By the time of their debut album, 1980's Crocodiles - a moderate UK hit - the drum machine had been replaced by Pete de Freitas. Their next, the critically-acclaimed Heaven Up Here, reached the Top Ten in 1981, as did 1983's Porcupine and '84's Ocean Rain. Singles like "The Killing Moon" (later used in the soundtrack to Donnie Darko, a film whose imagery owed much to the artwork of the band's early records.), "Silver," "Bring on the Dancing Horses," and "The Cutter" helped keep the group in the public eye as they took a brief hiatus in the late 1980s. Their 1987 self-titled LP was a small American hit, their only LP to have significant sales there.
McCulloch quit the band in 1988. De Freitas was killed in a motorcycle accident one year later. The others decided to continue, recruiting Noel Burke to replace McCulloch on vocals in Reverberation (1990), which did not generate much excitement among fans or critics. Burke, Sargeant and Pattinson split after that, but the surviving three fourths of the original band reformed in 1997 and released Evergreen (1997), What are You Going to Do with Your Life? (1999), Flowers (2001) , Siberia (2005), and the latest addition, The Fountain (2009). The group's old audience liked the return to their classic sound, and they also managed to gain a number of new, younger listeners.
Echo and the Bunnymen were managed early on by Bill Drummond, who went on to be a founder member of The KLF.
All That Jaz
Echo & the Bunnymen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We've been waiting with our best suits on
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
Rolling down the Union Jack
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
It appears because it's what I feel
I know I don't understand
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
Instinct is the common lawyer
A million years won't erase
Strike the chord I'm searching for
Call it a committed race
No matter how I shake my fist
I know I can't resist it
No matter how you shake your fist
You know you can't resist it
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Someday when the sky turns black
"All That Jazz" by Echo & the Bunnymen is a song that’s complex and likely incorporates several themes. The song opens with the question, "where the hell have you been?", which suggests that the song could be about an absence or separation. The suit and slicked-back hair mentioned in the second line implies that something important or formal is going to happen, and the phrase "all that jazz" emphasizes the importance of the occasion. The line "rolling down the Union Jack" seems to suggest a sense of rebellion within the song's setting, with the Union Jack potentially representing the UK government or establishment.
The chorus of the song, which repeats throughout the track, seemingly connects various people who are waiting for something together - the barricades and lights referred to here could be anything from a social justice movement to a large concert or cultural event. The line about hearing someone when the wheels turn seems to imply that however distant someone is, they will be back. The last line of the chorus suggests a sense of foreboding and doom with the words “someday when the sky turns black”, providing another indication of the potential for rebellion and confrontation within the themes of the song.
The verses of the song are more difficult to interpret, but the repeated ideas of instinct, resistance, and commitment do suggest something is at stake for the song's narrator. The line "a million years won't erase" suggests a sense of the power of something bigger than the individual, and the idea of searching for a chord to strike implies that the singer is seeking change or a way to express what they are feeling.
Line by Line Meaning
Where the hell have you been
We have been anxiously awaiting your arrival and wondering why you have been absent
We've been waiting with our best suits on
We have been preparing for your arrival and anticipating a significant event
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
We have taken care to present ourselves well and make a strong impression
Rolling down the Union Jack
We are fiercely proud of our nation and its symbols
See you at the barricades babe
We are willing to take a stand with you and fight for our principles
See you when the lights go low, Joe
We are ready to come together and take action when the time is right
Hear you when the wheels turn round
We understand that change and progress are ongoing processes, and we are ready to participate in them
Someday when the sky turns black
We are prepared to face difficult times and challenges in the future
It appears because it's what I feel
My emotions and instincts guide my actions and decision-making
I know I don't understand
I acknowledge that there is much I do not know or comprehend
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
I am willing to show humility and deference when appropriate and necessary
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
I have my limits and boundaries, and I will assert myself when needed
Instinct is the common lawyer
Our basic instincts and impulses play a significant role in our decision-making and behavior
A million years won't erase
Time cannot erase or diminish the power of our instincts and impulses
Strike the chord I'm searching for
I am actively seeking out experiences and connections that resonate with me on a deep level
Call it a committed race
This pursuit is more than just a passing interest or hobby - it is something I am fully committed to
No matter how I shake my fist
Regardless of how frustrated or angry I may be, I cannot resist my instincts and impulses
I know I can't resist it
My emotions and impulses are too strong for me to overcome or deny
No matter how you shake your fist
You too are subject to the power of your instincts and impulses
You know you can't resist it
Your emotions and impulses are also too strong for you to overcome or deny
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IAN STEPHEN MCCULLOCH, LESLIE THOMAS PATTINSON, PETER LOUIS VINCENT DE FREITAS, WILLIAM ALFRED SERGEANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stav Mkr
Where the hell have you been
We've been waiting with our best suits on
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
Rolling down the Union Jack
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Someday when the sky turns black
It appears because it's what I feel
I know I don't understand
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
Instinct is the common lawyer
A million years won't erase
Strike the chord I'm searching for
Call it a committed race
No matter how I shake my fist
I know I can't resist it
No matter how you shake your fist
You know you can't resist it
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Someday when the sky turns black
Alexander Mendoza
Dónde demonios has estado
Where the hell have you been
Hemos estado esperando con nuestros mejores trajes puestos
We've been waiting with our best suits on
Cabello peinado hacia atrás y todo ese jazz
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
Rodando por la Union Jack
Rolling down the Union Jack
Nos vemos en las barricadas, nena
See you at the barricades babe
Nos vemos cuando las luces se apagan, Joe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Te escucho cuando las ruedas giran
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Algún día cuando el cielo se vuelva negro
Someday when the sky turns black
Parece porque es lo que siento
It appears because it's what I feel
Se que no entiendo
I know I don't understand
Si preguntas sabes que no me importa arrodillarme
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
Pero cuando me duelen las rodillas, me gusta estar de pie
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
El instinto es el abogado común
Instinct is the common lawyer
Un millón de años no borrará
A million years won't erase
Toca el acorde que estoy buscando
Strike the chord I'm searching for
Llámalo una carrera comprometida
Call it a committed race
No importa como mueva mi puño
No matter how I shake my fist
Se que no puedo resistirlo
I know I can't resist it
No importa como muevas tu puño
No matter how you shake your fist
Sabes que no puedes resistirlo
You know you can't resist it
Nos vemos en las barricadas, nena
See you at the barricades babe
Nos vemos cuando las luces se apagan, Joe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Te escucho cuando las ruedas giran
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Algún día cuando el cielo se vuelva negro
Someday when the sky turns black
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Los hombres felices de la muerte hacen fila
Happy death men stand in lines
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres de muerte feliz pulen y brillen
Happy death men polish and shine
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres del último aliento
The last breath men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Llévalos a tu corazón
Take 'em to your heart
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
No me arrepiento de los hombres
No regret men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Me gusta mantener las cosas oscuras
Like to keep things dark
Los hombres felices de la muerte hacen fila
Happy death men stand in lines
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres de muerte feliz pulen y brillen
Happy death men polish and shine
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres del último aliento
The last-breath men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Llévalas a tu corazón
Take 'em to your heart
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
No me arrepiento de los hombres
No regret men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Me gusta mantener las cosas oscuras
Like to keep things dark
Okey
Okay
Aquí vamos...
Here we go...
John Kerr
THIS record changed my life... trench coats, rain, art and introspection. I was never the same after I got this; and it was good.
Ros Griffiths
I totally agree.
Jimmy Boy
not heard this album getting on for 30 years or so. taken me right back to my youth
Stav Mkr
Where the hell have you been
We've been waiting with our best suits on
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
Rolling down the Union Jack
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Someday when the sky turns black
It appears because it's what I feel
I know I don't understand
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
Instinct is the common lawyer
A million years won't erase
Strike the chord I'm searching for
Call it a committed race
No matter how I shake my fist
I know I can't resist it
No matter how you shake your fist
You know you can't resist it
See you at the barricades babe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Someday when the sky turns black
ggforeigner
Good song and album ... can't believe it's 32 years old !!
Antonio Bruno
Avevo 19 anni quando e" uscito questo disco.....lo ascolto ancora molto volentieri con un pizzico di nostalgia....
Alexander Mendoza
Dónde demonios has estado
Where the hell have you been
Hemos estado esperando con nuestros mejores trajes puestos
We've been waiting with our best suits on
Cabello peinado hacia atrás y todo ese jazz
Hair slicked back and all that jazz
Rodando por la Union Jack
Rolling down the Union Jack
Nos vemos en las barricadas, nena
See you at the barricades babe
Nos vemos cuando las luces se apagan, Joe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Te escucho cuando las ruedas giran
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Algún día cuando el cielo se vuelva negro
Someday when the sky turns black
Parece porque es lo que siento
It appears because it's what I feel
Se que no entiendo
I know I don't understand
Si preguntas sabes que no me importa arrodillarme
If you ask you know I don't mind kneeling
Pero cuando me duelen las rodillas, me gusta estar de pie
But when my knees hurt I like to stand
El instinto es el abogado común
Instinct is the common lawyer
Un millón de años no borrará
A million years won't erase
Toca el acorde que estoy buscando
Strike the chord I'm searching for
Llámalo una carrera comprometida
Call it a committed race
No importa como mueva mi puño
No matter how I shake my fist
Se que no puedo resistirlo
I know I can't resist it
No importa como muevas tu puño
No matter how you shake your fist
Sabes que no puedes resistirlo
You know you can't resist it
Nos vemos en las barricadas, nena
See you at the barricades babe
Nos vemos cuando las luces se apagan, Joe
See you when the lights go low, Joe
Te escucho cuando las ruedas giran
Hear you when the wheels turn round
Algún día cuando el cielo se vuelva negro
Someday when the sky turns black
■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■
Los hombres felices de la muerte hacen fila
Happy death men stand in lines
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres de muerte feliz pulen y brillen
Happy death men polish and shine
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres del último aliento
The last breath men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Llévalos a tu corazón
Take 'em to your heart
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
No me arrepiento de los hombres
No regret men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Me gusta mantener las cosas oscuras
Like to keep things dark
Los hombres felices de la muerte hacen fila
Happy death men stand in lines
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres de muerte feliz pulen y brillen
Happy death men polish and shine
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Los hombres del último aliento
The last-breath men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Llévalas a tu corazón
Take 'em to your heart
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
No me arrepiento de los hombres
No regret men
Hombres felices de la muerte
Happy death men
Me gusta mantener las cosas oscuras
Like to keep things dark
Okey
Okay
Aquí vamos...
Here we go...
Tony Langridge
Back to the casual scene bring it on seen these boys a few times over the years and still fresh now
The3Ladds
Utterly Brilliant !
Adriaanirasid1954 Irasid
Nothing much else tops this song ,wipes out most untalented silliness happening today.