they constantly occupy their thoughts. The lines "Try as hard as I can I just can't get you out of my mind" highlight the intensity of the singer's emotions, while the question "Will my dreams come true or am I simply wasting my time?" reveals the uncertainty that comes with unrequited love.
The song's verse offers a glimpse into the singer's remorse for hurting the person they're dreaming about. They apologize for making them cry but justify their actions by emphasizing the importance of the little things in life. The line "what's the use if any in trying to survive all the problems that the world can provide if at the end of it, we haven't got the time to be friends?" speaks volumes about the song's central theme of desire for companionship.
The chorus is a repetition of the title "Dreamin'" and emphasizes the singer's inability to shake the person they're dreaming about from their mind. The bridge opens up the possibility of a future with the person they're in love with. The line "Let's make history together" is a call to action, urging the listener to take chances and be brave in their pursuit of love.
Overall, "Dreamin'" is a classic love song that touches on the universal feelings of desire, uncertainty, and the longing for companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Dreamin', am I dreamin'?
Questioning if the thoughts and desires in my mind are real or just a product of my imagination.
Try as hard as I can I just can't get you out of my mind
Despite my best efforts, thoughts of you continue to consume me.
Will my dreams come true or am I simply wasting my time?
Wondering if my hopes and aspirations for a future with you will become a reality or if I am foolishly spending time on something unattainable.
Well, I told you that I'm sorry, didn't mean to make you cry
Expressing remorse for my actions and the negative emotions they caused in you.
But look at it from my point of view
Asking for empathy and understanding of my perspective on the situation.
It's the little things in life on which our happiness depends
Recognizing that the small moments and details of life are what bring us joy and fulfillment.
And what's the use if any in trying to survive
Questioning the purpose and meaning of fighting through the struggles and challenges of life.
All the problems that the world can provide
Acknowledging the numerous obstacles and complications that exist in this world.
If at the end of all it we haven't got the time to be friends?
Wondering if, after all the challenges we face, we still won't be able to come together and form a meaningful connection.
Well, I get this funny feeling that just won't stay away
Expressing a persistent and uncomfortable sensation in my emotions.
You know it drives me almost out of my mind
Describing the intensity of my feelings and how they overwhelm me.
It seems that life's too short to carry on the way that we do
Reflecting on how brief and precious life is and realizing we should make the most of it by living truthfully and authentically.
Too much discrimination is keeping us apart
Identifying prejudice and bias as the cause of our divide and distance from one another.
And I don't think I can take any more
Expressing exhaustion and potential hopelessness in the situation.
I only hope and pray I can find a way to say 'I love you'
Expressing the desire to confess my feelings and hoping to find the courage to do so.
Oh wouldn't it be great if we could be in that state forever
Fantasizing about an idealistic future where we could be together and happy indefinitely.
Just a moment with you in the next year or two or whenever
Expressing the desire for just a short amount of time together, regardless of when it could happen.
Let's make history together
Proposing a grand and significant future between us.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER SHELLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind