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.
I Confess
Catherine Wheel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Built something to destroy
Is it getting high?
High
Oh you cheeky face
Shirt open to the waist
Now it's really getting cold
I don't want another
Oh yes I confess,
I don't want another
Yes you handsome man
Wicked boy, you sycophant
Are you ready to feel?
Deep stress, nothing new
Anxiety to use
Coming through the door
One more paranoia,
I don't want another
Oh yes I confess,
I don't want another
Ah
Ah
Taken many drugs, popped so many pills
Gasp at my adventures, marvel at my thrills
One more paranoia, I don't want another
Oh yes I confess, I don't want another
One more poison thought, don't want another
Yes, yes I confess, I don't want another
The opening lyrics of Catherine Wheel’s song, “I Confess” bring to mind an image of a blue-eyed boy creating something with the sole intent of destroying. The lines, “Oh my blue-eyed boy, built something to destroy, is it getting high? High,” indicate the boy is not only building something, but perhaps using drugs to fuel his destructive behavior. The next line, “Oh you cheeky face, shirt open to the waist, now it’s really getting cold,” points towards a sense of recklessness or carelessness, as if he is indifferent to any consequences that may arise from his behavior.
As the song progresses, another level of introspection is revealed. The singer confesses to experiencing multiple paranoias and anxieties. The lyrics, “One more paranoia, I don't want another, oh yes I confess, I don't want another,” highlight the internal struggles the singer is facing. The song deals with the concept of self-awareness and the hesitation to engage in destructive behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh my blue-eyed boy
Addressing the subject of the song, who has blue eyes.
Built something to destroy
This person has created something harmful.
Is it getting high?
Are they getting high on drugs or intoxicated?
High
Confirmation that they are indeed getting high.
Oh you cheeky face
Addressing the subject again, referring to their face.
Shirt open to the waist
Describing the subject's appearance.
Now it's really getting cold
A sudden shift in the temperature or mood.
One more paranoia,
Another instance of anxiety or fear.
I don't want another
Expressing dislike or disinterest in experiencing this again.
Oh yes I confess,
Admitting to something.
Yes you handsome man
Addressing the subject once more, using flattering terms.
Wicked boy, you sycophant
Calling the subject names implying dishonesty or manipulation.
Are you ready to feel?
Asking if the subject is ready for something.
Deep stress, nothing new
Implying that the subject has experienced intense stress before.
Anxiety to use
Describing a state of anxious energy.
Coming through the door
Referring to someone entering the room or situation.
Taken many drugs, popped so many pills
Confessing to drug use.
Gasp at my adventures, marvel at my thrills
Boasting or seeking admiration for reckless behavior.
One more poison thought, don't want another
Another instance of negative or harmful thoughts, which are not wanted.
Yes, yes I confess, I don't want another
Reiterating the admission of not wanting more negative experiences or thoughts.
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: BRIAN FUTTER, ROBERT DICKINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind