In 2008 a rebirth was paralleled with the release of the most comprehensive Esprit de Corps recording to date titled 'Under Constant Influence.' The band's permanent fixtures are Craig Gardner, drums, Alexander Cutbirth, keys, Chris Gardner, vocals and guitar, Jhonn Thomason, bass, and Gordon Joins, guitar. THE EDC CONQUERS THE WORLD WITH FUCKING ROCK N ROLL.
if
Esprit De Corps Lyrics
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Kiss and tell
Snitches got bitches, bitches got the stitches to tell
A bitch had a hetch with a ditch
Kiss and tell
Snitches got bitches, bitches got the stitches to tell
A bitch now a wetch with the swetch
Snitches got bitches, bitches got the stitches to tell
Esprit de corps
They're all in it together, blackmailing each other is their game
Esprit de corps
And it feuds the disorder, blackmailing each other is their game
A snitch with a netch laid with the bitch cheerfully gave
Bitches got itches snitches got the stitches to tell
A snitch had a hetch with a ditch with a swetch cheerfully gave
Bitches got itches snitches got the stitches to tell
Esprit de corps
They're all in it together blackmailing each other is their game
Esprit de corps
And it feuds the disorder, blackmailing each other is their game
And you cry and I cry and we make up
And the night covers us in it's shadow
But when the moon really comes we will crumble
And you cry and I cry again
The lyrics of Esprit De Corps's song "If" tell a story of deceit, disloyalty, and the vicious cycle of blackmail. The song speaks about a group of people who are all in it together, but instead of helping one another, they bring each other down by snitching and blackmailing. The lyrics are full of metaphors and wordplays that portray the twisted nature of the situation.
The first verse talks about a woman who slept with a snitch and then betrayed him by spreading rumors about him. The phrase "snitches got bitches, bitches got the stitches to tell" means that snitches get punished (stitches) for betraying people, and the women who use them also end up in trouble because of their actions. The second verse talks about a woman who was betrayed herself and is now out for revenge. The use of words like "hetch," "ditch," and "swetch" adds to the mystique of the lyrics, making them sound like secret codes.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Esprit de corps," which means a feeling of loyalty, unity, and camaraderie among a group of people. However, in this context, the phrase takes on a sarcastic tone, as the group is far from loyal to each other. Instead, they use their knowledge of each other's secrets to blackmail and manipulate one another.
The final lines of the song speak about the fragility of the relationships between the group members. The phrase "And you cry and I cry and we make up" suggests that the group members are quick to forgive each other, but it also implies that their relationships are based on a cycle of betrayal and forgiveness. The metaphorical language of the lyric uses the night and the moon to suggest that the group's facade of loyalty will crumble under the light of truth.
Line by Line Meaning
A bitch with a nitch, laid with a snitch
A woman who couldn't keep a secret, slept with someone who betrayed their trust.
Kiss and tell
Sharing intimate details, often negative, about someone you've been involved with.
Snitches got bitches, bitches got the stitches to tell
People who betray others for personal gain get what they deserve in the end.
A bitch had a hetch with a ditch
A woman found herself in a difficult situation with no easy way out.
A bitch now a wetch with the swetch
The woman's situation has only gotten worse, and she's become more desperate.
Esprit de corps
A sense of loyalty and camaraderie among a group of people, often at the expense of others.
They're all in it together, blackmailing each other is their game
The group of people are united in their mutual deceit and manipulation of each other.
And it feuds the disorder, blackmailing each other is their game
Their actions are causing chaos and turmoil.
A snitch with a netch laid with the bitch cheerfully gave
Someone who betrayed a trust slept with the woman willingly and happily shared their secrets.
Bitches got itches snitches got the stitches to tell
People who betray others will eventually suffer the consequences.
A snitch had a hetch with a ditch with a swetch cheerfully gave
Someone who violated a confidence found themselves in a difficult situation and willingly shared their secrets anyway.
And you cry and I cry and we make up
We've had our disagreements, but we always find a way to reconcile.
And the night covers us in it's shadow
The darkness of night creates a sense of secrecy and intimacy.
But when the moon really comes we will crumble
When the full extent of our actions come to light, we will face the consequences.
And you cry and I cry again
We will both be remorseful for our actions, but the cycle will continue.
Contributed by Tyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ben
This is a lovely single, which sounds almost like a summer of love psychedelic track. I was quite surprised by the late date!
Pro Choice
Thanks for uploading this tune. I bought the single when it was released in the 70's and still have it, but I haven't played it for many years as my turntable is broken. Great to hear it again.
chap666ish
My sister worked behind the bar in a night club in the 70s and she used to come home with loads of LPs and singles. I remember her bringing home a handful of 7" singles of which this was one. I loved both sides - "If (would it turn out wrong)" and "Picture on the wall". I hope I still have them in my boxes of records.....
Lilith
chap666ish I buy you the single
paul osborne
I joined Esprit de Corps after the recording of this single, but when we performed on Top of the Pops I had to sing the last part live as it was too complicated to lip sync. I'm so sad we never had a video of this. The BBC has deleted this performance. Anyone out there with a video recording?? I'd love to know!
Philip King
I remember seeing that!
Colin Wilkes
I won this at a stall at Hampton court fair in the 1980s,on a 45 single one of the best things I've ever won!
JuneBee55
This group appeared on Top of the Pops, but the single never made the top ten.
SweetSmoke21
Wonderful, thanks!!
Keith Harvey
This was Tony Blackburns record of the week.