Delays have long been British rock’s best kept secret. A heady concoction of angelic harmonies, beat-group hauteur and groove-based hedonism, they belong to British pop’s most regal bloodline: (early) Floyd, The Smiths, The Stone Roses. Hitch a lift with them to North America, however, and you’ll see their euphoric ballroom blitz send fans into a frenzy. Head south of the border and it’s a full on teenage rampage.
Having signed to Rough Trade in 2004, they released their debut album Faded Seaside Glamour the same year. A riot of page-boy haircuts, nifty riffs and celestial harmonies, it boasted top Twenty hits ‘Long Time Coming’ and ‘Nearer Than Heaven’ and prompted the Guardian to describe them as "First band in a decade to lay serious claim to the Stone Roses Throne"- Follow up You See Colours (2006) saw their psych-pop blueprint delivered with added BPM. A brooding mix of “Voulez Vous’ and ‘The La’s’, it spawned alpha-pop hits ‘Valentine’ "Best comeback single of 2006"-NME and ‘Hideaway’. 2008 saw the release of the third album ' Everything's The Rush' - Epic, skyscraping - Indie-pop has never been so glorious and sweeping "-The Mirror..
Delays returned in 2010 with their eagerly-anticipated 4th album 'Star Tiger Star Ariel'
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Girl
Delays Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where in the world did you come from
Hey girl
Where in the world do you belong
Hey girl
Watching you walk is like a dream
Hey girl
You've got nerve and you sure got me
As I wanted
Singing lost and found
Like a fever running
We could clear this town
Hey girl
Where in the world did you come from
Hey girl
Nobody knows where you belong
So why don't you tell me
You're hanging above me
There's room everywhere
And I can't walk on air
Hey girl
Hey girl
Hey girl
Where in the world did you come from
Hey girl
Never return 'cause you belong
I said
Hey girl
I said
Hey girl
The Delays' song "Hey Girl" is a vibrant and upbeat pop-rock track that celebrates the alluring mystery and magnetic charm of an unidentified girl. The lyrics delve into the singer's fascination with this girl, constantly wondering where she comes from, where she belongs or if she even belongs anywhere. The opening lines, "Hey girl, where in the world did you come from? Hey girl, where in the world do you belong?" capture the singer's enamoration with the girl, who seems to have come from nowhere and is like a dream, walking with bold confidence and nerve, making the whole town stare.
The chorus of the song then flashes with excitement and possibility, the singer imagines a life they could share together. The line "we could clear this town" suggests that the girl and the singer could embark on a thrilling adventure, seeking new places and experiences together, setting apart their past and creating a new path in life.
As the song progresses, the singer implores the girl to reveal herself to him, to open up and let him get to know her better. They admit that they feel small in comparison to her and that she seems to float above them, but they still want her to stay with them. The line "there's room everywhere, and I can't walk on air" is a beautiful metaphor for the singer feeling like they're stuck on the ground while the girl seems to be completely effortless and above it all.
Overall, the song is a bright and uplifting tribute to the mysterious and captivating energy of a free-spirited girl.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey girl
Addressing the girl in question
Where in the world did you come from
Asking where the girl is from, expressing surprise at her sudden appearance
Hey girl
Repeating the greeting
Where in the world do you belong
Asking where the girl fits in, expressing interest in her presence
Hey girl
Continuing the greeting
Watching you walk is like a dream
Expressing admiration for the girl's physical appearance
Hey girl
Repeating the greeting once again
You've got nerve and you sure got me
Acknowledging the girl's boldness and stating that she has caught the singer's attention
As I wanted
Expressing satisfaction or desire in relation to the situation
Singing lost and found
Possibly implying that the singer feels lost without the girl but has also found something valuable in her presence
Like a fever running
Describing a sensation that is intense and hard to control, possibly related to the singer's emotions towards the girl
We could clear this town
Suggesting that the two of them could leave and start over somewhere else
Hey girl
Continuing to address the girl
Nobody knows where you belong
Acknowledging that the girl is a mystery to others as well, reinforcing the singer's interest in her
So why don't you tell me
Asking the girl to reveal more about herself, possibly in a flirtatious or playful way
You're hanging above me
Describing the girl's presence in a way that suggests dominance or control over the singer's thoughts or emotions
There's room everywhere
Suggesting that there are unlimited possibilities or options available to them
And I can't walk on air
Acknowledging the limitations or obstacles that the singer faces, possibly related to the girl's effect on him
Hey girl
Repeating the greeting
Hey girl
Repeating the greeting one last time
Never return 'cause you belong
A conflicting statement that could suggest the singer wants the girl to stay, but also recognizes that she may have other obligations
I said
Emphasizing the following statement
Hey girl
The final repetition of the greeting
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GREG GILBERT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Robinson
So sad that Greg has now passed. These melodies and amazing vocals will live on forever. Thank you. RIP.
Tim Fletcher
RIP Greg, you painted the soundtrack to some of my favourite memories in my life and I'll miss you x
Carol O'Lou
Love this song.
Greg has created some of the most wonderful melodies.
💖
Texturas75
This band deserved much more success than they had. Really quality music!
Darren Porter
I think this band would have been more successful if they had started 10 years before..
Nathan Wilding
Saw this wonderful band 4 times in all. So underrated
jinjagohst
Love this song.
Love this album.
Love this band.
Forever.
We miss you Greg.
5lewby
Wow. Close your eyes and listen to this song. Love it.
Rob Murphy
I saw the Delays twice in 2008 - once supporting Crowded House and the other supporting the Counting Crows. They did two great sets and I was converted.
Scott Waldon
Beautiful melodies and love that lead voice.