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.
The Fool
Curved Air Lyrics
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And the dark lights up my lips
I'm steppin' right off the edge
Can you take on the fool?
Trancin' round a field of joy
I change from girl to boy
Can you deliver fun from cruel?
Could you laugh at truth with a fool?
Could you laugh at truth with a fool?
I got no name and
I got no race and
I got no mind to
Tie down with you
I'd give you all my
Sidekick flowers but
You can't have me, no
I am the fool
{You trust me too strong to refuse} (?)
Sweet fool, what's to loose?
You could begin at the end if you choose
The mad hold hands with the fool
Sunlight fills the everywhere
As we step right off the edge
Could you wear the world as your jewel,
Or could you shine it on as a fool?
Could you wear the world as your jewel,
Or could you shine it on as a fool?
You want teasin' and
You want freedom and
You want pleasin' to
Be taught in school
You need playthings and
Everyday things but
You can't have me, no
I am the fool
I got no name and
I got no race and
I got no mind to
Tie down with you
I'd give you all my
Sidekick flowers but
You can't have me, no
I am the fool
You want teasin' and
You want freedom and
You want pleasin' to
Be taught in school
You need playthings and
Everyday things but
You can't have me, no
You are the fool
The song "Fool" by Curved Air is an introspective and dreamy tune that explores the concept of being a fool and whether the person singing the song can trust someone else to take on that role. The opening lines describe a butterfly dancing overhead, and the darkness lighting up the singer's lips, conveying a feeling of lightness and freedom. The singer is ready to take a risk and step off the edge but needs someone who can handle the role of being a fool with them.
The lyrics suggest that being a fool is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows for a certain sense of freedom and joy, which the singer seems to crave. The lines "Trancin' round a field of joy, I change from girl to boy" suggest that the singer is seeking to leave behind the constraints of gender roles and societal norms, and embrace a carefree existence.
The song's chorus is a repetition of the lines "Can you deliver fun from cruel? Could you laugh at truth with a fool?" which portrays the idea that someone should be able to think outside of the box and see the humor in life's difficult situations, even when it seems absurd. The song concludes by stating that the singer cannot be tied down, and the person they are singing to is the fool.
Overall, "Fool" is an ethereal and meditative journey that encourages a sense of lightheartedness and the ability to embrace life's absurdities, all while questioning whether being a fool is a good thing or not.
Line by Line Meaning
The butterfly dances overhead
There is beauty, grace and freedom in the world that inspire me
And the dark lights up my lips
Even in the darkness, there is fun, amusement, and joy
I'm steppin' right off the edge
I'm taking risks without fear of the unknown or falling
Can you take on the fool?
Are you willing to keep up with my spontaneous and unpredictable nature?
Trancin' round a field of joy
I am ecstatic and feel freedom in my soul
I change from girl to boy
I am continually evolving and exploring new expressions of who I am
Can you deliver fun from cruel?
Can you turn difficult or painful situations into something entertaining or amusing?
Could you laugh at truth with a fool?
Can you find humor in the things that others may consider serious or tragic?
I got no name and
I am not defined by my name, background, or labels
I got no race and
I am not defined by any particular racial or cultural group
I got no mind to
I am not bound by what others consider sensible or rational
Tie down with you
I refuse to be confined, limited or strapped down by anyone
I'd give you all my
I am generous and giving
Sidekick flowers but
I am passing gifts and kindness along without attachments or expectations
You can't have me, no
I don't belong to anyone and won't be owned or controlled
I am the fool
I am spontaneous, uninhibited, and free-spirited
{You trust me too strong to refuse} (?)
This line is unclear and possibly misheard, so any meaning would be speculative
Sweet fool, what's to loose?
This is a playful invitation to join and follow the singer in their free-spirited adventure
You could begin at the end if you choose
You could jump in at any point in the journey, and it would still make sense and be fun
The mad hold hands with the fool
There is a special kinship and understanding between crazy, unconventional people
Sunlight fills the everywhere
There is light, life, and energy everywhere, and the artist is aware and grateful for it
As we step right off the edge
We're taking a leap of faith into the unknown together
Could you wear the world as your jewel,
Can you appreciate and enjoy the world's beauty, diversity and richness as if they were precious gems?
Or could you shine it on as a fool?
Can you reflect the light, joy, and color of the world in your own playful, exuberant way?
You want teasin' and
You are attracted to flirtatious, provocative behavior
You want freedom and
You crave personal space, independence and self-determination
You want pleasin' to
You desire pleasing, satisfying experiences and relationships
Be taught in school
You hope to learn how to achieve this and don't know how to do it on your own
You need playthings and
You want toys, gadgets, and other fun accessories to enjoy
Everyday things but
You seek pleasure in the ordinary, mundane parts of life
You can't have me, no
The singer is unavailable or uninterested in giving you what you want
You are the fool
The artist believes you are being naive or foolish for thinking they would be interested in your wants and desires
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DARRYL RICHARD WAY, MICHAEL JACQUES, NORMA TAGER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind