Tovey began his musical career after studying performance art at Leeds Polytechnic, but started recording upon his move back to his native London, UK. The songs of his early career (under the pseudonym) all feature synthesizers plus, sometimes, machine sounds like that of an electric razor or an electric drill. Almost all of his songs create a dark, mystical atmosphere, with Gadget's voice hovering monotonously over then unheard of, groundbreaking and still brilliant synthesizer sound effects. The lyrics are either very earnest, discussing subjects like guilt or life and death, or convey a black, sarcastic humour.
Initially, Fad Gadget was merely a moniker for Tovey, but as time went on a band was formed (although keeping Tovey as the main focal point). His longest-serving sidekick was drummer Nick Cash. Other members were keyboardist David Simmonds, bassist Peter Balmer, guitarist & bassist David Rogers and viola player & backing vocalist Joni Sackett
Singles included Back To Nature, Ricky's Hand and Collapsing New People. Fad Gadget was the first artist signed to the then-fledgling Mute label, on which he released four full length albums, Fireside Favourites (1980), Incontinent (1981), Under The Flag (1982) and Gag (1984). After 1984's Gag, Tovey released a compilation, (The Fad Gadget Singles), and recorded five more albums under his own name, whose styles ranged from semi-industrial electronic ballads to folk-oriented protest songs. He last appeared on a European tour supporting his latest album in 1993 and then virtually disappeared for some eight years.
In 2001 Tovey (and Cash) resurfaced with a comeback appearance and subsequently supported Depeche Mode on the Exciter tour later that year, again under his pseudonym Fad Gadget and backed by members of Temple X, whose album he had been producing. (Depeche Mode cite Tovey/Gadget as an icon and a paragon, and his influences can be heard in their music.) Tovey died of a heart attack on 3 April, 2002, aged 45, having suffered heart problems throughout his life.
Make Room
Fad Gadget Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody′s waiting for their daily bread
I will never step out, I might lose my place
I've got my reservation in the human race
Make roo-oo-oo-oo-oom
I′m sure that I've been standing in this corridor before
My heart's pumping, beating eight-to-the-bar
It′s much too late so drink up now, and sink so far
Make roo-oo-oo-oo-oom
Euuuurghhhna na na na na
Ask Samuel Beckett about the human condition
I′m not in the position to talk about that
I've been standing on my head
But the world looks no different
Stupid parliaments with arguments
And idle chatchatchatchatchat
Make roo-oo-oo-oom
You took the stand in line
As they stamp you on the head
Everybody′s waiting for their daily bread
It makes no difference who you are,
They'll put you in your place
I′ve got my reservations on the human race
Make roo-oo-oo-oom
Euuuurghhhna na na na na
(Makemakemakemake) Room
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The song "Make Room" by Fad Gadget is a commentary on the human condition in modern society. The lyrics discuss the idea of waiting in line for basic necessities and the fear of losing one's place in society. The line "I've got my reservation in the human race" speaks to the idea that everyone has a predetermined spot in society based on factors such as socioeconomic status and skin color.
The chorus of "Make Room" emphasizes the idea of making space for oneself in society. The repetition of "make room" serves as a mantra for those who feel like they are constantly fighting for their place in the world. The song also references Samuel Beckett, a writer known for his existentialist themes, suggesting that the human condition is one of confusion and despair.
The line "It makes no difference who you are, they'll put you in your place" speaks to the idea that no matter one's background, everyone is subject to societal norms and expectations. The song suggests that these norms are often arbitrary and detrimental to one's sense of individuality.
Overall, "Make Room" is a powerful commentary on the need for individuals to fight for their place in society while acknowledging the flawed systems that govern it.
Line by Line Meaning
Queue stretches on a mile ahead
There are many people waiting in line ahead of me.
Everybody's waiting for their daily bread
People are waiting in line for their basic needs to be met.
I will never step out, I might lose my place
I am afraid to leave my spot in line because I might lose my turn.
I've got my reservation in the human race
I feel entitled to my place in line because I am human.
Make roo-oo-oo-oo-oom
I want more space or room to move in this crowded place.
I'm sure that I've been standing in this corridor before
I feel like I have been waiting in line for a long time now.
Waiting for my turn to go and knock on the door
I am waiting for my chance to get what I need.
My heart's pumping, beating eight-to-the-bar
I am anxious and my heart is pounding quickly.
It's much too late so drink up now, and sink so far
There is no way out, so I might as well give up and accept my fate.
Ask Samuel Beckett about the human condition
There are complex societal issues that cannot be easily explained.
I'm not in the position to talk about that
I don't have the power or knowledge to address these issues.
I've been standing on my head
I have been trying to gain a different perspective, but it hasn't helped.
But the world looks no different
I still see the same problems and injustices in the world.
Stupid parliaments with arguments
Politicians argue and debate without effective solutions.
And idle chatchatchatchatchat
Empty talk that leads to nothing productive.
You took the stand in line
You made the choice to wait in line like everyone else.
As they stamp you on the head
You are treated like just another number or statistic.
It makes no difference who you are, they'll put you in your place
No matter who you are, you are subject to the same unjust system.
Make roo-oo-oo-oom
I desire more personal space and freedom in this oppressive environment.
Euuuurghhhna na na na na
An expression of frustration and despair.
Writer(s): Frank Tovey, Pete Balmer
Contributed by Claire G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Tiagomind
God Bless the 80´s! Everyone now is trying to go back!
@lasloacosta
thanks for uploading, i've been looking for this (off n on) for about 20 years. peace.
@theclubunicorn
Great track super bassline... Make Rooooooooooooooooooom :)
@carlthemightyduke
how sexy is that bouncy synth riff?
@collapsingnewpunkie
Frank Tovey, looking at new wave:
"Who does she think she is? I like, invented her!"
@rockgardner
Lyrics
Queue stretches on a mile ahead
Everybody's waiting for their daily bread
I will never step out, I might lose my place
I've got my reservation in the human race
Make roo-oo-oo-oo-oom
I'm sure that I've been standing in this corridor before
Waiting for my turn to go and knock on the door
My heart's pumping, beating eight-to-the-bar
It's much too late so drink up now, and sink so far
Make roo-oo-oo-oo-oom
Euuuurghhhna na na na na
Ask Samuel Beckett about the human condition
I'm not in the position to talk about that
I've been standing on my head
But the world looks no different
Stupid parliaments with arguments
And idle chatchatchatchatchat
Make roo-oo-oo-oom
You took the stand in line
As they stamp you on the head
Everybody's waiting for their daily bread
It makes no difference who you are,
They'll put you in your place
I've got my reservations on the human race
Make roo-oo-oo-oom
Euuuurghhhna na na na na
Room
(Makemakemakemake) Room
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Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Frank Tovey / Pete Balmer