John Watts recorded and performed as 'John Watts' during 1981-83 before forming The Cry in 1984. Watts later continued with a new incarnation of Fischer-Z in 1987, with him being the only original member. Albums were released with a similar line-up until 1995 when John Watts returned to being 'J M Watts', 'Watts' and John Watts. In 2002 the moniker was revived once more for the album "Ether". There was a 2004 reunion of the original band for one short show which featured on the Garden Party DVD which was released along with the Fischer-Z Highlights 1979-2004 25th anniversary compilation album.
After this John continued performing and recording solo with the most recent album being 2005's 'Real Life Is Good Enough', "It Has To Be" (2006) and "Morethanmusic & Films" (2009).
In august 2010 John Watts had a couple of shows in the Netherlands with his current band (Sam Walker on drums and Matthew Gest on keyboard) playing good old Fischer-Z repertoire. He presented this band as "the new Fischer-Z". Though John Watts focuses on his solo efforts more than on Fischer-Z (no new releases under that name) lately he revives the band when concert tent to be focused on that period of his live.
Song and Dance Brigade
Fischer-Z Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Facial features take [show!?] the strain.
But don't back-a-don't back away.
Idle hours lost their charm.
They won't do you any harm.
If you don't back-a-don't back away.
[Chorus]
They won't recognize your long experience.
They can't mechanize the song and dance brigade.
They'll only notice when we've gone.
It's over today, it's over today.
But don't back-a-don't back-a-don't back-
a-don't back away.
See that twinkle in your eyes.
Precious moments never die.
So don't back-a-don't back away.
In the time that you've been on.
A generation's come and gone.
So don't back-a-don't back away.
[Chorus]
They won't recognize your long experience etc.
"Fischer-Z's" song "Song and Dance Brigade" appears to be an empowering and motivating composition. The song urges individuals to be persistent and continue pursuing their dreams despite unfavorable circumstances. The lyrics encourage the audience to not give up and back away from their passion, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The wordplay in the lyrics is worth noting. Fischer-Z cleverly uses idiomatic expressions and puns to maintain the song's flow and add meaning to the words. The line "Rub your eyes and look again/Facial features take the strain" is an excellent example of this. This line suggests that it is essential not to give up, even if the going is tough.
The chorus amplifies the message of the song. The writer implies that the audience must not allow failure to define them. They further encourage them to keep pushing forward and pursue their dreams. The phrase "They won't recognize your long experience/Working dance halls on your own" encourages the audience to acknowledge their expertise and experience. Finally, the writer invites the audience to celebrate and cherish every moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Rub your eyes and look again.
Take a closer look and pay attention to the details.
Facial features take [show!?] the strain.
Your face shows the effort and hard work you've put in.
But don't back-a-don't back away.
Don't give up or be intimidated.
Idle hours lost their charm.
Wasting time is no longer enjoyable or beneficial.
They won't do you any harm.
Not being busy won't hurt you.
If you don't back-a-don't back away.
If you stay committed and keep going.
[Chorus]
Repeating the idea that the hard work and dedication of the song and dance brigade won't be recognized until it's too late.
They won't recognize your long experience.
People won't appreciate the years of experience and effort put into their craft.
Working dance halls on your own.
Performing gigs and shows alone, without recognition or company.
They can't mechanize the song and dance brigade.
Technology can't replace the human skills and artistry of the performers.
They'll only notice when we've gone.
People will only realize the value of the performers and their work after they're gone.
It's over today, it's over today.
Their time and career may be coming to an end.
But don't back-a-don't back-a-don't back-
a-don't back away.
Despite the possibility of the end, don't give up and keep going.
See that twinkle in your eyes.
The spark and passion for their craft is still there.
Precious moments never die.
Memories and experiences will always be cherished.
So don't back-a-don't back away.
Keep working and not giving up.
In the time that you've been on.
Over the years and time spent in their career.
A generation's come and gone.
An entire generation has passed through the industry.
So don't back-a-don't back away.
A reminder to keep pushing and working hard despite the challenges and changes.
[Chorus]
Reiterating the message that their value and hard work won't be recognized until it's too late.
They won't recognize your long experience etc.
People may not understand or appreciate the dedication and skills they possess until it's too late.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JOHN MALCOLM WATTS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Robin Engelbertink
Just love this album.
Uwe Seher
one of the greatest albums ever
Dazlak
Einfach genial! Mehr mag ich nicht sagen! Mehr ist auch nicht nötig!
ArJay1966
Oktober 2021 and still SO good!
Steve Wright
My Fave Band Of All Time By A Country Mile, And Was Fortunate Enough To See Them At The Marquee In 87 When I Lived In The Smoke, AWESOME.
Glamourleichensack
immer noch viel besser! :-))
Zé Araújo
Eu sou assim
JohnnyDeppigX
immer besser ;-)
Mario Machado
ich auch , portugal 80, die haben grossen erfolg bei uns gemacht
frau s
immer noch gut ;)