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.
Phantasmagoria
Curved Air Lyrics
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What is standing right behind you
Keep looking over your shoulder to see if it's there
For some the church bell pealing
For some the risk of feeling and stealing
Quietly alone through the night looking under the bed
Don't ring for a taxi
Don't send for a doctor he'll just give you pills
Don't hide in the cellar
Don't ever believe it
It's probably friendly, just alone like you
You run upstairs to lie there
Waiting for the floor to creak and
And something goes bumpity bumpity bump up the stairs
The time has come to wonder
Who the people all look up at
Home ??? but exploring the end of the bed
Don't ring for a taxi
Don't call a policeman
Don't send for a doctor he'll just give you pills
Don't hide in the cellar
You may not believe it
It's probably friendly, just alone like you
So if you get lonely
Just think of the summer
And swimming in sky blue, drift your mind away
So when next time comes
You feel you're being followed by a
Fool with a highly intelligent bear for a pet
Just turn and lead it by the hand
And lead it home and tell it
"Take it from me that you need all the friends you can get"
Don't ring for a taxi
Don't call a policeman
Don't send for a doctor he'll just give you pills
Don't hide in the cellar
You may not believe it
It's probably friendly, just alone like you
So if you get lonely
Just think of the summer
And swimming in sky blue, drift your mind away
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The song "Phantasmagoria" by Curved Air evokes a sense of fear and paranoia, as the lyrics describe the feeling of being followed and watched by an unknown presence. The singer suggests that one may feel alone and scared at times, but that they should not fear the unknown. The first verse introduces the idea of looking over one's shoulder, implying that something is following behind. The second verse advises against calling for help from outside sources such as a taxi, policeman, or doctor, as they will not be able to assist in this situation. The chorus encourages the listener to find comfort in memories of pleasant times, specifically swimming in "sky blue."
The third and final verse takes a more fantastical turn, describing a "fool with a highly intelligent bear for a pet" who is following the subject of the song. Rather than fear them, the singer suggests leading them home and befriending them, as they may be just as lonely and isolated as the listener.
Overall, the lyrics of "Phantasmagoria" are open to interpretation, but they seem to be reassuring the listener that fear and paranoia are natural emotions, but they should not let them overcome them. Instead, finding comfort in memories and seeking out unlikely friendships may help alleviate those feelings.
Line by Line Meaning
I bet you sometimes wonder
Have you ever had that eerie feeling of something or someone following you?
What is standing right behind you
You may feel a presence, or a sensation that something is right behind you
Keep looking over your shoulder to see if it's there
Being paranoid is natural, especially when the air is ominous
For some the church bell pealing
Sometimes it could be a church bell ringing, possibly signaling death
For some the risk of feeling and stealing
It could also be a thief or a vandal, but that could be equally dangerous
Quietly alone through the night looking under the bed
You are on your own, scared and wanting to take any precautionary measure for safety
Don't ring for a taxi
Even if you encounter something strange, don't try to escape by calling a taxi
Don't call a policeman
Alerting the authorities may not necessarily help, as they may not believe you, or may not be able to help in this situation
Don't send for a doctor he'll just give you pills
Plenty of people want to take pills to calm their nerves, but that may not be the best solution
Don't hide in the cellar
Being scared or paralyzed with fear means you're not thinking straight
Don't ever believe it
Whatever it is, whatever is following you, remember: it could mean well if you believe so
It's probably friendly, just alone like you
You are not alone, you have a companion, and you might as well make the best of the company
You run upstairs to lie there
If you are at home, running upstairs might feel safe, but there are no guarantees
Waiting for the floor to creak and
The sound of creaking floors actually represents safety in some ways
And something goes bumpity bumpity bump up the stairs
But the bumps in the night could also represent danger coming closer
The time has come to wonder
At some point, your curiosity about your situation must take over because this could last all night and even longer
Who the people all look up at
Who are they looking at? You? Or someone/thing behind you?
Home ??? but exploring the end of the bed
Going home sounds safe, but the bed may not be the best place to hide either
So if you get lonely
Lonely is a powerful emotion felt by many, and it's not to be taken lightly
Just think of the summer
Think of a beautiful, warm day during summertime
And swimming in sky blue, drift your mind away
Let your mind be taken away from your current state and dream of better times
So when next time comes
Regardless of the next time, your mind may already be prepared for the worst
You feel you're being followed by a
Paranoia, terror, or danger, something is feels dangerous
Fool with a highly intelligent bear for a pet
This could represent someone/something that looks harmless at first glance but can be extremely dangerous
Just turn and lead it by the hand
Take control and make it comply with your rules and needs
And lead it home and tell it
Lead it away from the danger, and tell it what you need it to know
"Take it from me that you need all the friends you can get"
Even your enemies could turn out to be friends in disguise
La-la-la-la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la la-la la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la la-la la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
La-la-la-la-la-la
This is the musical interlude
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FRANCIS MONKMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind