Surely on pace to rival the abundant shelf filling of The Wedding Present, Cinerama released a clutch of singles in support of their debut LP, as well as a number prior to 2000's Steve Albini-recorded Disco Volante "dangerously, seductively sweet" (Melody Maker). Notable were the heart-rending Superman (complete with alternative Spanish take) and the six and a half minute epic Health And Efficiency (also available in French!).
The third Cinerama studio album, Torino (2002), was much darker than the first two, with Gedge returning to a guitar-driven sound and deciding to write predominantly about infidelity.
At the end of 2002, Gedge and Murrell split up, and he decided to depart from Leeds, moving to Seattle and busying himself with a new Cinerama album which eventually became the new Wedding Present LP, (Take Fountain). For him, it was full circle and Cinerama was no more after 2004.
Following annual one-off appearances starting in 2009 at Gedge's own festival, At the Edge of the Sea, he revived the Cinerama name for a limited edition single, I Wake Up Screaming in October 2013.
In May 2015, a radical track-by-track re-working of The Wedding Present's 2012 album Valentina, was released under the Cinerama moniker. The project, also called Valentina, was recorded by Gedge and Pedro Vigil.
London
Cinerama Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lingers 'round your fingers
Train
Heave on - to Euston
Do you think you've made
The right decision this time?
You left
And you think they're sad because you're leaving
But didn't you see the Jealousy in the eyes
Of the ones who had to stay behind ?
And do you think you've made
The right decision this time?
You left
Your girlfriend on the platform
With this really ragged notion that you'll return
But she knows
That when he goes
He really goes
So do you think you've made
The right decision this time?
Cinerama's "London" is a reflective and contemplative song that explores the decision of leaving one's home and loved ones behind to search for something more. The lyrics are simple yet profound, illustrating the emotions and thoughts of someone who has left their hometown for London. The opening lines of "Smoke lingers 'round your fingers, train heave on - to Euston" paints a vivid picture of the urban landscape of London. The singer is filled with doubt, questioning whether their decision to leave was the right one. They feel guilty for causing their family grief and envy from those left behind. The lyrics suggest that the excitement and possibilities of London are not devoid of loss and loneliness.
The chorus of the song, "And do you think you've made the right decision this time?" is repeated throughout the song. The repetition of this line underscores the singer's uncertainty, as they grapple with the weight of their decision to leave behind their past to pursue their future. The final lines, "But she knows that when he goes, he really goes", reveal the singer's fear that they may never return to the people they have left behind. The overall message of the song is that while pursuing one's dreams or ambitions is essential, it may come at a significant emotional cost.
Line by Line Meaning
Smoke
The smoke is symbolic of the city's atmosphere which surrounds and engulfs the singer as he prepares to embark on his journey.
Lingers 'round your fingers
The smoke that is omnipresent in the city is now present on the singer's fingers, signifying that the city has left a mark on him.
Train
The singer is getting on a train, which is the mode of transportation that will take him to his destination, highlighting the significance of his departure.
Heave on - to Euston
The train is departing from Euston station and the word 'heave' represents the effort required to move away from the familiar surroundings and loved ones.
Do you think you've made
The artist is questioning whether he has made the right decision, indicating that he is unsure if leaving his loved ones behind is the right choice.
The right decision this time?
The singer is questioning whether he should have left his loved ones behind and if this time his decision was indeed a wise one.
You left
The singer has left behind his family and girlfriend, signifying that the journey he is undertaking is a solitary one.
Your tired family grieving
The artist's family is shown as tired and worn down, as they are sad to see him leave, reflecting the emotional toll his departure has had on them.
And you think they're sad because you're leaving
The artist believes that his family's sadness is due to him leaving, but in reality, they are sad as they will miss him and the thought of not seeing him for a long time is distressing for them.
But didn't you see the Jealousy in the eyes
The artist is aware of the fact that the members of his family who he left behind are feeling envious of him, as he is embarking on an adventure and will experience something new and exciting.
Of the ones who had to stay behind ?
The people who are left behind are envious of the singer's journey as they will not experience the same adventure or thrills that he will.
Your girlfriend on the platform
The artist's girlfriend is standing on the platform, symbolizing a crossroad in their relationship, where they may or may not continue to be together.
With this really ragged notion that you'll return
The singer's girlfriend has a feeling and hope that he will return to her, even though it seems unlikely as he is starting a new chapter in his life.
But she knows
The singer's girlfriend is aware that his departure means they will be apart and the uncertainties of whether or not their relationship will continue is daunting.
That when he goes
The singer's girlfriend is aware that when he departs, there is a strong possibility that their relationship may end permanently.
He really goes
The artist's girlfriend is aware that he is truly leaving and there is no certainty if or when they will be reunited again.
So do you think you've made
The artist is once again consumed by the haunting feeling of doubt where he questions his decision to leave and if it was the right one.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHNNY MARR, STEVEN PATRICK MORRISSEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tardis9041
I would love these songs if the originals hadn't been so perfect.
@sexobscura
I don't know how they did it, but they've managed to take one of The Smith's best songs and absolutely improve on it
@daniellavidovich7204
Perfect