Catherine Wheel formed in 1990, comprising singer/guitarist Rob Dickinson (cousin of Iron Maiden legend Bruce Dickinson), guitarist Brian Futter, bassist Dave Hawes, and drummer Neil Sims. Hawes had previously played in a Joy Division-influenced band called Eternal. They took their moniker from the firework known as the Catherine wheel, which in turn had taken its name from the medieval torture device of the same name. The band was often included in the shoegazing scene, characterized by bands that made extensive use of guitar feedback and droning washes of noise, as well as their continuous interaction with extensive amounts of effects pedals on the stage floor.
The band performed a Peel session in early 1991 while still unsigned; two 12" vinyl EPs were released on the Norwich based Wilde Club Records, named after the regular weekly Wilde Club gigs run by Barry Newman at Norwich Arts Centre. They signed to major-label Fontana Records after being courted by both Creation Records and the Brian Eno-run label Opal Records. The band's debut album, 1991/92's Ferment, made an immediate impression on the music press and introduced Catherine Wheel's biggest U.S. hit, "Black Metallic," as well as moderate hit "I Want To Touch You". The album features re-recorded versions of some of the Wilde Club-issued EPs.
The more aggressive Chrome followed in 1993, produced by Gil Norton. With this album, the band began to shed its original shoegazing tag, while still making skillful use of atmospherics, such as on the song "Fripp." In a 2007 interview, Rob Dickinson said that members of Death Cab for Cutie and Interpol told him that without this album, their bands "wouldn't exist."
1995's Happy Days saw the band delving further into metallic hard rock, which alienated a portion of their fanbase, even as it increased their exposure in the United States during the post-grunge era. The single "Waydown," and especially its plane-crash themed video, received heavy play in the U.S. A more sedate strain of rock known as britpop was taking over in the UK, causing C.W. to continue to have greater success abroad than at home.
The B-sides and outtakes collection, Like Cats and Dogs, came out the following year, revealing a quieter, more contemplative side of the band, spanning the previous five years. This carried over into Adam and Eve in 1997, wherein the band scaled back the sonic force of their sound from its Happy Days levels, with clean playing on some songs that featured extensive use of keyboards and acoustic guitars. Alternately, songs like "Satellite" and "Here Comes the Fat Controller" were lush and orchestral in scope.
In 2000, Catherine Wheel re-emerged with a new record label, a new bassist (Ben Ellis); a modified name (The Catherine Wheel); and a new album, Wishville. After mixed reviews, record company turmoil and lacklustre sales, the band went on a still-continuing hiatus.
In March 2010, Ferment was re-released, containing bonus tracks and extensive sleeve notes.
Chrome
Catherine Wheel Lyrics
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Kick away the petals and come home
This is all she said
But there's something in me cold within me
A beast inside me, bold inside me
I find myself in chains
I find myself in chains
But if I had some time
I'd use it this time
Fix myself I will, I hope it's this time
And if I could only see the subtle things you see
I'd think myself so brave in victory
Step inside everything, everything's all clear
Maybe I could find some inspiration here
Because it's time to fix this thing
It's time to fix this thing
But if I had some time
I hope it's this time
Escape to somewhere beautiful
Then maybe I could really see the subtle things you see
I'd consider it such rare and privileged company
No, no, no, no
But never again, never again, never again
I'm just too close to winning
And I find myself in chains
And it's time to fix this thing
'Cause if I had some time
I'd use it this time
Escape to something beautiful
'Cause underneath the steel and rust and oil and shit
There's chrome just shining chrome
A mirror finish of my own
Alive inside this chrome, home, home, home
The song Chrome by Catherine Wheel can be interpreted as a call to action for self-improvement and a deeper understanding of oneself. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and inner turmoil, with the singer feeling trapped and chained by their own destructive habits and thoughts. Despite this, there is a glimmer of hope and a desire to escape to a better place, both physically and mentally.
The line "Can't you accept this flower hasn't grown? Kick away the petals and come home" suggests a feeling of inadequacy or failure, where the singer is acknowledging something has gone wrong but isn't sure how to fix it. They long to be understood by others, and seek the help and guidance of someone they trust.
The chorus line, "But if I had some time, I'd use it this time. Fix myself I will, I hope it's this time" indicates a sense of determination and resolve. The singer recognizes that they are the only one who can fix themselves, and this time they hope to succeed. They long to be free of their chains and to see the world in a new light, with the subtle beauty and inspiration that life can offer.
Overall, Chrome can be seen as a metaphor for the struggle that we all face at some point in our lives. We may feel trapped or lost, but through self-reflection and perseverance, we can break the chains that hold us back and find hope for a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't you accept this flower hasn't grown?
I am not yet what you desire me to be, and you must realize that.
Kick away the petals and come home
Give up on your expectations and just be with me as I am.
This is all she said
This was the extent of her request or demand.
But there's something in me cold within me
Despite my desire to please, there is something in me that is unfeeling or indifferent.
A beast inside me, bold inside me
There is a wild and untamed part of me that exists alongside my more civilized nature.
I find myself in chains
I feel limited or restrained in some way.
But if I had some time
Given more time, I could improve myself.
I'd use it this time
I would take advantage of the opportunity.
Fix myself I will, I hope it's this time
I am determined to repair or improve myself, and I hope that this effort will be successful.
And if I could only see the subtle things you see
If I were able to perceive what you do, I would be much more confident and capable.
I'd think myself so brave in victory
With this deeper understanding, I would feel more courageous and triumphant.
Step inside everything, everything's all clear
Taking a closer look at everything makes it much easier to understand and navigate.
Maybe I could find some inspiration here
This exploration might provide the motivation I need.
Because it's time to fix this thing
The need for repair or improvement is urgent and cannot be ignored.
No, no, no, no
I will not accept the status quo any longer.
But never again, never again, never again
I am committed to making a permanent change.
I'm just too close to winning
The goal is within reach.
And it's time to fix this thing
The need for repair or improvement is pressing and can no longer be postponed.
'Cause if I had some time
Given the opportunity, I could effect real change.
Escape to something beautiful
In order to achieve this, however, I need to escape from my current circumstances.
Then maybe I could really see the subtle things you see
Perhaps changing my environment will give me the perspective I need to fully comprehend what you do.
I'd consider it such rare and privileged company
This understanding would be a special and coveted thing.
'Cause underneath the steel and rust and oil and shit
Beneath the rough exterior of myself, flaws and all...
There's chrome just shining chrome
...is something beautiful and gleaming.
A mirror finish of my own
I possess my own unique radiance and shine.
Alive inside this chrome, home, home, home
This beauty within me is the essence of my soul and the place where I truly belong.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: BRIAN FUTTER, ROBERT DICKINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind