The band was, for a time in the 1970s, a sensation in the world of British progressive-rock because of Sonja Kristina's sensual vocals and Darryl Way's romantic violin. Kristina was a veteran of the London musical Hair in the late 60s. This combination of sensual vocals and romantic violin was the same as tested in California by It's a Beautiful Day. Francis Monkman (the real genius behind their compositions) added a synthesiser.
Their debut album Air Conditioning (1970) contains "Vivaldi", their most celebrated piece. Second Album (1971) delivered their only hit, "Back Street Luv", and the twelve-minute "Piece of Mind". Their artistic peak was reached with Phantasmagoria (1972), but the band dissolved after Air Cut (1973), with Eddie Jobson taking over violin and keyboard duties. Kristina was joined by her husband Stewart Copeland (future The Police) for a new version of Curved Air that released Midnight Wire 1975) and Airborne (1976).
From then on Curved Air as a group were largely inactive. In early 2008, the band regrouped. A live album consisting of recordings from the previous UK tour, Live Atmosphere, was released on 2 April 2012. A studio album, North Star, followed in 2014.
Sonja Kristina remains the only original band member.
Hide and Seek
Curved Air Lyrics
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Streets deserted, I am here alone (frightened of the unknown).
Walking the streets, I call your name, but no one comes,
Running through the town, I call your name, but no, no one hears.
Shadows forming, where can I begin? Darkness is closing in,
Doors all closed and window curtains drawn (all the people have gone).
Doors all closed and window curtains drawn (all the people have gone),
Streets deserted, I am here alone (frightened of the unknown).
The lyrics of Curved Air's song "Hide and Seek" poetically convey the sentiments of a child playing hide and seek at night with a companion who seems to have vanished, leaving the singer alone and frightened. As the song begins, the singer sets out to find their playmate, calling out and running through deserted streets. The sense of isolation and mounting fear is palpable as they encounter shadows and darkness closing in around them. The repetition of the line, "Doors all closed and window curtains drawn," adds to the eerie ambiance of the imagery, suggesting an absence of life and vitality in the neighborhood after dark.
There are various ways to interpret the lyrics more broadly. On one level, "Hide and Seek" can be seen as a metaphor for the experience of growing up and losing the innocence and simplicity of childhood. The fading light and encroaching shadows can be seen as a sign of the singer's coming of age and the realization that the world can be a frightening and unpredictable place. At the same time, the nostalgia and longing in the lyrics also suggest a desire to recapture the carefree spirit of youth and the joy of playful companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Night-time, comin' playing hide and seek (I have got to find you),
As the night falls, we play the game of hide and seek, and I am determined to find you at any cost.
Streets deserted, I am here alone (frightened of the unknown).
The streets are empty, and I feel scared and lost, not knowing what lies ahead.
Walking the streets, I call your name, but no one comes,
I wander aimlessly, calling out your name, hoping for a response, but none comes.
Running through the town, I call your name, but no, no one hears.
As I run around the town, shouting your name, there is no one around to hear my cries of desperation.
Shadows forming, where can I begin? Darkness is closing in,
The shadows around me are growing, and I don't know where to start looking. The darkness is slowly enveloping me, making it harder to see and think clearly.
Doors all closed and window curtains drawn (all the people have gone).
As I pass by the homes, I notice that all the doors are shut, and the curtains are drawn, indicating that everyone has left or is hiding away.
Doors all closed and window curtains drawn (all the people have gone),
The emptiness of the streets and the darkness of the night leave me feeling abandoned and alone, with only my fear and uncertainty for company.
Streets deserted, I am here alone (frightened of the unknown).
Being alone on the deserted streets at night is a terrifying experience, as the unknown lurks around every corner, filling me with fear and dread.
Contributed by Mia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.