After the departure of Gish (who would later join Bark Psychosis) the three-piece Disco Inferno recorded the single 'Entertainment' with producer Charlie McIntosh. Their first album, Open Doors, Closed Windows, was released in 1991 on Che and received positive reviews, although most mentioned the heavy influence of late 1970s post punk bands, particularly Joy Division and Wire (In fact Disco Inferno's manager, Michael Collins, had previously managed Wire during their 70's incarnation). 'Entertainment', 'Open Doors, Closed Windows' and the 'Science' EP would later be collected on the album In Debt.
In 1992 the band released Summer's Last Sound, widely regarded as the first in a run of classic Disco Inferno EPs which saw the band's increasing use of samples. The band's use of sampling combined with traditional instruments - particularly Wilmott's bass - continued on the EPs A Rock To Cling To and The Last Dance and reached its peak on their second album D.I. Go Pop. After the full-on assault of D.I. Go Pop the band opted for restraint on the beautiful Second Language EP which also had a new-found optimism in Crause's lyrics.
Their final single, 'It's A Kid's World', sampled the distinctive drumbeat from Iggy Pop's Lust for Life and added in a series of old children's TV themes to good effect, but despite critical acclaim the band attracted little commercial success and split before their final album Technicolour was released in 1996.
In Sharky Water
Disco Inferno Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now I know what heaven is like
And all but life's contempt me
I'm drowning to die now
I mean, I pray every night
I got no secrets around me
Someone loves me and I love them back
They do so much for me
So they know who I am
Quote from The Observer, dated the 18th of April, 1993:
"I confirm,' wrote Margaret Thatcher to Neil Kinnock,
'That there is no British Government involvement
Of any kind in training,
Equipping or cooperating with Khmer Rouge forces,
Or those allied with them.'
In 1991 the Government admitted this was false:
That training of Pol Pot's allies had indeed been going on since 1983.
The SAS training had concentrated on sabotage and mine-laying:
Terror tactics.
Again, the Government denied this. 'Oh, that story's old hat,'
Said the minister, Lord Caithness. 'We don't plant any mines.'
In September 1991, the American human rights organisation, Asia Watch,
Issued a report entitled The Cowards' War,
Which named two foreign powers
That are or have been involved in training
Cambodian resistance factions in the use of mines and explosives
Against civilian as well as military targets'.
They are China and Britain."
The lyrics to Disco Inferno's song "In Sharky Water" convey a sense of acceptance and peace amidst a world that is often cruel and unpredictable. The first few lines "Got my loved ones around me / Now I know what heaven is like" suggest that the persona has found a sense of comfort in the presence of family and friends, and that this has given them a glimpse of what heaven might be like. However, the next line "And all but life's contempt me / I'm drowning to die now" reveals a contradictory feeling of despair and a desire for release from the burdens of life. This line can be interpreted in different ways - it could be that the persona is overwhelmed by the negativity of the world around them, or that they are simply exhausted and ready to let go of life.
The following lines "I mean, I pray every night / I got no secrets around me" suggest that the persona is seeking solace in spirituality, and that they have no hidden motives or hidden parts of themselves that would complicate their relationships with others. The next line "Someone loves me and I love them back / They do so much for me" reinforces the importance of relationships, and the need for reciprocity and affection in any healthy and fulfilling relationship. The final line "They got me on file / So they know who I am" seems to suggest that the persona has found a sense of identity and belonging with this person or group of people, and that this gives them a sense of security and stability.
Overall, the lyrics to "In Sharky Water" convey a sense of acceptance and resignation in the face of life's challenges, but also a recognition of the importance of relationships and spirituality in finding meaning and purpose. The references to political events in Cambodia and the unethical actions of foreign powers in supporting rebel factions through training and weaponry, highlight the struggles and chaos that is often a part of our modern world.
Line by Line Meaning
Got my loved ones around me
I am surrounded by people I care about and who care about me
Now I know what heaven is like
Being surrounded by loved ones makes me feel like I am in heaven
And all but life's contempt me
Despite everything negative in my life, I still feel loved and happy
I'm drowning to die now
I feel overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude
I mean, I pray every night
I express my gratitude and seek protection for my loved ones through prayer
I got no secrets around me
I am open and honest with my loved ones and have nothing to hide
Someone loves me and I love them back
I am blessed to have people in my life whom I love and who love me back
They do so much for me
My loved ones go out of their way to support and care for me
They got me on file
My loved ones know everything about me and accept me for who I am
Writer(s): Disco Inferno
Contributed by Elijah V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.