Newman's second LP, the entirely instrumental Provisionally Entitled The Singing Fish (where all the tracks were titled for numbered fish), was released on the 4AD Records label in 1981. A third LP, Not To, which along with original compositions reworked a number of tracks originally written for Wire , was released in 1982 on 4AD.
Wire reformed in 1984. In 1986 another solo LP, Commercial Suicide was released on the Crammed Discs label. A massive change in style for Newman, the album is reflective and highly orchestrated. His next LP, It Seems, followed a similar path, albeit with far more use of sequencers — something Newman would continue to work with for a number of years. Both Crammed albums featured Malka Spigel who has been included in all subsequent solo & collaborative work.
Newman's only other de-facto solo outing was the mid 1990s release 'Bastard, an almost entirely instrumental release with tracks largely built from guitar loops and samples. Released on his own label, Swim ~ , the first pressing of the album was packaged with a free copy of Newman's four track Voice EP. Despite Newman's name being on the cover, he says these releases, along with several others on Swim ~, are essentially collaborative efforts with life, and musical partner, Malka Spigel. Therefore, Spigel's albums and the pair's releases as immersion could to some extent be considered Newman "solo" efforts as well
Safe
Colin Newman Lyrics
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A feeling of frustration constantly grows
Mindful of inaction but aware of the risks
A person is battered enthusiastically
Safe
Not enough
Enveloped in expressions of insularity
Monitor the camera, broadcast rapidly
Suddenly undermining, explaining cryptically
The lyrics of Colin Newman's song "Safe" convey a sense of frustration and anxiety that appear to stem from a lack of action and change in one's life. The repetition of the word "safe" suggests that the subject is trapped in a state of comfort and security, but is feeling unfulfilled and stagnant. This is further emphasized in the opening lines of "So bloody sterile in a state of repose."
The feeling of frustration is compounded by a sense of detachment and seclusion. The lyrics describe a person who is "mindful of inaction but aware of the risks," indicating a fear of moving forward but also a sense of responsibility to take action. The lines "Enveloped in expressions of insularity/Monitor the camera, broadcast rapidly" suggest a sense of self-awareness but also a sense of isolation and detachment from the world.
Overall, the song seems to be a comment on the dangers of complacency and the importance of taking risks and pushing oneself out of one's comfort zone. The repetition of "safe" suggests that the fear of the unknown can be paralyzing, but ultimately, taking risks and embracing uncertainty is necessary for growth and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
So bloody sterile in a state of repose
Everything is too clean and organized, creating a sense of stagnation and boredom.
A feeling of frustration constantly grows
There's a persistent sense of dissatisfaction that only seems to increase over time.
Mindful of inaction but aware of the risks
There's an awareness that not taking action might be dangerous, but it's difficult to overcome the fear of doing something wrong.
A person is battered enthusiastically
The individual is being overwhelmed by external forces and finding it hard to cope with the pressure.
Safe
Status quo, often at the expense of progress.
Not enough
Despite the appearance of safety and security, there's a sense that something important is missing or lacking.
Coordination and movement, the mask of scrutiny
People may appear to be in control and functioning well, but it's only a facade to cover up deeper issues.
Enveloped in expressions of insularity
There's a sense of being cut off from the outside world and operating within a closed system.
Monitor the camera, broadcast rapidly
Always keeping an eye on what's happening, but quick to respond or act without considering the consequences.
Suddenly undermining, explaining cryptically
Actions or decisions are made without warning and in a way that's difficult to understand or justify.
Contributed by Isabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.