They released three albums during the '90s, with their debut Electronic selling over a million copies worldwide. However, the follow-up Raise the Pressure, despite debuting in the UK Top 10, was a commercial flop by comparison. The group's highest charting singles is 1992's Disappointed, which reached #6 in the UK. The band's biggest American hit was 1989's Getting Away With It which reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Twisted Tenderness was released in 1999 and again hit the UK Top 10. This third and final studio album was co-produced by influential New York club DJ and dance producer Arthur Baker, with whom Sumner had previously worked on New Order's 1983 hit Confusion, amongst other songs. Marr and Sumner remained the only official members of the band, but were joined by Doves Jimi Goodwin on bass and Black Grape drummer Ged Lynch.
In September 2006 the duo's work was compiled on the album Get The Message - The Best Of Electronic.
Reality
Electronic Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To give me your explanation
I'm not waiting by the telephone
With a feeling of frustration
I always thought that if you understood
You'd clean up this mess and you'd do me some good
I don't need you anymore
Can't you see there's nothing in your head
And your body's on vacation
I keep hearing what I never said
You got me in your conversation
Now it's too late and you get what you see
I don't like this hatred, it just isn't me
In these lyrics, Electronic's lead singer laments a failed relationship in which his partner repeatedly attempts to make amends, but he is beyond repair. He is no longer waiting by the telephone for her to call, as his frustration has peaked. He believed that, if she truly understood him, she would be able to help improve their relationship, but he has come to the realization that he no longer needs her in his life. Her lack of substance and presence in his life is emphasized through the lyric "Can't you see there's nothing in your head/And your body's on vacation." She continues to haunt him, bringing up his past actions, but it is too late for her to make amends as he has moved on from the relationship. He is disappointed in the person he has become due to their relationship, stating "I don't like this hatred, it just isn't me," as he is not typically one to harbor negative feelings towards others.
Overall, the song Reality represents the end of a toxic relationship in which one partner attempts to hold onto the other, while the other is ready to move on. The singer's emotions are raw and honest throughout the song, as he expresses both his frustration towards his partner's attempts to reconcile and disappointment in himself for staying in the relationship as long as he did.
Line by Line Meaning
You keep calling but I'm not at home
You continuously attempt to communicate with me, but I am not present to receive your message.
To give me your explanation
You insist on providing an explanation to me for something, but I am not interested in hearing it at this time.
I'm not waiting by the telephone
I am not eagerly anticipating your call or message on the phone.
With a feeling of frustration
I feel irritated and agitated by your persistent attempts at communication.
I always thought that if you understood
I believed that if you comprehended the situation completely, you would rectify the issue and assist me.
You'd clean up this mess and you'd do me some good
You would take care of this problem and provide aid to me if you comprehended the situation.
I don't need you anymore
I no longer require your assistance or support.
I'm not the man you're looking for
I am not the individual that you are seeking or require assistance from.
Can't you see there's nothing in your head
I am perplexed by your lack of comprehension or understanding towards me.
And your body's on vacation
You are not present or actively involved in the resolution of the problem.
I keep hearing what I never said
You are interpreting my message incorrectly and misconstruing my intentions.
You got me in your conversation
You keep bringing me up and discussing me in your conversations, even when it is unnecessary or inappropriate.
Now it's too late and you get what you see
It is too tardy for me to rectify this problem or offer assistance, and you must contend with the consequences of your actions.
I don't like this hatred, it just isn't me
I dislike the animosity and bitterness that have arisen from this situation, as it goes against my personality and values.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BERNARD (GB 2) SUMNER, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewmeece2064
This whole album is so awesome I especially love the end of this song when the beautiful piano comes in. This is music that has so much emotion
@jameshickman8336
Still don't understand why this one wasn't released as a single. My fave.
@FeelGoodInspiration
I used to like it back then. But it sucks... too cheesy. Feel Every Beat is worse though. ... I can’t believe Marr said he learned from Bernard 😂
@scott_d_owens
It's bucking frilliant!
@theblindfoldep
@Feel Good Inspiration Feel Every Beat is the second best track on the album (After Get the Message) but the edited/remixed single version was very poor. Should have been left alone. Tighten-Up would have been a great 2nd single (or 3rd depending on which country you bought the album in).
@katakisLives
@Blindfold as far as I'm concerned this whole album is all killer no filler. I think Soviet doesn't get enough love
@astrolabe1976
@Feel Good Inspiration um WRONG
@chinarut
this is the best track on the album - still sounds amazing to this day!
@Calvinism1517
Despite this being 23 years old, it is still quite a trend-setting sound
@stevendouglas3860
One of the best electronic / guitar combi albums ever . Ahead of time (remember it was 1991. )